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The Jam Factory Girls
The Jam Factory Girls is an uplifting and emotional novel of friendship set in the heart of pre-WWI London from bestselling author, Mary Wood.
Life for Elsie is difficult as she struggles to cope with her alcoholic mother. Caring for her siblings and working long hours at Swift's Jam Factory in London’s Bermondsey is exhausting. Thankfully her lifelong friendship with Dot helps to smooth over life’s rough edges.
When Elsie and Dot meet Millie Swift, they are nervous to be in the presence of the bosses’ daughter. Over time, they are surprised to feel so drawn to her, but should two East End girls be socializing in such circles?
When disaster strikes, it binds the women in ways they could never imagine. Long-held secrets are revealed that could change all their lives...
Life for Elsie is difficult as she struggles to cope with her alcoholic mother. Caring for her siblings and working long hours at Swift's Jam Factory in London’s Bermondsey is exhausting. Thankfully her lifelong friendship with Dot helps to smooth over life’s rough edges.
When Elsie and Dot meet Millie Swift, they are nervous to be in the presence of the bosses’ daughter. Over time, they are surprised to feel so drawn to her, but should two East End girls be socializing in such circles?
When disaster strikes, it binds the women in ways they could never imagine. Long-held secrets are revealed that could change all their lives...
368 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 10, 2020
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119 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
December 10, 2020
Life for Elsie is difficult as she struggles with her alcoholic mother, caring for her siblings and working long hours at Swift's Jam Factory. Thankfully her friend Dot helps to smooth over life's rough edges. But when they meet Millie Swift, their bosses' daughter, they are surprised to feel drawn to her. When disaster strikes, it binds the women in ways they could never imagine.
I was pulled into this story by the end of the first chapter. It's a gritty and emotional read. The story is set around pre war London. We follow the friendships of the three women and the relationships within their families. I liked the three main characters, I laughed and I cried with them. The book is descriptively written. I could not put this book down. Fans of the author and the era will love this book.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #PamMacmillan and the author #MaryWood for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I was pulled into this story by the end of the first chapter. It's a gritty and emotional read. The story is set around pre war London. We follow the friendships of the three women and the relationships within their families. I liked the three main characters, I laughed and I cried with them. The book is descriptively written. I could not put this book down. Fans of the author and the era will love this book.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #PamMacmillan and the author #MaryWood for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 12, 2020
Wow! What a book, I absolutely loved it! Once you start reading this book, a first in a new series by the exceptionally talented Mary Wood, you will be lost. Nothing else mattered whilst I was reading this book - I was well and truly hooked!
Honestly, this author doesn't hold back and will have you laughing one minute and crying the next.
The story is set for most part in the East End of London, just before the first World War and our leading ladies: Elsie, Dot and Millie are a trio not to be messed with. BUT they each have such a caring nature and will willingly help anyone who deserves it.
Elsie and Dot have known each other all their lives, and so have their Mother's, but why do their Mothers no longer speak? As the story progresses it becomes clear why, but much more is revealed.
I loved everything about Elsie; and Dot, also a great character but I did feel that she needed to 'try' and stand up for herself more. Without a doubt my heart went out to them and I was so glad that they had each other, and were able to draw strength from one another.
Millie is from a higher class than Elsie and Dot, but by, did that girl have a strong head on her shoulders! I loved Millie's way of thinking and believe that I would have felt and acted just the same way as Millie.
I loved seeing these young women come together and nothing could have prepared me for what each had to endure.
The story really is flawless and held my attention throughout; I eagerly read through each chapter, wanting to find out what else was going on and to see how it would end.
This story is full of drama, tension, it's tragic in a few parts, joyful in others, and I am so excited for the next book in this sure to be a hit series!
Even the Unsavoury characters were entertaining and I like that the author doesn't hold back as in my opinion, it makes it more true to real life. Bad things happen every day and sometimes some good can come out of it.
Thank you for such an entertaining read, I loved getting to meet and spending time with three beautiful characters.
My thanks to Pan Macmillan via NetGalley.
Honestly, this author doesn't hold back and will have you laughing one minute and crying the next.
