The Steel Girls: A heartwarming wartime saga about love, friendship and bravery during World War Two: Book 1

It his such a familiar setting as I worked in Sheffield before my children Arrived and my father worked the cranes in the steel work s.

What an unusual but pleasurable novel this is by Michel Rowlins. It is essentially about 3 women of ages ranging from 17 to 32 who, in the course of World War 2 lose their partners to the services in order to fight the Nazis. They live in Sheffield, an international steel manufacturing town, and so when the exit of men to the fighting forces depletes the work force there is little hesitation in filling the gaps with women. It is centred on Vickers steel works and, in particular, their foundry, a difficult and alien environment. Unpleasant because of the smoke, grime, noise and physically hard work that is almost unknown to most modern readers. Our 3 girls, Nancy, Betty and Patty decide to do their bit for the country and to help their menfolk by producing arms, ammunition and aircraft parts. They are early joiners from other rather genteel jobs and are suitably shocked by the conditions that the men have to cope with all the time. The task is not beyond them and reminds us how women successfully knuckled down in World War 2 and learned skills and social mixing that were unfamiliar to them. The author realises that this part of the book requires some leavening and so the romantic side is explored in depth and the feelings of absence and regret are well written and only occasionally sentimental. She describes the sort of social battles that undoubtedly went on between skilled men and women learners and writes graphically of the kindness and maliciousness of some people. I thought it took a while into the book to get to the core story but when it did it was unerringly tense, tender and interesting. For this reviewer more of this style of book please.

This was my first book by this author, but I’m looking forward to catching up with the Steel girls again in next book. Set at the start of the Second World War we meet Patty, Nancy and Betty three women at different stages in their lives who come together as friends in Vickers steel works. We learn of the effects of the War on both the men away fighting and the women left behind. It is nice to see the great team work and pulling together that everyone did to keep the Country running while the fighting continued. A great read.

Fantastic start to the series about women from different backgrounds coming together to work in the steel industry during WW2. Each character develops as the book progresses and each are likeable and relatable in different ways. I look forward to reading the other books in the series so far.

This book is such a lovely read, I really didn’t want to put it down. Looking forward to the next in the series. 😊

WW2 steel workers tale. While I enjoyed the book I wouldn't rush to re-read or to hunt for a sequel. There is nothing wrong with it. Just not for me.

Love this book , I’m massive fan of the shipyard girls have every issue this book has me gripped in same way even ordered next in series. Loved it

Good read about life for women in industry in ww2. Good characters and descriptions. Cannot wait to read the next book.