I enjoyed this book. While I did not love it as much as the author debut novel, it was still an enjoyable read. It definitely kept me interested, and I finished it within just a couple of days. Definitely worth a read especially for anyone interested in historical fiction of the industrial revolution era.

If you enjoy light, historical fiction, I can highly recommend The Sewing Factory Girls, by author of The Kew Garden Girls and The Kew Garden Girls at War. I do hope this one gets a follow up book too!

When a charming new manager is hired at Wentworth sewing machine factory, many hope that he will bring positive change, more social events, higher pay, proof that management appreciates that high quality machines depend on the community of hardworking women and men building them.

But the new manager has something else in mind entirely, and it starts with treating the employees like machines…

This book is inspired by the historic event from 1911 when 10,000 workers at the Singer sewing machine factory in Clydebank, Scotland went on strike to show their solidarity with 12 female colleagues who protested against the larger workload they were expected to do without an increase in pay.

I loved this story about friendship and courage against all odds. There was just the right sized dash of romance too. And the scenes featuring suffragettes was an added treat.

The image of workers pouring out of the factory to stand in solidarity together made for powerful reading. It was so uplifting to see a community pull together and look after each other with the positive message that we are stronger together.

A big thank you to Orion Books for providing me with my copy through NetGalley!

A lovely book following girls working at the local Singer sewing factory that employs a lot of the community. I love the community spirits, the trials and tribulations that they all go through with different issues at home and working conditions at the factory. I look forward to reading more by this author

Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

The story is about true events

Three women working at a factory in Scotland decide to strike when management try to change the working conditions of their staff.

But, when they men take the credit for it, instead of the women, they aren’t pleased. Things take a turn for the worse when help given to the families of those that are striking is hampered.

I recommend this book.

A heartwarming story that brings Clydebank and the people who worked in the sewing machine factory to life. Finely drawn characters with strengths and weaknesses that illustrate the every day courage of people going about their daily lives, living as a community and seeking change for the better. I couldn't put the book down. Much more than an saga - it brings social history to life.

This is a very special story based on actual events which occurred at the Singer sewing machine factory.

Great characters make this a really good read.

One I can really recommend.

Ellen and Bridget Kelly and Ellen's friend Sadie are the main characters in this book but there are many more. The story is primarily about how women were treated as second to men. They work at the local sewing machine factory. It's hard work and then a new manager comes in, sacks people and cuts the hourly rate and expects the remaining workers to pick up the slack. Enough is enough for Ellen and even though she's young, she's fiery and leads her colleagues out on strike.
I didn't take to Ellen at the start. She's extremely bossy, thinks she knows everything and doesn't take advice. She improved slightly towards the end. It took some time for the book to get going. There was a lot of laying out of characters and descriptions of the Wentworth factory which dragged a bit. There could also have been a bit more depth to the story line. I enjoyed the Suffragette part of the story and would have liked more of it.
Overall though it was a pleasant story and I look forward to seeing how they all get on in the next book.

Thanks to Orion and NetGalley for an early copy of this book.

What a wonderful book the sewing factory girls is, great believable characters, and great story that is based on a true story. Ellen, Sadie and Bridget are working at the sewing factory when a new manager comes in and alters the working of the factory and brings in new rules that mean they’re working longer hours for less pay. The girls decide to strike and the whole factory come out in support. The book also touches on the suffragette era. A great book telling a piece of history I couldn’t put it down ⭐️

I loved the friendship between the girls; however, at some parts of the book, I felt it was a laborious read. There were parts that I chuckled at, and some that I felt seemed out of character. Overall, not a terrible read.

The book is set in 1911 Clydebank, at a local sewing machine factory. When new management comes in, sisters Ellen and Bridget, and friend Sadie, find themselves caught up in a deterioration of working conditions. Will a mass strike help improve the situation of many?

I was really looking forward to this book, but sadly found it very slow going, with far too much wordy description early on. However, the final third of the book became far more interesting, when it began to focus fully on the girls, and touched on poverty, the Suffragettes and Winston Churchill. I'd be interested to see where the story goes next, as it was left perfectly for a sequel.

The Sewing Factory Girls sounds was a captivating and inspiring novel.
It portrayed the strength and resilience of women in the face of adversity.
The story captured the essence of friendship, family, and the power of standing up for what is right.
The emotional journey that Ellen, Bridget, and Sadie went through as they navigated the challenges of their work and personal lives.
It was wonderful to see how their bond deepened and how they found the courage to fight for better conditions.
Readers who enjoy historical fiction and stories based on real-life events may find this book incredibly engaging.

Now where do I start

This book was brilliant and I just couldn't put it down, it isn't often you get a book where it does feel believable, it tugs at your heart strings.

This book would make an excellent holiday read... there is mystery, romance humour and a feel good factor.

I have mentioned it to my husband and friends who have also downloaded it..