The story is set for most part in the East End of London, just before the first World War and our leading ladies: Elsie, Dot and Millie are a trio not to be messed with. BUT they each have such a caring nature and will willingly help anyone who deserves it.
Elsie and Dot have known each other all their lives, and so have their Mother's, but why do their Mothers no longer speak? As the story progresses it becomes clear why, but much more is revealed.
I loved everything about Elsie; and Dot, also a great character but I did feel that she needed to 'try' and stand up for herself more. Without a doubt my heart went out to them and I was so glad that they had each other, and were able to draw strength from one another.
Millie is from a higher class than Elsie and Dot, but by, did that girl have a strong head on her shoulders! I loved Millie's way of thinking and believe that I would have felt and acted just the same way as Millie.
I loved seeing these young women come together and nothing could have prepared me for what each had to endure.
The story really is flawless and held my attention throughout; I eagerly read through each chapter, wanting to find out what else was going on and to see how it would end.
This story is full of drama, tension, it's tragic in a few parts, joyful in others, and I am so excited for the next book in this sure to be a hit series!
Even the Unsavoury characters were entertaining and I like that the author doesn't hold back as in my opinion, it makes it more true to real life. Bad things happen every day and sometimes some good can come out of it.
Thank you for such an entertaining read, I loved getting to meet and spending time with three beautiful characters.
My thanks to Pan Macmillan via NetGalley.
January 14, 2021
As always, another great saga from Mary Wood. Full of likeable characters, and some not so likeable rogues. The first in a trilogy.
August 9, 2020
Thanks to Net Galley for granting me this book. The Jam Factory Girls was a book I enjoyed about friendships and families set in the heart of pre-war London. Elsie and Dot are the very best of friends and work at the Swift Jam Factory, the novel follows their lives and relationships within their families. They meet Millie Swift who is the daughter of the boss at the factory - whereupon things develop quite quickly with a surprising turn of events and secrets revealed.. I enjoyed this book
January 28, 2021
Mary Wood really brings to life pre-war London through the lives of Elsie and her family. The reader is drawn into the story from the start and the portrayal of conditions in the jam factory is well researched and authentically detailed. When Elsie and her best friend Dot cross paths with Millie, their lives intersect in ways that they cannot begin to imagine.
Mary's down-to-earth style perfectly captures the period through gritty realism and carries the reader along until the grand finale. A great story from a great storyteller.
Mary's down-to-earth style perfectly captures the period through gritty realism and carries the reader along until the grand finale. A great story from a great storyteller.
August 1, 2020
The first book in the series, and we meet Elsie Makin the year is 1910, and Swift's Jam Factory in Bermondsey, London, is her place of work, along side her best friend Dot Grimes. Jam Jar washing and sorting out the fruit, it was a heavy workload.
Millie Millicent Hawkesfield's is the bosses daughter, wanting to know the jam trade, and the three struck up a secret friendship.
Elsie lives with her three brothers and her mum Kitty and they were barely scraping by.
but what trouble lays ahead for them all?
This book has everything rolled into one, secrets, heartache sorrow and joy, it has your emotions running all over the place.
As i kept reading, I found myself saying just one more chapter, it pulls you into the whole book, as so much is happening.
i've enjoyed Elsie Dot and Millie's story so much, a delight to read with a Jam and cream scone and a cup of "Rosie lee".
Millie Millicent Hawkesfield's is the bosses daughter, wanting to know the jam trade, and the three struck up a secret friendship.
Elsie lives with her three brothers and her mum Kitty and they were barely scraping by.
but what trouble lays ahead for them all?
This book has everything rolled into one, secrets, heartache sorrow and joy, it has your emotions running all over the place.
As i kept reading, I found myself saying just one more chapter, it pulls you into the whole book, as so much is happening.
i've enjoyed Elsie Dot and Millie's story so much, a delight to read with a Jam and cream scone and a cup of "Rosie lee".
August 3, 2020
Mary Wood always draws you into the story to travel the road her characters take,Elsie,Dot and Millie are three very different young girls with a thirst for life.Lovely book well worth the 5*
February 2, 2021
This is an absolutely delightful story which portrays the lives of ordinary people in early 1900s London, from the very talented author Mary Wood, where we meet two girls, Elsie and Dot, who work at the local jam factory in Bermondsey London, where both poor living and bad working conditions are all too common. They have to work hard, but they have their friendships and cockney camaraderie amongst their neighbours and work friends too.
