Book Synopsis:
September, 1939.
When war is declared, Lily sees an opportunity to escape her domineering father: she will join the Great Western Railway factory to win her financial independence and move out of home.
Maggie doesn’t want to simply follow in her sisters’ footsteps and work in the laundries at the GWR. So, when the chance comes to volunteer for men’s work in the machine shop, she’s the first to raise her hand.
Catherine, a clerk in the GWR office, has been helping with London’s evacuation efforts, organising trains to move children out of the city. But when her task is completed, will she defy her family and fiancé’s wishes and sign up for a more dangerous role?
Taking on demanding new duties, Lily, Maggie and Catherine – and others – develop an unexpectedly close bond.
But will friendship be enough to carry them through the ups and downs of life at war?
The first instalment in a brilliant new wartime series set in Swindon’s Great Western Railway works.
My Review:
The Great Western Railway Girls is a gripping read that manages to be both heartwarming and very emotional at the same time.
Firstly I thought the author did a great job of bringing the era and the setting to life. I’m actually quite familiar with Swindon as my grandparents used to live near there so we’ve visited there a few times, including the Great Western museum! I felt like I was actually there working alongside the girls and being able to smell the soot from all the engines.
I’m a huge fan of books set in world war two and always love learning about a new part of it. I didn’t know anything about the roles women played in the GWR for the war effort so I enjoyed learning more about it throughout the book. The characters were all marvellous creations who were great fun to get to know. They all had different reasons for wanting to walk at the GWR and all brought different things to the group especially as they were from very different backgrounds. It was lovely to follow them as they grow closer and see how they help each other.
I thought this book had a great pace to it and there was always something happening to ensure I kept reading. There were some very emotional moments which were hard to read but also some lovely heartwarming moments which made me smile as I read. I found I quickly warmed to the girls and cared about what happened to them. The ending was perhaps a little abrupt but sets the scene nicely for future books in the series. I can’t wait to hang out with the GWR girls again soon!
Huge thanks to Rachel from Rachel’s Random Resources for inviting me onto the blog tour and to Boldwood for my copy of this book. If you’re a fan of war time saga’s I highly recommend this one.
About The Author:
Jane Lark is a writer of compelling, passionate and emotionally charged fiction filled with diverse characters.
She is an international bestselling author of both historical fiction and psychological thrillers, and a finalist in British Fiction Industry awards for her works, The Reckless Love an Heir and the gripping tale of The Twins.
Known as a night owl, she’s fuelled by chocolate and coffee (having given up the red wine that used to fuel her). Her books will take you on an emotional journey. They may contain love, hate, violence, death, passion, a little swearing, and endings you are never going to forget.
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