(The Railway Girls Series, 8)

Christmas Wishes for the Railway Girls

The eighth, heartwarming instalment in the much-loved Railway Girls series! 
 
This will be a Christmas to remember for the railway girls. . . 
 
Little Max is growing day by day and Joan is adjusting to her new life. But in her heart of hearts, she is desperate to return to work on the railways. 
 
Margaret's job in the engine shed is demanding. But when a friend finds herself in crisis, she knows she must do everything she can to help her. 
 
Alison is overjoyed at the prospect of organising a Christmas wedding until a long-held secret is revealed. Knowing the truth, can she find the strength to forgive those she holds most dear? 
 
As war rages on, the railway girls must also battle with matters of the heart. Can they overcome their troubles in time for Christmas? 
 
Readers LOVE the Railway Girls: 
 
'Make yourself a cuppa and find a comfy spot on the sofa because you are not going to be able to put this down' 
 
'I simply cannot wait for the next one - I am hooked!' 
 
'Gives a vivid picture of women's lives in wartime Manchester' 
 
'Dramatic, intriguing and sprinkled with plenty of wit and heart' 
 
'It's just like catching up with old friends'

The new feel-good and uplifting WW2 historical fiction (The Railway Girls Series, 7)

Courage of the Railway Girls

Maisie Thomas was born and brought up in Manchester, which provides the location for her Railway Girls novels. She loves writing stories with strong female characters, set in times when women needed determination and vision to make their mark. The Railway Girls series is inspired by her great-aunt Jessie, who worked as a railway clerk during the First World War. 
 
Maisie now lives on the beautiful North Wales coast with her railway enthusiast husband, Kevin, and their two rescue cats. They often enjoy holidays chugging up and down the UK's heritage steam railways.

Manchester, 1943 
 
Emily is enjoying her new job as a station porter until she learns that a trusted friend at work may be involved in something underhand... 
 
Persephone's romance with Matt is blossoming - but can two people from such different walks of life really make a go of it? 
 
All is going well with wedding planning for Mabel until someone divulges a secret about Harry, which could threaten their future. 
 
As war rages around them, the railway girls must face their own battles. With the support of one another, will they make the right decisions when it comes to matters of the heart? 
 
__________________________________________ 
 
Readers LOVE the Railway Girls: 
 
'Make yourself a cuppa and find a comfy spot on the sofa because you are not going to be able to put this down' 
 
'I simply cannot wait for the next one - I am hooked!' 
 
'Gives a vivid picture of women's lives in wartime Manchester' 
 
'Dramatic, intriguing and sprinkled with plenty of wit and heart' 
 
'It's just like catching up with old friends'

The festive, feel-good and romantic historical fiction book (The Railway Girls Series, 6)

A Christmas Miracle for the Railway Girls

'Heartwarming historical fiction ... The perfect stocking filler for fans of Nancy Revell, Daisy Styles and Margaret Dickinson' Eastern Daily Press 
__________________ 
 
The sixth heartwarming, feel-good instalment in the much-loved Railway Girls series! 
 
Manchester, 1942. There are surprises in store for the railway girls this festive season... 
 
When Cordelia's daughter Emily falls for a young chap who doesn't meet the approval of her father, Cordelia is reminded of her own first love - a love that she has never forgotten. 
 
Mabel is determined to get to the bottom of a spate of local burglaries. Her heart is in the right place as she sets out on a quest to clear her friend's name, but there will be unforeseen consequences. 
 
It's nothing short of a miracle when Colette returns to Manchester. But it's not going to be easy for her to keep living the life she once knew, and an impossible situation lies ahead. 
 
There will be more than one storm for the railway girls to weather but with the friendship and support of one another, there's hope that all will be well by Christmas... 
 
Readers LOVE the Railway Girls: 
 
'Make yourself a cuppa and find a comfy spot on the sofa because you are not going to be able to put this down' 
 
'I simply cannot wait for the next one - I am hooked!' 
 
'Gives a vivid picture of women's lives in wartime Manchester' 
 
'Dramatic, intriguing and sprinkled with plenty of wit and heart' 
 
'It's just like catching up with old friends'

Maisie Thomas was born and brought up in Manchester, which provides the location for her Railway Girls novels. She loves writing stories with strong female characters, set in times when women needed determination and vision to make their mark. The Railway Girls series is inspired by her great-aunt Jessie, who worked as a railway clerk during the First World War. 
 