Millie (or Millicent) is the daughter of the jam factory owner and she is horrified at both the working and living conditions of the female staff and is determined to do something about it. What happens after a horrific accident affects the lives of all three girls. As the story progresses the lives of these three young women will never be the same again, full of hardships, friendships, and heartache, this is a truly lovely story, which I didn't want to end and can't wait to read the next in this series which is due out in May 2021 (Secrets of the Jam Factory Girls) so I can find out what happens to Millie, Dot and Elsie.
A 5☆ read.
Millie (or Millicent) is the daughter of the jam factory owner and she is horrified at both the working and living conditions of the female staff and is determined to do something about it. What happens after a horrific accident affects the lives of all three girls. As the story progresses the lives of these three young women will never be the same again, full of hardships, friendships, and heartache, this is a truly lovely story, which I didn't want to end and can't wait to read the next in this series which is due out in May 2021 (Secrets of the Jam Factory Girls) so I can find out what happens to Millie, Dot and Elsie.
A 5☆ read.
April 29, 2021
Wow! What a roller-coaster of an emotional read this book was! I don't think I've recovered from finishing off reading it yesterday yet.
Thank you Mary for taking this reader through the wringer and out the other side. This is writing of the highest order that I cannot praise highly enough.
The story of Elsie, Millie and Dot in the years just prior to the outbreak of WW1, set in and around the Jam Factory of the title. If you want a happily-ever-after book, then tis won't be for you, but that is realistic writing and story-telling, and the book is all the more powerful for this style of writing.
In short, this is one of the best books I've read; full stop!
Thank you Mary for taking this reader through the wringer and out the other side. This is writing of the highest order that I cannot praise highly enough.
The story of Elsie, Millie and Dot in the years just prior to the outbreak of WW1, set in and around the Jam Factory of the title. If you want a happily-ever-after book, then tis won't be for you, but that is realistic writing and story-telling, and the book is all the more powerful for this style of writing.
In short, this is one of the best books I've read; full stop!
April 1, 2021
This was a pleasant surprise.
Very graphic and not what I thought this would be about. Full of heart stopping moments. But also love, warmth, friendship and family.
I really enjoyed this book. Especially the resilience of the women.
Very graphic and not what I thought this would be about. Full of heart stopping moments. But also love, warmth, friendship and family.
I really enjoyed this book. Especially the resilience of the women.
December 31, 2020
Elsie, Dot, Millie
Dot and Elsie both work at the jam factory not easy work but they manage till one day there is an accident in the factory and Dot and Elsie are blamed and locked up but Millie the bosses daughter helps the girls and there families out a friendship is made. This book is a wonderful book I can't wait for the next one 5 STARS.
Dot and Elsie both work at the jam factory not easy work but they manage till one day there is an accident in the factory and Dot and Elsie are blamed and locked up but Millie the bosses daughter helps the girls and there families out a friendship is made. This book is a wonderful book I can't wait for the next one 5 STARS.
December 12, 2020
Brilliant story from mary wood once again definately draws you in cant put book down till finished wish i could give more than 5 stars cant wait for 2nd and 3rd books in series x
January 31, 2021
This is an enthralling book set in 1910, looking at the lives of young women brought together by a jam factory in London. Elsie works in the dangerous, oppressive Swifts Jam Factory, subject to the unfair rule of overseers, grateful to have a job when older women wait outside the gates unemployed. She has a family to care for despite being only eighteen: a mother who works on the streets and brings in variable amounts of money, a slightly younger brother who picks up casual work, and two younger brothers. Her best friend Dot has a similarly difficult background despite having both parents. This is a novel of poverty and injustice, but also love, friendship and hope. As always with Mary Wood’s books, the relationship between women is the most powerful element of a novel when the odds seem to be stacked against them; there are challenges, but also small victories as friendship overcomes many problems. The two girls are inseparable, but each warm to a stranger, Millie, when they meet by chance, and it is their loyalty to each other in a small group that transforms many lives. I was so pleased to have the opportunity to read and review this book of women taking power for themselves in the most difficult of circumstances.
