Christmas Hope for the Steel Girls

The Steel Girls #2

by Michelle Rawlins

With the country at war, can they come together this winter?

Winter, 1939
As December draws nearer and with her family facing their first Christmas without Bert, Nancy is desperately trying to keep up her children’s spirits and her own.

Young Patty should be excited to be spending her first festive season with sweetheart Archie, but why does she worry he’s keeping something from her?

Betty is missing her beloved William as he continues his RAF training but she’s determined not to sit around wallowing. In the midst of the coldest winter on record and with the introduction of rationing, times are tougher than ever but Betty has an idea to make sure nobody goes without this winter.

And with our Steel Girls rallying around each other, can there still be hope this Christmas?

The second novel in the new heartwarming Steel Girls series following our feisty factory sister’s bravery and hope during wartime, perfect for fans of Nancy Revell and Elaine Everest.

Genres: Christmas, Historical Fiction

400 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 11, 2021

Reviews

[Susan Hampson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I, unfortunately, missed the first book in this series but soon caught up on what had gone on. I took to the four main characters in the story straight away. Nancy was struggling big style with her husband away fighting in the war. It is 1939, and the nation was praying that the war wouldn’t go on long and the men that had all eagerly signed up would be home soon.

The story takes place in a factory in Sheffield, where parts for aircraft were being made. Certain professions were excused from fighting in the war because the goods were essential for the war effort. But some men had signed up to fight, which had left a need for their positions to be filled. The women of Sheffield had stood up to the challenge.

What a heartwarming read this was. Although Nancy, Betty and Patty were all very different, their work bound them together. The three of them had trained to work the huge cranes, which wasn’t a job that was thought suitable for a woman to do until the war began.

The community came together for a fabulous idea that they all got involved in, and friendships developed where it would have seemed impossible not too long ago. Along with a blossoming romance in unexpected places. This is a good feel story, a perfect pick you up.

I wish to thank Net Galley and the publisher for an e-copy of this book that I have reviewed honestly.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book in the series about the everyday lives of girls working in a Sheffield factory during the second world war. The factory produced airplane parts and had been a very male-dominated industry until it started to lose young men who were being called up to fight. This led to the opportunity for the young women of the community to do their bit for the war effort taking on the jobs with enthusiasm and commitment. Even though the war had only been going for a short while there had been loss of life and no family was untouched by sadness in one way or another. I read and enjoyed the first book in the series and this was an excellent follow-up.

[Lainy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Time taken to read - 1 day

Pages - 400

Publisher - HQ

Source - Netgalley

Blurb from Goodreads

With the country at war, can they come together this winter?

Winter, 1939
As December draws nearer and with her family facing their first Christmas without Bert, Nancy is desperately trying to keep up her children’s spirits and her own.

Young Patty should be excited to be spending her first festive season with sweetheart Archie, but why does she worry he’s keeping something from her?

Betty is missing her beloved William as he continues his RAF training but she’s determined not to sit around wallowing. In the midst of the coldest winter on record and with the introduction of rationing, times are tougher than ever but Betty has an idea to make sure nobody goes without this winter.

And with our Steel Girls rallying around each other, can there still be hope this Christmas?

The second novel in the new heartwarming Steel Girls series following our feisty factory sister’s bravery and hope during wartime, perfect for fans of Nancy Revell and Elaine Everest.



My Review

so I didn't realise this was book two in a series but you can absolutely pick this up as a standalone. We have a Betty, I LOVE a Betty as you know so boxes being ticked already. 1939, winter and families are trying to adjust to their loved ones off to war. Positions changed, women were working in the steel factory to aid the cause and to make ends meet. Betty, Patty and Nancy - working together, surviving each day and looking forward to things being back to normal.

Aw you guys, a wee Betty and omg she is an actual scone. So kind, thinking of others, she is just a tonic to read. I have been reading horror for October reads and some of that was really dark and creepy. So to come into a book where the people are doing their bit, pulling together despite living through such horrible times. Loved ones away to war, rationing coming in and still people go over and above for each other, a sense of belonging and community.

