What a great book, had so many down to earth characters and the story line was easy o follow. Gave a very good insight as to how women knuckled down to "men's work" during the 2nd world war......and how they excelled doing it!
Loved Pru's mother and the way she tried to manipulate every step of her daughter's life! She was such a good character!
I hope there will be another follow up book, would be interesting to see just how all those lives progressed.
Many thanx to NetGalley, the author and the publishers for allowing me to read and review this book.

What a wonderful book to start a series it certainly is a book that gives you everything.

Prue moves with her parents to London as her Father is Reverend and has moved to a Church from a quiet parish. Prue seems to be a caring woman and helps the community. She ends up working at the train depot starting off cleaning trains, this is where she meets Jack and they become friends.

I found the book very interesting seeing how the woman coped with working for the train company. I enjoyed the characters and thought there was a mix of personality.

I would recommend it and look forward to reading the next book.

I was disappointed at the endless descriptions of train yards, filling page after page of information when a mere basic description would have done. A little predictable, particularly with the romance element. It definitely mirrored Charlie and Francesca. Not the best however Jean Fullerton despite this review is still one of my favourite authors!

Another saga novel for me and another new author. Although this time it did take me a good few pages to get into the story/way of writing, once I was hooked I couldn't put it down. Prue as a character is fantastic as her story develops.

I have always enjoyed Jean Fullerton books and this one was just as good. I enjoyed reading about the girls cleaning train carriages and the developing relationship between Prue and Jack. Let's hope there's more to come. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

A Stepney Girl's Secret is the first in a new series by Jean Fullerton. It took me a while to get into it, but once the Blitz began in the story, I became really invested in it and couldn't read fast enough to see how it ended.

I enjoyed reading about how women did specific jobs at a train shunting station because the men that usually did the work had gone to fight in the war. Prue Carmichael, a vicar's daughter takes a position there, which is where she meets Jack, the man who could win her heart. The war, a jealous want-to-be suitor of Prue, and a jealous woman who wants Jack for herself, all play a part in putting obstacles in love's way. Did the couple get to have a happy ever after? You will have to read to find out for yourself.

There are a couple of things that kept the book from earning a 5-star rating from me. The first is how quickly the book ended. The second is that one of the characters who did something unforgivable was never given their comeuppance. What they did was never mentioned again and I believe that they deserved at least a good telling-off. I think that's part of what was missing at the end of the book. I was waiting for that to happen, and it didn't.

Other than that, and the slow start, once I got into the story I really enjoyed it. I definitely want to read the next books in the series when they are released.

Yes, I know... another historical novel.. this one is set during WW2, and I recommend it if you enjoy reading books set during WW2, but are tired of the same formulas in plots.
📚❤️
➡️ Characters
Prue and Jack are two of our characters in this series.
Its their story, their love, that we follow and learn about.
And I loved the strength of the characters.
They were hardworking people, doing the best the could to help, to survive and to care for others. Specially Prudence, that really was special to me, as she reminded me of some women I know.

➡️ Plot
"Love came at you full pelt from nowhere, knocking you off your feet and stealing your every thought."
I had to share this quote, it's at the end, but it was one (that entire last part of the ending) that tied everything for me.
Jean Fullerton had a beautiful storytelling ability, that made me emotional, invested, fall for the characters and want to continue the story to the next book, and learn more and more about the other characters.
The book was about love, family and the times during the war.

➡️ Setting
Set in East London during WW2, this book is the first in a series, and it connects us to people in a different time. Not just because of their position and role during the war, but because of the community, the family, the love and the strength during that time.
That why I like Saga novels.

Thank you for giving me the chance to read and review the title.

I usually enjoy books by Jean Fullerton but sadly this one did nothing for me. I found it slow, predictable and I did not bond with the characters. The plot had much potential but the story did not deliver.

Rating: 4.5 Stars

A Stepney Secret is the first title in an enthralling new series from the Queen of the East End saga: Jean Fullerton.

Prue Carmichael never imagined that she would find herself toiling at a railway yard, but when her reverend father had been called up to Stepney, Prue and her family had to swap their country home for life in the capital city. With war having ravaged London, Prue’s new life is far removed from her old one, but she is determined to get stuck in and to do her duty for king and country. Determined to help with the war effort, Prue signs up and finds herself drawn to charming engineer Jack Quinn. However, the dashing engineer has a troubled past and secrets Prue is sure her mother would not approve of. Will Prue choose her head over heart? Or will staying away from Jack prove easier said than done?

