Christmas with the Railway Girls

The Railway Girls #4

by Maisie Thomas

The brand new festive Railway Girls novel set in Manchester during WWII. Perfect for fans of Nancy Revell, Daisy Styles and Margaret Dickinson.
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Manchester, 1941

Christmas is the season for family and friends, and this year the railway girls will need each other more than ever.

Cordelia appears to have the perfect life. When her daughter Emily arrives home unexpectedly, she can't wait to introduce her to her friends. But when things don't go to plan, Cordelia must decide where her loyalty lies.

Things aren't going too smoothly for Alison either. Her beloved boyfriend has yet to propose, but there's a charity fundraiser dance and she's dressed up specially. Surely, tonight must be the night.

Colette's friends are envious of her devoted husband; he meets her after every shift on the railway, and accompanies her around town. But Colette has a secret, one that will change her life—if only she knew who to confide in.

With the festive season fast approaching, the railway girls are hoping for some Christmas magic...

Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction

400 pages, Paperback

First published November 11, 2021

About the author

Maisie Thomas was born and brought up in Manchester, which provides the location for her Railway Girls novels. She loves writing stories with strong female characters, set in times when women needed determination and vision to make their mark. The Railway Girls series is inspired by her great aunt, Jessie, who worked as a railway clerk during the First World War.

Maisie now lives on the beautiful North Wales coast with her railway enthusiast husband, Kevin, and their two rescue cats. They often enjoy holidays chugging up and down the UK’s heritage steam railways.

Reviews

[Yvonne G · Rating 5 out of 5]

“This will be a festive season to remember”


I know I must sound a bit like a stuck record, but I have to say it once again, this series just keeps on giving and getting better all the time. Author, Maisie Thomas, always manages to put a slightly different spin on the storyline, which keeps each new episode unique, fresh, vibrant and relevant to the cultural and societal mores of the times. Also, whilst a series, each book can be read quite happily as a stand alone story, with any necessary background story details fed in succinctly, so that whilst I never felt left out or cheated in any way, I conversely didn’t feel that there was too much repetition surrounding past events and relationships.

Whilst this chapter in the lives of ‘The Railway Girls’, has technically been classified as a Christmas episode, I think it would be fine to read at any time of the year, as the seasonal references, whilst definitely present, don’t overwhelm the narrative or dialogue, which also spans the preceding months from June to November. It would be a shame to miss out on this episode for fear that Christmas is its only focus point. As the bombing raids intensify and a ravaged city faces shortages and tragedy, friendships amongst colleagues becomes an even more vital bond, on a railway network which is a sitting target for the enemy.

For this fourth storyline, the spotlight switches direction, to focus on three different members of the group, although of course, it is still “all for one and one for all” when the chips are down, and matriarch Mrs Dot Green, remains the lynchpin which holds everything together and on whom they can all depend, either as a mother figure to the younger members, or as a sensible shoulder to cry on and offer words of advice and wisdom, to her fellow, more mature friends. However, Dot is your typical, down-to-earth Mancunian, with no airs and graces, no plumb in her mouth, a little rough around the edges and with not too many social skills or etiquette. All the ladies come from diverse backgrounds, some are more polished than others and whilst they may not in other circumstances, be the most natural of bedfellows, they have all learned that war is a great leveller and defies class and distinction. However not all their family members may be quite so easy going or accommodating.

Following a lengthy courtship, Alison has been thwarted in love in the most painful of ways, with her woe being compounded not only by the speed at which her supposedly forever soulmate moves on with his life, but by a member of her own family, who under any other circumstances would show more empathy with Alison, but in wartime conditions and with the threat of invasion growing ever closer, needs to grab their own happiness where and when they can. With the help of her friends, is Alison able to begin putting the past behind her and reach for the future she deserves?

The ladies have always thought that Colette was way too shy and wrapped up in her overly attentive husband. However throughout, I have been of the opinion that there was more going on than met the eye. Whilst I wasn’t quite spot on with my deductions, they were close enough to cause consternation and I could only applaud Colettes tenacity in keeping her secret until she could bear it no longer. Her often silent plea, “You never know what goes on behind closed doors” is finally heard, although only by one of her non railway friends, and not the erstwhile Dot this time. With help and support, Colette’s eventual act of ultimate courage may appear fatal and final, but has the door been left ajar for later episodes?

