Step into the heartwarming world of the Shipyard Girls, where courage, friendship, and love shine against the gritty backdrop of World War II Sunderland! Nancy Revell’s historical fiction saga captures the lives of women welders in the shipyards, blending rich historical detail with personal drama. It’s a story of resilience that pulls you in and doesn’t let go.
With authentic characters and a vivid sense of place, the series transports readers to a time when women stepped into roles once reserved for men, forging bonds that would change their lives forever. Ready to dive into this captivating tale?
How Shipyard Girls Began
Nancy Revell, the pen name of Amanda Revell Walton, drew inspiration from her Sunderland roots and a family legacy of shipbuilders to create the Shipyard Girls series. A former journalist, Revell returned to her hometown to research the real women who worked in Sunderland’s shipyards during WWII. Their backbreaking, dangerous work under the threat of Nazi bombings sparked a saga that honors their unsung contributions. Launched in 2016, the series quickly won hearts with its blend of historical accuracy and emotional storytelling.
The Heart of Shipyard Girls
The series kicks off with The Shipyard Girls (2016), set in 1940 Sunderland. Polly Elliot joins J.L. Thompson & Sons shipyard, defying her mother’s disapproval, and meets enigmatic dock diver Tommy Watts. Head welder Rosie Thornton trains new recruits while hiding a secret night job to support her sister. Gloria, escaping an abusive husband, finds solace in the shipyard’s camaraderie. These women, strangers at first, form an unbreakable bond.
Subsequent books, like Shipyard Girls at War (2017), Secrets of the Shipyard Girls (2017), and Shipyard Girls in Love (2018), deepen the saga. The series explores themes of resilience, female empowerment, and the power of friendship amidst air raids and personal struggles. Revell’s immersive style weaves romance, family secrets, and wartime challenges into a tapestry of Sunderland’s shipbuilding pride, with vivid settings like Roker’s beaches and bustling docks.
Spanning 12 books, the series follows characters through love, loss, and triumph, with later titles like Three Cheers for the Shipyard Girls (2022) wrapping up their wartime journey. Revell’s meticulous research, including Sunderland Echo archives, grounds the fiction in real events, making the women’s courage palpable.
Why Shipyard Girls Resonates
The Shipyard Girls series has sold over half a million copies, captivating readers with its heartfelt portrayal of women’s wartime contributions. Its focus on Sunderland’s shipyards, a vital WWII hub producing a quarter of Britain’s merchant ships, sheds light on a lesser-known chapter of history. Fans praise the relatable characters and emotional depth, with the series sparking local pride and even inspiring a Shipyard Girls walking tour in Sunderland.
Revell’s saga transcends historical fiction, celebrating the strength of community and the transformative power of women supporting each other. Its universal themes of hope and perseverance resonate with readers worldwide, making it a beloved gem in the genre.
- Publication Years: 2016–2022
- Number of Books: 12
- Setting: Sunderland, England, during WWII
- Author: Nancy Revell (Amanda Revell Walton)
Grab The Shipyard Girls and dive into a world of grit, heart, and unbreakable bonds! Whether you love historical fiction or stories of strong women, this series is your next must-read.