The book opens with a description of morning in Elsie’s home. This is a place of a “knocker up” who wakes workers, and Elsie and Cecil have to rise and sort out the rest of the family. Jimmy is only eight, and obviously ill, but still has to help a local grocer to earn a few pennies. Bert is four years old, and Elsie has to make sure her mother, who drinks heavily, is awake to keep an eye on him before she sets off for work. This is poverty, only redeemed by kind doctors who offer free treatment for children. Life is tough, but they have a little income, which varies alarmingly with seasonal work. Dot also struggles with the work at the jam factory, lifting glass jars and sorting fruit. The stirring of protest concerning the conditions and wages among women workers gives some hope, but even membership of a union can be an expensive option. Into this world enters the relatively wealthy daughter of the factory’s owner, Millie Hawksfield, who is struggling against her parent’s hopes of her making an impressive marriage. When she is confronted by the poverty of the two young women, she begins to discover the realities of the lives of her father’s employees, but it takes a tragedy for her to be confronted with some of her father’s actions. As she is drawn to new friendships which challenge her upbringing, the women begin to suspect more is to be discovered about those around them.
This book represents the first in a series concerning the women who worked in small factories in London in the early twentieth century. The dialogue represents the gaps between rich and poor, the ambitions of those with little, compared with the financially secure. The descriptions of the working conditions in the factory show research into the conditions that women worked at the time, but never slows down the story. Wood uses insights into the clothes, the food and so much more to bring these women alive so that it is easy to be drawn into the story. I found this a compelling story which kept me reading once begun, and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys well paced stories of women facing challenges together.
The book opens with a description of morning in Elsie’s home. This is a place of a “knocker up” who wakes workers, and Elsie and Cecil have to rise and sort out the rest of the family. Jimmy is only eight, and obviously ill, but still has to help a local grocer to earn a few pennies. Bert is four years old, and Elsie has to make sure her mother, who drinks heavily, is awake to keep an eye on him before she sets off for work. This is poverty, only redeemed by kind doctors who offer free treatment for children. Life is tough, but they have a little income, which varies alarmingly with seasonal work. Dot also struggles with the work at the jam factory, lifting glass jars and sorting fruit. The stirring of protest concerning the conditions and wages among women workers gives some hope, but even membership of a union can be an expensive option. Into this world enters the relatively wealthy daughter of the factory’s owner, Millie Hawksfield, who is struggling against her parent’s hopes of her making an impressive marriage. When she is confronted by the poverty of the two young women, she begins to discover the realities of the lives of her father’s employees, but it takes a tragedy for her to be confronted with some of her father’s actions. As she is drawn to new friendships which challenge her upbringing, the women begin to suspect more is to be discovered about those around them.
This book represents the first in a series concerning the women who worked in small factories in London in the early twentieth century. The dialogue represents the gaps between rich and poor, the ambitions of those with little, compared with the financially secure. The descriptions of the working conditions in the factory show research into the conditions that women worked at the time, but never slows down the story. Wood uses insights into the clothes, the food and so much more to bring these women alive so that it is easy to be drawn into the story. I found this a compelling story which kept me reading once begun, and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys well paced stories of women facing challenges together.
February 6, 2021
It is always an absolute treat to read a book by this author, especially when I get to read the first book in a new trilogy. The Jam Factory Girls is the first in this new trilogy and it is a wonderful book from start to finish.
This book introduces two Eastend girls Elsie and Dot, and also the Jam factory owners daughter Millie. An unlikely friendship blooms between these girls, they just get on so well. Millie's friendship would be looked down upon by her parents just as the girls' friendship with Millies would be. In an era when social classes are still very evident, and classes should not mix it is an unusual relationship, to say the least.
For me, Elsie was the main character of the three and her story is told more so than the others, but the author knows how to weave a tale that involves the three. Hardship, poor working conditions and living conditions are described and show that even when times are tough, there are always those that are in a worse condition.
