The Factory Girls
4 primary works
Book 1
Britain, 1911.
Strikes and riots erupt countrywide as the shadow of the Great War looms over Europe. But in one small corner of London, factory girl Nellie Clark's wages are all that keep her younger brothers and sister from starvation.
And, as the young women of Pearce Duff's custard factory watch their menfolk prepare to march off to war, Nellie is forced to make a difficult choice: between the family who depend upon her, and the man she loves...
Following Nellie and her struggle through the hardship of life in First World War London, Custard Tarts and Broken Hearts is an outstandingly moving novel full of tenderness and drama.
PRAISE FOR CUSTARD TARTS AND BROKEN HEARTS:
'The twists and turns of the friendship, love and family keep you gripped throughout. The characters are engaging and soon feel like old friends' Joanna, Amazon reviewer.
'Well written and beautifully told story of the hardships and heartache of early 1900's Britain. Couldn't put it down and had tears rolling down my face as I became entwined with the wonderful "cuckoo" family wanting them to survive' Dell, Amazon reviewer.
'This is a wonderful read. It has everything a good story should have, it made me laugh, smile and weep in parts. So well written that the characters come to life' Mafanwy, Amazon reviewer.
'Brilliant book – well written, well researched, compelling read' Squirrel 59, Amazon reviewer.
'An amazing and at times heart-rending story about the struggles of young women before and during the war. I was gripped from the start!' Mrs S, Amazon reviewer.
Book 2
London, 1923.
Bermondsey is the larder of London with its bustling docks, spice mill, tannery and factories.
Milly Colman knows she's lucky. Working at Southwell's jam factory all week means she can have a pay packet and a laugh with her mates come Saturday. It's a welcome escape from home, where Milly must protect her mother and sisters from her father's violent temper.
When autumn comes, hop-picking in Kent gives all the Colman women a longed-for respite. But it is there, on one golden September night, that Milly makes the mistake of her life and finds her courage and strength tested as never before.
PRAISE FOR JAM AND ROSES:
'This book is raw and powerful and a fabulous read. This is where girl power came from; women like Milly and her family, girls who did not even have the vote at this time. This book is also a history lesson, telling the story of the general strike' Mrs H, Amazon reviewer.
'Well written, with pace, engaging characters, a good narrative and some suspense. A real authentic tone, too: the central characters reminded me of the formidable spirit of my mother/grandmothers who lived through, and survived, these demanding times' Fredmart, Amazon reviewer.
'A fantastic read! I was hooked from the first paragraph, Mary Gibson is a fabulous and talented writer. A book you can't put down but, yet you want to find out the ending without wanting the book to finish. Well done and thank you. Can't wait to read the next book' Michelle Thompson, Amazon reviewer.
'If you enjoy post war stories of women's hardship, based in london, then this is the book to read. It kept me enthralled from the start. Highly recommended' Shell R, Amazon reviewer.
'So full of emotion and tragedies, but also humour, happiness, love and hate' Patsy, Amazon reviewer.
Book 3
London, 1939.
As the Blitz hits London, two sisters from Bermondsey find their lives changed beyond all recognition.
May is known to her family as the homing pigeon because of her uncanny sense of direction. She will need it when a bombing raid destroys nearly everything she holds dear. With her home in ruins, she joins the ATS and becomes a gunner girl. Here she finds dangerous work, new friends and rivals – and painful choices in love.
May's elder sister, Peggy, is trapped in a stifling marriage to a small-time crook. Amid the chaos of war, a route to freedom suddenly beckons and, along with it, new and passionate love. From the melting pot of war will come hardship and tragedy, as well as new, unexpected friendships and love affairs.
PRAISE FOR GUNNER GIRLS AND FIGHTER BOYS:
'I learned so much, as the history of the Second World War was brought alive through vivid writing and wonderful storytelling. From the bomb sites of London to the countryside of Surrey, to the Middle East this is one book which will take you on a journey like no other book ever written' Petra, Amazon reviewer.
'A poignant saga of an East End of London family; their lives, loves, and losses during World War 2' Barbara Bee, Amazon reviewer.
'She makes Blitz time Bermondsey come to life' Abbie Scanlon, Amazon reviewer.
'Transported me back in time with a truly wonderful story. Lots of twists and turns and I absolutely loved the way it captures all the spirit and nostalgia from those times. Love love loved it!' Jojo's, Amazon reviewer.
'Gripping to the end. Wartime heartbreak, sadness, short lived happiness and love, you can taste the debris of war and share the odd moments of emotions' Sue Thornton, Amazon reviewer.
Book 4
London, 1930.
He promised her the earth. She found herself in hell.
Handsome Frank Rossi took Matty Gilbie away from her working class roots in Bermondsey, East London and promised her fame and fortune. In America, the Cockney Canary would become a movie star. As his wife, she would be half of a power couple, fêted and adored by all. But the Wall Street Crash of 1929 puts paid to all that, and as Frank becomes more violent and unstable, Matty flees in the dead of night.
Once home in Bermondsey, she goes into hiding and starts desperately looking for work. But only Peak Freans, the hated biscuit factory, is hiring staff. Then, as a secret from her past comes back to haunt her, Matty learns that Frank is on the move, determined to find her and get her back.
PRAISE FOR BOURBON CREAMS AND TATTERED DREAMS:
'This book should not be missed. I cannot recommend it highly enough' Mrs H, Amazon reviewer.
'I LOVED this book. So much detail that I felt I was there. Great characters and so emotional' Oriette, Amazon reviewer.
'Amazing, heartfelt and moving' 23reviewstreet.
'This book is filled with love, laughter and hope, and while the characters do have their share of misfortunes and tragedies, what comes across in Gibson's writing is something that is sadly missing in today's modern, fast paced world – Community' Andrea Pryke, Amazon reviewer.
'The fascinating history combined with a story about real people with real problems and a lovely romantic ending made me fall in love with this book. I highly recommend this heartwarming story, it has a lot of charm and character' Suze Alexander, Amazon reviewer.