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The Jam Factory Girls #2
Secrets of the Jam Factory Girls
Secrets of the Jam Factory Girls is a moving saga novel of friendship set in the heart of pre-WWI London from bestselling author, Mary Wood.
Elsie’s worked her way up at Swift’s Jam Factory from the shop floor to the top, and now it’s her time to shine. But when she’s involved in an incident involving her half-sister Millie’s new husband, she is forced to keep it secret – the truth could threaten their sisterly bond.
Dot is dogged by fear, coming to terms with her mother’s rejection of her. She should be enjoying the happiness she craves with her beloved Cess; instead, she’s trapped in an asylum, haunted by the horrifying cries of inmates. All she wants is to get married, but what chance is there for her if she’s locked away?
Millie is trying to build a life with her new husband. But the man she loves is not all he seems . . .
Can the Jam Factory girls create the future they all deserve?
This historical saga series begins with The Jam Factory Girls .
Elsie’s worked her way up at Swift’s Jam Factory from the shop floor to the top, and now it’s her time to shine. But when she’s involved in an incident involving her half-sister Millie’s new husband, she is forced to keep it secret – the truth could threaten their sisterly bond.
Dot is dogged by fear, coming to terms with her mother’s rejection of her. She should be enjoying the happiness she craves with her beloved Cess; instead, she’s trapped in an asylum, haunted by the horrifying cries of inmates. All she wants is to get married, but what chance is there for her if she’s locked away?
Millie is trying to build a life with her new husband. But the man she loves is not all he seems . . .
Can the Jam Factory girls create the future they all deserve?
This historical saga series begins with The Jam Factory Girls .
- GenresHistorical Fiction
400 pages, Paperback
Published August 15, 2021
33 people are currently reading
54 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
October 14, 2021
Elsie has had a traumatic past, working at a jam factory from a relatively young age, while having immense family responsibilities for her younger brothers even before her mother’s recent death. This is 1912, when the position of women was still very difficult, not being able to vote, enduring few legal protections from abusive husbands and others, and being extremely limited as to career choices. Elsie and Dot have always been close, and in this second book in the series Dot is experiencing profound challenges despite her love for Cess, Elsie’s half-brother. Mary Wood’s experience and ability to make characters live in a multi-dimensional way from the start mean that it could be read as a stand-alone book with its well-constructed plot and lively dialogue. Speech is one of the things that divides Elsie and Dot from the third member of their trio, Millie, who is keen to mark their sisterly relationship with typical generosity but soon discovers that not everyone can be trusted, and that what has happened in the past will have long term results for all her friends.
As the jam factory at the centre of the story which brought the girls together improves in terms of conditions for its mainly female workers, life in a big house is sharply contrasted with the tenements in which Elsie and Dot grew up, and brings a whole new set of problems. While all three girls believe they have found love, they soon discover that it may not be enough to enable them to live happily. This is the story of young women whose friendship may be the only thing they can depend on. I was very pleased to have the opportunity to read and review this moving and well written saga of life for women in the early twentieth century.
As the novel opens, Elsie is facing a testing time as she deals with the women workers in Swift’s Jam Factory who have put up with long hours, poor pay and hazardous working conditions for years. Indeed, as recorded in the first novel of the series, there was even a real danger of death before some of the improvements brought in with the support of the National Federation of Women Workers. These are women who have repeated pregnancies depleting their strength as well as meaning big families on little money. The women are concerned about Dot, who has been absent for some six months, apparently looking after an aunt. In reality she has escaped her controlling and abusive mother and is in hiding, expecting a baby while being supported by Cecil. When news arrives that a baby girl has been born whose appearance confirms her parentage, Elsie is particularly happy and relieved, and informs her youngest brother Bert that they now have a niece. A trial that the young women were fearing has been averted, and it now seems on the surface that their lives may well be plain sailing, with Millie looking forward to marrying the handsome and able Len. Elsie is quietly attracted by Len as well, but will never reveal it to Millie who is so obviously in love. When Dot reacts badly to the strain of her relationship with her mother and her life with a young baby, she becomes very ill; can Cecil, Elsie and Millie come together to be supportive of the young mother? Will the pressures on Elsie to fit in with a new lifestyle be too much to manage, especially when someone puts undue pressure on her? Will Millie’s natural generosity and love for Len disrupt all of her other relationships?