We have the courting and relationships strengthening, families missing their loved ones, new relationships blossoming and an authentic feel for that time period. I actually liked it so much I bought the first book in the series when I finished this so I can read more on the characters and look forward to the next in the series. Survival, loved, relationships, hope in a time of darkness, community, love and strength. It is more about the people and them getting through each day than the darker aspects of or intricate details of the actual war, 4/5. This was my first dance with this author but it won't be my last.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nancy, Betty and Patty trained to work the cranes in the Steel Mills during the war years. I love war time sagas and i enjoyed getting to know the characters. I'm really looking forward to the next in the series. It has everything - strong friendships , romance and witnessing the strength of the women taking on strenuous jobs during the war.

[Pat Langhelt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Back in the steel factory with Nancy Patty and Betty as the war rolls on. Husbands gone to war and the women holding the fort at home doing the men's jobs. Great series look forward to the next book.

[Booklover BEV · Rating 5 out of 5]

The city of Sheffield 1939
Betty a female crane driver at Vickers steel factory and William a trainee fighter pilot who is sent to Doncaster would their love survive through this coming war that will be over before Christmas?
Betty is lodging with Mrs Wallis in Collinson street Walkley and before William heads off for training makes a surprise announcement and they get engaged.
Betty and work mates Nancy and Patty are kept very busy and are grateful for the friendship that's keeping them all positive, and they try to make the most of the coming Christmas to come.
I loved this read, once again, the author has captured a magical story some happy and some sad moments to pull at her readers heartstrings. Hope is certainly in the thoughts of the characters throughout the book, The Steel Girls have so much courage and determination, absolutely loved it all.

[Carol Mageean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the first book and couldn’t wait for this second one and was not disappointed. Bettty Nancy and Patty being the main characters continuing to work in the steel factory, I read each page eagerly and loved the banter and relationships between the 3 gave me such an understanding of how hard life must have been but no matter what they all helped and supported each other through some difficult times and celebrated the good times with genuine friendships and pulled together, It was so well written you actually felt like you were there through all the emotions. No boring descriptions and long narratives just straight in and totally absorbing and the ending well that really got me …….. cleverly done so I’m now sat waiting for book 3!, Loved it and would highly recommend. Love this author she is truly gifted.

[Nicola Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Back with the steel girls, but with a festive twist! We’re back with Betty, Nancy and Patty.

They face new challenges, new highs and new lows and we follow them all throughout the course of the story. It felt great to be back with these characters and I’m a huge fan of a Christmas follow up to series like these. It was so entertaining and I enjoyed every minute of reading it!

The perfect book to read on the run up to Christmas (or just anytime really) and it was a great follow up to the first book. Following on from events past, the girls continue to pull together, staying strong in the face of adversity and showing just what a bunch of hardy steel girls can do and achieve.

I also loved that the author did an amazing job of summing up the previous book, and filling you in to make it okay if you hadn’t read the first in the series and had only joined the girls for the first time in this book.

It was so heartwarming and a wonderful read. With plenty of the faces we’ve come to know and love from the previous book, with some new ones too! I can’t wait to see how the story will further develop in future books and after that ending… I am hooked. I’m so excited for the next one and will have to wait with baited breath and much anticipation until it’s release!

If you’re a fan of World War Two set books, this one is one you! I adore books like these and this one was a wonderful addition to this rich genre.

Thank you to the publishers and publishers via NetGalley for this book in return for my honest thoughts and review.

