Lily’s Choice

An emotional historical read from BESTSELLER May Ellis, based on real life events

Living in South London, Lily has always longed for a better life for her family. And when she secures a job at a City law firm, her dreams look like they may finally come true.

But Lily’s hopes are shattered when her teenage daughter Beverley falls pregnant, with the father nowhere to be seen. Lily loves the child, but worries about Beverley and her illegitimate baby's future. The additional responsibilities of another mouth to feed begin to take their toll, and worst of all is the rift growing between Lily and her husband Jack who, despite his devotion to his family, doesn’t seem to understand Lily's feelings or everything she's been working for.

Then the opportunity for change comes in an unexpected form, and Lily must choose whether to grasp her chance of happiness with both hands, even if it could cost her dearly.

Should she risk everything for the chance at a better life?

A gripping and moving new historical novel from the author of the bestselling Clarks Factory Girls series. Perfect for fans of Kitty Neale and Rosie Clarke.

Previously published as Mine.

Join the readers who have fallen in love with May Ellis's brilliant books:

‘If you like Annie Murray and Margaret Dickinson you will love this.’—Goodreads review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

'A fantastic historical fiction read, full of heartbreak and hope.’—Goodreads review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘I enjoyed every bit of this book right from the start. The author has done a great job in this heartbreaking story. A new author for me. Superb reading right to the end.’ —Goodreads review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘A gripping and emotionally resonant novel that will leave readers eagerly awaiting the next instalment in the series.’—Goodreads review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘An amazing and sweet story of three girls trying to deal with their families at the beginning of WWI and learning to grow up’—Goodreads review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘What a wonderful book telling the story about Clarks and the families that work for Clarks. Also what a great start to a series.’—Goodreads review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘A truly wonderful story of what life was like for three young ladies working in the Clark’s factory during World War One.’—Goodreads review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"Lily’s Choice" was written by May Ellis.

May Ellis wrote contemporary women’s fiction, gritty 1960s dramas and YA fiction as Alison Knight. May is now writing saga fiction for Boldwood including her bestselling series based on the real-life stories of the Clark’s factory girls and her WW2 series, The Cider Girls.
She has travelled the world,, and now lives in Somerset, within sight of Glastonbury Tor, in a house built on the site of a former Clarks shoe factory. Her Somerset-based stories are inspired by her move to the area and her love of social history. Her standalone novel, Lily’s Choice is based upon real events in her family in London in the 1960s. This book is a finalist in the Page Turner’s True Story Award 2026.