The Potteries Girls Series by Lynn Johnson

‘an emotional, captivating read which is perfect for anyone who loves a good saga! ’ Over The Rainbow Book Blog Even in the darkest of times, she never gave up hope Staffordshire, 1911 . Ginnie Jones ’s childhood is spent in the shadow of the famous Potteries, living with her mother, father and older sister Mabel. But with Father’s eyesight failing, money is in short supply, and too often the family find their bellies aching with hunger. With no hope in sight, Ginnie is sent to Haddon Workhouse... more‘an emotional, captivating read which is perfect for anyone who loves a good saga! ’ Over The Rainbow Book Blog Even in the darkest of times, she never gave up hope Staffordshire, 1911 . Ginnie Jones ’s childhood is spent in the shadow of the famous Potteries, living with her mother, father and older sister Mabel. But with Father’s eyesight failing, money is in short supply, and too often the family find their bellies aching with hunger. With no hope in sight, Ginnie is sent to Haddon Workhouse. Separated from everything she has known, Ginnie has to grow up fast, earning her keep by looking after the other children with no families of their own. When she meets Clara and Sam , she hopes that she has made friends for life… until tragedy strikes, snatching away her newfound happiness. Leaving Haddon three years later, Ginnie finds work as a mouldrunner at the Potteries, but never stops thinking about her friends in the workhouse – especially Sam, now a caring, handsome young man. When Sam and Ginnie are reunited, their bond is as strong as ever – until Sam is sent to fight in WW1. Faced with uncertainty, can Ginnie find the joy that she’s never had? Or will her heart be broken once again? An emotional, uplifting and nostalgic family saga that will make you smile, while tugging on your heart-strings. Fans of Sheila Newberry Kitty Neale and Sheila Riley will love this beautiful read. Readers are loving The Girl from the Workhouse : ‘A poignant, emotional and heart-wrenching read …best read with a box of tissues handy’ Bookish Jottings ‘This truly was a fabulous story from beginning to end and I struggled to put it down! ... richly detailed, beautifully written and the storyline along with the characters was enthralling’ Rose is Reading ‘ heartbreaking, emotive and well researched…This is an easy, enjoyable and informative read , recommended for lovers of historical fiction .’ Waggy Tales ‘ I highly recommend reading this and being transported back in time. An excellent historical fiction that had me compulsively turning the pages .’ Books and Bookends ‘ Overall, I loved it . There were lots of moments thatmade me gasp and others that almost made me cry, and then there were those that made me smile and sigh.’ Jess Bookish Life ‘ heartwarming and emotional . I absolutely love the story line…I really enjoyed the setting and the characters. If you enjoy historical fiction, this is definitely a book to read !’ Jessica Belmont Book Reviews ‘ I’m quite astonished this is a debut novel … The characters came alive on the page, and it’s a fully rounded story… A fabulous read ’ Grace J Reviewerlady ‘an emotional, captivating read which is perfect for anyone who loves a good saga! ... a fantastic read that quickly drew me into the story and kept my interest throughout with its fabulous plot.’Over The Rainbow Book Blog ‘ Ginnie is a likeable character from the off … I cried at some of the heartache she saw, and was so pleased with every small moment of happiness. You won’t be able to put this one down .’ Jennifer C Wilson ‘the author winds her story around your person and snares your heart … Though filled with much darkness and despair, there is also hope and love ’ Insatiable Readers ‘ Johnson has a Cookson flair …she does capture the heart and soul of her characters .’ Cheryl M-M Book Reviews ‘a step back in time with a young protagonist who pulled on my heart strings …The friendship between her and Sam was especiallyheartwarming. I really enjoyed my first introduction to this author’ By The Letter Book Reviews less

‘ Absolutely loved this book from start to finish, I couldn’t put it down ' ☆☆☆☆☆ Reader Review While the men are off fighting, the women keep the country moving… July 1914 : Britain is in turmoil as WW1 begins to change the world. While the young men disappear off to foreign battlefields, the women left at home throw themselves into jobs meant for the boys... more‘ Absolutely loved this book from start to finish, I couldn’t put it down ' ☆☆☆☆☆ Reader Review While the men are off fighting, the women keep the country moving… July 1914 : Britain is in turmoil as WW1 begins to change the world. While the young men disappear off to foreign battlefields, the women left at home throw themselves into jobs meant for the boys. Hiding her privileged background and her suffragette past, Constance Copeland signs up to be a Clippie - collecting money and giving out tickets - on the trams in Staffordshire, despite her parents’ disapproval. Constance, now known as Connie, soon finds there is more to life than the wealth she was born into and she soon makes fast friends with lively fellow Clippies, Betty and Jean , as well as growing closer to the charming, gentle Inspector Robert Caldwell. But Connie is haunted by another secret; and if it comes out, it could destroy her new life. After war ends and the men return to take back their roles, will Connie find that she can return to her previous existence? Or has she been changed forever by seeing a new world through the tram windows? A captivating, lively, romantic saga set in WW1 that will engross fans of Johanna Bell and Jenny Holmes. Readers are loving Connie's ‘ Absolutely loved this book from start to finish, I couldn’t put it down …A great historical fiction read that has you wanting to finish the book to see how all their lives turn out. Loved it! ’ ☆☆☆☆☆ Reader Review ‘A wonderful WWI-era historical fiction novel that I truly, truly enjoyed …I look forward to what Ms. Johnson has in store forreaders next.’ ☆☆☆☆☆ Reader Review ‘Set around World War One, it shows the grit the women of the war had to endure… well written and enjoyable. ’ ☆☆☆☆☆ Reader Review ‘I enjoyed reading this book because I learned a lot about women during the first world war…There was sadness in the story but happiness and hope for the future. I do recommend that you read this book .’ ☆☆☆☆☆ Reader Review ‘ I thoroughly enjoyed this story that captured the war, suffragette movement, class and working on the trams. I became embroiled in Connie's life and couldn't wait to see what happened next .’ Reader Review ‘A wonderful book and highly recommended .’ ☆☆☆☆☆ Reader Review ‘Historical Fiction and General Fiction readers ought to pick up this charming book .’ Reader Review ‘An appealing story, with well-drawn characters …To be with Connie on her journey makes a thoroughly satisfying read .’ Reader Review Readers love Lynn Johnson's captivating WW1 ‘an emotional, captivating read which is perfect for anyone who loves a good saga! ’ Over The Rainbow Book Blog A poignant , emotional and heart-wrenching read…best read with a box of tissues handy’ Bookish Jottings ‘This truly was a fabulous story from beginning to end and I struggled to put it down!... richly detailed , beautifully written and the storyline along with the characters was enthralling’ Rose is Reading ‘ heartwarming and emotional ...If you enjoy historical fiction , this is definitely a book to read! ’ Jessica Belmont Book Reviews ‘An excellent historical fiction that had me compulsively turning the pages .’ Books and Bookends ‘Overall, I loved it . There were lots of moments that made me gasp and others that almost made me cry, and then there were those that made me smile and sigh.’ Jess Bookish Life ‘ Johnson has a Cookson flair …she does capture the heart and soul of her characters.’ Cheryl M-M Book Reviews less

