Factory Girls

Handsome Frank Rossi took Matty Gilbie away from her working class roots in East London, promising her fame and fortune. But the Wall Street Crash puts paid to all that, and as Frank becomes more violent, Matty flees back home to Bermondsey. But Frank is determined to find her and get her back.

They call them the custard tarts - the girls who work at Pearce Duff's custard powder factory in Bermondsey before the First World War. Conditions are hard but nothing can quench the spirit of humour and friendship - or the rising tide of anger that will finally bring the girls out on strike for a better deal.

August 1941. As war sweeps across Britain and millions of men enlist, women must fight the battle on the home front. Fran always thought she would marry her childhood sweetheart and live in Massingham, the beloved pit village she has always called home. But the opening of a munitions factory in the north-east of England presents a new opportunity. Against her father's wishes and with best friends Sarah and Beth by her side, Fran signs up to join the ranks of women at the factory. It's dangerous work, but the friends discover that their lives are only just beginning.

Book 1 in the Factory Girls series.

December 1941, North East England. Despite the loss of her father, Sarah is settling into her new role at the munitions factory. Her blossoming romance with pitman Stan is a welcome distraction from the dangerous working conditions. But a shocking revelation puts everything on the line.

Meanwhile Fran is missing her sweetheart Davey, who has been conscripted to Bletchley Park. Beth is longing for someone too - and it's not her husband on the front line. As the factory girls face hardship on the home front, they will discover that the heroes they need are already by their side.

Book 2 in the Factory Girls series.

Three sisters in 1920s struggle to make ends meet and protect their mother from their violent father. Milly works in Southwells jam factory, Elsie dreams of a career on the stage, while little Amy runs wild with her friends. The three girls fear the unforgiving temper of their father and their courageous attempts to protect their defenceless mother will have dramatic, disastrous consequences for them all.

As London goes up in flames during the Blitz, two sisters from Bermondsey find their lives changed out of all recognition… When a bombing raid destroys nearly everything she holds dear, May joins the ATS and becomes a gunner girl. Peggy is trapped in a stifling marriage yet amid the chaos of war, a route to freedom beckons. From war will come hardship and tragedy, as well as new, unexpected friendships and love affairs.