Potteries Girls – serie

Could the secret of her past risk her future happiness? Escape to the world of the Staffordshire Potteries, from the award-winning writer Margaret Kaine.Young Beth Sherwin dreams of going to university – a heady ambition for a girl whose family work in Potteries factories.But when a violent encounter leaves her pregnant at just seventeen, Beth can’t bring herself to tell her widowed mother. She bears the burden alone and gives up her precious baby daughter for adoption.Heartbroken but determined, Beth works hard to finish school and take on a challenging job. She even finds herself falling in love with the charming eldest son of the wealthy Rushton family, Michael.But if Michael proposes to her, Beth will face a dilemma: does she dare tell Michael the secrets of her past? Because even if Michael would stand by her, how can Beth cope knowing that the brute who fathered her lost child could destroy her wedding? This heart-wrenching and engrossing historical romance is perfect for fans of Kitty Neale, Dilly Court, and Glenda Young. This novel was previously published under the title Ring of Clay. ***** Readers love Margaret Kaine! ***** “I come eagerly to any book by Margaret Kaine”“The latest novel by Margaret Kaine certainly ticks all the boxes”“A superb writer whose elegant prose never fails to take the reader right to the heart of a tale”“An amazing journey of many twists and turns that you certainly don't see coming”“Absolutely brilliant and can highly recommend"

Even in the darkest of times, she never gave up hopeStaffordshire, 1911. Ginnie Jones's childhood is spent in the shadow of the famous Potteries, living with her mother, father and older sister Mabel. But with Father's eyesight failing, money is in short supply, and too often the family find their bellies aching with hunger. With no hope in sight, Ginnie is sent to Haddon Workhouse.Separated from everything she has known, Ginnie has to grow up fast, earning her keep by looking after the other children with no families of their own. When she meets Clara and Sam, she hopes that she has made friends for life… until tragedy strikes, snatching away her newfound happiness.Leaving Haddon three years later, Ginnie finds work as a mouldrunner at the Potteries, but never stops thinking about her friends in the workhouse – especially Sam, now a caring, handsome young man. When Sam and Ginnie are reunited, their bond is as strong as ever – until Sam is sent to fight in WW1. Faced with uncertainty, can Ginnie find the joy that she's never had? Or will her heart be broken once again?An emotional, uplifting and nostalgic family saga that will make you smile, while tugging on your heart-strings. Fans of Sheila Newberry Kitty Neale and Sheila Riley will love this beautiful read.Readers are loving The Girl from the Workhouse:'A poignant, emotional and heart-wrenching read…best read with a box of tissues handy' Bookish Jottings'This truly was a fabulous story from beginning to end and I struggled to put it down!... richly detailed, beautifully written and the storyline along with the characters was enthralling' Rose is Reading'I highly recommend reading this and being transported back in time. An excellent historical fiction that had me compulsively turning the pages.' Books and Bookends'I'm quite astonished this is a debut novel… The characters came alive on the page, and it's a fully rounded story… A fabulous read' Grace J Reviewerlady'Ginnie is a likeable character from the off… I cried at some of the heartache she saw, and was so pleased with every small moment of happiness. You won't be able to put this one down.' Jennifer C Wilson'the author winds her story around your person and snares your heart… Though filled with much darkness and despair, there is also hope and love' Insatiable Readers'Johnson has a Cookson flair…she does capture the heart and soul of her characters.' Cheryl M-M Book Reviews'a step back in time with a young protagonist who pulled on my heart strings…The friendship between her and Sam was especially heartwarming. I really enjoyed my first introduction to this author' By The Letter Book Reviews

While the men are off fighting, the women keep the country moving…July 1914: Britain is in turmoil as WW1 begins to change the world. While the young men disappear off to foreign battlefields, the women left at home throw themselves into jobs meant for the boys.Hiding her privileged background and her suffragette past, Constance Copeland signs up to be a Clippie - collecting money and giving out tickets - on the trams in Staffordshire, despite her parents' disapproval.Constance, now known as Connie, soon finds there is more to life than the wealth she was born into and she soon makes fast friends with lively fellow Clippies, Betty and Jean, as well as growing closer to the charming, gentle Inspector Robert Caldwell.But Connie is haunted by another secret; and if it comes out, it could destroy her new life.After war ends and the men return to take back their roles, will Connie find that she can return to her previous existence? Or has she been changed forever by seeing a new world through the tram windows?A captivating, lively, romantic saga set in WW1 that will engross fans of Johanna Bell and Jenny Holmes.Readers are loving Connie's story:'Absolutely loved this book from start to finish, I couldn't put it down…A great historical fiction read that has you wanting to finish the book to see how all their lives turn out. Loved it!' Reader Review'Set around World War One, it shows the grit the women of the war had to endure…well written and enjoyable.' Reader Review'I thoroughly enjoyed this story that captured the war, suffragette movement, class and working on the trams. I became embroiled in Connie's life and couldn't wait to see what happened next.' Reader Review'Historical Fiction and General Fiction readers ought to pick up this charming book.' Reader Review'An appealing story, with well-drawn characters…To be with Connie on her journey makes for a thoroughly satisfying read.' Reader Review