Cordelia, whilst not the only refined, top drawer person in the group, is the only one who has a husband at home, to whom class, image and standing in the community, is all important and encompassing. Cordelia has accepted the friendship and adapted to the ways of all the other ladies, but particularly Dot, with whom she has a special rapport and understanding, despite their disparate backgrounds, especially as they are the two elders of the group. Cordelia hopes that Kenneth and daughter Emily will learn to see the good in people, no matter what their social status, so that friendships forged in wartime adversity might continue into the peaceful aftermath, should that day ever come. It seems however, that Cordelia has been too good at raising a daughter in her own own image and Emily is even more intransigent than her father. What will it take for a complete change of heart to happen and will Cordelia have to make the ultimate sacrifice to set the wheels in motion?

Multi-layered, well structured and naturally evolving, often tense and highly textured, sometimes humorous, but always hopeful. Beautifully fluent narrative and dialogue always written from the heart, offers a very easy going, three dimensional, wonderfully visual sense of time and place, which is totally immersive. The author’s love of railways also shines through in the meticulous attention to detail and although I have never visited Manchester or seen Victoria Station for myself, I could almost imagine myself there, soaking up the atmosphere alongside the ladies as they go about their daily work, then later enjoying a cup of tea with them in the concourse buffet, grabbing those few minutes of relaxation time in which to be themselves, before they head their separate ways as they switch back into domestic mode to tackle the day to day trials and tribulations of wartime shortages and household family emergencies.

Maisie has created and developed a compelling core cast of characters, who have been afforded the strongest of voices with which to tell their story. However she astutely realised that in the troubled wartime experiences this band of friends share, some relationships will inevitably change and evolve over time, either as a consequence of the ravages of the war itself, or through changes in personal circumstances. Either way, Maisie is really adept at treating departing characters with the respect they are due and welcoming newcomers into the fold, to add their own unique blend of strengths and bonds to the new mix, keeping “The Railway Girls” alive. The camaraderie, dynamics and synergy between the characters is very evocative and tangible, making them easy to relate to and invest in. Yes, they are as complex and emotional, raw, vulnerable and passionate as the next person; however they are always vibrant, genuine and believable, addictive and authentic, often with a great sense of fun despite the difficult and busy lives they lead and the personal challenges and tragedies they must endure.

I read for Enjoyment, Entertainment and Escapism. Ideally I also like my storylines to be Engaging, Emotional and Educational. When each new book in a series can evoke all those feelings, time and time again, without losing its edge, then I know I am on to a winner!

“Keep the home fires burning”, Maisie!


To meet the author and share some of my memorable extracts from the book, visit...
https://www.fiction-books.biz/reviews...

[Karen Mace · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another emotional installment in this wonderful Railway Girls series, and it just transports you back in time and puts you right amongst an amazing group of women who are breaking free from the traditional role that they've played for so long, and doing their bit for their country during a very turbulent time in our history. And in their roles on the railways, they discover in themselves a different side to them and it's wonderful to watch them flourish with their new responsibilities and the confidence it gives them all - all while dealing with their own personal issues and the prejudices of some of those around them.

There's a number of stories in this part of the series - Cordelia, on the outside, looks like she has the perfect life, and her young daughter has also returned home wanting a role in working so that throws up new challenges for the family. Alison has the perfect boyfriend and she's eagerly awaiting his proposal, planning her new life with him and wondering what the future has in store for them. And Collette is the envy of her friends, with an attentive husband, but she has a secret that she's scared to share with anyone. Behind closed doors things can be very different!

And it's the friendships between the women that stand out one more - they become more than just work colleagues, and they pick up on changes in each others behaviour, forever watching out for one another.

I love the way that there's always a great cast of characters - different age groups facing different issues, but all against the backdrop of never knowing what the war will bring to them next alongside the attitudes of others who still don't see the role of women as more than just homemakers.

It's a book that made me cheer and cry - you're really put through the full range of emotions! The characters are so relatable and easy to identify with. They are all going through such a changing time in history and it's wonderful to see them evolving while dealing with 'life'! The author has a great way of telling their stories and it's always a delight to be in the company of these women as they watch their roles in the world change. Another wonderful read!

