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Shipyard Girls #5
Victory for the Shipyard Girls
Sunderland, 1942
With the war showing no sign of abating, Helen is thriving in her role as shipyard manager. But at home the return of her father brings a shocking discovery that tears her family apart.
Gloria is shouldering the burden of a terrible secret. If the truth comes out there could be dire consequences, and it will take all her resolve to resist the pressure around her.
Meanwhile Rosie is throwing herself into her work, taking on as many shifts as she can. Anything to keep her mind off the fact that she hasn’t heard from her sweetheart in months…
With life in the shipyards tougher than ever, will the strength of their friendship see them through to victory?
With the war showing no sign of abating, Helen is thriving in her role as shipyard manager. But at home the return of her father brings a shocking discovery that tears her family apart.
Gloria is shouldering the burden of a terrible secret. If the truth comes out there could be dire consequences, and it will take all her resolve to resist the pressure around her.
Meanwhile Rosie is throwing herself into her work, taking on as many shifts as she can. Anything to keep her mind off the fact that she hasn’t heard from her sweetheart in months…
With life in the shipyards tougher than ever, will the strength of their friendship see them through to victory?
434 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 6, 2018
164 people are currently reading
192 people want to read
About the author
Nancy Revell
23 books121 followersNancy 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.
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September 4, 2018
I am a huge fan of Nancy Revell and I simply adore reading ‘The Shipyard Girls’ series. I (im)patiently wait for each new book to come out and I read it a matter of hours after I get my hands on a copy. So imagine my excitement when I was asked if I would like to take part in the blog tour for ‘Victory For The Shipyard Girls’. On second thoughts, it would be better for you not to imagine it as the excited dance wasn’t pretty but it was only witnessed by my two Labradors’. Anyway I digress so back to the point. I eagerly opened the front cover of ‘Victory For The Shipyard Girls’ and dived straight in. Oh my giddy aunt it was one hell of a read. I absolutely, totally and utterly loved, no make that adored reading ‘Victory For The Shipyard Girls’ but more about that in a bit.
The characters in ‘The Shipyard Girls’ are certainly a mixed bunch. Some of the characters I absolutely loved and some of the characters I could honestly hit a few dozen times with a wet flip flop. I’ll try not to give too much away. I absolutely love the characters of Gloria, Rosie, Polly and the rest of the shipyard girl gang. I also love the characters of Agnes and Bel. Gloria is a woman, who is a single mother. She was the childhood sweetheart of Jack Crawford, whose daughter Helen is the current manager of the shipyard. Jack was taken away from Gloria by the delightful (note the sarcasm) Miriam but more about the old witch a bit later. Gloria married Vinnie and they had two sons, who have grown up. Vinnie used Gloria as a punch bag and he abused her mentally, physically and financially. Thankfully by the time this book starts, Vinnie is out of the picture. I am keeping my fingers crossed that he will soon be taking a very long walk off Roker Pier!! Gloria and Jack have renewed their relationship and baby Hope is the result. Hope is a much loved and much cared for baby. However, thanks to Miriam’s meddling, Jack has been sent up to Glasgow and Gloria is on her own again. I am keeping my fingers, toes and my dogs are keeping their paws crossed that Jack comes back to set up home with Gloria and the sooner the better. Rosie is another main focus of the storylines in this book. Rosie is the supervisor of the Shipyard Girls but that isn’t her only job. Rosie has a part share in a bordello and for many years she worked there to provide for her and her sister. Rosie was determined that her sister should have an education and she should remain out of the clutches of their Uncle who had wandering hands. Rosie has been in a relationship with Peter, who happens to be a policeman. His job doesn’t sit well with her involvement at the bordello. Their relationship hasn’t gone down well in certain quarters and for a time Rosie ended things with Peter. However, the start of this book sees a happy event occurring but their happiness is soon interrupted by a change of duties for Peter. I don’t want to type too much more about exactly what happens to either lady as I don’t want to spoil the book for other readers. Now as for the characters I cannot stand and would happily slap a few dozen times with a wet fish. The main object of my fury is the delightful Miriam. She is a spiteful, vindictive, two faced, manipulative witch. And that’s me being polite. She doesn’t want Jack but equally she doesn’t want Gloria to have him. Deep down Miriam has always known that Jack has never loved her. The only way she could get Jack to marry her was to trick him, which is diabolical. She even stoops so low as to manipulate her own daughter Helen, which is bang out of order and for no other reason than to get one up on somebody. Helen does start to open her eyes to what sort of a woman Miriam is. Miriam is one of those people, who thinks of herself first, second and third. I am so hoping that somewhere along the line, Miriam is going to get what is coming to her. Karma is on its way to Miriam Crawford and hopefully I will be able to watch her downfall. In the previous books of the series, Helen was another character who I disliked. However my opinion of Helen did start to change as ‘Victory For The Shipyard Girls’ went on. In fact I felt very sorry for her by the end of the book.
Blimey oh riley ‘Victory For The Shipyard Girls’ is brilliantly written. The author’s writing style is such that you can’t fail to be drawn into the story and before too long you find that you can’t stop reading because you care so much about what happens to the characters. At least that is what happened to me at any rate. The more I read, the more I got into the story and the longer I had to keep on reading. For me ‘Victory For The Shipyard Girls’ really is a ‘CPID’ (can’t put it down) book. My intention was to ration how much I read in one session but I was enjoying the book so much that my intention went out of the window and I kept on reading. Before I knew what was happening I had finished the book which I had mixed feelings about. Don’t get me wrong I was pleased to finish the book because at least I knew how this instalment ended but I was disappointed to finish because I was enjoying the book so much that I just wanted the book to continue. I found that the characters were so realistically written that they seemed to come alive and they seemed real to me. I know, I know ‘Victory For The Shipyard Girls’ is a work of fiction but because I so enjoyed this book, the storylines and the characters came alive. If I closed my eyes, I could imagine the places, the storylines and the characters playing out in my head. I am even picturing who should play which character when the series is adapted for television. I can’t believe that it hasn’t been snapped up for development already.
Oh my giddy aunt, ‘Victory For The Shipyard Girls’ was one heck of an emotional rollercoaster of a read. Whilst I was reading this book there were times when I felt myself wanting to cheer, wanting to shout and moments where I found myself feeling ever so angry. ‘Victory For The Shipyard Girls’ has a bit of everything- there’s drama, there’s love, there’s loss, there’s hope, there’s the occasional dash of humour and above all ‘Victory For The Shipyard Girls’ is a book about how women help each other out when the chips are down or when scandal hits.
I have to be honest and say that I adored where the series is set but then I am biased. I currently live in the North East and to me it’s the best area of the country. The area is brimming with stories of how women overcame the toughest of times. ‘The Shipyard Girls’ is set in Sunderland, County Durham, which is a place very close to my heart. At the time this book is set, Sunderland was classed as being in County Durham and to borrow a phrase from my late father ‘Sunderland always was and always will be in County Durham. There was never any of this Tyne & Wear rubbish’. I never knew my grandparents and reading books such as these somehow makes me feel closer to them, as they were from up that way. I loved the regional dialect and I even found myself repeating some of the dialogue between the characters in a Mackem accent. A Mackem is a native of Sunderland.