The story takes place in Clydebank in 1911. The sewing machine factory is the workplace and center of life for most local residents. Ellen, Sadie and Bridget also work here. They love their work and yet their world falls apart when working conditions deteriorate in favor of efficiency. Ellen and Sadie decide to do something and initiate a strike, which thousands of workers join. Bridget, on the other hand, struggles with her beliefs and not least with her husband Malcolm, who is part of the management team. There is a falling out between the sisters Ellen and Bridget. But Bridget makes an unexpected acquaintance who shows her new paths. The protracted strike deprives many strikers of their livelihoods. Therefore, ways must be found together to stem the growing desperation and poverty.

This historical novel provides insight into the early 20th century struggle for workers' rights. This impressively shows what a few can achieve. Especially since they are women of the time. The descriptions of the protagonists' successes and defeats were touching. Their absolute will to achieve improvements for the workers and the efforts they put in to achieve this. An absolutely recommendable book about the fight for rights for workers and especially women at a time when this was anything but self-evident.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me to review the title.

Sadly I did not warm to the characters in the book so found it hard going reading it. One sister I found to be unrealistic and the other one wishy-washy and someone who allowed herself to be walked all over.

As a Dressmaker I was really looking forward to the book. I appreciate it was based on truth (and it was the Cabinet Maker department who went on strike initially) but really it could have been any factory as there was little reference to sewing. If anything the book made me think very badly of the Singer sewing machine brand and while I appreciate many factories went on strike and did what they did I am not sure I would buy from Singer.

This is a simple lovely story about friendship - while also being a glimpse into working conditions during the early 1900s.

It's also an interesting look into poverty and the struggles of women's rights. Most interesting to me is that much of the story could take place today. I recognize the struggles of these young women as the struggles of my mother and my daughter. And even myself.

"He still knows right from wrong."
"Well," Da said, "sometimes we all have a bit of trouble with that."

The Sewing Machine Girls

Based upon a true story, this tells the tale of three young women who work at a sewing machine factory In Scotland and become involved in a strike in 1911, when they discover a plan to cut staff and wages so that employees are working harder for less money. A strike is organized, but the women are not pleased when the men take over and don’t allow them to get credit for their input. The situation in town gets even worse when efforts made to give food and clothing to the striker's families are thwarted. Even in the midst of all this upheaval, romance blooms. How each woman reacts to the situation and grows as a person makes for compelling reading.

Another great read by Post Lovell.This is the story of two girls that take on the Singer factory in Clydebank and strike taking everybody out with them. They are fighting for their rights to better working conditions. It is sad in places but also trying to get fighting for women at the time of the suffragettes. Can't wait for the next one in the series.Thank you to Netgalley and Orion books for letting me read this.I

The Sewing Factory Girls" by Posy Lovell promises to be a heartfelt and inspiring novel that draws upon the real-life struggles and triumphs of working-class women in Clydebank, Scotland, during the early 20th century. This story appears to be a poignant and moving tribute to the resilient women who fought for better working conditions at the Singer Factory.

The novel's setting in the sewing machine factory provides an authentic backdrop, immersing readers in the daily lives and challenges faced by the characters. The story revolves around Ellen, her sister Bridget, and their friend Sadie, all of whom work at the factory. Through their eyes, readers are likely to gain insight into the hardships and injustices these women endured.

The themes of friendship and courage seem to be central to the narrative, as the characters navigate personal and workplace struggles. Ellen's passion for sewing and the factory's role in her life add depth to her character, and her determination to stand up for her rights in the face of adversity is likely to be inspiring.

The novel appears to shed light on the early labor movements and strikes that sought to improve the conditions and wages of factory workers, a significant historical backdrop that adds depth and authenticity to the story. Additionally, the inclusion of suffragettes in the narrative hints at the broader social and political issues of the time, offering a well-rounded exploration of the era.

Overall, "The Sewing Factory Girls" seems to promise an emotional and uplifting reading experience for those who appreciate historical fiction inspired by real-life stories. With its focus on friendship, courage, and the fight for justice, this novel is likely to resonate with readers who enjoy narratives of strong women overcoming adversity.

As a collector of Singer Featherweight sewing machines I absolutely loved reading this book about the workers at the sewing machine factory at Clydebank - home of the Singer machines. It was a heartwarming and heartbreaking story in equal measure, An absolutely courageous group of workers who went through so much hardship in order to try and change working conditions. A really wonderful read.

Community care takes on a new meaning when the people of Clydebank unite to look after their own!
The Wentworth’s factory is the place to be, every family in the town either works or knows someone who works there. Then the management undergoes a change which has devastating effects on the workers, especially the women. This forces Sadie and Ellen to take matters into their own hands, which then has a knock on effect with some of their colleagues. The suffragettes step in to offer assistance.
Full of strong characters , could picture it clearly as I was brought up not far from the site of the factory.
My favourite character was Ida.
My first by this author and so look forward to reading more.