Amidst all the chaos, upheaval and hardship, Prue manages to keep busy by helping to shelter Jewish refugees and ensuring that the train carriage are spotless. However, when Jack is recruited in Churchill’s secret army, she attracts the attention of a new suitor who seems very keen to pursue her. As Prue finds herself faced with an impossible decision, she wonders whether she can ever have a future with Jack. Or whether their love will end up another casualty of this cruel and senseless war.

Curling up with one of Jean Fullerton’s wartime sagas is always such a joy and this talented writer has outdone herself with her latest novel, A Stepney Secret. Written straight from the heart, this beautifully atmospheric and wonderfully told saga will delight readers with a beguiling blend of exquisite period detail, emotional veracity, nail-biting drama and tender romance. With characters that leap off the pages and plenty of wit, pathos and warmth, A Stepney Secret is another must-read saga from Jean Fullerton’s very gifted pen.

This was quite simply a fantastic book that felt so authentic, it felt like you were living the ups and downs with the wonderful characters. The narrative was well crafted illustrating perfectly what it was like to live in that time. I so happy this is a series because I fell in love with Prue and Jack and want to read more of their adventures. If a heartwarming, historical story is for you then this is perfect.

A Stepney Girls Secret is the first book in a brand new series and I thought it was an absolutely wonderful read . Set in the East End of London in 1940, during a very difficult time when war is raging all around. The story revolves around Prudence Carmichael who along with her Father the Reverend Hugh Carmichael and her mother Marjorie have moved from a quiet village to the more busier area of Stepney in East London where Rev Carmichael has taken up a new position. It's a big change for the whole family. I loved the characters in this book, even those that weren't so nice , the author has brought them all to life in an excellent way . This book had lots of ups and downs and as the story developed I was so engrossed I didn't want it to end. It's very obvious as you read this book how much work the author has put into her research on the historical facts of this book which is something I really admire in books like this . An excellent well written and interesting read and I cant wait to read the next book in this new series

My post is part of the blog tour

I’ve read The Ration Book Series by this author and it’s one of my favourite series ever, I read them all within a week when I first discovered them, so I was delighted to be part of this Blog Tour for this new series.

Prudence (Prue) along with her parish priest father Hugh and her overbearing mother Marjorie are leaving the quite rural village life in Bedfordshire behind for a new life in London at St Winifred’s Rectory in Stepney.

With War about to be declared and a brother/son in the Army it’s all change for this family in more ways than one.

What follows is a riveting story of how Prue settles in to living in the East End and all the people she meets as she signs up for War Work with the Railways and the highs and lows of War along with new found love with Jack and heartbreak.

With it’s fair share of shocks, twists, humour and heartwarming moments, it’s a book you don’t want to miss out on.

I couldn’t stop reading, the extensive research that must have gone in to this book is shown on every page and it’s just the perfect start to a new Saga Series.

The plight of the Jewish Refugees really stole my heart and whilst I was reading I was thinking people in 2023 should take a look at how we helped other people fleeing war torn countries in the 1940’s.

A Stepney Girl's Secret is a detailed fast paced story with a plot that slowly unfolds.

Fullerton has researched the beginning of WW2 by looking at the effects it had on Britain. Fullerton also looks at the community highlighting the lifestyles and routines of the working class. She also mentions the British Expeditionary forces, rationing supplies, the blitz, as well as women and children refugees, who are escaping those countries targeted by the Nazi forces. The writing style includes a lot of desciption and some dialogue. There was some part that became a little repetitive. I also found the odd typo.

The character development of A Stepney Girl's Secret gives the reader the opportunity to get to know different personalities, some very likeable while others leave a lot to be desired...

Prue is the reverend daughter. She helps those less fortunate than herself and has a modern attitude with a hope to gain employment. Prue soon finds herself applying to work at the railway, as part of the vital war work, helping to free men up so they can apply for war service.

