Synopsis
A brand-new novel from the RNA award-winning author of Bobby's War
'A gripping series. I've loved every one and this latest is no exception!' Rosie Goodwin
It's 1942 and the Second World War rages across Europe. Maggie Carpenter leaves her quiet life as a teacher in Manchester to join a team of women working the canals, hauling supplies across wartime Britain. Cramped cabins, no running water and relentless labour become her new reality.
Thrown together with two strangers - each hiding secrets of their own - Maggie finds unlikely friendship and a spark of love in a young Army chaplain. But as past wounds resurface, she must decide if she can trust again . . .
Maggie's War is a stirring story of friendship, love and courage in the face of war.
'Suffused with extensive research, as well as secrets and sympathy. Saga readers will love this WW2 tale of canal boat life on "the cut".' Mollie Walton, author of The Shopgirl of Ironbridge
'This is an assiduously researched book, written with heart and love. Shirley's writing transports you to an infinitely kinder, gentler way of life. Readers will devour it.' Kate Thompson, author of The Wartime Book Club
'A gripping saga full of real history, heart and immense courage' Lancashire Evening Post
'A story so meticulously researched that it really does transport you back to days when working boaters were many and wary of other folk, the cabins were tiny and bereft of facilities, and the threat of bombs falling was ever present.' Waterways World Magazine
Readers are loving Maggie's War:
'Family saga at its best'
'I thoroughly enjoyed this book and cant wait for the next one'
'A real page turner'
'Captivating read'
Don't miss the first four books in the collection - Lily's War, RNA winning Bobby's War, Hannah's War and RNA award shortlisted Bridget's War. Available now. And Faith's War coming 2026.
'A gripping series. I've loved every one and this latest is no exception!' Rosie Goodwin
It's 1942 and the Second World War rages across Europe. Maggie Carpenter leaves her quiet life as a teacher in Manchester to join a team of women working the canals, hauling supplies across wartime Britain. Cramped cabins, no running water and relentless labour become her new reality.
Thrown together with two strangers - each hiding secrets of their own - Maggie finds unlikely friendship and a spark of love in a young Army chaplain. But as past wounds resurface, she must decide if she can trust again . . .
Maggie's War is a stirring story of friendship, love and courage in the face of war.
'Suffused with extensive research, as well as secrets and sympathy. Saga readers will love this WW2 tale of canal boat life on "the cut".' Mollie Walton, author of The Shopgirl of Ironbridge
'This is an assiduously researched book, written with heart and love. Shirley's writing transports you to an infinitely kinder, gentler way of life. Readers will devour it.' Kate Thompson, author of The Wartime Book Club
'A gripping saga full of real history, heart and immense courage' Lancashire Evening Post
'A story so meticulously researched that it really does transport you back to days when working boaters were many and wary of other folk, the cabins were tiny and bereft of facilities, and the threat of bombs falling was ever present.' Waterways World Magazine
Readers are loving Maggie's War:
'Family saga at its best'
'I thoroughly enjoyed this book and cant wait for the next one'
'A real page turner'
'Captivating read'
Don't miss the first four books in the collection - Lily's War, RNA winning Bobby's War, Hannah's War and RNA award shortlisted Bridget's War. Available now. And Faith's War coming 2026.
Details
14 August 2025
9781804188750Imprint: Zaffre
Reviews
A story so meticulously researched that it really does transport you back to days when working
boaters were many and wary of other folk, the cabins were tiny and bereft of facilities, and
the threat of bombs falling was ever present.