In short, it’s fair to say that I adored reading ‘Victory For The Shipyard Girls’ and it is another fabulous instalment of the series. ‘The Shipyard Girls’ series just keeps getting better and better. As I indicated above, I can’t believe that ‘The Shipyard Girls’ has not yet been picked up for television adaptation. It would be perfect for adaptation and has the potential to be just as popular, if not more so, than ‘Call The Midwife’. I would definitely recommend this author and her books to other readers. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a massive and well deserved 5* out of 5*.
The characters in ‘The Shipyard Girls’ are certainly a mixed bunch. Some of the characters I absolutely loved and some of the characters I could honestly hit a few dozen times with a wet flip flop. I’ll try not to give too much away. I absolutely love the characters of Gloria, Rosie, Polly and the rest of the shipyard girl gang. I also love the characters of Agnes and Bel. Gloria is a woman, who is a single mother. She was the childhood sweetheart of Jack Crawford, whose daughter Helen is the current manager of the shipyard. Jack was taken away from Gloria by the delightful (note the sarcasm) Miriam but more about the old witch a bit later. Gloria married Vinnie and they had two sons, who have grown up. Vinnie used Gloria as a punch bag and he abused her mentally, physically and financially. Thankfully by the time this book starts, Vinnie is out of the picture. I am keeping my fingers crossed that he will soon be taking a very long walk off Roker Pier!! Gloria and Jack have renewed their relationship and baby Hope is the result. Hope is a much loved and much cared for baby. However, thanks to Miriam’s meddling, Jack has been sent up to Glasgow and Gloria is on her own again. I am keeping my fingers, toes and my dogs are keeping their paws crossed that Jack comes back to set up home with Gloria and the sooner the better. Rosie is another main focus of the storylines in this book. Rosie is the supervisor of the Shipyard Girls but that isn’t her only job. Rosie has a part share in a bordello and for many years she worked there to provide for her and her sister. Rosie was determined that her sister should have an education and she should remain out of the clutches of their Uncle who had wandering hands. Rosie has been in a relationship with Peter, who happens to be a policeman. His job doesn’t sit well with her involvement at the bordello. Their relationship hasn’t gone down well in certain quarters and for a time Rosie ended things with Peter. However, the start of this book sees a happy event occurring but their happiness is soon interrupted by a change of duties for Peter. I don’t want to type too much more about exactly what happens to either lady as I don’t want to spoil the book for other readers. Now as for the characters I cannot stand and would happily slap a few dozen times with a wet fish. The main object of my fury is the delightful Miriam. She is a spiteful, vindictive, two faced, manipulative witch. And that’s me being polite. She doesn’t want Jack but equally she doesn’t want Gloria to have him. Deep down Miriam has always known that Jack has never loved her. The only way she could get Jack to marry her was to trick him, which is diabolical. She even stoops so low as to manipulate her own daughter Helen, which is bang out of order and for no other reason than to get one up on somebody. Helen does start to open her eyes to what sort of a woman Miriam is. Miriam is one of those people, who thinks of herself first, second and third. I am so hoping that somewhere along the line, Miriam is going to get what is coming to her. Karma is on its way to Miriam Crawford and hopefully I will be able to watch her downfall. In the previous books of the series, Helen was another character who I disliked. However my opinion of Helen did start to change as ‘Victory For The Shipyard Girls’ went on. In fact I felt very sorry for her by the end of the book.
Blimey oh riley ‘Victory For The Shipyard Girls’ is brilliantly written. The author’s writing style is such that you can’t fail to be drawn into the story and before too long you find that you can’t stop reading because you care so much about what happens to the characters. At least that is what happened to me at any rate. The more I read, the more I got into the story and the longer I had to keep on reading. For me ‘Victory For The Shipyard Girls’ really is a ‘CPID’ (can’t put it down) book. My intention was to ration how much I read in one session but I was enjoying the book so much that my intention went out of the window and I kept on reading. Before I knew what was happening I had finished the book which I had mixed feelings about. Don’t get me wrong I was pleased to finish the book because at least I knew how this instalment ended but I was disappointed to finish because I was enjoying the book so much that I just wanted the book to continue. I found that the characters were so realistically written that they seemed to come alive and they seemed real to me. I know, I know ‘Victory For The Shipyard Girls’ is a work of fiction but because I so enjoyed this book, the storylines and the characters came alive. If I closed my eyes, I could imagine the places, the storylines and the characters playing out in my head. I am even picturing who should play which character when the series is adapted for television. I can’t believe that it hasn’t been snapped up for development already.
Oh my giddy aunt, ‘Victory For The Shipyard Girls’ was one heck of an emotional rollercoaster of a read. Whilst I was reading this book there were times when I felt myself wanting to cheer, wanting to shout and moments where I found myself feeling ever so angry. ‘Victory For The Shipyard Girls’ has a bit of everything- there’s drama, there’s love, there’s loss, there’s hope, there’s the occasional dash of humour and above all ‘Victory For The Shipyard Girls’ is a book about how women help each other out when the chips are down or when scandal hits.
I have to be honest and say that I adored where the series is set but then I am biased. I currently live in the North East and to me it’s the best area of the country. The area is brimming with stories of how women overcame the toughest of times. ‘The Shipyard Girls’ is set in Sunderland, County Durham, which is a place very close to my heart. At the time this book is set, Sunderland was classed as being in County Durham and to borrow a phrase from my late father ‘Sunderland always was and always will be in County Durham. There was never any of this Tyne & Wear rubbish’. I never knew my grandparents and reading books such as these somehow makes me feel closer to them, as they were from up that way. I loved the regional dialect and I even found myself repeating some of the dialogue between the characters in a Mackem accent. A Mackem is a native of Sunderland.
In short, it’s fair to say that I adored reading ‘Victory For The Shipyard Girls’ and it is another fabulous instalment of the series. ‘The Shipyard Girls’ series just keeps getting better and better. As I indicated above, I can’t believe that ‘The Shipyard Girls’ has not yet been picked up for television adaptation. It would be perfect for adaptation and has the potential to be just as popular, if not more so, than ‘Call The Midwife’. I would definitely recommend this author and her books to other readers. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a massive and well deserved 5* out of 5*.
September 4, 2018
Victory for the Shipyard Girls is the fifth instalment in the Shipyard Girls series. Although I have not read any of the previous books, I completely fell in love with this series and will be sure to pick up the first four parts as well. Each book can easily be read as a standalone, but I really want to find out how certain events in the past lead to where the characters are now.
I enjoyed the author’s writing style very much. She had me captivated from pretty much the first page onwards. The pace of the book is brilliant and fast, which I find is not always the case with books that are part of a whole series. In my experience they can become somewhat boring and slow-paced about halfway through, but this is definitely not the case for the Shipyard Girls. It probably helps that apart from our three main characters there is an endless list of supporting characters that each come with their own secrets and problems.
The storyline of Victory for the Shipyard Girls is extremely interesting and easy to follow. All three of the main characters are very different from another, yet it is their friendship and support in their current situation that binds them all together.
I am not surprised that Nancy Revell is a Sunday Times Bestselling Author. Victory for the Shipyward Girls is an extremely captivating read and I cannot wait for the next instalment in this series.
