Shipyard Girls at War

Shipyard Girls #2

by Nancy Revell

THE SECOND SHIPYARD GIRLS NOVEL FROM SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR, NANCY REVELL.‘Nancy Revell knows how to stir the passions and soothe the heart!’ Northern Echo***********1941: it takes strength to work on the docks, but the war demands all hands on deck and the women are doing their best to fill the gap. Rosie is flourishing in her role as head-welder while still keeping her double life a secret. But a dashing detective is forcing Rosie to choose between love and her duty. Gloria is hiding her own little secret – one that if found out, could not only threaten her job, but her life.And the shipyards are proving tougher than Polly ever imagined, while she waits for her man to return home safely. Join the shipyard girls as they journey through the hardships of life, love and war.Praise for The Shipyard Girls 'the author is one to watch' Sun‘A brilliant read’ Take a Break‘Well-drawn, believable characters combined with a storyline to keep you turning the pages’ Woman

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction

466 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 23, 2017

About the author

Nancy Revell is the pseudonym of Amanda Revell Walton a writer and journalist that has worked for all the national newspapers, providing them with hard-hitting news stories and in-depth features. She has also worked for just about every woman's magazine in the country, writing amazing and inspirational true life stories. Nancy has recently relocated back to her home town of Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, with her husband, Paul, and their English Bull Mastiff, Rosie. They live just a short walk away from the beautiful award-winning beaches of Roker and Seaburn, within a mile of where The Shipyard Girls series is set. The subject is close to Nancy's heart as she comes from a long line of shipbuilders, who were well-known in the area.

Reviews

[Mitticus · Rating 3 out of 5]

+Digital copy gently provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review+

Sunderland, UK, shipbuilding is vital during WW2 and the shipyard have a team of female welders. Seven very different women have constructed a very close friendship. Rosie is the boss, tough, and scarred from her past in more than one way, she is trying to balance a double life. Gloria is older , hoping to be free at last from an abusive husband but now is pregnant. Polly , have really bad news at home, and hope to see again her fiance. Dorothy and Angie are friends, love to go to flicks and have fun, and maybe forget everyday horrors. Martha is a big and shy woman, and just started to have more confidence. Hannah is Czech, fragile and small didn't seem to have really what is needed for this job. All their lives tangled among bombings, overwork, and living in pins and needles waiting for news of their love ones.

{picture by Cecil Beaton}

This is the second book of the serie, but can be read like a stand-alone with no problem. Though there is no cliffhanger, with seven major female characters we still have some things - and relationships - to resolve.

The present volume is centered in the conflicts around the death of Polly's brother, Teddy (who leave a wife and little daughter) ; and the return of Teddy's twin brother: Joe. Bel is the widow, and I like how her loss and grief are portrayed. However, I did not like the resolution of the main couple in the story. I mean, I understand that she could feel something for her brother in law, but ... pursuing a relationship with the twin brother? More than doubtful conflicted things going on here... because identical twin brothers? there is no shadow of replacement here? (and a bit of ick factor, too) No. Didn't work for me at all. I would prefer that Joe choose other woman and forget his sister in law, nevermind that there are lliterally tons of women out there in those times, and take care of her didn't automatic traslate as forget her and his niece if he married other woman, come on.

In another hand, I love Rosie and her story, and how she goes in life. She know what she wants, and I hope that all can be resolved happily for her. I feel totally invested in her story, and the ups and downs in the shipyard.

*The no-so-good in the book: -need a bit of more editing. There are some repetitive information.

-Also, personally, it bothered me the reference of 'Evil' around the enemy. And the concept of Light against Dark
--
they could win this war. That they had right on their side. Light could overcome darkness.
--

-Aaand some romantic talking involving 'perfect profile' and 'petite womanly' that made me roll my eyes, but that it's just me, probably.

Anyway, I would like to read the next book.
---------------------------------------
[In a totally different note - did you know that women that women also worked in factories during WW1? I didn't know, but looking for pictures I found out. Wow.)

... and later...


*Popsugar challenge 2017: (28) Libro que transcurre en tiempos de guerra.

[Ruth Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book now on to the 3rd in this series

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful series set in the war years where a group of women are tackling the tough life of the shipyards. The women are working as welders. We feel the true horrors of war and the relationships between the characters. Secrets are beng kept and heartbreak is just around the corner at all times. The characters are really well drawn and you get pulled in to the tense life they lead.
I love books set around the war years and have enjoyed Nancy’s books. I can’t wait to read the next in the series and find out what is in the future for these characters.