The over-riding feeling through this book is one of friendship, loyalty and wanting to do the right thing. Not always easy when a good deed can be seen as charity and pride is a priority. The story tells of not just the friendship between the girls but also includes the going on in the factory, the rise of women calling for their own rights in the workforce.
This is an absolutely fabulous book and one that I adored. The author has once again transported me back in time and delivered such a heartbreaking at times story, but one that also injects hope for the future into it. If you are a fan of sagas and historical fiction then this is a book that is definitely one that should be on your list. If you have read any of this author's books then you know you are going to be in for a wonderful read. The Jam Factory Girls is a book I would definitely recommend.
This book introduces two Eastend girls Elsie and Dot, and also the Jam factory owners daughter Millie. An unlikely friendship blooms between these girls, they just get on so well. Millie's friendship would be looked down upon by her parents just as the girls' friendship with Millies would be. In an era when social classes are still very evident, and classes should not mix it is an unusual relationship, to say the least.
For me, Elsie was the main character of the three and her story is told more so than the others, but the author knows how to weave a tale that involves the three. Hardship, poor working conditions and living conditions are described and show that even when times are tough, there are always those that are in a worse condition.
The over-riding feeling through this book is one of friendship, loyalty and wanting to do the right thing. Not always easy when a good deed can be seen as charity and pride is a priority. The story tells of not just the friendship between the girls but also includes the going on in the factory, the rise of women calling for their own rights in the workforce.
This is an absolutely fabulous book and one that I adored. The author has once again transported me back in time and delivered such a heartbreaking at times story, but one that also injects hope for the future into it. If you are a fan of sagas and historical fiction then this is a book that is definitely one that should be on your list. If you have read any of this author's books then you know you are going to be in for a wonderful read. The Jam Factory Girls is a book I would definitely recommend.
April 21, 2021
I always love a Mary Wood book and The Jam Factory Girls is no exception. The start of a brand new trilogy, it's full of the author's usual warmth.
The girls of the title are Elsie and Dot who work at Swift's Jam Factory in Bermondsey. Life is hard there and the women are not treated very well. Conditions are dangerous and they are expected to work overtime for nothing. Home life is not much better, living from hand to mouth in cramped surroundings. There is a third Jam Factory Girl: Millie Hawkesfield, the daughter of the owner. Against the odds, the three young women become fast friends but fate has quite a lot in store for them.
Mary Wood does tend to put her characters through a lot of trials and tribulations and Elsie, Dot and Millie don't get let off lightly. I did feel though that this book had plenty of good times to balance out the bad ones. Although each of the characters has some very tough and heartbreaking situations to endure, their friendship and their family relationships help them through it and I always love the way that Wood portrays the camaraderie between her characters.
With the book starting in 1910 I found it really interesting to read of the uprising amongst female workers in the various jam factories. The author did research into this and it was brilliant to see the workers coming out in force to campaign for better conditions and pay, and seeing the benefit of what was effectively a union.
I loved this story. I enjoyed reading about the workings of the jam factory, and the contrasts between upper class Millie and the working class Elsie and Dot were really well-drawn. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens to them next in the second book in the trilogy, Secrets of the Jam Factory Girls.
The girls of the title are Elsie and Dot who work at Swift's Jam Factory in Bermondsey. Life is hard there and the women are not treated very well. Conditions are dangerous and they are expected to work overtime for nothing. Home life is not much better, living from hand to mouth in cramped surroundings. There is a third Jam Factory Girl: Millie Hawkesfield, the daughter of the owner. Against the odds, the three young women become fast friends but fate has quite a lot in store for them.
Mary Wood does tend to put her characters through a lot of trials and tribulations and Elsie, Dot and Millie don't get let off lightly. I did feel though that this book had plenty of good times to balance out the bad ones. Although each of the characters has some very tough and heartbreaking situations to endure, their friendship and their family relationships help them through it and I always love the way that Wood portrays the camaraderie between her characters.
With the book starting in 1910 I found it really interesting to read of the uprising amongst female workers in the various jam factories. The author did research into this and it was brilliant to see the workers coming out in force to campaign for better conditions and pay, and seeing the benefit of what was effectively a union.