This is a vivid novel in which all the characters are brilliantly described and play their parts. I think that it is a mark of excellent writing when the characters actually seem so real that you can feel real emotion for them; in this book there is a whole set of challenges which test everyone to their limits. Real friendship is the consistent element which carries them through the events of this novel, in a setting which is a true picture of life at the time, and a series of challenges that reflect some of the problems that were faced by women before the First World War. I look forward to the next installment with excitement!
As the jam factory at the centre of the story which brought the girls together improves in terms of conditions for its mainly female workers, life in a big house is sharply contrasted with the tenements in which Elsie and Dot grew up, and brings a whole new set of problems. While all three girls believe they have found love, they soon discover that it may not be enough to enable them to live happily. This is the story of young women whose friendship may be the only thing they can depend on. I was very pleased to have the opportunity to read and review this moving and well written saga of life for women in the early twentieth century.
As the novel opens, Elsie is facing a testing time as she deals with the women workers in Swift’s Jam Factory who have put up with long hours, poor pay and hazardous working conditions for years. Indeed, as recorded in the first novel of the series, there was even a real danger of death before some of the improvements brought in with the support of the National Federation of Women Workers. These are women who have repeated pregnancies depleting their strength as well as meaning big families on little money. The women are concerned about Dot, who has been absent for some six months, apparently looking after an aunt. In reality she has escaped her controlling and abusive mother and is in hiding, expecting a baby while being supported by Cecil. When news arrives that a baby girl has been born whose appearance confirms her parentage, Elsie is particularly happy and relieved, and informs her youngest brother Bert that they now have a niece. A trial that the young women were fearing has been averted, and it now seems on the surface that their lives may well be plain sailing, with Millie looking forward to marrying the handsome and able Len. Elsie is quietly attracted by Len as well, but will never reveal it to Millie who is so obviously in love. When Dot reacts badly to the strain of her relationship with her mother and her life with a young baby, she becomes very ill; can Cecil, Elsie and Millie come together to be supportive of the young mother? Will the pressures on Elsie to fit in with a new lifestyle be too much to manage, especially when someone puts undue pressure on her? Will Millie’s natural generosity and love for Len disrupt all of her other relationships?
This is a vivid novel in which all the characters are brilliantly described and play their parts. I think that it is a mark of excellent writing when the characters actually seem so real that you can feel real emotion for them; in this book there is a whole set of challenges which test everyone to their limits. Real friendship is the consistent element which carries them through the events of this novel, in a setting which is a true picture of life at the time, and a series of challenges that reflect some of the problems that were faced by women before the First World War. I look forward to the next installment with excitement!
May 7, 2021
This is the second book in the Jam Factory Girls series and it does continue on from the previous book, but you could read it as a stand-alone, but you would miss out on a great story and intro to the girls.
Life has changed for Elise and Millie as their sisterly bond becomes closer. In fact, the bond between Cess, Bert and all the characters becomes closer. Within this closeness, there is still the feeling of not belonging as Millie has lived a very different lifestyle to that of her new fond family. These differences can be overcome and realisations are discussed as each person finds where they feel more at home.
This closeness is going to be tested, and not in a way I had ever envisioned. I don't ever read the synopsis for any of this authors books, I just know I want to read them and that is just what I do. The Jam Factory is improving, and not just in the profits but also in production since Elsie and Millie have had more of an input. Working conditions and the health and well being of their mostly female staff has worked wonders.
With the slowly changing attitudes, things do have the appearance of looking up, there is however the old fashioned attitude that is still very strong, an attitude of " this is how things have always been" still has a firm foothold. Challenging this attitude both on the work and homelife front is something that will be a strength of will.
