The Clarks Factory Girls at War The first in a BRAND NEW emotional wartime saga series from May Ellis for 2024 by May Ellis

 This was another historical romance set in the First World War, about three young girls who work in the Clarks boots factory. Louisa, Kate and Jeannie have known each other all their lives but they each come from different backgrounds. Louisa, an Anglican, is attracted to Mattie, a handsome Quaker, but her parents are not exactly pleased. Poor Kate has to look after her sick mother while her abusive father complains and gets drunk. He also becomes violent at times. Jeannie, another Friend, is envious of Louisa, and adores Mattie.

Religious conflict is strong in this town with the factory run by the Clarks, who are Quakers, at its centre. Alice Clark, a member of this enlightened family and a historian and Suffragette, is one of the directors of the factory, giving hope to the girls that women can achieve more. I enjoyed reading about the history of the factory, which is intertwined with the story.

War creates difficulty for the Quakers, who must decide between sticking to their pacifist beliefs or joining the armed forces. It is a heartwrenching decision for some.

I didn’t realise that religious differences between Quakers and Anglicans were so strong even in the early 20th century. I may have some Quakers in my background so that part of the book was really interesting.

I enjoyed this and I am looking forward to the sequel.

I received this free ebook from NetGalley in return for an honest review.