REVIEW: Trouble at Fishers Wharf by Tracy Baines

Trouble at Fishers Wharf (Fishers Wharf #2) by Tracy Baines

Genre: Historical fiction, Sagas, WW1

Read: 24th November 2023

Goodreads

Amazon

Published: 9th November 2023

★★★★ 4 stars

DESCRIPTION:

The winds of war bring uncertainty but also opportunity…

With the outbreak of War, the fishing fleet is confined to port, bringing hardship to the families and businesses of Fishers Wharf.

Ruth Evans awaits the safe return of her father’s last trawler carrying her wayward brother Henry, the future of the family business. But unbeknown to their father, Henry sees war as a chance to break free from the constraints of his privileged background and follow his heart.

Much is expected of Ruth. Her marriage to Arthur Marshall will help realise her father’s dream uniting two of the largest trawler companies in Grimsby. But will Ruth choose the path of duty or destiny?

Ruth’s friendship with hardworking Letty Hardy sustains her. Separated by class, they are united through their work for the Fishermen’s Mission as Letty battles to keep her business and family afloat while husband Alec serves on the minesweepers.

Can they navigate the treacherous waters ahead – or will they be caught by hidden dangers?

MY THOUGHTS:

A little kindness goes a long way...

This is the second book in the Fishers Wharf series though it can easily be read as a standalone...as the first one can too. While the first one focused on Letty establishing herself a life outside of the fishers wharves whilst bumping heads with her cantankerous mother-in-law Dorcas, this one centres on Ruth Evans who is of a different class to Letty though the two women do become friends in a world where one doesn't cross the great class divide.

Ruth Evans lives a very comfortable life with her father, Richard, and two brothers Henry and Charles. Having lost her mother at a young age, it had been up to her father's sister, Helen Frampton, to help raise her and her brothers whilst steering her towards a suitable match in Arthur Marshall. Unfortunately, the match is one of practicality and not of love for Ruth finds him somewhat dull as dishwater but Arthur's family has one of the three largest trawler companies - her father's being one and Frampton's being the other. This marriage will unite the Evans and the Marshalls to create an even bigger empire. But is it what Ruth really wants? Unfortunately what she wants doesn't come into it.

Her brother Charles has bought a commission as an officer and is in training for battle. Her youngest brother Henry who, at just 19, was to oversee the trawlers so that he can help take on the reigns when their father retires. But Henry has other ideas. He doesn't want to push paper or sit behind a desk. He wants to work with the men, get his hands dirty. But his father believes that is beneath him as an Evans. And then he announces that he wants to join the naval branch of trawlers (name escapes me just now) to which his father throws an apoplectic fit. Ruth doesn't want to see either brother lost and would rather they both remain home.

Ruth befriends Letty Hardy much to the annoyance of their counterparts. Ruth is middle class while Letty is working class...and never the twain shall meet. But these two women don't care much or stand on ceremony. Life is too short for such nonsense and with the war raging just across the channel, it is also precious. The two form a friendship whilst working at the Fisherman's mission. Added to her success at Parker's, she opens a cafe which proves just as successful. But alas, she becomes burnt out whilst keeping the home fires burning whilst husband Alec is at sea as a minesweeper. She returns to her family farm in Lowestoft for a break but ends up feeling much worse. Meanwhile Ruth gets stuck in helping out at the mission.

There is so much more to this story but you will just have to check it out yourself. It is a nice easy read but to be honest, I did like the first one better. Though this one was a close second. Even Dorcas, who can be a little cantankerous at times grows on you.

I love the backdrop of WW1 which was a completely different time to that of WW2 and the expectations and life of those at home were a lot different. Another wonderful tale from Tracy Baines and the shores of Lincolnshire (though no Guy Martin in these pages...lol) The ending is a little up in the air but that of course is to pave the way for a third installment for which I can't wait.

