[Ad-gifted] Steel Girls at War, written by Michelle Rawlings, is a heart-warming instalment of the Steel Girls series. Published by HQ Digital which is part of Harper Collins, the story is set in the summer of 1940, this WW2 historical fiction romance recounts the trials and tribulations of a group of women working to support the steel industry while their men were away fighting for their lives and our freedom in World War 2.
Women were drafted in to keep the Steel works running and bravely taking on roles that were considered only suitable for men before the war. Thousands of women had to try and balance family life with a full-time, dangerous job and maintain steel production during some of Britain’s darkest times. Hattie, the new girl at Vickers factory, has some settling in to do, while Nancy has some devastating news and she needs to try to put on a brave face for her children and keep her focus at work. Her role is not the kind where she can lose concentration!
What did I think of the book?
Although this is a fictional novel, this tale of friendship and hope gives the reader an insight into Sheffield during World War 2. The narrative is quite dialogue-heavy, it enlivens the characters and gives the reader a real sense of their personalities. As the novel progresses, you will witness the day-to-day lives of these brave characters as they navigate their new reality.
One of the youngest, Patty, is forced to grow up quickly, while Betty tries to keep busy to distract herself from thoughts of the danger her sweetheart faces while training in Canada. Then there’s Nancy, who doesn’t know if she’ll ever see her beloved Bert again. As the Steel Girls are thrown together, they don’t know if life will ever be the same again, but they’re determined to do the best they can.
How much is the book and how can you buy it?
The book is available to buy from Amazon with the Kindle download priced at £3.99 and in paperback at £6.49.
About the Author
After working as a journalist for 25 years, writing real life stories, for the women’s magazines & national newspapers, Michelle Rawlins began teaching at the University of Sheffield. At the same time, she finished writing Women of Steel, after spending two years researching this incredible generation.
Michelle is now writing a series of historical fiction books on this remarkable band of women, who sacrificed so much, by taking highly dangerous and physically relentless roles in the Sheffield steel factories, during WW2, to ‘do their bit’.
When she isn’t teaching or writing, Michelle’s time is spent with her children and pet dog.
Book Details
Publisher : HQ
Language : English
Paperback : 384 pages
ISBN-13 : 978-0008598518
Dimensions : 12.9 x 2.7 x 19.8 cm
Review by: Rowena Jukes
You may want to read this:
eBook Review: Wartime Blues for the Harper Girls by Rosie Clarke
Book Review: We Are Not Like Them By Christine Pride and Jo Piazza
Book Review: Look Both Ways by Linwood Barclay
* Disclaimer: We were given a copy of the book in return for a feature. All opinions are our own.
30 comments
The story sounds like one I’d be interested to read. I also like the sound of the characters, they sound strong and resilient!
Yes indeed, and very inspirational
Yes they are good role models
This sounds the perfect book where you get drawn in and invested as the friendship grows and they voice their fears and worries
Absolutely, it is an interesting book to read
Absolutely, the book does draw you in
Thanks for another great book recommendation. I love historical fiction like this, and I’m definitely going to give it a read.
So glad to hear that Beth
I have to read this. I’ve always been fascinated at how women played a huge role in keeping the war effort going even though they lived in a time where they were incredibly underappreciated.
This book would give you some light to it
Oh I love historical fiction, especially if there’s romance, too. I’ll definitely have to put this on my list of books to read!
Hope you do Jacki
This sounds like a book I could get lost in! Thanks for yet another great book recommendation.
You are welcome
Ooh! Sounds like this Steel Girls at War is a great book. What a great review. Thanks for the recommendation!
You are welcome, always happy to help
I love true stories, I find them very appealing! Thank you so much for your thorough review, I will check it out for sure.
You are welcome
Sounds like an interesting read, I will check this out! Thanks for sharing this, I am always looking for new books to add to my reading list.
Please do, a lovely book to read
Steel Girls at War” sounds like an incredible read, shedding light on the remarkable contributions of women during WWII. It’s inspiring to learn about their strength and resilience in challenging times. This historical fiction romance promises to be a captivating and heartfelt story. Can’t wait to dive into it!
Hope you do get the chance to read it Sue
Beautiful book. I appreciate any story, novel, fiction book that uses historical facts.
An interesting book and worth adding to your collection
I become invested in a good friendship too. Even if it’s fiction!
I agree, so easy for me to also get into the book and be involved with the character
I really enjoy the historical fiction genre. This sounds like my kind of book. I’ll have to add it to my list.
So glad to hear that, I am sure you will enjoy reading this book
It sounds like an amazing book! A great addition to my reading list! Thank you for sharing it!
You are welcome Claudia