This is a wonderful historical fiction that I adored, as I mentioned this is a continuation and it was great to catch up with the girls and their families. The author really does encompass so many things in the time of the setting. Hints and nudges towards working condition, family life, status, a little of the politics and of course it is all wrapped up in a wonderful story.
the author never makes things easy for her characters, or for that matter her readers as she does put us all through the wringer. I did find this book angered me a lot as the attitudes of the time and of particular characters are so bloody-minded and it is the strength of the writing that brings out the feelings.
A superb read as always from a fabulous author. If you are a fan of historical fiction, sagas and family dramas from a time gone by then you are going to get on so well with this author. I would definitely recommend this book.
Life has changed for Elise and Millie as their sisterly bond becomes closer. In fact, the bond between Cess, Bert and all the characters becomes closer. Within this closeness, there is still the feeling of not belonging as Millie has lived a very different lifestyle to that of her new fond family. These differences can be overcome and realisations are discussed as each person finds where they feel more at home.
This closeness is going to be tested, and not in a way I had ever envisioned. I don't ever read the synopsis for any of this authors books, I just know I want to read them and that is just what I do. The Jam Factory is improving, and not just in the profits but also in production since Elsie and Millie have had more of an input. Working conditions and the health and well being of their mostly female staff has worked wonders.
With the slowly changing attitudes, things do have the appearance of looking up, there is however the old fashioned attitude that is still very strong, an attitude of " this is how things have always been" still has a firm foothold. Challenging this attitude both on the work and homelife front is something that will be a strength of will.
This is a wonderful historical fiction that I adored, as I mentioned this is a continuation and it was great to catch up with the girls and their families. The author really does encompass so many things in the time of the setting. Hints and nudges towards working condition, family life, status, a little of the politics and of course it is all wrapped up in a wonderful story.
the author never makes things easy for her characters, or for that matter her readers as she does put us all through the wringer. I did find this book angered me a lot as the attitudes of the time and of particular characters are so bloody-minded and it is the strength of the writing that brings out the feelings.
A superb read as always from a fabulous author. If you are a fan of historical fiction, sagas and family dramas from a time gone by then you are going to get on so well with this author. I would definitely recommend this book.
May 17, 2021
It's been great to catch up with Elsie, Dot and Millie, the jam factory girls of the title, in this second instalment of what is going to be a series about them. Mary Wood is a lovely saga writer, and she always writes an engrossing story filled with ups and downs and highs and lows for the characters.
When we left the girls at the end of book one, they'd all been through quite an upheaval with their respective families and learned a lot about each other. Elsie and Dot are from quite a different background to the upper class, Millie, but they all get on like a house on fire. As always though, the author doesn’t want her characters resting on their laurels and getting too settled and there's a lot in store in this book for each of them.
At one point I exclaimed out loud as I thought a particular character just couldn't take anymore, but these girls are strong and I hoped she could get through it. It's difficult to write a review without saying too much about what happened in book one but I knew that if anyone could cope with all that life was throwing at them then it was these plucky lasses.
Wood's characterisations are always very convincing and I had such a sense of feeling that the good characters are ones I'd love to be friends with and the horrid ones are ones that I feel a very strong dislike for. The setting is portrayed well too with a big contrast between Elsie and Dot's tenement past and Millie's posh house with staff. Then there's the factory itself, which didn't play as large a part in this book as the previous one but which is still an integral part of the story. I also enjoyed the social history aspect, with the beginning of improvements in working conditions and women's rights becoming more prevalent.
I'm looking forward to book three now and to see if Elsie gets her happy ending and how Millie fares after the revelations in this book. I went from smiles to frowns many times as I read this story but one thing that I can always be sure of is that Mary Wood will produce something that is both heart-warming and heart-wrenching, tragic yet uplifting. I really enjoyed Secrets of the Jam Factory Girls.
When we left the girls at the end of book one, they'd all been through quite an upheaval with their respective families and learned a lot about each other. Elsie and Dot are from quite a different background to the upper class, Millie, but they all get on like a house on fire. As always though, the author doesn’t want her characters resting on their laurels and getting too settled and there's a lot in store in this book for each of them.