I enjoyed the author’s writing style very much. She had me captivated from pretty much the first page onwards. The pace of the book is brilliant and fast, which I find is not always the case with books that are part of a whole series. In my experience they can become somewhat boring and slow-paced about halfway through, but this is definitely not the case for the Shipyard Girls. It probably helps that apart from our three main characters there is an endless list of supporting characters that each come with their own secrets and problems.
The storyline of Victory for the Shipyard Girls is extremely interesting and easy to follow. All three of the main characters are very different from another, yet it is their friendship and support in their current situation that binds them all together.
I am not surprised that Nancy Revell is a Sunday Times Bestselling Author. Victory for the Shipyward Girls is an extremely captivating read and I cannot wait for the next instalment in this series.
October 15, 2018
Victory for the Shipyard Girls by Nancy Revell is the fifth novel in the Shipyard Girls series. We join the ladies in Sunderland in January of 1942. Jack’s wife, Miriam has ruined Gloria and Jack’s chance at a happily ever after. Miriam had uncovered devastating secrets on Gloria’s friends that would ruin their lives. Jack is sent off Scotland to manage the Clyde, and Gloria is left to manage on her own and raise their daughter, Hope. Helen Crawford is enjoying her role as shipyard manager until she discovers her father has been having an affair with Gloria and that Hope is her half-sister. Helen is devastated and finds comfort in the arms of Mr. Theodore Harvey, a doctor at the local hospital. Rosie returns from her impromptu vacation with Peter to share good news with her friends. She misses Peter and throws herself into her work to keep herself occupied. When Gloria shares with Rosie what happened with Miriam, they conspire to eliminate the impact the secrets would have on the ladies. The truth about Martha’s parentage is their biggest obstacle. Bel learns that Pearl told Maisie about her birth father, so she becomes obsessed with learning about her biological father. Pearl has never wanted to talk about it and she still does not. She underestimates Bel’s determination to obtain the truth. Find out what happens next for these courageous women in Victory for the Shipyard Girls.
Victory for the Shipyard Girls is not a standalone novel. You need to read the book in the Shipyard Girls series in order (a worthwhile investment). Victory for the Shipyard Girls picks up where Shipyard Girls in Love ended. Nancy Revell has a writing style that draws the reader right in. I was fully engaged by this book with its inviting writing style and its rapid pace. We get to know more about the characters in each book. I like how this diverse group that have become close friends (they are a family). The ladies continue to develop in each new installment of the Shipyard Girls series. There is a large cast of characters, but it is easy to keep track of them and their storylines. Victory for the Shipyard Girls focuses on Helen, Gloria, Rosie, Bel and Pearl. There are some amazing revelations in Victory for the Shipyard Girls. Pearl’s story takes us back in time to learn how she gave up Maisie and conceived Bel. We get to know more about Pearl and what led her to drink copious amounts of alcohol. I stayed up very late (even for me) to finish reading. I wanted to find out what happened to next and the identity of Bel’s birth father (wow). Victory for the Shipyard Girls takes us through June 30, 1942 and ends with a cliffhanger. We must wait for Courage of the Shipyard Girls to get the answers we desire. I am giving Victory for the Shipyard Girls 5 out of 5 stars (I loved it).
Victory for the Shipyard Girls is not a standalone novel. You need to read the book in the Shipyard Girls series in order (a worthwhile investment). Victory for the Shipyard Girls picks up where Shipyard Girls in Love ended. Nancy Revell has a writing style that draws the reader right in. I was fully engaged by this book with its inviting writing style and its rapid pace. We get to know more about the characters in each book. I like how this diverse group that have become close friends (they are a family). The ladies continue to develop in each new installment of the Shipyard Girls series. There is a large cast of characters, but it is easy to keep track of them and their storylines. Victory for the Shipyard Girls focuses on Helen, Gloria, Rosie, Bel and Pearl. There are some amazing revelations in Victory for the Shipyard Girls. Pearl’s story takes us back in time to learn how she gave up Maisie and conceived Bel. We get to know more about Pearl and what led her to drink copious amounts of alcohol. I stayed up very late (even for me) to finish reading. I wanted to find out what happened to next and the identity of Bel’s birth father (wow). Victory for the Shipyard Girls takes us through June 30, 1942 and ends with a cliffhanger. We must wait for Courage of the Shipyard Girls to get the answers we desire. I am giving Victory for the Shipyard Girls 5 out of 5 stars (I loved it).
September 7, 2018
I received a free copy of this book from Cornerstone, Penguin Random House in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.
If you’ve been following my posts closely, you would’ve noticed that my current obsession is the role of women during World War 1 and 2. When men started participating in wars, women slowly started entering the workforce. And I simply love empowering stories about them!
In Shelter by Sarah Franklin, I learned that lumberjills were employed to fell trees to provide wood for the war effort. In this novel, I came across my first story on the cultural icon Rosie the Riveter–not to be confused with the Rosie who’s the star of this novel.
Nancy Revell has written an entire series of brilliant novels centered on women working in shipyards during WWII. I didn’t know that this book was a part of a series until I cracked it open. I loved this story so much that I now want to read the first four books in the series too! The women in this book are strong, inspirational, and show solidarity stronger than the joints they weld in it. I simply loved them and can’t wait to read more about them!
However, I had trouble remembering who was who in the first few chapters. I’m sure I wouldn’t have had this problem if I’d read the previous books too. Also, while the writing is great, Revell sometimes says rather than shows. I don’t want the words to tell me someone’s plotting something, tell me it with their body language.
But these were just minor problems. The book, overall, is very fast-paced and well-written. Read it if you like historical fiction with a touch of WWII, feminism, and some badass women!
If you’ve been following my posts closely, you would’ve noticed that my current obsession is the role of women during World War 1 and 2. When men started participating in wars, women slowly started entering the workforce. And I simply love empowering stories about them!
In Shelter by Sarah Franklin, I learned that lumberjills were employed to fell trees to provide wood for the war effort. In this novel, I came across my first story on the cultural icon Rosie the Riveter–not to be confused with the Rosie who’s the star of this novel.
Nancy Revell has written an entire series of brilliant novels centered on women working in shipyards during WWII. I didn’t know that this book was a part of a series until I cracked it open. I loved this story so much that I now want to read the first four books in the series too! The women in this book are strong, inspirational, and show solidarity stronger than the joints they weld in it. I simply loved them and can’t wait to read more about them!
However, I had trouble remembering who was who in the first few chapters. I’m sure I wouldn’t have had this problem if I’d read the previous books too. Also, while the writing is great, Revell sometimes says rather than shows. I don’t want the words to tell me someone’s plotting something, tell me it with their body language.
But these were just minor problems. The book, overall, is very fast-paced and well-written. Read it if you like historical fiction with a touch of WWII, feminism, and some badass women!
August 18, 2018
Well i have to say that i loved catching up with the girls from the shipyard and their families,Rosie and her band of welders are still trying to cope with homelife,work and war.Helen is finding life hard and misses her father,Miriam is still a cold hearted woman.I have loved reading the shipyard girls series and look forward to the next book i don't want to spoil things for other readers but will say well worth 5* and more.
September 19, 2018
Another brilliant read from Nancy Revell, just cannot wait for the next one which will be the sixth one in this series. You just get lost in the book with these wonderful characters. Five stars for this one!