I would like to thank #TracyBaines, #Netgalley, #BoldwoodBooks and #RachelsRandomResources for an ARC of #TroubleAtFishersWharf in exchange for an honest review.

MEET THE AUTHOR:

Tracy Baines was born in Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire. When she was eight her parents took over the management of the pub opposite the pier, The Pier Hotel. One of the rooms had been closed up and her father reopened it as a music venue bringing performers such as Wayne Fontana and the Mindbenders, Billy J Kramer and Billy Fury to start the ball rolling.

So began her love of live entertainment, and with something of a virtual free pass, Tracy and her sisters got to see many variety performers who appeared in summer seasons and pantomimes on the end of the pier show.

From the age of sixteen, Tracy worked backstage during summer seasons, pantomimes and everything else in-between on the pier.  She met her husband when he was appearing with the Nolan Sisters and she was Assistant Stage Manager.

The first two books in the Variety Girls series are set in Cleethorpes, in the square mile that was her childhood home.

Tracy lives in Dorset with her husband and springer spaniel, Harry. Her children and grandchildren live close by.

Social Media links:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

REVIEW: A New Year for the Seaside Girls by Tracy Baines

A New Year for the Seaside Girls (The Seaside Girls #3) by Tracy Baines

Genre: Historical fiction,. WW2, Sagas

Read: 6th April 2023

Goodreads

Amazon

Published: 14th April 2023

★★★★ 4 stars

DESCRIPTION:

Can the Seaside Girls embrace the New Rear with courage…

Cleethorpes – 1940

As the new year dawns the show at the Empire comes to an end and it’s time for the girls to move on.

Years of struggle are over for Frances O’Leary when Johnny Randolph returns to make things right for her and their daughter.  Do they have a chance of happiness? Of being a family after so long?

But their good fortune is fraught with complications when sister Ruby Randolph decides to have her last hurrah, leaving a trail of devastation in her wake.

Jessie Delaney is afraid to follow her dreams and leave those she loves behind – can she really have it all?

All the seaside girls have their own battles to fight. And while they figure things out it’s time for them to do their bit for the war and keep Britain smiling.

A gritty and heart-warming saga perfect for readers of Elaine Everest, Nancy Revell and Pam Howes.

MY THOUGHTS:

The third in the Seaside Girls series, A NEW YEAR FOR THE SEASIDE GIRLS sees many changes...one of which being its name. Previously titled the Variety Girls, this series follows Jessie, Frances and Ginny who star in a selection of variety shows at the Empire theatre in Cleethorpes at the onset of war.

A year since joining the troup, Jessie Delaney has found love and happiness in friends and doing what she loves...as well as becoming recently engaged to Harry Newman, who is off earning his wings as an RAF pilot. Settled in Geraldine's boarding house on Barkhouse Lane, her mum Grace and brother Eddie have joined her and are making a life for themselves. Grace as a seamstress for the troup and Eddie as an apprentice mechanic. Life is good for the Delaneys.

Several months ago, Frances O'Leary's world turned upside down when the father of her illegitimate daughter Imogen walked into the theatre to speak to their director. She had met Johnny Randolph in London four years before when she was an understudy for his sister Ruby in their world reknowned act The Randolphs. But their mother had other plans for Johnny and Ruby which didn't include Frances and so they set off for America leaving her behind, and intercepting their letters to one another so that each would never receive them. 

But now, he's back. And he's not letting Frances go again. Even when Ruby takes herself off to the park and walks fully clothed into the lake intent on taking her life. He rescues her and wraps her up warm, leaving her in the capable hands of his housekeeper Mrs Frame who nurses Ruby as best she can. And Johnny returns to the love of his life where he meets his daughter for the first time. And he knows now what's important. Life, love and family. And he is not letting them go again.

This third installment is a little different in that Ruby finds difficultly in moving past the mistakes she has made and hurt she has inflicted on her brother, Frances and little Imogen. She collapses out of sheer exhaustion and is admitted to a hospital for rest and recuperation. But even upon her release she finds it hard to transition back into life outside four walls...and even harder to face those who she has wronged.

