Dark Times for the Clarks Factory Girls
is the third book in this series, but it can easily be read as a standalone. It was wonderful to be back with the three main characters , Jeannie, Louisa, Kate and their families. The First World
War is still raging on and whilst most of
the men folk are away fighting the women are keeping things going at the factory and in their homes. It’s a tough time for everyone but they are all coping and battling on with life and all that’s going on. As soon as I started
reading this book I felt like I was back with dear friends as the author has such a wonderful way of writing it just made me feel I was there with them all .
Each of the three girls have their own problems which they do their best to deal with and they have each other when times are tough. I absolutely love this saga series and can’t wait to read book number four .

Last year, I read my first book by this author – Courage for the Clarks Factory Girls, which ended up being one of the best books I read in 2024. I was planning to read Book 1 in the series soon, but when Book 3 came out, I knew I had to catch up on what was happening and was eager to read Dark Times for the Clarks Factory Girls.
This is able to be read as a standalone, but personally, I’d recommend starting from Book 1 to get the most out of the series.
The Prologue is set in January 1916, in Bristol. Gerald, a Quaker and a pacifist, had been working with the ambulance unit in France, but was now back home with his mum. He is suffering from something like PTSD as we would recognise it now and works at the market garden growing food. But the conscription bill is coming in, which now means he would be expected to fight in the war.
Moving forward to May 1916, we catch up with all the familiar characters from the previous book. We follow the stories of the three girls as they continue their lives in Street during the First World War. They all still work at the Clarks Factory. Louisa is struggling living with her strict parents after the death of her boyfriend Mattie. Kate is going to the Quakers meetings with friend Jeannie, who is unsure about Tom’s feelings for her.
The conscription bill means more of their family and friends are being called up to fight and Kate begins to write to some of the men that are in prison for refusing to fight due to their religious beliefs. One of her penpals is Gerald.
I loved this book, I like how I always learn things from these kinds of stories as well as enjoy finding out what happens to the characters. Louisa is my favourite; it was so sad what happened to her in the previous novel and I was pleased to see her standing up to her horrible parents. I liked the introduction of some new characters like Gerald and Cyril, and finding out more about Tom too.
Overall, it’s a wonderful, absorbing novel and I’m looking forward to Book 4, which is due out in May.

With every new book in the Clark Factory Girls series, we get to know more about the characters and love or hate them even more! This third book in the series, Dark Times for the Clark Factory Girls, is very emotional. I enjoy the way the author believably develops the characters. I particularly like learning about the Quakers and how the men who wouldn't go to fight were treated. It was quite shocking.

Although set during wartime with sad moments, there were plenty of sigh-worthy moments, romantic and heartwarming. I won't give spoilers but relationships forming during this book made me smile, especially Louisa's and a particular person I never expected she would bond with.

I loved this book and can't wait for the next one in the series!

This book can easily be enjoyed as a stand-alone. The story centers on Jeannie, Kate, and Louisa, three young friends and coworkers at the Clarks Factory who are navigating life during the turbulent times of World War I.

January 1916 after months on the front lines in France, Gerald, a pacifist Quaker, returns to live with his mother and work the land haunted by the horrors of war.

In May 1916, Louisa is grappling with anger because her parents have insisted her son be raised by her late boyfriend’s brother and sister-in-law. During her separation from Mattie the pain is unbearable and she befriends Jeannie’s brother, Lucas, who is recovering from a war injury. However, Lousia’s mother has other plans for her future and Louise is forced to face them.
Kate is struggling with her own grief both for her mother and her father’s decision to move his mistress into their home. This grief leads her to the Quaker church where she befriends Gerald, who now faces arrest for his refusal to fight. To make things more heartbreaking Kate’s brothers are called up for service.

With the Clarks shoe factory setting the backdrop of this we see the support the factory workers have for one another. However, tensions rise as pacifists and injured soldiers face hostility and even receive white feathers.

This was simply a great read. If you love sagas with war as the backdrop then this is certainly the series for you. I enjoyed all of the characters as they are well written. I did find myself feeling much more for Louisa than the others but I connected with her a little better. Nothing more than that. There is plenty of heartbreak and dram but also hope that fills the pages of this moving story.

Historical Fiction at its best. I think that this is my favorite genre. I was introduced to May Ellis a few years ago. I have enjoyed every book (this is the 3rd of the series) and loved getting to know Kate, Louisa and Jeannie even more. They work together at the Clark Factory and have become the closest of friends.
The book continues with the girls attempting to survive the losses of their loved ones. The continuing war brings more heart break and fear.

I will wait, but not so patiently, for the next book. I need to know how the girls forge ahead during these difficult times.

Thank goodness the Clark Girls have each other.