October 30, 2018
Loving this series, gutted I have to wait until February to catch up with the squad!
September 16, 2018
ANOTHER AMAZING BOOK. this is the fifth book by this author, the war continues and we go into january 1942 to june 1942, starting with the marriage of rosie and peter in guildford registry office then after a magical 5 days rosie leaving peter behind to head back to sunderland to her welding job at thompsons shipyards. she was no longer miss thornton she was now mrs miller time for her to tell all her workmates the good news. so once again we are pulled into all these hard working ladies lives. lots of sweethearts away for the war effect, astounding accounts again by this author.its amazing how so much is entailed in this wonderful book. i never get tired of reading especially as this is my home town. I LOVED IT
September 8, 2018
Victory for the Shipyard Girls, book five in Nancy Revel's Shipyard Girls series, sees an uncertain future for all the women involved in what is turning out to be an engrossing series. Centred around a group of women working in one of the Sunderland shipyards during World War Two each book has been going from strength to strength. This story sees the continuation and development of many previous storylines which have keenly held my interest right from when we were first introduced to an incredible bunch of women who keep going no matter what life throws at them. Not only have they to contend with the constant worry and danger that the war brings with it but also they have many personal problems to cope with on a daily basis right there in their homes and their place of work.
The story picks up directly from where we last left the women but for those new to the series I love how the author uses a conversation between two characters as a means of bringing new readers right up to date with all the goings on and the endless trials and tribulations that seem to present themselves at every corner. Just as one hurdle is overcome along comes another to throw things way off balance and upset the apple cart. This means of bringing us up to date also serves as a brief refresher for those who have journeyed with the girls since the very beginning.
What I love most about this series is that there are real gritty storylines that the reader can easily lose themselves in, some of which have been brewing since the start and others are new little plots slowly starting to make themselves known. The author never shies away from the harsh realities of the time and shows that during a time of such unrest, upheaval and heartache that everyone left at home had to keep enduring and keep fighting. Just because there was a war on didn't mean everything ground to a halt now that thousands of men were abroad fighting. No the women stepped into the breach and took it upon themselves to keep everything going in the most testing and nerve racking of times.
There was less focus this time on the actual jobs the women did with the ships and I was glad of this, as we had had plenty of previous descriptions of this, and now the more we progress through the series we can focus on specific characters and all the sneakiness and heartache that is ongoing. Several times over I have changed my opinions of certain characters and that's thanks to the way Nancy Revell writes. One minute she has you feeling sympathy for someone and the next I detest them and their actions because of the consequences and fallout that occurs in relation to characters I am deeply invested in and want nothing but good things to happen for. There are always so many surprises and twists and turns thrown which crop up when you least expect it and they keep the story flowing wonderfully as you rapidly turn the pages.
So what of this group of women embracing a very much male dominated world? Well of course they go to work every day and contribute in building and mending ships for the war effort and although the fighting may be across the sea there is still plenty going on in Sunderland that keeps them on their toes. Gloria had a chance at happiness but it was so cruelly snatched from her grasp, that's all thanks to Miriam who is married to Jack. Miriam's family have run the shipyard for years with her daughter Helen now in charge. Miriam is a character I really hate and I have no problems in using that word, she is manipulative and is playing such a game that will ruin and destroy people's lives. She is an expert at blackmail and has such ammunition that at the moment she is keeping close to her chest but Gloria knows if Miriam reveals all her secrets that her friends lives will be ruins.
Gloria couldn't cope with the guilt if this happens and if that meant sacrificing her chance to be with Jack so be it. Gloria is so selfless, always putting others before herself. Her own needs get pushed to the side and although she desperately wants to listen to her heart and do the best for baby Hope she looks at the bigger picture and takes all things into consideration before making an informed choice. I love Gloria as a character she is loyal steadfast and fearless and I am desperately hoping that in future books some sort of resolution can be found for her situation.
Helen is a character I warm to one minute and then by the next chapter she does something which leaves me very confused and also upset because her actions always have an affect on others. In this book we really got inside her head and although to the women who work for her at the shipyard she appears to be made of steel and they stay clear of her, in a way beneath it all life is not that great for Helen. She is confused, alone and very much burdened. She feels abandoned by her father but really his absence is due to her mother's scheming but Helen does not realise this. There is a lot going on underneath Helen's eyes but she can't see it because she is lost in her own world of sadness. She just wants to feel, special, loved and cherished and I think a lot of her actions in this story were a cry for help and she made rash decisions. If she had been thinking straight I doubt she would have gotten involved in the tangled mess she found herself in. Helen needs a solid form of love in her life – a relationship where she can turn her anger, jealousy and bitterness into something positive and life affirming. She certainly needed to change her character and demeanour and in a way grow up and face things head on. I still foresee plenty for her to deal with in future books.
Naturally nice things do happen to the women in this book and I loved how Rosie and Gloria began to work together to help their friends out. Each girl in the group has things to hide, especially things that may be going on at home, and thanks to Miriam both Gloria and Rosie are well aware of these. I thought it was subtly slipped in how the two joined forces and thought of creative and helpful ways to overcome these problems. Little seeds were sown and then they sat back and over time we'll see them start to bloom. I do feel sorry for Rosie though that having such a positive event right at the beginning of the book with her marriage to Peter and the time she spent with him lasting so fleeting in that he has now embarked upon secret war work in France. I feel every bit of her longing for his safe return. I think as a character she has come such a long way since book one. She is more open and willing to accept help and advice and now she is returning the favour whenever she can. One thing I definitely want to know more about is what exactly is going on with her sister at boarding school? There have been teasing hints over the last several books and I feel we need to get to know this girl as she hasn't made an appearance to date.
There are several storylines all running alongside each other, although they are not difficult to keep track of, and perhaps the most intriguing of all this time was that of Bel and her mother Pearl. Over the course of the last two books I feel this aspect of the storyline although it started off as a slow burner it suddenly sprung to life here and at one point I was left open mouthed at what was revealed. It all gels so well together but then we as the reader are aware of the bigger picture that the majority of the characters are oblivious too. We know that if certain things get out in the open then the cat is well and truly set amongst the pigeons and the repercussions will be far reaching and lead to devastating consequences and trauma, hurt and horror for many.
My fifth visit to the shipyard girls was every bit as enjoyable as the previous four books. It's a book where you pick it up and before you know it you find yourself half way through so lost do you become in all the goings on. Each character brings different assets to the story and they all bare their heart on their sleeve and in doing so I have come to really enjoy this series. By the end I am always left wanting more and hate having to say goodbye for a while. Victory for the Shipyard Girls certainly left us dangling on tender hooks with scenes that could lead you to draw any number of conclusions. Sadly I'll have to wait until March 2019 when Courage of the Shipyard Girls will be published but if you haven't previously read of this special group of women I suggest do so.
The story picks up directly from where we last left the women but for those new to the series I love how the author uses a conversation between two characters as a means of bringing new readers right up to date with all the goings on and the endless trials and tribulations that seem to present themselves at every corner. Just as one hurdle is overcome along comes another to throw things way off balance and upset the apple cart. This means of bringing us up to date also serves as a brief refresher for those who have journeyed with the girls since the very beginning.