[Skyesmum · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given the opportunity to read this ebook by NetGalley, the author Nancy Revell and the publisher Random House.
This is the 2nd book, but I haven't read the first previously and managed to understand who was who quite easily.
I read a lot of this genre and I particularly enjoyed this book due to the setting of the north east of England.
The main characters are really likeable and very down to earth. Their lives are touched by war and have suffered losses.
This is mainly a romantic historical fiction book, with a few facts in it.
Quite a light read, I laughed in places and had a couple of lumps in my throat in others.
I would recommend it to others.

[Layla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another wonderful read from Nancy Revell. The 3 friends continue to work in the shipyard as bombs rain down during WW2. Secrets come to light that are a shock to the system... but who is it and why is she doing it, Gloria holds her own secret close to her heart who is her secret lover.... follow this story in book 2 of the shipyard girl at war.. you won’t be disappointed. Another lovely book in the series.

[Karen Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I grew up in Sunderland and sadly saw the demise of the shipyards. I have a relative who was one of the women who worked there in wartime. I love hearing the names of Street I recognise. The book gives a great insight into the lives of the women and the hard times they suffered . But with true northern spirit they got on with it

[A Red Headed Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I smell a third book from that ending. A great story with great characters, I felt my heart break for Bel and scared for Gloria. A great series!

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Shipyard Girls at War by Nancy Revell is the second book in The Shipyard Girls series. It is December 27, 1940 when Isabelle “Bel” Elliot receives a telegram notifying her that her husband, Teddy was killed in action. Bel is devastated and does not know how she will carry on without her husband. Bel and Teddy have a little girl, Lucille (two and a half years old). Thankfully, they live with Teddy’s family. Bel grew up with the Elliot children: Teddy, Joe (his twin brother) and Polly. Polly works as a welder at the Sunderland shipyard along with Angie, Gloria, Dorothy, Martha, Hannah, and Rosie. Soon after Teddy passes away, his twin brother, Joe comes home. He suffered a leg injury and can no longer serve in the war. Because Teddy and Joe are twins, Bel has trouble with his presence in the household. To make matters worse, Pearl, Bel’s estranged and unwanted mother, shows up unexpectedly. Bel’s grief turns to anger and she lashes out at everyone in the house. Polly is glad for the overtime in the shipyard. It gets her out of the house and away from the tense atmosphere. The ladies at work are more than coworkers, they are close friends (a type of family in a way). When Helen, the boss’s daughter and interim manager, sets out to get rid of the group, they band together. Rosie has a secret that she cannot share with the group and would ruin her life if it became common knowledge. But she cannot help but dream of a different future when she starts going to tea with DS Peter Miller. Gloria worries about her expanding waistline exposing her secret. She also lives in fear that her husband, Vinnie will appear at home and start in on her with his fists again. Hannah wants to help the war effort, but her strength makes it difficult for her to do her share as a welder. Each person has their trials, but together they will make it through the war.

Shipyard Girls at War is an engrossing novel. It has likeable (real life) characters, and I appreciated the angle of females working in a shipyard. It is not something I have seen in the numerous books that have been published over the last two years set during World War II. Shipyard Girls at War is the second book in the series and you really do need to read The Shipyard Girls (first book in this series). Otherwise, you will be a little lost in the beginning. The author does an amazing job at capturing the time period and locale. Her descriptive writing makes me feel like I am in England during the war. I cannot imagine being a welder on a ship. It sounds like a hard and difficult job. Plus, the ladies had to endure the males with their catcalls, groping, pranks and insults. We are introduced to two new characters in this book—Pearl and Joe. It was interesting to find out more about Bel’s past and how she came to be involved with the Elliott family. I give Shipyard Girls at War 4.5 out of 5 stars. There are a couple of slow sections, but they are few. They are mostly the “thinking” areas as I call them. It is when a character is contemplating a subject for a long period of time (or feels like it). The story had a great ending, but readers are left with some unanswered questions. Will DS Miller keep pursuing Rosie? Did Jack survive the downing of his ship? Can Pearl change her ways? Will Tommy make it through the war and home to Polly? Unfortunately, we must wait until Secrets of the Shipyard Girls comes out in September.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are many books with the word “Girls” in the title, most of which tell tales of a group of women who joined together to work on the Home Front during the Second World War. This particular saga or novel tells the stories of a group of women, and some of the families, who worked at the shipyards of Sunderland. With air raids on the town and some of the local men joining the army, there would be casualties at home and away. This is a book which takes a fictional look at the difficulties of the work at the yard, being heavy and exposed to the elements. While women did the work, not all of them could physically keep up with the heavy tools and processes. It is the second one in a series, but there is enough in the book to allow the reader to pick up what has occurred before. Rosie is the gang leader, and has a secret double life and a tragic past. Gloria is a woman who has secrets and challenges that are not confined to wartime pressures. A particular family group is coping with a loss as a soldier is killed in action. The survival of his brother causes problems and at least one household must come to terms with the future. This is a well written book of people who are living in difficult times, and making a difference, not just girls, but determined women.