Maisie now lives on the beautiful North Wales coast with her railway enthusiast husband, Kevin, and their two rescue cats. They often enjoy holidays chugging up and down the UK's heritage steam railways.

The fifth book in the feel-good, heartwarming WW2 historical saga series (The Railway Girls Series, 5)

Hope for the Railway Girls

Being a railway girl isn't always easy but together, they can overcome every challenge that stands in their way... 
___________________ 
 
Manchester, 1942 
 
 A new year brings new hope for the railway girls. 
 
 Alison's romance with the charming Dr Maitland is blossoming, but then she is posted away from Manchester. Working in a canteen isn't part of her plan, nor is meeting her beau's old girlfriend - one who just happens to want him back. 
 
 Margaret is supportive of her friend's new relationship until she realises exactly who he is. Torn between keeping her secret and warning Alison, she turns to Joan for help. 
 
 Working in Lost Property wouldn't be Joan's first choice of job, but with a baby on the way she knows she can't continue being a station porter. As she looks to the future, can she put the troubles of her past behind her? 
 
'The characters are fresh and stand out from the page, there is tension, pathos and heartbreak, but more than that, there is joy...' FROST Magazine 
 
Readers LOVE the Railway Girls: 
 
'Make yourself a cuppa and find a comfy spot on the sofa because you are not going to be able to put this down' 
 
'I simply cannot wait for the next one - I am hooked!' 
 
'Gives a vivid picture of women's lives in wartime Manchester' 
 
'Dramatic, intriguing and sprinkled with plenty of wit and heart' 
 
'It's just like catching up with old friends'

The heartwarming historical fiction book to curl up with at Christmas

Christmas with the Railway Girls

'Heartwarming historical fiction ... The perfect stocking filler for fans of Nancy Revell, Daisy Styles and Margaret Dickinson' Eastern Daily Press 
 
___________________ 
 
Manchester, 1941 
 
Christmas is the season for family and friends, and this year the railway girls will need each other more than ever. 
 
Cordelia appears to have the perfect life. When her daughter Emily arrives home unexpectedly, she can't wait to introduce her to her friends. But when things don't go to plan, Cordelia must decide where her loyalty lies. 
 
Things aren't going too smoothly for Alison either. Her beloved boyfriend has yet to propose, but there's a charity fundraiser dance and she's dressed up specially. Surely, tonight must be the night. 
 
Colette's friends are envious of her devoted husband; he meets her after every shift on the railway, and accompanies her around town. But Colette has a secret, one that will change her life - if only she knew who to confide in. 
 
With the festive season fast approaching, the railway girls are hoping for some Christmas magic... 
 
 ___________________ 
 
Readers LOVE the Railway Girls: 
 
'Make yourself a cuppa and find a comfy spot on the sofa because you are not going to be able to put this down' 
 
'I simply cannot wait for the next one - I am hooked!' 
 
'Gives a vivid picture of women's lives in wartime Manchester' 
 
'Dramatic, intriguing and sprinkled with plenty of wit and heart' 
 
'It's just like catching up with old friends'

Heartwarming historical fiction ... The perfect stocking filler for fans of Nancy Revell and Margaret Dickinson.

'Heartwarming historical fiction ... The perfect stocking filler for fans of Nancy Revell, Daisy Styles and Margaret Dickinson' Eastern Daily Press 
 
___________________ 
 
Manchester, 1941 
 
Christmas is the season for family and friends, and this year the railway girls will need each other more than ever. 
 
Cordelia appears to have the perfect life. When her daughter Emily arrives home unexpectedly, she can't wait to introduce her to her friends. But when things don't go to plan, Cordelia must decide where her loyalty lies. 
 
Things aren't going too smoothly for Alison either. Her beloved boyfriend has yet to propose, but there's a charity fundraiser dance and she's dressed up specially. Surely, tonight must be the night. 
 
Colette's friends are envious of her devoted husband; he meets her after every shift on the railway, and accompanies her around town. But Colette has a secret, one that will change her life - if only she knew who to confide in. 
 
With the festive season fast approaching, the railway girls are hoping for some Christmas magic... 
 