At one point I exclaimed out loud as I thought a particular character just couldn't take anymore, but these girls are strong and I hoped she could get through it. It's difficult to write a review without saying too much about what happened in book one but I knew that if anyone could cope with all that life was throwing at them then it was these plucky lasses.
Wood's characterisations are always very convincing and I had such a sense of feeling that the good characters are ones I'd love to be friends with and the horrid ones are ones that I feel a very strong dislike for. The setting is portrayed well too with a big contrast between Elsie and Dot's tenement past and Millie's posh house with staff. Then there's the factory itself, which didn't play as large a part in this book as the previous one but which is still an integral part of the story. I also enjoyed the social history aspect, with the beginning of improvements in working conditions and women's rights becoming more prevalent.
I'm looking forward to book three now and to see if Elsie gets her happy ending and how Millie fares after the revelations in this book. I went from smiles to frowns many times as I read this story but one thing that I can always be sure of is that Mary Wood will produce something that is both heart-warming and heart-wrenching, tragic yet uplifting. I really enjoyed Secrets of the Jam Factory Girls.
May 25, 2021
Elsie, Dot and Millie are the eponymous jam factory girls and in this second book in the series we learn more about them as they continue to suffer through life's hardships at the turn of the twentieth century.
Those who have read the first book in the series will be familiar with the girls and of their connection to each other, so in this second book it was lovely to pick up with them again. However, as we discovered previously, life is never easy for them and they have much to overcome, particularly Dot who is facing her own trials and also both Elsie and Millie are finding that life never works out as you've planned.
The early part of the twentieth century, this book opens in 1912, was a time of great change and the author carefully includes references to the harsher side of life, but there's also the warmth and camaraderie of having close friendships in a time of great adversity. Blending the vernacular of the East End of London also gives a touch of realism and I enjoyed the authentic way in which the author weaves family and friendship dramas together.
Secrets of the Jam Factory Girls certainly continues the historical saga in a meaningful way, and whilst it is perfectly possible to read this second book as a standalone I do think it would be beneficial to become acquainted with the Jam Factory girls in the first book in order to understand the complicated bonds which bind them all together.
Secrets of the Jam Factory Girls is both heartwarming and emotional and is a worthy continuation of this lovely series.
Those who have read the first book in the series will be familiar with the girls and of their connection to each other, so in this second book it was lovely to pick up with them again. However, as we discovered previously, life is never easy for them and they have much to overcome, particularly Dot who is facing her own trials and also both Elsie and Millie are finding that life never works out as you've planned.
The early part of the twentieth century, this book opens in 1912, was a time of great change and the author carefully includes references to the harsher side of life, but there's also the warmth and camaraderie of having close friendships in a time of great adversity. Blending the vernacular of the East End of London also gives a touch of realism and I enjoyed the authentic way in which the author weaves family and friendship dramas together.
Secrets of the Jam Factory Girls certainly continues the historical saga in a meaningful way, and whilst it is perfectly possible to read this second book as a standalone I do think it would be beneficial to become acquainted with the Jam Factory girls in the first book in order to understand the complicated bonds which bind them all together.
Secrets of the Jam Factory Girls is both heartwarming and emotional and is a worthy continuation of this lovely series.
May 14, 2021
This book was the second in the saga, however while I did get the impression I had missed a large part of the story, it was loosely explained so I understood what had come before. I will start with the cons, which are purely a personal preference, and that was with the way the characters spoke. While I appreciate that the author was trying to give them authentic dialects, I did feel slightly irritated with the constant use of the word mate by the Cockney characters. Equally each Northern character seemed to begin every sentence with ‘eeh’. As a Northerner living in London, I felt that this was an overuse of stereotypical colloquialisms, though I do accept that these were likely to have been used more often during the times in which this book was set. That aside, it was a heart warming story, that had tragic elements. It’s focus was on family and the relationship between two, recently discovered sisters from very different backgrounds. The characters are extremely likeable, apart from Len, and the historical perspective of life during this era, particularly in regard to mental health was spot on. Once I got used to the language used, this was a lovely read, perfect for fans of historical fiction and family sagas.