What I love most about this series is that there are real gritty storylines that the reader can easily lose themselves in, some of which have been brewing since the start and others are new little plots slowly starting to make themselves known. The author never shies away from the harsh realities of the time and shows that during a time of such unrest, upheaval and heartache that everyone left at home had to keep enduring and keep fighting. Just because there was a war on didn't mean everything ground to a halt now that thousands of men were abroad fighting. No the women stepped into the breach and took it upon themselves to keep everything going in the most testing and nerve racking of times.
There was less focus this time on the actual jobs the women did with the ships and I was glad of this, as we had had plenty of previous descriptions of this, and now the more we progress through the series we can focus on specific characters and all the sneakiness and heartache that is ongoing. Several times over I have changed my opinions of certain characters and that's thanks to the way Nancy Revell writes. One minute she has you feeling sympathy for someone and the next I detest them and their actions because of the consequences and fallout that occurs in relation to characters I am deeply invested in and want nothing but good things to happen for. There are always so many surprises and twists and turns thrown which crop up when you least expect it and they keep the story flowing wonderfully as you rapidly turn the pages.
So what of this group of women embracing a very much male dominated world? Well of course they go to work every day and contribute in building and mending ships for the war effort and although the fighting may be across the sea there is still plenty going on in Sunderland that keeps them on their toes. Gloria had a chance at happiness but it was so cruelly snatched from her grasp, that's all thanks to Miriam who is married to Jack. Miriam's family have run the shipyard for years with her daughter Helen now in charge. Miriam is a character I really hate and I have no problems in using that word, she is manipulative and is playing such a game that will ruin and destroy people's lives. She is an expert at blackmail and has such ammunition that at the moment she is keeping close to her chest but Gloria knows if Miriam reveals all her secrets that her friends lives will be ruins.
Gloria couldn't cope with the guilt if this happens and if that meant sacrificing her chance to be with Jack so be it. Gloria is so selfless, always putting others before herself. Her own needs get pushed to the side and although she desperately wants to listen to her heart and do the best for baby Hope she looks at the bigger picture and takes all things into consideration before making an informed choice. I love Gloria as a character she is loyal steadfast and fearless and I am desperately hoping that in future books some sort of resolution can be found for her situation.
Helen is a character I warm to one minute and then by the next chapter she does something which leaves me very confused and also upset because her actions always have an affect on others. In this book we really got inside her head and although to the women who work for her at the shipyard she appears to be made of steel and they stay clear of her, in a way beneath it all life is not that great for Helen. She is confused, alone and very much burdened. She feels abandoned by her father but really his absence is due to her mother's scheming but Helen does not realise this. There is a lot going on underneath Helen's eyes but she can't see it because she is lost in her own world of sadness. She just wants to feel, special, loved and cherished and I think a lot of her actions in this story were a cry for help and she made rash decisions. If she had been thinking straight I doubt she would have gotten involved in the tangled mess she found herself in. Helen needs a solid form of love in her life – a relationship where she can turn her anger, jealousy and bitterness into something positive and life affirming. She certainly needed to change her character and demeanour and in a way grow up and face things head on. I still foresee plenty for her to deal with in future books.
Naturally nice things do happen to the women in this book and I loved how Rosie and Gloria began to work together to help their friends out. Each girl in the group has things to hide, especially things that may be going on at home, and thanks to Miriam both Gloria and Rosie are well aware of these. I thought it was subtly slipped in how the two joined forces and thought of creative and helpful ways to overcome these problems. Little seeds were sown and then they sat back and over time we'll see them start to bloom. I do feel sorry for Rosie though that having such a positive event right at the beginning of the book with her marriage to Peter and the time she spent with him lasting so fleeting in that he has now embarked upon secret war work in France. I feel every bit of her longing for his safe return. I think as a character she has come such a long way since book one. She is more open and willing to accept help and advice and now she is returning the favour whenever she can. One thing I definitely want to know more about is what exactly is going on with her sister at boarding school? There have been teasing hints over the last several books and I feel we need to get to know this girl as she hasn't made an appearance to date.
There are several storylines all running alongside each other, although they are not difficult to keep track of, and perhaps the most intriguing of all this time was that of Bel and her mother Pearl. Over the course of the last two books I feel this aspect of the storyline although it started off as a slow burner it suddenly sprung to life here and at one point I was left open mouthed at what was revealed. It all gels so well together but then we as the reader are aware of the bigger picture that the majority of the characters are oblivious too. We know that if certain things get out in the open then the cat is well and truly set amongst the pigeons and the repercussions will be far reaching and lead to devastating consequences and trauma, hurt and horror for many.
My fifth visit to the shipyard girls was every bit as enjoyable as the previous four books. It's a book where you pick it up and before you know it you find yourself half way through so lost do you become in all the goings on. Each character brings different assets to the story and they all bare their heart on their sleeve and in doing so I have come to really enjoy this series. By the end I am always left wanting more and hate having to say goodbye for a while. Victory for the Shipyard Girls certainly left us dangling on tender hooks with scenes that could lead you to draw any number of conclusions. Sadly I'll have to wait until March 2019 when Courage of the Shipyard Girls will be published but if you haven't previously read of this special group of women I suggest do so.
September 9, 2018
Sunday Times best-selling author Nancy Revell is back with another scintillating installment featuring the courageous women working in the Newcastle shipyards during the Second World War: Victory for the Shipyard Girls. A captivating story of love, loss, friendship, jealousy and the ties that bind, Victory for the Shipyard Girls is a wonderfully compelling saga that should not be missed.
The war is still raging and the world is still being torn apart and ravaged by the destruction and devastation that this conflict has wreaked. Life has become so precious, that whatever happiness is found – regardless of how fleeting or transient it is – is snapped up in a heartbeat and nobody knows this more than Rosie. Having fallen head over heels in love with Peter, who is much older than her, Rosie knows that their time together is short and that they might not have much time left together. When Peter had proposed, Rosie had showed no hesitation in accepting his proposal – especially as Peter had signed up to do some top secret war work that places him in close proximity to the enemy. War work so dangerous that it could jeopardise his life and threaten his fledgling happiness with Rosie. Shipyard girl Rosie is determined to have her happy ever after with the man she has married and that she loves above everyone else in the world. Will Rosie get her wish? Or will her marriage be another casualty of this cruel war?
Well aware that worrying herself into an early grave won’t bring Peter back any quicker, Rosie realises that the best cure for a troubled mind is hard work, so she leaves Guildford after her speedy honeymoon with her husband and goes back to Newcastle and her job as a welder at the shipyard. Despite her broken heart, Rosie is looking forward to being reunited with her squad of women welders. However, on her arrival she can sense that all is not quite as she had left it and that something dreadful has happened. But with everybody’s lips being sealed, will Rosie get to the bottom to what is troubling her squad? From Jewish emigre Hannah seeming determined to work every shift there is to Gloria’s worries about the man she loves having been transferred to Scotland, the squad are feeling down and desperate. Yet, it is only their friendship and camaraderie that will see them through their darkest of days and enable them to rejoice when they are at their happiest. But with the war showing no signs of abating, will the shipyard girls ever manage to triumph against all the obstacles standing in their way and be fulfilled ever again? Or will all their hopes and dreams for the future continue to be smashed to smithereens by a war that seems intent on causing even more sadness, heartbreak and destruction?