 ___________________ 
 
Readers LOVE the Railway Girls: 
 
'Make yourself a cuppa and find a comfy spot on the sofa because you are not going to be able to put this down' 
 
'I simply cannot wait for the next one - I am hooked!' 
 
'Gives a vivid picture of women's lives in wartime Manchester' 
 
'Dramatic, intriguing and sprinkled with plenty of wit and heart' 
 
'It's just like catching up with old friends'

The Railway Girls in Love

The brand new Railway Girls novel set in Manchester during WWII. Perfect for fans of Nancy Revell, Daisy Styles and Margaret Dickinson. 
___________________ 
 
Readers LOVE the Railway Girls: 
 
'Gripping and intriguing' 
'Great story lines' 
'Exceptional story . . . a must-read' 
'Poignant' 
'Emotional . . . strong women' 
___________________ 
 
Love is in the air, and together the railway girls can overcome even the hardest of times. 
 
Mabel has finally put the past behind her, and her relationship with the dashing Harry is stronger than ever. That is, until an old flame shows up, leaving Mabel questioning her future. 
 
Meanwhile Joan has made amends with Bob - if only she could do the same with Gran. And there's still that family mystery she wants answer to, isn't there? 
 
As a mother and grandmother, Dot Green has always put her family first. Her job as a parcels porter has brought new purpose to her life, so is it finally time to start following her heart . . . 
 
Life as a railway girl is busy but as war rages on and air raids disrupt daily life, the women realise they need each other more than ever, especially when there might be wedding bells on the horizon.

Rich in research, with period detail woven into the story rather than distracting from it, writing that carries you along without you even noticing it. Add to that characters you really care about and gripping plot lines, [The Railway Girls] really are the most accomplished and enjoyable books.

Another addictive read that I absolutely adore

Enlightening and entertaining [...] a gripping tale

The third novel in the uplifting Railway Girls series shows just how important friendship and love are in a time of uncertainty and change

Secrets of the Railway Girls

The second novel in the wonderful railway girls series, set in Manchester during the second world war.

The second novel in the uplifting railway girls series. Perfect for fans of Nancy Revell and Margaret Dickinson. 
 
--------------------------------- 
 
Manchester, November 1940 
 
As the war continues and secrets threaten the railway girls, they will discover the true meaning of friendship. 
 
--------------------------------- 
 
For Dot, her job on the railways is everything. Transporting parcels around the country gives her pride that she is doing her bit for the war effort, but a growing friendship causes problems when home and work collide. 
 
Joan loves her boyfriend Bob dearly, but when tragedy strikes, her heart is torn apart, and she is forced to make a decision that could hurt those she loves most. 
 
Meanwhile Mabel has finally found a place to call home and her relationship seems to be going from strength to strength. However, the relentless bombing in the Christmas blitz is about to destroy everything she holds dear, and she will need her friends' courage and generosity now more than ever. 
 
Brought together by their work on Manchester's railways, the three women find that with the support and encouragement of each other, they can get through even the most challenging of times. 
 
--------------------------------- 
 
Readers LOVE the Railway Girls . . . 
 
'Beautifully written with a quiet charm' Jaffareadstoo 
 
'Suberbly written . . . a gripping read' Ginger Book Geek 
 
'Stunning . . . perfectly paced' Frost Magazine 
 
'Poignant' Donna's Book Blog

The second novel in the uplifting railway girls series that shows just how important friendship and love is in a time of uncertainty and change. Perfect for fans of Nancy Revell. 
 
 
Manchester, November 1940 
 
As the war continues and secrets threaten the railway girls, they will discover the true meaning of friendship. 
 
--------------------------------- 
 
For Dot, her job on the railways is everything. Transporting parcels around the country gives her pride that she is doing her bit for the war effort, but a growing friendship causes problems when home and work collide. 
 
Joan loves her boyfriend Bob dearly, but when tragedy strikes, her heart is torn apart, and she is forced to make a decision that could hurt those she loves most. 
 
Meanwhile Mabel has finally found a place to call home and her relationship seems to be going from strength to strength. However, the relentless bombing in the Christmas blitz is about to destroy everything she holds dear, and she will need her friends’ courage and generosity now more than ever. 
 
Brought together by their work on Manchester’s railways, the three women find that with the support and encouragement of each other, they can get through even the most challenging of times.

