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4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
651 global ratings
5 star
75%
4 star
17%
3 star
6%
2 star
1%
1 star
1%
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Judyrem
5.0 out of 5 stars I want more Railway books!
Reviewed in the United States on October 22, 2020
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I am addicted to this series, it is one of my very favorites about women’s’ friendships. I envy those lovely ladies that were gifted with that special bond of relationships, FRIENDS!

Characters are wonderful and time and settings are great.
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Kris Anderson, The Avid Reader
TOP 1000 REVIEWERVINE VOICE
4.0 out of 5 stars A charming historical novel
Reviewed in the United States on September 22, 2020
Secrets of the Railway Girls by Maisie Thomas is the 2nd tale in The Railway Girls series. It can be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading the books in order. I enjoyed reading this gently paced historical novel. I thought Secrets of the Railway Girls was well-written with friendly, relatable characters. Dot, Joan, and Mabel are the focus of this installment. Dot Green is the mother figure of the group. She is such a hardworking, caring woman. Dot has a big heart. Joan was raised by her strict Gran who favors Joan’s sister over her. Mabel Bradshaw was devastated when her best friend died in a motor accident with her at the wheel. She left her home and came to volunteer for the war effort. Dot, Joan, Mabel, Cordelia, Alison, and Persephone all work for the railroad in various positions. They have stuck together and are there for each other. I like how they help each other through the difficult times and how close they have become. The war is escalating with new rules enacted each day. Rationing has begun which causes ques at the shops. Getting needed supplies is a challenge and cooks need to be creative. I thought the author captured time and place beautifully. The ladies face a variety of problems such as grief, heartache, and attitudes from men at work. The bombings are escalating. Lives and homes are lost. The ladies are all trained in first aid and are out during the bombings helping the injured. There is more drama in Secrets of the Railway Girls. The author really brought her characters to life. I felt I was experiencing the bombings and other events with them. I enjoyed the mystery of who is stealing from the food bank. I like how they worked to catch the culprit. Secrets of the Railway Girls is charming historical novel that left me eager for the next installment.

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book. I am not required to leave a review. The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.
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Top reviews from other countries

Cakemaker
4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent sequel to the first book
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 16, 2021
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Well researched and providing an interesting insight again into the tough life of the railway women. The lack of acceptance by their male colleagues is addressed again, how society as a whole still had moded expectations of women in their everyday lives and, in this story, how the friendship of women from such different backgrounds helped each day, as well as taking on daily life in war torn Manchester. Something just holds me back from rating it 5 stars but I will be preordering the next book in the series.
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Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Things are rarely what they seem!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 20, 2020
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This story was a wonderful balance of mystery and romance woven into fantastic descriptions of the dreadful effects of the bombing of Manchester by the Luftwaffe. The descriptions of the events and actions of the various characters was superb.

Compulsive reading. Couldn't wait to see how life panned out for all the Railway Girls and their friends. A book you do not want to put down.
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Joyce tuffs
5.0 out of 5 stars An enjoyable read.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 12, 2020
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I really enjoy these stories about The Railway Girls. The friendships between them and the way they help each other in times of crisis is wonderful. I feel as if I know the characters personally and Dot is wonderful.
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duke
5.0 out of 5 stars great read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 7, 2020
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very entertaining book fair play you get to know each person about their lives and how deep their friendship develops they stick up for each other i really enjoyed this book the author should be proud regards duke
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Teepee
5.0 out of 5 stars Love the Railway Girls
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 21, 2021
Verified Purchase
Really enjoyed reading about the railway girls gang. The camaraderie between the girls, despite there differences in background, as been captured really well. Cant wait for the third book in the series, is this the last one?
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