Bel is a young women who was married to Teddy, one of the twin sons of Agnes, but she has heard that he has been killed, leaving her a widow with a small daughter. Joe, his surviving brother, is returning injured and will need tending. Bel grew up with Agnes and her family, and still lives in the family home. When Bel’s mother turns up memories are reawakened of her poor treatment of Bel as a child, how she was virtually abandoned and was brought in by Polly, Agnes’ daughter. Polly continues working at the Yard, worrying about her fiance Tommy away in the army. Her workmates are led by Rosie, who has secrets of her own, as she copes with her dubious job as well as the problems of progress at the Yard. She has a particular battle with Helen who is acting manager. She is especially concerned for Hannah, who is struggling to keep up with the work. Meanwhile, Gloria is worried by the problem of her estranged husband and his tendency to violence. Many problems present themselves to the characters, in addition to the dangers of air raids and the actual fighting of a war.

This book tackles head on some problems that were paramount at the time and continue to this day. Domestic violence and the lack of resolution from the law at the time is a significant issue. The question of love after bereavement is a difficulty in many ways. The whole book looks at the way that a community must continue when many men are away, and the need for ships to continue the fight. This is a very readable book which makes the most difficult subjects human, the extra difficulties of the times seen through the eyes of women who are determined to stick together. It has much to say about how physically demanding the work at the shipyards was, and how so many people were determined to fight in any way they could. Not all the characters act in a positive way, or have positive motives for their behaviour, and it is a realistic picture of family and community life. I will definitely look to read other books in this series, and recommend this wartime saga for its appreciation of place and people.

[Becki Basley · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Shipyard Girls at War (Shipyard girls series book two )by Nancy Revell (Audiobook read on Everand app)

The second book about a group of girls who became fast and loyal friends in book one as they began work as welders at a shipyard in England.

Now, the year is 1941, the girls are now more at home at the shipyard. Rosie still Leads her double life as she enjoys her role as head welder. Gloria is hiding a small secret that she won’t be able to hide much longer. Polly waits worries for her man fighting in the war. And all deal with trying to make a life in the midst of bombing raids and personal challenges.

It’s a great look into what life was like for women working in grueling mostly male dominated occupation of welding as well as an overall sense of just what life was like for any person during wartime.

Some say this book can be read as a stand alone but I feel you definitely would get the most out of the series if read in order. I’m not so sure the book would make much sense otherwise. But again just my opinion .

[Heather Copping · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book two in this unputdownable series and we meet the same characters as in book one, which is like meeting up with friends. Bel suffering inwardly so much after being recently widowed, Polly newly engaged and waiting for Tommy to return back home, Rosie living her double life after investing in Lily's enterprise both in Sunderland and London, but with her policeman friend on the scene how long can she keep her second job secret? Gloria is also keeping a secret, that of a small growing secret, that no-one must find out about.
These are all characters that you can immediately warm to and look forward to finding out how their lives will pan out.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I more than enjoyed this book. This is the second in the series and I have read the first and will ready the others too, but I think you could get away with reading it as a stand alone book. The characters are brought to life so wonderfully by the author and I felt a deep affection for them all. When they were happy, I felt happy and when they experienced bad things, I felt bad for them. But the warmth and good feeling that this book left me with was so lovely - I really felt like this book could have been based on the real lives of women during the war and that also really resonated with me. Highly recommend people should read this book.

[Marty Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me dry my eyes and tell you why you need to read this book

This is the second book in the Shipyard Girls series. I was so drawn into the lives of these women that as soon as I finished the first book, I immediately started reading this book. I'm so in love with these women and this so true to life story of each woman's life. I can't stress enough how great this series is! It really pulls on all of your emotions and now, I need to start the third book in the series if you'll please excuse me.