This was a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
This was a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 15, 2021
After reading The Jam Factory Girls earlier this year I couldn't wait to dive into book two to catch up with Elsie, Dot and Millie.
The girls have grown closer together, the jam factory is doing well and Millie is looking forward to her upcoming wedding to Len. However, not everything is as rosy as it would appear, as someone close to the girls hasn't got their best interests at heart and is slyly planning to take everything away from them. Will they realise before it's too late?
I love the social history which is always present in Mary's books. It's fascinating to see how times and attitudes have changed over the years. One thing that has changed, and not for the better in my opinion, is the sense of community that was around back then. Neighbours always looking out for each other and helping out as and when they could despite the fact that a lot of people had very little themselves, whereas in today's society it's not uncommon for people to have little or no interaction with their neighbours. It's this community feel that brings a lovely warmth to this book, knowing that whatever struggles Elsie, Millie and Dot face there will be someone who will try and help them out of it.
This author really knows how to stir emotions with her writing and there was one character in particular who really got my back up and just reading their name made me angry. I was crossing my fingers that their plans would fall flat and they would get their comeuppance as I felt like they were messing with my friends!
Secrets of the Jam Factory Girls is another superb book from this immensely talented author and if you're a fan of family saga's and historical fiction you need to add this to your reading list.
The girls have grown closer together, the jam factory is doing well and Millie is looking forward to her upcoming wedding to Len. However, not everything is as rosy as it would appear, as someone close to the girls hasn't got their best interests at heart and is slyly planning to take everything away from them. Will they realise before it's too late?
I love the social history which is always present in Mary's books. It's fascinating to see how times and attitudes have changed over the years. One thing that has changed, and not for the better in my opinion, is the sense of community that was around back then. Neighbours always looking out for each other and helping out as and when they could despite the fact that a lot of people had very little themselves, whereas in today's society it's not uncommon for people to have little or no interaction with their neighbours. It's this community feel that brings a lovely warmth to this book, knowing that whatever struggles Elsie, Millie and Dot face there will be someone who will try and help them out of it.
This author really knows how to stir emotions with her writing and there was one character in particular who really got my back up and just reading their name made me angry. I was crossing my fingers that their plans would fall flat and they would get their comeuppance as I felt like they were messing with my friends!
Secrets of the Jam Factory Girls is another superb book from this immensely talented author and if you're a fan of family saga's and historical fiction you need to add this to your reading list.
May 14, 2021
Mary Wood always manages to delight the reader, even though the journey towards a happy ending is fraught with obstacles. Her mix of gritty realism and optimism is a winner. This sequel to 'The jam factory girls' tells us more about the relationship between Millie and Elsie, half-sisters who are from completely different worlds. It makes for painful reading at times so make sure you have a tissue handy as you wait to see how the girls survive in a patriarcal society. Mary's historical research and attention to detail immediatly engage the reader in the time and place. Another winner!
May 13, 2021
This is the second in a series, but can be read as a standalone.
This was such a lovely read, the characters were endearing and the relationship between the sisters was heartwarming.
I felt so many emotions whilst reading this, none more so than pure rage at Len! Hateful character.
I am really looking forward to reading the next instalments to see how life pans out for Millie and Elsie
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
August 30, 2022
Didn’t enjoy this one as much as the first one. Too much sadness. And the rapes weren’t nice to witness.
I have another book in this series and I really hope that rape doesn’t feature as it has in the last 2. I know that attitudes towards women were different back then and that it was more widely accepted especially if lower class women but I feel this whole storyline was too abrasive with all the other things happening.