Book three in The Clarks Factory Girls series from May Ellis and once again we are thrown into war-torn Somerset, and the lives of the men and women of Street, many of whom work in the Clarks shoe factory. Throughout the series, battles are being fought, on the frontline, but also in homes, where parents and children don't always see eye to eye!

I love to read about the resilience of people, towns and villages, as they dealt with the horrors which war threw at them. Despite the hardships, they battle on and usually come out smiling. May Ellis draws me into her books and makes me feel like a part of the family, and I can just imagine sitting down with them and having a cuppa and a natter in front of the fire.

The world has come a long way since the early 1900s, when women weren't allowed to work once they got married and were expected to keep house and look after the children. Sometimes it's difficult to imagine how that was even a thing!

I love my days with the girls, and I can't wait to see what May has in store for them next.

Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and Rachel's Random Resources for the opportunity to read and review Dark Times for the Clarks Factory Girls by May Ellis.

This is both an author and a series new to me; I'm hoping to read more in future!

As the war continues and more and more men are lost on the front, conscription is introduced frightening wives, mothers and sisters who want to keep their husbands, sons, brothers and sweethearts safe. As the girls working in Clarks factory make their way to work each day, these fears are at the forefront of their minds.

I came late to this series but don't feel as if I've missed a thing; a lot of what happened previously is covered but only in the passing and as part of the current story. While I've read a lot about the domestic side of things during both world wars, I haven't really came across much about the Quaker movement's involvement before and found that aspect particularly interesting. The lives of all the main characters progressed nicely and I shall certainly be looking out for the next book. Well-written with well developed characters and plenty going on, this is one I enjoyed. 4.5* and my recommendation.

My thanks to the publisher for my copy via NetGalley; this is - as always - my honest, original and unbiased review.

The Clark's Factory Girls series have become a real comfort read for me, despite the heartbreak and hardship. I feel like I'm part of the gang, a fourth musketeer, as the chaacters are so well written that they feel completely real.

In this, the third book in the series, it's 1916. The first world War is raging, and so many young men are lost, either for good, or just until they (hopefully) return. Whilst the War obviously features in this book, it's the effect it has on those still at "home" that this book is about. From standing up to those who hand out white feathers and writing to the imprisoned conscientious objectors, to the loves and losses that so many people experienced at that time.

I thought Louisa and Lucas' relationship was beautiful. I'm glad we live in a time (and place) where same sex relationships are allowed, and for the most part, accepted. But the way they saved each other through their shared love for Mattie was rather wonderful.

Although Street, and Somerset, aren't places I know particularly well, I have spent some time nearby, so small references to places I know were lovely. The girls discussion about Weston-super-Mare, and the mud made me chuckle. My son and I walked for what felt like miles in the mud so that he could have a paddle. I like to think that people have been doing that for hundreds of years.

This is book three in the series featuring the girls who work in the Clarkes Shoe Factory, although it can be easily read as a stand-alone book, but it will be more enjoyable if you have read the previous two books. The main characters are three young women, Jeannie, Kate and Louisa, who are all friends and work together at the Clarkes Factory, in Street, Somerset.

In January 1916, in Bristol, England and Gerald is having bad nightmares, after spending months on the front line he had seen many unimaginable things. He served as a stretcher- bearer as he was a pacifist and also a Quaker and it was against his beliefs to kill a fellow man. Now after months in France he had returned home to work on the land and was once again living with his mother.

In May 1916, Louisa is still very angry with her parents, refusing to attend church with them and her parents expect her to lie about her son, who is now being brought up by her deceased boyfriends brother and sister-in-law. Louisa is sure she will never forgive her parents for this and she misses Mattie so very much. She becomes friends with Lucas, who is Jeannies brother and he is gradually getting some feeling back in his right hand after being injured overseas. But when she suffers a family bereavement she realises very quickly that her mother has new plans for her.

Kate dreadfully misses her mother and now attends the Quaker church, as she can't bear to attend the Holy Trinity church because her father has now moved his fancy woman in after her mum's death. But when she befriends a young man called Gerald who is arrested for refusing to fight, she soon finds out about the bad feelings that are going around. At the end of July, both of Kate's brothers had been called up and she had hoped that she would get to see them again before they are shipped overseas. These people and more live in the area around Street in Somerset and most work at the Clarkes Shoe Factory, but they all have to think positively especially when so many young men are being called up. I did enjoy the camaraderie between everyone who worked for the Clarkes Factory especially the main characters. There are also some bad feelings around as people are very nasty against those young men who refuse to fight, but also some who have been invalided out of the army are also caught up in the bad feelings and given white feathers. I was pleased to see at the end of the book that there is to be a fourth and final book in this series and I genuinely can't wait to find out what happens when the war ends and their loved ones return to Street in Somerset.
It's a fantastic moving story and I absolutely loved it. A five-star read from me.