[Lisa Carlile · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was excited to be granted the opportunity to read this book it's the second in a series but can be read as a stand alone book very easily.
It is based on the lives of 3 main characters. Betty, Patty and Nancy l. The girls all work in a steel factory in Sheffield working on the cranes helping make munitions in the war to help the men away fighting
The book is a lovely read. They set up a support network to look after the many workers who are struggling to live with rations and low pay.
Loyalty, support for each other, love and kindness run through the book.
And what an ending.!! There better be another book
I can't recomend it enough
Thanks to#NetGalley for the advance copy in return for an honest review
#ChristmasHopefortheSteelGirls

[Patricia O'Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely brilliant book, I love this author, she paints the picture as well as writing the words and you can really feel like you were in the story with the women at the steel factory. I can't wait to read the next one, I have pre ordered it and would recommend this book to anyone who likes reading books about life in the UK in WW2

[Carolyn Hecker · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book was interesting, but very repetitive. It seems to have been written to have a sequel. The ending was very unsatisfactory to me. The characters were lovely and well developed, but after a while the story became somewhat tiresome because of lack of progress.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a fan of Michelle’s work ever since I had the good fortune to pick up a copy of ‘The Steel Girls’, which is the first book in the ‘Steel Girls’ series, back in April 2021. So when I heard that Michelle was due to release the second book in the series, I knew that I simply had to get hold of a copy as soon as I could. Well ladies and gents the wait is over because ‘Christmas Hope For The Steel Girls’ has now been released and it’s a cracker of a read and then some. I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Christmas Hope For The Steel Girls’ but more about that in a bit.
IT didn’t take me long to get into ‘Christmas Hope For The Steel Girls’. In fact seeing the words ‘Steel Girls’ together with Michelle’s name on the front cover of a book was enough to grab my attention and the story within the book’s covers sealed the deal as it were. Once I picked this book up I just couldn’t put it down again. The book wasn’t exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it travelled everywhere with me. I couldn’t bear to miss a single second of the story. I started reading ‘Christmas Hope For The Steel Girls’ and it didn’t take me long to feel as though I had been reunited with friends in the form of ‘The Steel Girls’ and some of the other characters. I became so wrapped up in the story that I lost all track of time and just how quickly I was getting through the book. All too quickly my time with ‘The Steel Girls’ came to an end and I had to say a temporary farewell to them. I found ‘Christmas Hope For The Steel Girls’ to be an emotive and gripping read, which kept me on the edge of my seat throughout.
‘Christmas Hope For The Steel Girls’ is superbly written. Michelle has an easy going writing style that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. In fact reading one of Michelle’s books feels more like a chat between friends rather than reading a book. I hope that makes sense. For me the story hit the ground running and maintained a fairly fast pace throughout. Reading this book did take me on a bit of an emotional rollercoaster ride with lots of twists and turns, ups and downs so to speak. I thought that ‘The Steel Girls’ was good but for me, ‘Christmas Hope For The Steel Girls’ is even better. I have a feeling that this series will continue to get better and better and will go from strength to strength.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Christmas Hope For The Steel Girls’ and I would definitely recommend this book to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Michelle’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas Hope For The Steel Girls by Michelle Rawlins is a marvellous historical novel about community. It is the second book in the Steel Girls series but can be read as a stand-alone. I would recommend reading book one first.
It was a pure delight to rejoin the steel girls as Christmas 1939 approaches. They are a feisty group of women with hearts of pure gold. They are filling the labour gap as the men have gone to war. Sheffield’s steel industry was of vital importance to the war effort.
This is a book about community. Needs are identified and they are met as everyone pulls together. “What they didn’t have in money, they had in kindness.” Kindness, along with hope and love can inspire others to keep going and to help where it is needed. The love leaps from the pages.
We witness life on the home front and how difficult it is at times to keep going. With their men away at war, women needed to lift each other up as there was the constant fear of receiving bad news.
The bulldog spirit was alive. “He [Hitler] might be able to destroy bricks and mortar, but he really had an enormous challenge… attempting to extinguish the ingrained and determined British bulldog spirit of sticking together and carrying on.” Britain keeps calm, carries on and fuels its people with tea. In times of worry, anguish or celebration, people put the kettle on for a nice cup of tea.
Life continues despite the war. New love is budding and the winter is harsh. The steel girls come up with a wonderful way to keep a nation warm – and yes, it does involve cups of tea! We see “sometimes it’s the smallest of gestures that can make the biggest of differences.”
I love the steel girls. They are diamonds in the rough with hearts for all. I cannot wait to read more books in the series.
I received a free copy from Harper Collins via Net Galley. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