March 1911: Betty Dean needs a job and somewhere to live, and eventually, a husband according to her mother. Sent into service at Stowford House in Cheshire, where the days are long and the work is gruelling, Betty's dreams of making something of herself seem even further away.But soon she is forced to return to The Potteries, carrying with her a dreadful secret which could leave her reputation in tatters.Could WW1 bring new opportunities or will Betty run out of options?A new job on the trams throws her a lifeline. Meeting fellow tram girls Connie and Jean brings the joy of friendship, even if Betty struggles with having to keep secrets from her new pals.When Duncan Kennedy, a shy but charming soldier, enters Betty's life, it seems that she may finally find love. But opening herself up isn't easy, and when he leaves for the front, she finds herself alone once again.As the Great War rumbles on, Betty's life in The Potteries is full of its own battlesA heart-breaking WW1 saga that fans of Pam Howes and Nancy Revell will love.Readers are loving The Potteries Girls on the Home Front'Well written, with a lovely storyline and lovely characters...couldn't put it down.' Reader Review'Family saga at its best. Brilliant book can't wait to read more by this author.' Reader Review'A good cosy read, but not without a little heartbreak and some feel good moments as well to delight the reader.' Reader ReviewPraise for Lynn Johnson's Potteries Girls series: 'A poignant, emotional and heart-wrenching readbest read with a box of tissues handy' Bookish Jottings'This truly was a fabulous story from beginning to end and I struggled to put it down! richly detailed, beautifully written and the storyline along with the characters was enthralling' Rose is Reading'I highly recommend reading this and being transported back in time. An excellent historical fiction that had me compulsively turning the pages.' Books and Bookends'Overall, I loved it. There were lots of moments that made me gasp and others that almost made me cry, and then there were those that made me smile and sigh.' Jess Bookish Life'heartwarming and emotional. I absolutely love the story lineI really enjoyed the setting and the characters. If you enjoy historical fiction, this is definitely a book to read!' Jessica Belmont Book Reviews'I'm quite astonished this is a debut novel The characters came alive on the page, and it's a fully rounded story A fabulous read' Grace J Reviewerlady'an emotional, captivating read which is perfect for anyone who loves a good saga! a fantastic read that quickly drew me into the story and kept my interest throughout with its fabulous plot.' Over The Rainbow Book Blog'the author winds her story around your person and snares your heart Though filled with much darkness and despair, there is also hope and love' Insatiable Readers'Johnson has a Cookson flairshe does capture the heart and soul of her characters.' Cheryl M-M Book Reviews

In the darkness of the Great War, can she create a brighter future?Martha Owen has not had an easy start in life. Her abusive father dominates the family and she has lost her only friend after a painful falling-out.Her father's reliance on the bottle, and his increasingly violent temper, brings turmoil for Martha, her mother and her three siblings and with World War One causing more strain on the home front, her prospects look bleak.With no money or qualifications to speak of, starting a job at the Potteries feels like a lifeline, but Martha finds herself wanting more than the production line job she works on.Her one talent is her artistic flair, but will this be enough to help her rise the ranks at Paradise Pottery and make a future for herself? And can she ever escape her father's dark shadow over her?An uplifting and moving saga from the author of the bestselling Wartime with the Tram Girls. Fans of Nancy Revell and Rosie Hendry will be captivated.Praise for Lynn Johnson's Potteries Girls series:'A poignant, emotional and heart-wrenching readbest read with a box of tissues handy' Bookish Jottings'This truly was a fabulous story from beginning to endand I struggled to put it down! richly detailed, beautifully written and the storyline along with the characters was enthralling' Rose is Reading'I highly recommend reading this and being transported back in time. An excellent historical fiction that had me compulsively turning the pages.' Books and Bookends'Overall, I loved it. There were lots of moments that made me gasp and others that almost made me cry, and then there were those that made me smile and sigh.' Jess Bookish Life'heartwarming and emotional. I absolutely love the story lineI really enjoyed the setting and the characters. If you enjoy historical fiction, this is definitely a book to read ' Jessica Belmont Book Reviews'I'm quite astonished this is a debut novel The characters came alive on the page, and it's a fully rounded story A fabulous read' Grace J Reviewerlady'an emotional, captivating read which is perfect for anyone who loves a good saga! a fantastic read that quickly drew me into the story and kept my interest throughout with its fabulous plot.' Over The Rainbow Book Blog'the author winds her story around your person and snares your heart Though filled with much darkness and despair, ;there is also hope and love' Insatiable Readers'Johnson has a Cookson flairshe does capture the heart and soul of her characters.' Cheryl M-M Book Reviews

Will her love cost her friendship?After the death of her mother, whom she had spent her life caring for, Ruth Latham is lucky to find work as a typist at the Potteries Tramway Company in Stoke.While conscription forces more men to leave for the battlefields, Ruth finds herself growing closer to shy, but kind, mechanic, Stan Bristow even if their courtship makes her enemies in the office.But the Great War causes scars at home and abroad and when trouble comes to The Potteries, tearing families apart and causing heartache for her greatest friends, Ruth must play her part in the difficult times ahead.And when Stan is called up to fight, Ruth fears her chance at happiness may never arrive. Is she strong enough for the battle ahead?A captivating and romantic saga, set in World War One, that fans of Rosie Goodwin and Rita Bradshaw will love.Readers can't get enough of the Potteries Girls series:'A real page turner that I personally found hard to put down. The believable characters and storyline were well crafted and knowledgeable information shone out of every page. Excellent!' Reader Review'I absolutely love this series Their friendships were heartwarming and I liked how they all supported each other.' Reader Review'I loved this book a real insight into women working in harsh industries during WW1 Great story, heartbreaking at times, but a joy to read.' Reader Review'It's a really engaging story with many threads to keep you engrossed. Recommend.' Reader Review'A great historical fiction read that has you wanting to finish the book to see how all their lives turn out. Loved it!' Reader Review'The story was compelling and the characters' relationships kept me absorbed in their lives until the very end. I can't wait to read more novels by this author.' Reader Review'A great look at life in England for a working-class woman at the beginning of the last century and during World War 1.' Reader Review