Jack works in the main locomotive shed at London and North Eastern Railway's Stratford shunting yard. Jack wants to join the army, but his manager refuses to sign his release forms. He ends up volunteering the local defence force. When knowledge of his ex-wife, daughter and questionable past comes to light his has to clear his name. The relationship he has with his daughter is a loving one and I enjoyed seeing their interactions.

David volunteered as an air raid warden (ARP) and fequently patrols the streets to make sure people are following the rules. He is Curate of the parish and prides himself on being an intellectual person. David is extremly determined to marry Prue, finding her to a very godly person. He sometimes comes comes across as being creepy and jelous.

Overall, I feel as the reader you dont see much of a connection or interaction between the characters apart from the odd relaxed moment. Also I felt that the ending was rushed.

I would suggest reading A Stepney Girl's Secrets to people who enjoy historical fiction and sagas based around WW2, as it is a character driven story that allows the reader to see the life and friendships within the commuity as the face the war and upcomming threat.

I have been a fan of Jean’s work for a while now. Much to my shame, I haven’t quite caught up with everything that she has written but that is something that will definitely be rectified in the not too distant future. I read the synopsis of ‘A Stepney Girl’s Secret’ and it certainly sounded like the sort of story I have come to expect from Jean- an emotional but ultimately heartwarming historical family saga. Well it was certainly all that and so much more. I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘A Stepney Girl’s Secret’ but more abotu that in a bit.

I have to say that I loved the character of Prudence Carmichael (or Prue for short) and I warmed to her from the very start. In fact ti didn’t take me long to feel as though she had become a friend of mine and I felt all protective of her. She is the daughter of a reverend who has been reassigned to a parish in London, which is at the opposite end of the scale to his previous parish. Prue’s parents take quite a while to adapt whereas Prue seems to adapt really well. Prue is kind, compassionate, sensitive and she is also a determined and stubborn young lady. I kept everything crossed that she would find the ‘happy ever after’ ending that she so deserved. What happens? Well for the answer to that question and so much more you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out as I am not going to tell you.

I was drawn to this book by the fact that I saw the front cover of a book with the name ‘Jean Fullerton’ on and I knew that I hadn’t read it yet. I made the fatal mistake of picking up the book shortly before I went to bed. Let’s just say that bedtime was delayed and I had a distinct ‘lack of sleep’ hangover but it was so worth it. To say that reading ‘A Stepney Girl’s Secret’ became addictive is a wee bit of an understatement. I would pick the book up only intending to read a chapter or two but I would become so wrapped up in the story and in the lives of the different characters that I would still be sat there reading several chapters and an hour or so later.n The more of the book that I read, the more I wanted to read and the quicker the pages seemed to turn. All too quickly I reached the end of ‘A Stepney Girl’s Secret’ and I had to say goodbye to Prue and the rest of the characters. I found ‘A Stepney Girl’s Secret’ to be a gripping story, which certainly kept me guessing. I loved it!

‘A Stepney Girl’s Secret is superbly written but then I have come to expect nothing less from Jean Fullerton. Jean has an easy going writing style that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. In fact reading this book felt more like a chat between friends rather than reading a book. I hope that makes sense. Jean clearly cares about her characters and this shines through in the very vivid and realistic way in which she describes them. She makes her characters seem just as real as you and I. As I mentioned above, I felt as though Prue had fast become a friend of mine. I love the way in which Jean makes the reader feel as though they are part of the story and at the heart of the action. That’s how I felt anyway.

In short I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘A Stepney Girl’s Secret’ and I would definitely recommend this book to other readers. I look forward to reading much more of Jean’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.

The main character, Prue was a wonderful character and easy to engage with. She is determined, headstrong and hardworking. Having moved to the vicarage in Stepney from her father's rural parish in a Bedfordshire village, Prue quickly demonstrates that she is not afraid to roll her sleeves up and get stuck into working with the people of the parish. In addition, she 'does her bit' for the war effort and gains employment in the local railway works, enabling the trains to continue running.

It is in the train yard that she gets to know Jack and it is not long before an attraction turns into something more significant.

The author is a very skilled storyteller and I almost felt as though I was there with them. Her knowledge of the area is apparent, and she has clearly researched her period well, enabling her to do an excellent job of recreating 1940's East London.