Nancy Revell writes so convincingly about the past and women’s contribution to the war effort during the Second World War that readers will deftly and effortlessly be swept back to the earlier part of the twentieth century when the world was at war. The hugely popular Shipyard Girls series goes from strength to strength and the fifth installment, Victory for the Shipyard Girls, will not only satisfy and delight Nancy Revell’s legion of fans, but win her scores of new ones who will soon find themselves addicted to this meticulously researched, wonderfully vivid and highly affecting series.
Victory for the Shipyard Girls is packed with wonderfully drawn characters that leap off the pages, fabulously rendered descriptions of the past, searingly emotional drama that will tug at the heartstrings, poignant romance and plenty of intrigue to keep readers on the edge of their seats.
A fantastic saga from an immensely talented writer, Victory for the Shipyard Girls is another unmissable installment of this outstanding series from Nancy Revell’s gifted pen.
The war is still raging and the world is still being torn apart and ravaged by the destruction and devastation that this conflict has wreaked. Life has become so precious, that whatever happiness is found – regardless of how fleeting or transient it is – is snapped up in a heartbeat and nobody knows this more than Rosie. Having fallen head over heels in love with Peter, who is much older than her, Rosie knows that their time together is short and that they might not have much time left together. When Peter had proposed, Rosie had showed no hesitation in accepting his proposal – especially as Peter had signed up to do some top secret war work that places him in close proximity to the enemy. War work so dangerous that it could jeopardise his life and threaten his fledgling happiness with Rosie. Shipyard girl Rosie is determined to have her happy ever after with the man she has married and that she loves above everyone else in the world. Will Rosie get her wish? Or will her marriage be another casualty of this cruel war?
Well aware that worrying herself into an early grave won’t bring Peter back any quicker, Rosie realises that the best cure for a troubled mind is hard work, so she leaves Guildford after her speedy honeymoon with her husband and goes back to Newcastle and her job as a welder at the shipyard. Despite her broken heart, Rosie is looking forward to being reunited with her squad of women welders. However, on her arrival she can sense that all is not quite as she had left it and that something dreadful has happened. But with everybody’s lips being sealed, will Rosie get to the bottom to what is troubling her squad? From Jewish emigre Hannah seeming determined to work every shift there is to Gloria’s worries about the man she loves having been transferred to Scotland, the squad are feeling down and desperate. Yet, it is only their friendship and camaraderie that will see them through their darkest of days and enable them to rejoice when they are at their happiest. But with the war showing no signs of abating, will the shipyard girls ever manage to triumph against all the obstacles standing in their way and be fulfilled ever again? Or will all their hopes and dreams for the future continue to be smashed to smithereens by a war that seems intent on causing even more sadness, heartbreak and destruction?
Nancy Revell writes so convincingly about the past and women’s contribution to the war effort during the Second World War that readers will deftly and effortlessly be swept back to the earlier part of the twentieth century when the world was at war. The hugely popular Shipyard Girls series goes from strength to strength and the fifth installment, Victory for the Shipyard Girls, will not only satisfy and delight Nancy Revell’s legion of fans, but win her scores of new ones who will soon find themselves addicted to this meticulously researched, wonderfully vivid and highly affecting series.
Victory for the Shipyard Girls is packed with wonderfully drawn characters that leap off the pages, fabulously rendered descriptions of the past, searingly emotional drama that will tug at the heartstrings, poignant romance and plenty of intrigue to keep readers on the edge of their seats.
A fantastic saga from an immensely talented writer, Victory for the Shipyard Girls is another unmissable installment of this outstanding series from Nancy Revell’s gifted pen.
June 27, 2020
This further volume in the Shipyard Girls series featuring women who worked in the shipyards of Sunderland and their friends and families during the Second World War is mainly set in 1942. There are revelations of the women’s lives and loves centred around an area of intense industry, which also provides a target for frequent bombing raids. This is a book of intense emotions as the women’s experiences overlap and centre on the works, especially as Helen, the owner of the shipyard’s granddaughter is working as the manager. As with other series of sagas this book carries the story onwards, but this novel has its own plot, as the characters journey through several months of wartime experience. It also refers back to events that occurred a few decades before, as one character remembers a life changing series of experiences. There is tension as secrets are kept, but also hope in the form of children who symbolise the future as well as the past. Those who are keen to discover what has happened to their favourite characters will find much to interest them in this book, but it also works as a snapshot of the wartime experience of women.
The book opens with a wedding, as Rosie finally overcomes her reservations and commits herself to Peter. Not that it is an easy situation; a decision he has made means that he will be absent for much of the novel. Still, there are memories made and a new start for both, which will have an effect on others known to them. Bel is now happily married, but is seized by the urge to discover from Pearl the identity and fate of her father, something which Pearl is intent on avoiding at all costs. Gloria is settling into her role as a mother once more, but without her lover she struggles, concerned not only for her own child but also Helen, who she has begun to see in a more sympathetic light. There is a grievous threat made to many of the group of friends by an embittered woman, a revelation of family secrets that would hurt several people. Gloria and Rosie choose to act to limit the potential threat, but the machinations of Miriam will still affect more than one life. The bounds of friendship will continue to support the women who live through this difficult time but every relationship is severely tested.
This book, like the others in the series, is easy to become engrossed in as the situations of so many overlap and also move in parallel. This is a skilfully written novel which features many concerns of the time which went beyond Sunderland, as the fate of nations was still hanging in the balance. Revell’s usual high standard of characterisation is well demonstrated in this book, as well as her gentle development of plot. The sense of time and place also emerges so well from this book, as everyone feels that they must contribute to the war effort, either on the front line, the building and repairing of ships of war, or the taking care of children to allow others to work. I found this a fascinating book, and am keen to read more in this series.
The book opens with a wedding, as Rosie finally overcomes her reservations and commits herself to Peter. Not that it is an easy situation; a decision he has made means that he will be absent for much of the novel. Still, there are memories made and a new start for both, which will have an effect on others known to them. Bel is now happily married, but is seized by the urge to discover from Pearl the identity and fate of her father, something which Pearl is intent on avoiding at all costs. Gloria is settling into her role as a mother once more, but without her lover she struggles, concerned not only for her own child but also Helen, who she has begun to see in a more sympathetic light. There is a grievous threat made to many of the group of friends by an embittered woman, a revelation of family secrets that would hurt several people. Gloria and Rosie choose to act to limit the potential threat, but the machinations of Miriam will still affect more than one life. The bounds of friendship will continue to support the women who live through this difficult time but every relationship is severely tested.
This book, like the others in the series, is easy to become engrossed in as the situations of so many overlap and also move in parallel. This is a skilfully written novel which features many concerns of the time which went beyond Sunderland, as the fate of nations was still hanging in the balance. Revell’s usual high standard of characterisation is well demonstrated in this book, as well as her gentle development of plot. The sense of time and place also emerges so well from this book, as everyone feels that they must contribute to the war effort, either on the front line, the building and repairing of ships of war, or the taking care of children to allow others to work. I found this a fascinating book, and am keen to read more in this series.