#Boldwoodbooks
#netgalley
#ClarkesFactoryGirls

Another of the few WW1 saga books and one of the best, dealing as it does, during the story, with an issue which was sorely misunderstood at the time, that of not wishing to fight when everyone around you thinks you should. Sensitively handled. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the reading copy.

this is the third book in the series about World War 1, set in 1916. it tells the continuing story of three friends. it can be read as a standalone, but i would suggest reading in order.

Very well written, with relatable characters and well-constructed dialogue resulting in a very disturbing — but also satisfying — storyline ⭐⭐⭐⭐

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

I am enjoying this series which is set within the community of Street and those working at the Clarks Factory, but focuses on three friends Kate, Jeannie and Louisa.

We read about how the residents lived during the First World War. Louisa is still finding it hard to deal with the loss of Mattie and therefore her relationship with her parents isn’t that good.

Jeannie likes Tom a lot but feels that he’s not being honest with her. Kate, who’s now living with Auntie Betty, has decided to write to those in prison for not wanting to fight.

I highly recommend this book.

I have loved reading this book the third book in the Clark Factory girls series.In this book we find out what happens to Louisa who has fallen in love with Mattie who is a Quaker that don't believe in fighting .Louisa's family don't agree with the match as are against Quaker religion.Jeannie is trying to keep her family together as her mother is finding it hard since her father died in an accident and Kate is suffering at the hand of her father who takes all her wages of her and beats her.What will become of these 3 friends.Will live work out for Louisa,will Jeannie find love and will Mate get away from her brutal father.Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood.

I had read the previous books in the series and looked forward to this one.
I was not disappointed.
The story did seem slower , it showcased 1916 into 1917 but covered a great many details of the First World War - both from the conscription point of view and also the beliefs of the Quakers and the Clark family. This had quite devastating effects and was a good reminder to those of us with no idea of warfare, that those that chose not to bear arms for whatever ever reason could be taken and shot for cowardice.

The book is well written - the relationship between Louisa and Lucas could be questioned if one hadn’t read the previous books but was in context if one had. May Ellis had obviously done a lot of research which was explained in her author’s notes.
It was interesting to read the philanthropy of the Clark family when a well respected employee had a serious illness.

I look forward to the final book in the series and sincerely hope that life works out for Jeannie and Kate - and we find out what happens to some of the characters caught up in the war

A brilliant read

Yet another great addition to and already great series. Somehow I missed book 2 in the series but I still enjoyed this book immensely. The three girls, Jeannie, Kate and Louisa are working in the factory and this follows on with their lives and those of the families. It is about love and friendship, war and it affect on everyone.

Well written and easy to read this is a book and series that is great to read and brings family, friendship and war to life.

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

Set in the First World War in the town of Street, dominated by Clarks shoe factory, we follow the fortunes of three young girls. Kate has escaped from her abusive father and the floozy he brought to the family home following the death of her mother; Jeannie is still the Quaker peacemaker and is attracted to a man who seems to like her and Louisa has lost the love of her life and had to make some hard choices. The war rages on and some menfolk have returned wounded, while others are still serving. And the Quaker men are conscientiously objecting and paying a heavy price for their beliefs.

Its an entertaining and interesting read, full of the social niceties and prejudices of the time.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is the third in the series and when I started reading it was like reconnecting with old friends. Louisa, Jeannie and Kate are still working at Clarks Factory while Louisa deals with her crumbling relationship with her parents, Kate is struggling with her relationship with an abusive father and Jeannie is still looking for love. The characters are very well developed and I still hate the animosity between the members of Holy Trinity Church and the Quakers. Other than that the area seems peaceful but the news of the war is always present and the worry for the young men of the town. The book didn't end on a cliffhanger but I heard there is one more book. I am looking forward to reading it but hate having to say good-bye to the girls.

Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood for providing me with a digital copy.

Oh I love this series I could read it over and over again and this book doesn't fail. I'm so glad the girls are still friends and Jeannie knows Louisas secret. I cried when Lou's dad died her mum has turned into a horrible hard woman who obviously doesn't love her own daughter.
I hope Lou doesn't regret marrying Lucas and they do try and have a baby.
I can't wait for more in this series

The Clarks Factory Girls #3

Set in 1916. Louisa is trying to come to terms with the loss of Mattie. WWI continues. Jeannie, Louisa and Kate are friends who work at the Clarks factory. The country is in the grips of conscription. Kate befriends a young Quaker who had been arrested for refusing to fight. As Louisa's parents are still trying to find her a husband, she takes solace with Jeannie's brother Lucas.

This book follows on from where book two left off. The characters are well-developed, the story is well-written. It tells us how difficult choices were made and hard times were had by all.

I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #MayEllis for my ARC of #DarkTimesForTheClarksFactoryGirls in exchange for an honest review.

Published 9th January 2025