Prue and her family arrive in Stepney and Prue finds herself a job and soon she becomes attracted to train engineer Jack. With the war raging there is plenty to keep Prue busy and she soon has more than one admirer. I adored Prue she is a strong, kind and hardworking character unlike her mother who is very self centred. The plot is well written and describes the many various tasks that are taken on during the war. The author has put in a lot of research and it shows. I love when I am reading a book and can feel myself right there in the middle of the story and this book does just that I could literally hear the bombs dropping and smell the smoke . The plot is well paced out and the last few chapters really pick up and fly. Historical fiction lovers will rejoice in this book as I did.

Thank you to Rachel of Rachel’s Random Resources and Corvus Books for the opportunity to read and review book one in the new series by Jean Fullerton, A Stepney Girl’s Secret. Regular readers of my reviews will know how much I enjoyed Jean’s Ration Book series over the past 3 years and I recently enjoyed reading Jean’s biography, A Child of The East End. You can read my review here: https://mentoringmumof2bookreviews.home.blog/2022/08/10/a-child-of-the-east-end-by-jean-fullerton/

I enjoyed meeting the Carmichael family as they moved to Stepney when Prue’s father took over a new parish. I love how Jean creates characters who you quickly find yourself caring about and brings the wartime era to life.

Prue finds herself a job to help the war, and meets someone who helped her when she first moved in, Jack. Whilst Prue and Jack slowly get to know each other, Prue finds herself helping refugees and desperately seeking information about her brother who is missing in action.

I’m pleased to see that this is the start of a series because I need to know what happens next to the Carmichael family. Happy to recommend this well written and researched book from one of my favourite authors.

I always love picking up a historical fiction read by the incredibly talented Jean Fullerton. In this new saga we join Prue and her newly relocated family, who have joined the parish with her Dad as the new reverend.

Once again as we step into East London we learn more about roles women took over during the war including the cleaning of train carriages as Prue throws herself into a role as her contribution to the war effort.

I loved getting to know Prue and her family and learning more about her character and her inner resolve and strength.

From the offset she has an amazing attitude and is determined to get her head down and get stuck in, despite her background.

I can't wait to keep reading more about this wonderful family and the other characters we've had the pleasure of getting to know.

It is 1940. Prudence ‘Prue’ Carmichael is twenty-three years old and a vicar’s daughter. At the start of the book, we meet her and her family as they move house from rural Bedfordshire to London, where the Revd Hugh Carmichael is taking over a parish in Stepney. They move into St Winifred’s Rectory. Father David Harmsworth is the curate and also lives at the Rectory, where he is quickly enchanted by Prue.
Twenty-eight-year-old Jack Quinn works as an engineer on the London and North Eastern Railway. Despite his job being a reserved occupation, he applies to his manager every week to be allowed to leave and join the army. As soon as he hears the government asking for volunteers for the new Local Defence Volunteers, he signs up.
As Prue and Jack begin to fall for each other, will Jack’s past spoil things?
I got into the story right away and really liked Prue from the first page. I was interested in the story and the setting, especially with the family moving to London in the early part of World War II. I really liked the refugees moving in and finding out more about Prue’s developing friendships with the women of the area (especially Sister Martha) and at work.
Her dilemma over her suitors was well written too. While one is perfect for her on paper, he doesn’t make her world rock like the more unsuitable choice. What will happen? You have to read to find out.
I felt the book was very well-written, the historical aspect felt authentic and the story was well paced too. I was happy to read this book, found it very enjoyable and I look forward to reading more in the Stepney Girls series.

I love Jean Fullerton’s books and was happy to read this book which is the start of a new series. Set during the start of World War Two we met Prudence Carmichael and her family as her Father takes over as Vicar of St Winifred’s Church in Stepney. Coming from the parish in Biddenham the family soon notice a busier pace of life in London. Prue decides to get a job and is soon working at Stratford first as a cleaner and then as a lamp man. It doesn’t take long for Prue to notice Jack Quinn an engineer and when she finds out he is the brother of one of the Church parishioners that she’s made friends with she is soon bumping into Jack a lot. This brings problems from the Curate that has his eye on Prue and also Gladys at work who has designs on Jack. I enjoyed reading the ups and downs that Prue faced as she tried to find true love. I really enjoyed this book and all the great characters and I look forward to catching up with them again soon as the series progresses. I highly recommend this book