[Pat Langhelt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading about the railway girls brilliant characters x

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a fan of Maisie’s work for a little while now. In fact I have been a fan ever since I had the good fortune to pick up a copy of the first book in the series ‘The Railway Girls’ in May 2020. Since then I have read, loved and reviewed each new book in the series. The latest book called ‘Christmas With The Railway Girls’ was released on 11th November 2021. It is another corker of read, which I thoroughly enjoyed reading but more about that in a bit.
It seems kind of unfair to single out any of the ladies for special attention because I love them all. Saying that, I have to say that in this book Colette really stands out. Without going too far into further detail, you could say that she wakes up and smells the coffee in that she realises what we have all known for quite a while. With a little help from a friend, Colette finds a great deal of strength to deal with a problem that has been bubbling away for a while. What happens? Well for the answer to that question and so much more you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out as I am not going to tell you.
The fact that Maisie’s name was on the front cover of a book that was due for release was enough to grab my attention, the synopsis drew me in and the story between the covers of the book sealed the deal as it were. This was one of those books that proved impossible to put down. The book wasn’t exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it travelled everywhere with me as I couldn’t bear to miss a single second of the story. I became so wrapped up in the story that I lost all track of time and just how quickly I was getting through the story. I soon got to the end of ‘Christmas With The Railway Girls’ and I had to say a temporary farewell to ‘The Railway Girls’. I found ‘Christmas With The Railway Girls’ to be an unputdownable, page turner of a read, which kept me guessing and which kept me on the edge of my seat throughout.
‘Christmas With The Railway Girls’ is superbly written but then all of Maisie’s books are superbly written. Maisie has one of those easy going writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. In fact reading one of Maisie’s books feels more like a chat between friends than reading an actual book. I hope that makes sense. For me, the story hits the ground running and maintains a fairly steady pace throughout. Maisie has clearly done a lot of research into the time period that this story covers and this shines through in her work. Maisie clearly cares about her characters and this shines through in the very vivid and realistic way in which she talks about them. In fact they seem to realistic that they seem just as real as you and I. Maisie tackles some difficult subjects in this book but she tackles them with compassion and great sensitivity.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Christmas With The Railway Girls’ and I would definitely recommend this book and this author to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Maisie’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read a lot of books, but it is this series that keeps me awake at nights - in a very good way - because I simply cannot bear to put the latest one down! This wonderful book is the fourth in a series, but because it focuses on previously minor characters it works as a brilliant introduction to the other books. It is a lively fictional account of women who worked on the Railways of Manchester during the Second World War and the deep links of friendship that hold them together. It deliberately mixes women of various ages and backgrounds, and handles with great sensitivity the issues of different classes in this particular book. It also tackles the subject of the enormous uncertainty of when the next air raid will happen, as dramatic raids have focused on the railway tracks, bridges, stations and marshalling yards. I enjoy these well researched books because Thomas never pauses the narrative to insert bland facts; information is relayed because it supports and enhances the story. The story leads up to Christmas, and it certainly can be enjoyed at other times of the year. The three vividly drawn characters at the centre of this novel are Cordelia, Alison and Colette, who have previously been on the fringes of the action and now are featured with their particular challenges. I was so pleased to have the opportunity to read and review this book.

The book opens in June 1941, with Cordelia working hard checking and cleaning the vital signal lamps along a railway line. Married to Kenneth, a solicitor, she would have been expected to take up war work in a more “genteel” way, such as the Citizens’ Advice Bureau or WVS, but she loves her work and is proud of making a real contribution to the war effort. Early on the welfare officer who dealt with her intake of women workers told them to ignore class distinctions and stick together, and the women had fortunately taken that advice. Cordelia was particularly close to Dot whose down to earth nature had benefited several of the women, especially the younger ones. When Cordelia’s daughter Emily arrives home, the loving mother hopes to introduce her to the group, but things are not that straightforward. Meanwhile Alison continues to wait for the proposal she knows will be forthcoming from her long term boyfriend Paul; in a time of quick marriages she feels that she has been waiting for too long to be married and preparing to be a wife. She builds up her hopes and efforts for a charity ball as the time for Paul’s declaration, and yet surprises occur. Colette is a wife already, with a husband who seems to be attentive to a fault, and she is beginning to realise that what goes on behind closed doors can be as destructive to happiness as more obvious challenges. If only she can work out who to confide in, and find an opportunity, it may offer some hope.