I loved this story. I enjoyed reading about the workings of the jam factory, and the contrasts between upper class Millie and the working class Elsie and Dot were really well-drawn. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens to them next in the second book in the trilogy, Secrets of the Jam Factory Girls.
January 31, 2021
I'm always excited when I hear that Mary Wood has a new book coming out and knowing that it's the first in a new series makes it even better!
It's 1911 and Elsie is juggling caring for her siblings and her alcoholic mother, as well as her job at Swift's Jam Factory. The work there is backbreaking but having her best friend Dot beside her makes it easier to bear. The girls have known each other all of their lives as their mother's were once close but something in the past has caused a rift between them and the pair no longer speak.
Elsie and Dot are out in the park one day when they have a chance meeting with Millie, the daughter of the owner of the jam factory and an unlikey friendship blossoms between the three girls. This is a friendship which they will all come to rely on in the future.
I love Mary's books so much because I'm always immediately drawn in by her charming characters and this one was no exception! My heart went out to Elsie right from the start, not only was she struggling to look after her siblings, she had the added worry of the safety of her mum when she was out 'working' the streets to bring in money and then there was the appalling work conditions at the jam factory. I learned a lot about the social history of the time and found it truly fascinating, it was almost as if I was experiencing it first hand.
The Jam Factory Girls is a book that had me smiling one minute and crying the next. It's a genuinely heart- warming tale with friendship at it's core and a magnificent start to another trilogy from this hugely talented author. I honestly can't wait for the next one!
It's 1911 and Elsie is juggling caring for her siblings and her alcoholic mother, as well as her job at Swift's Jam Factory. The work there is backbreaking but having her best friend Dot beside her makes it easier to bear. The girls have known each other all of their lives as their mother's were once close but something in the past has caused a rift between them and the pair no longer speak.
Elsie and Dot are out in the park one day when they have a chance meeting with Millie, the daughter of the owner of the jam factory and an unlikey friendship blossoms between the three girls. This is a friendship which they will all come to rely on in the future.
I love Mary's books so much because I'm always immediately drawn in by her charming characters and this one was no exception! My heart went out to Elsie right from the start, not only was she struggling to look after her siblings, she had the added worry of the safety of her mum when she was out 'working' the streets to bring in money and then there was the appalling work conditions at the jam factory. I learned a lot about the social history of the time and found it truly fascinating, it was almost as if I was experiencing it first hand.
The Jam Factory Girls is a book that had me smiling one minute and crying the next. It's a genuinely heart- warming tale with friendship at it's core and a magnificent start to another trilogy from this hugely talented author. I honestly can't wait for the next one!
November 21, 2020
Set in Bermondsey London, Elsie Makin and her friend Dot are working at Swift's Jam factory. Elsie's mum Kitty and her friend are the local prostitutes her mother having to turn to men paying for her favours to keep her family alive. As well as her mum Elsie has 3 brothers living at home.
Whilst in the park one day they meet a well-to-do young woman on her horse and a secret unlikely friendship strikes up. They realise that Millie is the daughter of the factory owner where they work and when told of the conditions they have to work in Millie makes it her goal to change this for the better.
The ups and downs of this book make you cry, care for the characters and generally warm to it. We see both sides of life, the slums and poverty, the rich and comfortable.
I particularly love the way Mary Wood described the way after one of the characters is murdered that the others look into the sky and see the person floating on a cloud waving to them and looking happy.
Such a lovely heartwarming book just right for a cold dark winter.
Whilst in the park one day they meet a well-to-do young woman on her horse and a secret unlikely friendship strikes up. They realise that Millie is the daughter of the factory owner where they work and when told of the conditions they have to work in Millie makes it her goal to change this for the better.
The ups and downs of this book make you cry, care for the characters and generally warm to it. We see both sides of life, the slums and poverty, the rich and comfortable.
I particularly love the way Mary Wood described the way after one of the characters is murdered that the others look into the sky and see the person floating on a cloud waving to them and looking happy.
Such a lovely heartwarming book just right for a cold dark winter.