I have another book in this series and I really hope that rape doesn’t feature as it has in the last 2. I know that attitudes towards women were different back then and that it was more widely accepted especially if lower class women but I feel this whole storyline was too abrasive with all the other things happening.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 10, 2021
Elsie, Millie,
Another fantastic read from Mary meeting up with old friends Elsie and Millie and Dot. Then there's Rene plus the girls in the jam factory. I loved this book Mary Wood takes you on a journey of discovery her books draws you in I'm just sad it finished it had sadness happiness weddings tears. 5 STARS WELL DESERVED
Another fantastic read from Mary meeting up with old friends Elsie and Millie and Dot. Then there's Rene plus the girls in the jam factory. I loved this book Mary Wood takes you on a journey of discovery her books draws you in I'm just sad it finished it had sadness happiness weddings tears. 5 STARS WELL DESERVED
January 10, 2024
I rate this 3 stars not because it was a bad book or written poorly. But because I just don’t think it’s for me, I don’t know if it’s because I’m not good at history and maybe can’t understand the concept of how woman were treat but it just wasn’t for me. I would recommend if your into ww1, moving saga, and friendship novel type of book
May 14, 2021
Another absolutely brilliant book by mary wood got so immersed in this book i couldnt put it down emotions abound need tissues at the ready definately 5 ***** the secrets of the jam factory girls well worth waiting for loved it x
June 22, 2021
Love this series of books
Loved this book and couldn't wait to have time to read it. But let down at the end as I felt one lead character Len just seemed to disappear without a proper ending. But love this series and the characters in the book and hoping for another one to follow.
Loved this book and couldn't wait to have time to read it. But let down at the end as I felt one lead character Len just seemed to disappear without a proper ending. But love this series and the characters in the book and hoping for another one to follow.
June 26, 2023
This is the second book in the series of the jam factory girls and again excellent, it follows on from the first book, would recommend reading these books, can’t wait to see how it all goes for them in the next book. ❤️
September 10, 2023
This is a Brilliant book of the series of the Jam factory girls looking at how life treats Dot, Millie, Elsie and their families.
After losing Dot how will Cecil carry on, read this series its well worth the read
After losing Dot how will Cecil carry on, read this series its well worth the read
June 3, 2021
Good book
July 7, 2021
I absolutely loved this biok
August 18, 2021
Another great story from Mary wood, congratulations 🎊 Now on a countdown to the next one! 💖
February 1, 2023
I enjoyed this and the first book, looking forward to starting the third one
May 3, 2023
First time reading this author. Found the book a bit drawn out in the beginning but in the last few chapters I wanted to read the outcome. History well researched.
September 6, 2023
Throughly enjoyable
December 12, 2021
Secrets to be told in this inspirational read
The secrets are to be told in book two as we join Elsie,Millie and Dot in Swifts jam factory Bermondsey London the year 1912, and Elsie is now in charge of the factory floor worker's, the heaven scent of the factory was filled with mouth watering preserves.
Dot is greatly missed away nursing her new arrival in Leicester a lot has happened over this past year. Skeletons in the cupboard need to be brought out, the girl's have been such a support to one another and it's almost broke them but they pulled together and made a pinky-promise never to dwell on the past.
Mental illness breakdowns play a big part in this story that will have you sobbing your heart out.
What a powerful read and more struggles lay ahead for these characters, that will pull at everyone's heartstrings. The waves of emotions coming from this book makes it so real to reader's like your there sharing all their hardship.
I just couldn't put it down for one moment it's gave me so much enjoyment and hopefully there will be a third book to follow. I would have double the stars if I could, this author and her writing gets better and better. Inspirational, heartwrenching story to pick up and enjoy.
The secrets are to be told in book two as we join Elsie,Millie and Dot in Swifts jam factory Bermondsey London the year 1912, and Elsie is now in charge of the factory floor worker's, the heaven scent of the factory was filled with mouth watering preserves.
Dot is greatly missed away nursing her new arrival in Leicester a lot has happened over this past year. Skeletons in the cupboard need to be brought out, the girl's have been such a support to one another and it's almost broke them but they pulled together and made a pinky-promise never to dwell on the past.
Mental illness breakdowns play a big part in this story that will have you sobbing your heart out.
What a powerful read and more struggles lay ahead for these characters, that will pull at everyone's heartstrings. The waves of emotions coming from this book makes it so real to reader's like your there sharing all their hardship.
I just couldn't put it down for one moment it's gave me so much enjoyment and hopefully there will be a third book to follow. I would have double the stars if I could, this author and her writing gets better and better. Inspirational, heartwrenching story to pick up and enjoy.
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