[Gillie · Rating 4 out of 5]

When my friend gave me three books out of this series I wasn't too sure and just planned to read one of them, just to see if I liked it. However, once I got to know the characters I couldn't resist going on to read all three, one after the other and I shall certainly look for the next to continue the ongoing saga. I love the way the lives of the girls working in the shipyard are all intertwined and we get to learn all about their families and the ones they love. The books also give a fantastic insight into how hard women worked to contribute to the war effort.

[Mrs Bookworm Quinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gripping second book from Nancy Revell. It was a page turner, I couldnt put this book down. I loved the tetchy relationship between Bel and her mother and the obvious love blossom between Bel and Joe. Agnes is my favourite character she is a strong loving matriarch and shows her love amd understanding towards all her family even with the difficult turns that they come across i cannot wait to start the next book. Seeing as the weather is beautiful weather to relax in the garden and read 😊

[Karen Szyszko · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series and I found it as riveting as the initial one. This book left me feeling horrid for Rosie. She can find a solution to everyone's problems but her own. Surely, Gloria, Polly, Dorothy, Angie, Hannah and Martha could help her if only she'd allow them. It's the little things amidst the bigger picture (the war) that makes this series so unputdownable. Bring on book three!

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book about the Shipyard Girls. I can't wait for the next book to be published. It's great to read their story and how they all support each other through the war. I really hope Rosie finds love with Peter - I am sure he wouldn't judge her - and that Tommy and Jack come back to Polly and Gloria. I hope there are many more Shipyard Girls books to come.

[MRS CHRISTINE SITTON · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

As with the first one I didn't want to put it down. Fascinating as to how the women took over the mens job to keep the country on its feet during WW2. Felt so emotional at times and had to keep reading at times to find out what happened. Can't wait to see how Rosie and her girls get on in Book 3

[Lisbeth Zabihi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oplæser Janine Birkett. For meget teater over oplæsningen for min smag. Men letforståelig for sådan en udlænding som mig.

Super god bog om de kvinder der måtte kæmpe sig igennem på hjemmefronten da mændene drog i krig. Påtog sig mænds arbejdsopgaver og ansvar uden at se sig tilbage. Måske et vigtigt indspark i kvindefrigørelsen? Dejlige portrætter af stærke kvinder.

[Klarysa Crape · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great, quick read with immersive details about the women shipyard workers during WWII Britain. I appreciate the author’s writing style and value the book as being one of the few fiction stories about this particular topic, all the while being an engaging read about the history and culture of this small British shipbuilding town.

[Maria K. Russell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another Good Reading Experience...

Another good reading experience with the continuing saga of the shipyard girls. It has been an enjoyable lunchtime read. I hope book #3 is as good of a story line.

[c m bolton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second great book

Again Nancy Revell has given us a fantastic looking into life as a welder. These women were magic and as we read the story we learnt how the women lived. A must read book. Looking forwArd to book 3

[Christine Hope · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enthralling and unputdownable

This book is a great follow up it carries on with the lives of the courageous shipyard girls and their trials and tribulations. It has made me laugh and cry you feel as if you know Rosie Polly and Co personally. I can't wait to read the next one .

[Tiffany Johnstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is my favourite one in the series yet. The storyline between Bel and Joe is my favourite plot in the book I have to say. I felt so sorry for Gloria, trying her best to carry on I love the thought of women coming together in times of need. They are as tough as anything.

[Pauline Dowdall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved These books ,history we should all know

Can’t wait for the next one love all the women who work together and the friendship they have, girl power started in the war and love the she describes everything with out going on to long, well written

[Linda Young · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book could have been so much more, it was very light on in the drama of living in a heavily bombed area during WW2. For me it focused too much on the love and romance side of things. I was left feeling a bit disappointed.

[Karen Kepner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Women welders

This is the second tale of the women working in the shipyard as welders. We get to understand each of them more, and understand the bond that has formed. All the while the War continues and the German planes continue to damage the area. Well written and engrossing.

[Francesca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alot of nothing unfortunately. I love Nancy's writing style and I enjoy reading about the characters but nothing happened really I felt there should have been more drama I felt I was reading the same things over and over in each chapter. I hope the third one is better!

[Tricia Toney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bel and Joe try to hide their growing feelings, Hannah makes use of her hidden talent, Pearl realises that she has to choose between family and fun. These and other storylines make the second book an interesting read.

[Sharron Tennant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Straight away I clicked with the characters, so pleased I have them all so there will be no waiting around fir the next one. Awesome!! Rollercoaster of emotions. Here's to next installment
Thanks for the escapism 👍