September 30, 2020
Set just before the start of WW2
this is a fantastic story, social history at it's best. Virtually all the girls and women who worked at the Jam Factory were downtrodden and living in abject poverty. The factory owner and foreman in charge were cruel men who would stop at nothing to get what they wanted At the other end of the spectrum was Millie as she liked to called. She was the only daughter of the mill owner. Although she had a privileged upbringing it all seemed to stem around her mother's desire to see her marry into the aristocracy but Millie knew her life meant much more to her than this. She also knew that although they had money and standing in the community she would never be accepted in the circles of the higher classes. . A chance meeting with two of the factory girls would change her life forever. and have far reaching consequences. The author has done it again with this book, which will make you laugh and cry in equal measure
this is a fantastic story, social history at it's best. Virtually all the girls and women who worked at the Jam Factory were downtrodden and living in abject poverty. The factory owner and foreman in charge were cruel men who would stop at nothing to get what they wanted At the other end of the spectrum was Millie as she liked to called. She was the only daughter of the mill owner. Although she had a privileged upbringing it all seemed to stem around her mother's desire to see her marry into the aristocracy but Millie knew her life meant much more to her than this. She also knew that although they had money and standing in the community she would never be accepted in the circles of the higher classes. . A chance meeting with two of the factory girls would change her life forever. and have far reaching consequences. The author has done it again with this book, which will make you laugh and cry in equal measure
February 5, 2021
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I love historical fiction and this was the grittiest one that I've read. Just as you thought that there would be no more drama, there was more drama. It made for fantastic reading, if not a bit disturbing and heart breaking at times. I loved the relationship between Elsie, Dot and Millie. I see that there is a second instalment out later on in the year and I can't wait to read it.
I love historical fiction and this was the grittiest one that I've read. Just as you thought that there would be no more drama, there was more drama. It made for fantastic reading, if not a bit disturbing and heart breaking at times. I loved the relationship between Elsie, Dot and Millie. I see that there is a second instalment out later on in the year and I can't wait to read it.
March 21, 2021
This is the 1st in a new series and it began the story well, Elsie and Dot are friends who work at Swifts jam factory and they are befriended by the owners daughter Millie. Hard times fall on the girls and Millie does her best to help them. This is a lovely, sometimes tough story of friendship and I look forward to reading book 2.
January 10, 2021
Sweet and sticky jam
I rated this book high as every page has given me an insight into the way the poor women worked. It was a hard life but they loved it even though they had hard times. I'm looking forward to the next two books.
Thank you Mary your an amazing lady xx
I rated this book high as every page has given me an insight into the way the poor women worked. It was a hard life but they loved it even though they had hard times. I'm looking forward to the next two books.
Thank you Mary your an amazing lady xx
January 17, 2021
As always Mary Wood has succeeded in giving me an excellent read.
Just loved reading this as you can almost imagine the smell of the jam from the factory. Looking forward to the next installment in this trilogy.
Just loved reading this as you can almost imagine the smell of the jam from the factory. Looking forward to the next installment in this trilogy.
December 14, 2021
Fabulous!
I was totally engrossed in this story straight away and simply could not put it down. So much so that I am going to look for the next book by this wonderful author straight away. ❤
I was totally engrossed in this story straight away and simply could not put it down. So much so that I am going to look for the next book by this wonderful author straight away. ❤
September 8, 2023
This Book was a slow start, as it goes through all the characters in the book, but once that is done my God it was a brilliant book starting with friendship of Millie, Dot and Elsie, with some upsets and revelations. Will they all stick together. THere is surprise in store for all three of them too
July 23, 2020
Full review coming soon
January 13, 2021
Once again really enjoyed reading the Jam Factory girls,kept me going through lockdown!,can’t wait until the summer for the next book ,thank you Mary x
January 24, 2021
My first and definitely not the last book I've read by Mary Wood. Great story from start to finish. Can't wait for the next release in May 😊
January 30, 2021
Another great read from Mary really enjoyed the first book in the jam factory series looking forward to book 2 coming out
February 28, 2021
A easy relaxing read perfect for cold wevenings in.
March 22, 2021
Absolutely loved this new saga. Read it in 2 days and can't wait to read the next k e due out in May.
Such a lovely set of characters and plot.
Such a lovely set of characters and plot.
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