Their bond will see them through

The Railway Girls

A WW2 saga series based on women that worked on the railways. Perfect for fans of Nancy Revell and Ellie Dean.

The first novel in the wonderful new Railway Girls series, perfect for fans of Nancy Revell and Ellie Dean. 
_____________________ 
 
'Stunning writing [and] perfectly paced' 
Frost Magazine 
 
'A story of true friendship, love, loss and trust' 
Candis 
_____________________ 
 
In February, 1922, at the western-most entrance to Victoria Station in Manchester, a massive plaque was unveiled. Beneath a vast tiled map showing the lines of the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway network, a series of seven bronze panels recorded the names of the men of the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway who gave their lives for King and Country in the Great War - a total of 1,460 names. 
 
In March, 1940, a group of women of varying ages and backgrounds, stand in front of the memorial, ready to do their bit in this new World War... 
_____________________ 
 
Mabel is determined to make a fresh start as a railway girl where no one will know the terrible thing she did and she can put her guilt behind her... Or is she just running away? 
 
Meanwhile Joan will never be as good as her sister, or so her Gran keeps telling her. A new job as a station clerk could be just the thing she needs to forget her troubles at home. 
 
And Dot is further into her forties than she cares to admit. Her beloved sons are away fighting and her husband - well, the less said about him the better. Ratty old sod. She is anxious to become a railway girl just like her dear mam - anything to feel she is supporting the sons she prays for every night. 
 
The three women start off as strangers, but soon form an unbreakable bond that will get them through the toughest of times... 
_____________________

A story of true friendship, love, loss and trust

Stunning writing, perfectly paced and never rushed, a slow and realistic journey through the phoney war, Dunkirk and into the beginnings of the blitz

Enjoyable, satisfying and brilliantly researched . . . gripping and intriguing

A thoroughly enjoyable read . . . interesting character and great story lines

An exceptional story with believable characters . . a must read for all historical fiction fans

Engaging, totally relatable, well defined and genuinely believable . . . a delightful story [and] an important piece of social commentary

Witty, poignant and made me smile . . . highly recommended

_____________________ 
The first novel in the wonderful new Railway Girls series, perfect for fans of Nancy Revell and Ellie Dean. 
 
In February, 1922, at the western-most entrance to Victoria Station in Manchester, a massive plaque was unveiled. Beneath a vast tiled map showing the lines of the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway network, a series of seven bronze panels recorded the names of the men of the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway who gave their lives for King and Country in the Great War - a total of 1,460 names. 
 
In March, 1940, a group of women of varying ages and backgrounds, stand in front of the memorial, ready to do their bit in this new World War... 
_____________________ 
Mabel is determined to make a fresh start as a railway girl where no one will know the terrible thing she did and she can put her guilt behind her... Or is she just running away? 
 
Meanwhile Joan will never be as good as her sister, or so her Gran keeps telling her. A new job as a station clerk could be just the thing she needs to forget her troubles at home. 
 
And Dot is further into her forties than she cares to admit. Her beloved sons are away fighting and her husband - well, the less said about him the better. Ratty old sod. She is anxious to become a railway girl just like her dear mam - anything to feel she is supporting the sons she prays for every night. 
 
The three women start off as strangers, but soon form an unbreakable bond that will get them through the toughest of times...

Maisie Thomas

Manchester, 1944 
 
Alison is thriving in her rewarding role at the railways. But when family tragedy strikes, her world is turned upside down. 
 
Persephone is struggling with matters of the heart. Can she muster up the courage to tell Matt how she truly feels? 
 
Colette is slowly learning to embrace life again after she left Tony. But will he ever let her move on? 
 
Join the railway girls as they journey through life, love and war. 
__________________________________________ 
 
Readers LOVE the Railway Girls: 
 
'Make yourself a cuppa and find a comfy spot on the sofa because you are not going to be able to put this down' 
 
'I simply cannot wait for the next one - I am hooked!' 
 
'Gives a vivid picture of women's lives in wartime Manchester' 
 
'Dramatic, intriguing and sprinkled with plenty of wit and heart' 
 
'It's just like catching up with old friends'

Maisie Thomas

Books by Maisie Thomas

Series by Maisie Thomas

The railway girls series

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