March 1911: Betty Dean needs a job and somewhere to live, and eventually, a husband – according to her mother. Sent into service at Stowford House in Cheshire, where the days are long and the work is gruelling, Betty’s dreams of making something of herself seem even further away.But soon she is forced to return to The Potteries, carrying with her a dreadful secret which could leave her reputation in tatters... moreMarch 1911: Betty Dean needs a job and somewhere to live, and eventually, a husband – according to her mother. Sent into service at Stowford House in Cheshire, where the days are long and the work is gruelling, Betty’s dreams of making something of herself seem even further away.But soon she is forced to return to The Potteries, carrying with her a dreadful secret which could leave her reputation in tatters.Could WW1 bring new opportunities or will Betty run out of options?A new job on the trams throws her a lifeline. Meeting fellow tram girls Connie and Jean brings the joy of friendship, even if Betty struggles with having to keep secrets from her new pals.When Duncan Kennedy, a shy but charming soldier, enters Betty’s life, it seems that she may finally find love. But opening herself up isn’t easy, and when he leaves for the front, she finds herself alone once again.As the Great War rumbles on, Betty’s life in The Potteries is full of its own battles…A heart-breaking WW1 saga that fans of Pam Howes and Nancy Revell will love. less

In the darkness of the Great War, can she create a brighter future? Martha Owen has not had an easy start in life. Her abusive father dominates the family and she has lost her only friend after a painful falling-out. Her father’s reliance on the bottle, and his increasingly violent temper, brings turmoil for Martha, her mother and her three siblings and with World War One causing more strain on the home front, her prospects look bleak... moreIn the darkness of the Great War, can she create a brighter future? Martha Owen has not had an easy start in life. Her abusive father dominates the family and she has lost her only friend after a painful falling-out. Her father’s reliance on the bottle, and his increasingly violent temper, brings turmoil for Martha, her mother and her three siblings and with World War One causing more strain on the home front, her prospects look bleak. With no money or qualifications to speak of, starting a job at the Potteries feels like a lifeline, but Martha finds herself wanting more than the production line job she works on. Her one talent is her artistic flair, but will this be enough to help her rise the ranks at Paradise Pottery and make a future for herself? And can she ever escape her father’s dark shadow over her? An uplifting and moving saga from the author of the bestselling Wartime with the Tram Girls . Fans of Nancy Revell and Rosie Hendry will be captivated. Praise for Lynn Johnson’s Potteries Girls ‘ A poignant, emotional and heart-wrenching rea d…best read with a box of tissues handy’ Bookish Jottings ‘This truly was a fabulous story from beginning to end and I struggled to put it down! … richly detailed, beautifully written and the storyline along with the characters was enthralling' Rose is Reading ‘ I highly recommend reading this and being transported back in time. An excellent historical fiction that had me compulsively turning the pages .’ Books and Bookends ‘ Overall, I loved it. There were lots of moments that made me gasp and others that almost made me cry, and then there were those that made me smile and sigh.’ Jess Bookish Life ‘ heartwarming and emotional. I absolutely love the story line…I really enjoyed the setting and the characters. If you enjoy historical fiction, this is definitely a book to read ’ Jessica Belmont Book Reviews ‘ I’m quite astonished this is a debut novel … The characters came alive on the page, and it’s a fully rounded story… A fabulous read ’ Grace J Reviewerlady ‘an emotional, captivating read which is perfect for anyone who loves a good saga! … a fantastic read that quickly drew me into the story and kept my interest throughout with its fabulous plot.’ Over The Rainbow Book Blog ‘the author winds her story around your person and snares your heart … Though filled with much darkness and despair, ; there is also hope and love ’ Insatiable Readers ‘ Johnson has a Cookson flair …she does capture the heart and soul of her characters. ’ Cheryl M-M Book Reviews less