Jam and Roses: The heartbreaking story of women's lives in London's docklands (The Factory Girls Book 2)

Three sisters are growing up in 1920s Bermondsey - the larder of London - with its bustling docks, its spice mill, tannery and factories. Southwells jam factory is where many of the girls work. And Milly Colman knows she's lucky. At Southwells she can have a laugh with her mates. She's quick and strong and never misses a day's work. She needs to be. Because at homes things are very different. The Colman household is ruled by the tyrannical rages of the old man - her father. Often Milly feels she is the only thing protecting her mother and younger sisters from his murderous violence. At least autumn hop-picking in Kent gives all the Colman women a heavenly respite. But it is here, on one golden September night, that Milly makes the mistake of her life and finds her courage and strength tested as never before. The poignant and powerful second novel from the bestselling author of Custard Tarts and Broken Hearts . 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 . Three sisters in 1920s Bermondsey struggle to make ends meet and protect their mother from the violence of their father. Milly, the eldest, works in Southwells jam factory. Elsie dreams of a career on the stage, while little Amy runs wild with her friends on the streets. As summer draws to a close, they join the hop pickers in Kent for a short, blissful respite from a life of work and hardship. All three of the girls fear the terrible, unforgiving temper of their father, the old man, and their courageous attempts to protect their defenseless mother will have dramatic & mdash;sometimes disastrous & mdash;consequences for them all. From 1923, through the General Strike, this gripping saga is a wonderful second novel from the author of Custard Tarts and Broken Hearts In 1920s London, three sisters struggle to make ends meet, until the events of one long hot Summer change everything...