September 9, 2018
Victory for the Shipyard Girls is the fifth book in Nancy Revell's Shipyard Girls saga but the first I have had the pleasure of reading. Returning readers will be coming back to old friends but as a newcomer to the series I had to learn who all the characters were. It's a fairly big cast and it took me a little while to figure out the various relationships but I felt that Nancy Revell handled the tricky balance between introducing characters and their back stories to new readers without slowing down the pace of the novel really well. It wasn't long before I became completely invested in the lives of these strong, resilient women who have to deal with their various domestic dramas alongside working in a busy shipyard under the ever present shadow of the Second World War.
The storylines are mostly focused on three of the women; Rosie, Gloria and Helen. The former two are easy to like, both separated from the men they love - although for very different reasons - they are both kind and resourceful and regularly put their friends needs before their own. Helen is a complex character, however and many of her actions in the book are frustrating at best. She's not the most naturally sympathetic woman but she actually became my favourite character as I felt there was a fascinating juxtaposition between the different facets of her personality, shaped as it has been by her selfish, scheming mother, Miriam and the generous love of her father, Jack.
Families and absent fathers in particular play an important role in the novel and for two characters, a long-held secret is finally revealed. Though most of the book is set in 1942, there are some scenes set in the past and through them we understand more about how two lives became shaped by a pivotal moment and realise that a mother's love can take different forms. The women in Victory for the Shipyard Girls are daughters, wives, mothers and lovers and each have their own reasons to celebrate, their own fears for loved ones and their own secrets. Their strength comes from the gritty, hard-working area they live in and from the friendship and support systems that exists in such communities.
Over seven hundred women worked in the Sunderland shipyards during WWII but their bravery and fortitude is little known. Nancy Revell's series should help to right that injustice and though it may be fiction, the women in the Shipyard Girls saga are a wonderful tribute to the real-life inspiration behind the books. I loved Victory for the Shipyard Girls and with the series still only in 1942, I know there is still plenty of heartbreak and drama ahead. I'm delighted to have finally discovered this captivating saga and am looking forward to reading the next instalment, Courage of the Shipyard Girls in March 2019.
The storylines are mostly focused on three of the women; Rosie, Gloria and Helen. The former two are easy to like, both separated from the men they love - although for very different reasons - they are both kind and resourceful and regularly put their friends needs before their own. Helen is a complex character, however and many of her actions in the book are frustrating at best. She's not the most naturally sympathetic woman but she actually became my favourite character as I felt there was a fascinating juxtaposition between the different facets of her personality, shaped as it has been by her selfish, scheming mother, Miriam and the generous love of her father, Jack.
Families and absent fathers in particular play an important role in the novel and for two characters, a long-held secret is finally revealed. Though most of the book is set in 1942, there are some scenes set in the past and through them we understand more about how two lives became shaped by a pivotal moment and realise that a mother's love can take different forms. The women in Victory for the Shipyard Girls are daughters, wives, mothers and lovers and each have their own reasons to celebrate, their own fears for loved ones and their own secrets. Their strength comes from the gritty, hard-working area they live in and from the friendship and support systems that exists in such communities.
Over seven hundred women worked in the Sunderland shipyards during WWII but their bravery and fortitude is little known. Nancy Revell's series should help to right that injustice and though it may be fiction, the women in the Shipyard Girls saga are a wonderful tribute to the real-life inspiration behind the books. I loved Victory for the Shipyard Girls and with the series still only in 1942, I know there is still plenty of heartbreak and drama ahead. I'm delighted to have finally discovered this captivating saga and am looking forward to reading the next instalment, Courage of the Shipyard Girls in March 2019.
August 21, 2018
I first met the Shipyard Girls some four books previous to this one, back last year. I stumbled across the second book, had to read the first and I have been hooked ever since. So when I got the opportunity to read this one, I was not going to let it pass me by.
It is now 1942 - the war is still raging on and the Shipyard Girls are doing their best to keep up their own spirits as they work long, tough hours in one of the many shipyards in Sunderland.
Rosie is still in charge of the women welders and she tries to keep herself busy as whilst life has changed for her in some ways, especially with her strong relationship with Peter. Her old life is still playing a part and it is something that she cannot give up, despite the risks.
Gloria, despite having recovered from her ordeal, is still holding onto some secrets, not her own - but others and she knows that if she does anything those around her will get hurt.
Bel is put out that her mother Pearl seems to have a stronger bond with Maisie, than her and she is determined to find out her true parentage. Pearl has other ideas. In a change we are taken through flashbacks to Pearl's earlier life and see what has happened to her which may indicate her behaviour in the present.
Helen is still blazing a trail being in charge at the shipyard whilst her father has had to go to Scotland - his absence is being felt keenly by Helen even though his actions have hurt her deeply. When she discovers the truth about what real love is like, she turns to unexpected quarters for help.
As with any saga if you follow it from the beginning, the characters are either in the background, still there and well rounded, or they are in the forefront of the plot and we learn more about them whether it be their past or the actions they take in the present.
I cannot say that these novels have becoming formulaic or boring, the author somehow injects different plot devices into them just to keep us readers on our toes and also covers some of the more less publicised aspects of the Second World War. I am intrigued as to where the author will go next.
This series of novels has really captured me and it is a long time since I have read any decent sagas which I want to return to and continue the story. I envy anyone who picks up the first of these novels - they have such joy to come.
It is now 1942 - the war is still raging on and the Shipyard Girls are doing their best to keep up their own spirits as they work long, tough hours in one of the many shipyards in Sunderland.
Rosie is still in charge of the women welders and she tries to keep herself busy as whilst life has changed for her in some ways, especially with her strong relationship with Peter. Her old life is still playing a part and it is something that she cannot give up, despite the risks.
Gloria, despite having recovered from her ordeal, is still holding onto some secrets, not her own - but others and she knows that if she does anything those around her will get hurt.
Bel is put out that her mother Pearl seems to have a stronger bond with Maisie, than her and she is determined to find out her true parentage. Pearl has other ideas. In a change we are taken through flashbacks to Pearl's earlier life and see what has happened to her which may indicate her behaviour in the present.
Helen is still blazing a trail being in charge at the shipyard whilst her father has had to go to Scotland - his absence is being felt keenly by Helen even though his actions have hurt her deeply. When she discovers the truth about what real love is like, she turns to unexpected quarters for help.
As with any saga if you follow it from the beginning, the characters are either in the background, still there and well rounded, or they are in the forefront of the plot and we learn more about them whether it be their past or the actions they take in the present.
I cannot say that these novels have becoming formulaic or boring, the author somehow injects different plot devices into them just to keep us readers on our toes and also covers some of the more less publicised aspects of the Second World War. I am intrigued as to where the author will go next.
This series of novels has really captured me and it is a long time since I have read any decent sagas which I want to return to and continue the story. I envy anyone who picks up the first of these novels - they have such joy to come.
September 25, 2018
This series of novels about the female shipyard workers during WW2 continues to exude its usual warmth and charm, and the women we have followed since the beginning have now become as familiar as friends. As each book ends it's always an eager wait until the next book is published as the author is very good at leaving the ending of her stories with a real cliffhanger...
In Victory for the Shipyard Girls we are again thrust into the lives of Helen, Rosie, Gloria and the other women who make up his close knit group. Each of them are facing their own particular challenges, but as ever the trials and complications of their lives draw the women ever closer, and as they share their hopes and fears, so their bonds of friendship get deeper and deeper.
