Five signed copies of new Shipyard Girls novel up for grabs

Christmas has come early with our competition to win five signed copies of the latest Shipyard Girls novel.
Five signed copies of the latest Shipyard Girls book up for grabsFive signed copies of the latest Shipyard Girls book up for grabs
Five signed copies of the latest Shipyard Girls book up for grabs

A Christmas Wish for the Shipyard Girls is the latest instalment in the Sunday Times Bestselling saga series by Sunderland author Amanda Revell Walton, who writes as Nancy Revell.

The book is the ninth release in her hugely-successful series which, although the characters are fictional, is inspired by the hundreds of Wearside women who took on the backbreaking work of the then town’s shipyards during the war. Real incidents and bombings are also woven into the pages of her novels.

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The new book, which is released on Thursday, October 1, is based around the real-life visit of the Princess Royal to Sunderland. Mary, Princess Royal and Countess of Harewood, who was controller commandant of the ATS (Auxiliary Territorial Service), launched Greenwich at Doxford’s ship yard in 1943. Greenwich was the first tramp steamer to be christened by a member of the Royal family, an event that was covered by the Sunderland Echo at the time and the paper features often in the novels.

Sunderland author Amanda Revell Walton who writes as Nancy RevellSunderland author Amanda Revell Walton who writes as Nancy Revell
Sunderland author Amanda Revell Walton who writes as Nancy Revell

Amanda, whose own family worked on the shipyards, can’t host her usual signings at Waterstones Sunderland, where the books usually become No 1 bestsellers, but the shop will be selling signed copies.

The author, who writes from her home in Roker, said: “I have to say that I shall miss seeing everyone at the signing – this is the second signing to be cancelled due to the pandemic – but I’m keeping my fingers crossed life might be back to some semblance of normality when Book 10 ‘Shipyard Girls on the Home Front’ is published in March next year.”

Such is the success of Amanda’s books that they’ve inspired Sunderland Soroptimists, a group which celebrates the achievements of women, to fund a statue which will honour the real shipyard girls.

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The latest instalment is released on October 1The latest instalment is released on October 1
The latest instalment is released on October 1

Amanda said: “A lot of people have been asking me about the commemoration artwork to the real shipyard women by Sunderland born artist and sculptor Rosanne Robertson and I’d like to reassure everyone that it will happen.

“The Sunderland Soroptimists and the council are working hard behind the scenes, but it’s just like everything at the moment, schedules have had to be pushed back. It will be well worth the wait, though.”

:: A Christmas Wish for the Shipyard Girls is released on October 1, via Arrow Paperback Original, priced £7.99. Fulwell post office and Waterstones Sunderland will be selling signed copies. The book will also be available from Asda, Morrison’s, Tesco’s, WH Smiths and Amazon. Sainsbury’s will be selling the latest instalment nearer to Christmas from November 12 onwards.

WIN

Mary, Princess Royal and Countess of Harewood, controller commandant of the ATS (Auxiliary Territorial Service), at the launch of Greenwich at Doxford shipyard in 1943. Photograph from the Sunderland Echo archives.Mary, Princess Royal and Countess of Harewood, controller commandant of the ATS (Auxiliary Territorial Service), at the launch of Greenwich at Doxford shipyard in 1943. Photograph from the Sunderland Echo archives.
Mary, Princess Royal and Countess of Harewood, controller commandant of the ATS (Auxiliary Territorial Service), at the launch of Greenwich at Doxford shipyard in 1943. Photograph from the Sunderland Echo archives.
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We have five signed copies ofA Christmas Wish for the Shipyard Girls to give away. To be in with a chance of winning, answer this question: at which Sunderland shipyard did the Royal visit take place in the latest Shipyard Girls book?

::A) Doxford

::B) Austin & Pickersgill

::C) J.L. Thompson and Sons

Email your answer, along with your name and postal address, to [email protected] by Monday, October 12. Usual JPI Media competition rules apply.

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