This book works so well because of two elements, its context in a city where danger can be real at any time to anyone in a war on the Home Front, and the challenges that are faced by women at any time. Cordelia seems to have it all, the wealthy husband, the lovely home and the much loved Emily. Only she can make the decision whether to maintain the links of friendship that have changed her so much. Alison’s life is changed in a short time in a way that is certainly not limited to wartime, and she must decide how to go on. Colette’s secret is perhaps better recognised in the twenty - first century, but is no less severe for being unlabelled in 1941. This is a beautifully written book which I really enjoyed, and I thoroughly recommend it to anyone interested in the lives of women in wartime, as well anyone who enjoys reading of excellent characters in an historical setting.

[Hannah Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know that feeling when a book really hits you in the emotional feels… well that’s what I’m experiencing right now - as well as trying to resist those tears. This book has struck me to the core and made me so emotional, teaching us to really value everything we’ve got as it isn’t always as peachy.

Set in Manchester in 1941 we are thrown into the lives of the Railway Girls, Cordelia, Alison and Colette especially. These may be the main characters but they are far from the only characters, I am determined to read the previous books now as I really want to know everything about their wider friendship group.

Before reading this I didn’t really know much about the role that women played on the railways during WWII and it’s given me the urge to find out more. Working a long, physical day on the tracks and then heading home to cook tea and then volunteer their evenings to be fire watchers, first alders or cooks is just incredible and it’s humbling to think of all the women who did this, not thinking about the danger they were putting themselves in.

I don’t really have the right words for this book because I got well and truly lost in it, I just wanted to know how each of the womens’ stories were going to pan out, hoping so much that it was positive for them all. My heart was definitely in my throat a few times as we see the true devastation that the war had on so many people.

[Donna Morfett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first audiobook tour I have done, and the first audiobook I have listened to from cover to cover so to speak.
What a way to start. I normally read crime books, but love all genres. I have realised recently I particularly enjoy historical books set around the era of the second world war, which is exactly when this book is set.
The thing that stands out almost immediately in this book is the friendships between the women. They are all different, and have come together under the most difficult of circumstances, yet it didnt matter. Whatever they were before the war was irrelevant.
However, sometimes things are not always as they seem. As with all women it seems we are reluctant to share our secrets. The three main characters, Alison, Collette and Cordelia are the main voices.
Cordelia, on the outside, has it all, she is wealthy, has a good husband and grown up daughter, who returns home to find work.
Alison is dying for her boyfriend to propose, watching as all the women around her get engaged, trying to bite down her jealousy each time.
Collette seems like the devoted wife to the perfect husband, but she is hiding one of the biggest secrets of all. I imagine something that was more common but less spoken about then, than it is now.
One of the main things that stood out for me with this is the little details, the pangs of jealousy as another woman gets engaged, the glee when she didnt have a ring yet, emptying a cigarette packet to return it due to shortages. These make the characters and setting feel so much more real. The research was clearly extensive, and it shows.
All of the characters add something to this, no matter how seemingly minor.
The fact this is set during the war isnt overlooked, and the fear of bombings, and losing family members is ever present throughout. However overall this book is a really lovely read. I realise there are more books in the series and am keen to learn more about this group of women.
The narrator has done an exceptional job with this, the accents nailed, intonations and tone spot on.

[Kathy E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptional and delightful all the way through, these characters you will never forget with their own personalities. I am now looking forward to the next one. Thank you Maisie Thomas a brilliant five star book from you once again.

[Jaffareadstoo · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's such a treat to join the railway girls as they quietly, and confidently, go about their collective war work, on the northern rail network, during WW2. For those who have read the previous books in this lovely series this is the welcome return of old friends and we pick up the story pretty much where The Railway Girls in Love finished.

It's been interesting to see the development of these characters over time and whilst this story focuses the attention on Cordelia, Alison and Colette, it's always so good to see the gang reunited as they set the world to rights in their regular meet ups in the railway buffet. There's a warmth to these stories which really captures the imagination and whilst this book tackles some sensitive issues about relationships, it does so with an uncanny knack of seeing right into the heart and soul of the matter. I'm being deliberately vague as to the ins and outs of the story as this is one of those books which you want to sink into without any spoilers from me!

Beautifully written with a strong sense of time and place and a wonderful supporting cast I found Christmas with the Railway Girls to be quite an emotional roller-coaster of a read, and with my thoughts firmly fixed on one character in particular I really hoped that everything would work out well. There's such strong authenticity to the stories that it really makes the war time era come alive in the imagination, from making do and mending, to always being there for one another in times of crisis. I found myself smiling at the thought of the railway girls reusing Christmas wrapping paper, time and again, as that's something that my own mother, herself a young woman during WW2, frequently did, much to the amusement of the rest of us. Years after the war ended, my mother would never scrunch pretty paper and throw it away !