With each successive story, this series seems to grow in confidence and, as a reader, the emotional investment in each character pays dividends as none of the women seem to outshine each other. I am equally interested in Rosie's story, as I am in observing just how Gloria is coping with managing both her job in the shipyard whilst caring for her baby daughter. I'm afraid that Helen has never been my favourite character but I did worry about how she was coping with all the troubles that seems to come her way.
If you've followed this series from the start, and this is now book number five, then you will be delighted with this continuation of the shipyard girls story, and delighted to know that there is indeed another cliffhanger of an ending...
For those who like books about strong women coping during the tumultuous years of WW2 then this series would work for you, and, although the stories can be read as stand alone, my advice is to start at the beginning of this excellent series and enjoy from the very beginning.
The sixth book in the series, Courage of the Shipyard Girls publishes 7th March 2019 and is available to pre order now.
In Victory for the Shipyard Girls we are again thrust into the lives of Helen, Rosie, Gloria and the other women who make up his close knit group. Each of them are facing their own particular challenges, but as ever the trials and complications of their lives draw the women ever closer, and as they share their hopes and fears, so their bonds of friendship get deeper and deeper.
With each successive story, this series seems to grow in confidence and, as a reader, the emotional investment in each character pays dividends as none of the women seem to outshine each other. I am equally interested in Rosie's story, as I am in observing just how Gloria is coping with managing both her job in the shipyard whilst caring for her baby daughter. I'm afraid that Helen has never been my favourite character but I did worry about how she was coping with all the troubles that seems to come her way.
If you've followed this series from the start, and this is now book number five, then you will be delighted with this continuation of the shipyard girls story, and delighted to know that there is indeed another cliffhanger of an ending...
For those who like books about strong women coping during the tumultuous years of WW2 then this series would work for you, and, although the stories can be read as stand alone, my advice is to start at the beginning of this excellent series and enjoy from the very beginning.
The sixth book in the series, Courage of the Shipyard Girls publishes 7th March 2019 and is available to pre order now.
September 17, 2018
I have read all the books in this series. Only one thing stops me giving 'Victory for the Shipyard Girls' five stars. The language of 1940s Britain did not include 'going/coming round to mine,' 'anytime soon,' 'inside of ..'and there most certainly would not have been boutiques in Sunderland at that time. Nobody 'snuck' anywhere; they sneaked. The 21st century language rankles in the Shipyard books, which continue to be a wonderful narrative of the lives of women in a man's world during World War II. Additionally, World War I has only lately been referred to as the First War. It would not have been continually referred to thus during the 1939-1945 conflict.
March 6, 2019
Strong characters and a good plot are the foundation of any decent read, and it certainly seems like Nancy Revell knows how to do both to the nth degree. Each of the main characters has such a rich and complex back story that you can’t help but love them, and they’re all so ferociously strong, overcoming ridiculous traumas and obstacles while trying to make space for themselves in a male dominated world that I just want to blast Christina Aguilera’s ‘Fighter’ and shout “yessssss, queens!” from the Wearmouth Bridge.
Full review on my blog http://clydescorner.org/2018/09/06/re...
Full review on my blog http://clydescorner.org/2018/09/06/re...
March 26, 2022
What a great book this was, also part of a smashing series. I loved reading highs and lows of this group of women working in the shipyards of Sunderland in the depths of WW2. They all have their own personal stories and it's so easy to keep up with them all. This is book five in the series but even if you haven't read the previous books you will have no problems in getting to know these strong willed and also somewhat feisty women, all from different backgrounds but all great friends.
September 15, 2025
My name is Karen and I am a Shipyard Girls-aholic. I am so glad I found the series now and not when they first were introduced. I thought it was torture having to wait three weeks for the fifth book in the series to arrive thru Amazon. I can't imagine having to wait close to a year for a new book to be released. I absolutely LOVE this series and know I will be heartbroken when I finish the final book. I dread that day . . . .
September 24, 2018
Shipyard girls
Reading this i was drawn into the story I felt I was there in those streets i know so well this series of books just get better and better a fantastic group of girls who could be any one of us if we were alive in the war. could only give 5 . STARS but worth many more .
Reading this i was drawn into the story I felt I was there in those streets i know so well this series of books just get better and better a fantastic group of girls who could be any one of us if we were alive in the war. could only give 5 . STARS but worth many more .
September 11, 2018
The plot thickens.
What a turn up for the books. Would never have guessed the storyline in this episode of the Shipyard girls. Nancy Recall really surprised me with this book. Can't wait for the next encounter.
What a turn up for the books. Would never have guessed the storyline in this episode of the Shipyard girls. Nancy Recall really surprised me with this book. Can't wait for the next encounter.
September 13, 2018
The light
I have now read all of the shipyard girls. When you read what they have done. The girls worked and played hard. Brilliant set of books 📚 Brings the war to life. Giving the girls their voices. Everyone will enjoy Nancy's books.
I have now read all of the shipyard girls. When you read what they have done. The girls worked and played hard. Brilliant set of books 📚 Brings the war to life. Giving the girls their voices. Everyone will enjoy Nancy's books.
October 3, 2018
An excellent book! This is book 6 in the "Shipyard Girls" series. Each book is written in a way to walk you through the lives of each of the girls in the shipyard. You'll become addicted to the stories and you'll be glad you did! This really shows you what life was like during WWII.
March 18, 2019
I have been eagerly awaiting this book, and i have got to say i was not disappointed. The characters are so intricate and so believable . Nancy Revell never disappoints and i know can't wait to read the next book in this series.
March 23, 2020
I really enjoyed this series so far, I cant wait to start reading the next book. I enjoy the stories as they develop throughout the book and there is always a story developing which makes you want to read the next book in the series.
September 13, 2020
Another excellent book by Nancy Revell, I have all the series, and now on to the next one, and I have recommended her books to my friends, I do have 4 hard copies and the rest on my Kindle, so when they have read the hard copies, they should be hooked to carry on with either hard copies or kindle
August 30, 2022
Yet another amazing story of the shipyard girls can’t seem to put these down and when finished start another straight away
You feel like your right there living with them through the ups and downs during the war
Fantastic read
You feel like your right there living with them through the ups and downs during the war
Fantastic read
September 13, 2022
In this installment, Helen continues with her self destructive ways and her naivete leads her down dark paths. Gloria and Jack are still separated but their love endures. Bel finally learns the horrible truth of her parentage. The book ends on a cliffhanger for Polly. Overall very good book.
January 3, 2024
I loved this book! I felt extremely sorry for Pearl when it came out how Belle was conceived and I can now understand her strained relationship with Belle. I also felt very sorry for Helen and how she was left and impregnated by Theo
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 11, 2024
Wonderful book, felt sorry for poor Helen, what a horrible mum.snd boyfriend 😔 but i cried when she knocked on the door at the end, now she will find out the truth about her dad. I had guessed who Bel's dad mught be, oooh fireworks there if that gets out!!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 9, 2018
Can't stop reading.
Love the continuing story, can't wait to find out what will happen next. March 2019 seems a long time to wait to find out what will happen next.
Love the continuing story, can't wait to find out what will happen next. March 2019 seems a long time to wait to find out what will happen next.
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