[Nicola Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas Hope for the Steel Girls picks up right where The Steel Girls left off. Betty is reunited with her lovely William who she thought had forgotten about her, Nancy's Bert is off fighting goodness knows where and she's trying to keep it together for their children, and Patty is her usual happy-go-lucky self with her new man, Archie. All three women are working at Vickers Steel Works in Sheffield and are really starting to find their feet after a difficult start.

It was really nice to catch up with the girls again and follow their progress through the war. We're still in 1939 heading towards the first Christmas of the war and at that point things hadn't really got going but families were already starting to feel the pinch. This book focuses a lot on make do and mend, with Betty coming up with all kinds of plans to help those less fortunate and struggling to manage. It was lovely to see her landlady, Mrs Wallis, stepping forward as a character and I really enjoyed the new friendship that she finds with another of the characters.

After a relatively stable time of it, the ending was unexpected and I'm sure paves the way for book three of this series. I wonder what will happen next and what's in store for Betty, Nancy and Patty as the war really gets underway in 1940

Christmas Hope for the Steel Girls is a sweet and gentle read. For me, the Sheffield references and places make it more special but this is a lovely story to remind you of the power of friendship and the human spirit, especially in the run up to Christmas.

[Alyson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was rather disappointed with the book. I'd picked it because I love historical fiction and wanted to learn more about the steel workers and the women who took over from them during the war while men were away at the front. However, details of the factory were somewhat brushed over and whilst the effects of rationing and the cold winter were covered I still have liked more detail.
Mainly however, I felt the book was rather weak on plot. The girls/women who form a strong bond working in the factory set out to do all sorts of things to help those less fortunate than themselves but they have very easy. There are few difficulties for them to overcome so the reader doesn't become involved with them.
I hadn't realised that this was the second book in the series but it isn't necessary to have read the first one. The cliff hanger at the end of this book was the first real point at which I wanted to know what was going to happen next.
Sadly this was not for me, but my thanks to Netgalley and HQ for a chance to read an arc.

[joyce brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic read

I could be put this book down. Michelle Rawlins realities how to get her readers into each character. The camaraderie between the Steel Girls is amazing . The way they all pull together to help each other out and to make life at the beginning of War a little bit more bearable for the people of Sheffield. I Love Betty's character, she has such inventive ideas to help others. Patty makes me laugh and always looks on the bright side, even in these difficult times. Nancy comes across as the mother figure in this book. Despite her worries about her husband, away in France, she is the voice of reason to several of the women. I do hope there will be more books in this series which will cover the Steel Girls throughout the war. I cannot wait to start the 3rd book, but there are 4 more years to go after this one ends. Please continue this amazing series Michelle

[Karen Tebbutt · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first by Michelle Rawlins and I totally loved it. I discovered this was the second in a series but it did not deter my enjoyment of this book. I will now go back and read the first in the series and can not wait for the follow on book in the series.

I loved the characters especially Bettty, Nancy and Patty and their friendship during difficult times together with the support they gave to others.

An emotional read in places but it also made me smile.

I would definitely recommend this.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for the advanced copy and my review is totally voluntarily.

[Margaret Richardson · Rating 3 out of 5]

My thanks to netgally for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review, which I freely give.