As a northerner what makes these lovely stories so special for me is the sense of making the best of a situation which is so much a part of our genetic makeup. It is really lovely to see the same traits coming through in the Railway Girls who, infinitely kind, always make the best of what they have and share, regardless of their social class, a deep and abiding friendship with each other. Whilst there is an undeniable nod towards Christmas, this is a story which can be read comfortably at any time of the year. My only advise is to read the books in the order they were published as that way you will grow to love these characters just as much as the rest of us do.

Reading Christmas with the Railway Girls is the perfect antidote to festive stress.

[Vikkie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of Maisie’s books and have been really excited to revisit the Railway Girls. This is a book that will pull on your heartstrings as you read.

I absolutely adore the characters in this one, each are well written and developed in a way that you feel as you know them. I love the little adventures we go on reading Maisie’s books.

This is a book with a steady pace, the writing flows beautifully and is easy to become lost in. This is one thing I love about Maisie’s books, they flow and it’s as though you are watching events play out in front of you.

This is one of my favourites with The Railway Girls. These are always books that I eagerly look forward to and find difficult to put down. Maisie Thomas is one of the few authors of the genre that I get excited about upcoming releases.

We really are taken on a journey through this one. We are given insight into women’s roles and experiences as well as how they have been effected by war. Maisie Thomas is a must read author. Christmas with The Railway Girls is another spectacular book which I have been unwilling to put down.

A definite five star book with a number of fantastic characters. Definitely a book I recommend.

[Booklover BEV · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that will pull at your heartstrings
1941 Manchester Victoria station with the women's railway workers, and Cordelia Masters is organising the War Weapons Week Dance giving out all the tickets its going to be a fundraising event something good to look forward to , the women all work so hard railway working it will be a night to remember. And a nice surprise as her daughter Emily comes home for good at fifteen years old she wants to do her bit for the war effect and be with her family and join in with the railways work, is she going to fit in with her mum's new friends? we find out as we read on.
I loved this story I just did not want it to end as the author captures all the characters like your joining in with them, The book takes us to Christmas 1941 and it's to be remembered as a time of grief, and a time of hope, with a very special present for Cordelia, her family and most of all her friends the railway girls. Just beautiful, and special for the holiday season to be enjoyed by readers.

[Ria · Rating 5 out of 5]

The year is 1941 and in Manchester it's approaching the festive season.
The railway girls are gearing up, but behind closed doors life isn't as jolly as it seems.
Cordelia has an upper class lifestyle and rubbing shoulders with the girls doesn't sit well with her husband and daughter Emily.
Alison is desperately hoping for an engagement ring this season but will her dreams be realised?
Collette seems to have a charmed life, a devoted husband who even meets her from work yet he isn't what he seems in public when at home.
Can this festive season bring ANY happiness in these troubled wartime years?

[Dani · Rating 3 out of 5]

Didn't Like Alison!

Alison really annoyed me in this book. She was arrogant and full of self-pity for most of the story, although her character did improve towards the end. Colette was brave in a difficult situation at home; I hope we hear more about her in future books.
I read this just before Christmas due to the title but most of it is set in the Autumn.

[jeanette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jeanette from Wolverhampton

Loved this book from start to finish, l am never disappointed with anything written by Maisie Thomas one minute your laughing the next crying just feel like part of what she writes.

[Vanessa-Ann Dowsett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book in this series

[Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not one for historical romance I wasn’t expecting to enjoy it as much as I did. A wonderfully written story for start to finish.

[Laura Nelson (Tangents and Tissues) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full review to follow.

[Maggie Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing xxx

[Jo Ann Santistevan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Railway. Girls the series

I loved all these books! I loved all the women & their lives. What they went through during the war had to have been horrible.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

easy read

I have enjoyed reading about the railway’s in the war and the girls. Hope they all have a happy ending

[Christina Barnes]

Amazing read!

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional and its usual heartwarming self. Not all about Christmas celebrations, so it's not particularly a seasonal feel-good read, but it has left me wanting to read the next installment.
Great following the different characters of the Railway Girls. These women kept a major and crucial service going during the war.