I enjoyed this book, although it took a little while to get into it. Nancy, Patty and Betty cont inue working ant the Steel factory and set up a club to help those who are less fortunate. A new girl joins - Daisy - whose home life is really hard, her mother ill, she has to cook and look after her siblings and also wqork at the steel factory. Patty and Betty have sweethearts, Wiklliam is in the RAF and Archie works at the factory. We fdollow them and others in trhe lead up to Christmas.

nice read and I can recomend

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the first book of this series a while ago and loved it, so I was very excited to start this and I really enjoyed it! I love the characters in this story and loved that this was a festive read as it got me into the festive mood which was lovely. I really enjoyed the storyline and following the characters through their troubles and relationships. The ending finished quite quickly for me and left it on a little cliff hanger so I will definitely be picking up the next book in the series and I cannot wait. I find the writing style so easy to follow and just fly through the books once I get back into the story, can’t wait to read the next one!

[Emma Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good book to continue on from the first book. Interesting to read how the woman in the steel works cope.

We continue with the stories of Betty, Nancy & Patty in the steel works with them working on the cranes. We start to see other people in the book with Betty’s landlady and also Frank who is charge of the woman at the steelworks. Betty organises a collection for people who are finding it hard to make ends meet.

The book is well written and has been researched brilliantly.

I look forward to reading the next book.

[Lisbeth Zabihi · Rating 5 out of 5]

En rigtig god serie, der holder mig fanget og får mig til at ønske at læse mere.

Vinteren 1939 er kold - iskold. Men hjerterne er varme hos de kvindelige medarbejdere på stålværket. Hvis ikke man kan gøre andet, så kan man i hvert fald strikke. Trøjer, strømper, hatte, babytæpper. Ja hvad som helst, der kan få de kolde borgere til at få varmen. Så der sættes gang i det helt store strikkeri. Samtidig er der indsamlet tøj, som medarbejderne på værket, frit kan benytte sig af, så der er en summen af aktivitet omkring Betty, Nancy og Patty.

Som nævnt, en rigtig god serie.

[Becki Basley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas Hope for The Steel Girls (The Steel Girls #2). by Michelle Rawlins. (Audiobook read on Everand app)

Curse you Michelle Rawlins lol. I hate Cliff hangers! But you are damned sure I’m reading the next book. In this book, the woman band together to not only make their Christmas special but under the leadership of the ever thoughtful Betty and her ever helpful landlady, ivy (who shares her name with my own daughter by the way) they not only help a fellow coworker in need but the entire community.

[Lucy Dunphy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was a bit disappointed with this one. I absolutely adored Historical Fiction but I just feel like there wasn't much to this book. Not a lot happened throughout the book in my opinion. I did like the friendship between the girls and how they stepped up to help Daisy when she needed it. The cliff hanger at the end of the book does have me wanting to know what happens.

Thanks to Netgalley and HQ for the opportunity to read this book.

[Margaret Hislop]

Enjoyable but disappointed with the ending

Without giving the plot away I enjoyed this book as I was looking for some light reading but was very disappointed with the abrupt ending. It wouldn't be so bad if the follow up was available but having to wait months for the next book has left me very disappointed.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet again another fab read catching up with Patty, Nancy and Betty. Times are hard and the kind hearted ladies are thinking up ways to help others get through Christmas and bleak cold winter. Betty comes up with some ideas to help their new friend Daisy and also all the families of Sheffield. The book is left on a cliff hanger so I can’t wait for the next instalment from Vickers.

[Siobhan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley and HQ for the advance read of this book which was published 11 November. It is a heart warming and emotional read. Having loved the first in the series, I couldn't wait to catch up with Betty, Nancy and Patty again. I can't wait to see what comes next for them.

[Sharon Meindl · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Steel Girls Book 2

This story helps you understand the fear, hopes, and determination the people went through. I just loved everything about this book and am anxiously waiting for Book 3.

[Vivienne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet little easy to read historical fiction with detailed insight into the working life of women in the Sheffield steelworks.
I’m not much of a fan of cliffhanger endings like this but guess there’ll be another one which I’ll read.
Thanks to netgalley

[Serina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great great book. The characters all show a depth of love for their friends, family and country. Even with the rough work and tough times life does and will go on. A must read

[Lauren Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cozy Christmas story set during the war gave me all the feels as the community came together in such a tough time. It gave me so much hope.