A NEW YEAR FOR THE SEASIDE GIRLS is a story of forgiveness and moving forward. There is kindness, compassion and love as friendships continue to grow and move on as the season ends and the Empire has been requisitioned for army use. 

A nice light read to while away the hours, the highlight of the story is Mr Brown who is so endearing to even the hardest of hearts. And as Mr Brown finds himself a new home he shows love and loyalty too. I can't wait to meet up with him again!

I would like to thank #TracyBaines, #Netgalley, #BoldwoodBooks and #RachelsRandomResources for an ARC of #ANewYearForTheSeasideGirls in exchange for an honest review.

MEET THE AUTHOR:

Tracy Baines was born in Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire. When she was eight her parents took over the management of the pub opposite the pier, The Pier Hotel. One of the rooms had been closed up and her father reopened it as a music venue bringing performers such as Wayne Fontana and the Mindbenders, Billy J Kramer and Billy Fury to start the ball rolling.

So began her love of live entertainment, and with something of a virtual free pass, Tracy and her sisters got to see many variety performers who appeared in summer seasons and pantomimes on the end of the pier show.

From the age of sixteen, Tracy worked backstage during summer seasons, pantomimes and everything else in-between on the pier.  She met her husband when he was appearing with the Nolan Sisters and she was Assistant Stage Manager.

The first two books in the Variety Girls series are set in Cleethorpes, in the square mile that was her childhood home.

Tracy lives in Dorset with her husband and springer spaniel, Harry. Her children and grandchildren live close by.

Social Media links:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

REVIEW: The Women of Fishers Wharf by Tracy Baines

The Women of Fishers Wharf (Fishers Wharf series #1) by Tracy Baines

Genre: Historical fiction, Sagas

Read: 15th October 2022

Amazon

Published: 17th October 2022

★★★★★ 5 stars

DESCRIPTION:

Great Grimsby, 1912

After the death of his father and brother, newlywed fisherman Alec Hardy decides to make a fresh start with his young wife Letty and move from Lowestoft to the thriving fishing port of Grimsby in search of a brighter future.

Young Letty is from farming stock and knows nothing of the hard life as a fishermen’s wife but is willing to leave behind her warm hearted and loving family and embrace the challenge.

But where Alec goes, so does his widowed mother, Dorcas and she has yet to come to terms with taking second place in her son’s life. She resents her son’s choice of wife and the two women clash.

With Alec at sea for weeks on end and with her grieving and bitter mother-in-law as her only companion Letty seeks escape among the streets of Fish Dock Wharf.

Can Letty help them break free from the shadows of the past or will she be bound by Dorcas’ insistence that they cling to the old ways?

MY THOUGHTS:

I've read and enjoyed Tracy Baines' Variety Girls series but this book THE WOMEN OF FISHERS WHARF is so much better! Maybe it's the era that's different that I like without the usual wartime background, I'm not sure. But it is a wonderful historial saga tale set in the North East in 1912 around the fish dock wharves and the community it surrounds.

Letty Hardy is a young idealistic young women, having just married the love of her life Alec who is a fisherman. She made the brave move from her life on the farm to Grimsby with her new husband and his mother so that Alec can find work on a fishing trawlers. But she didn't anticipate just how hard life in Mariners Row would be, and how much harder it would be with her mother-in-law Dorcas.

Alec finds work almost immediately on the Black Prince as a third hand, leaving Letty at home with his mother. The two women do not get along, Dorcas showing her disapproval at her son's choice of wife obvious. In her opinion Letty knows nothing of the fisher wives way of life, having come from the land not the sea. And try as she might, Letty cannot seem to reach an even keel with her mother in law. They cannot see eye to eye on anything - from braiding nets to their neighbour Anita to Letty's volunteer work at the mission to her desire to make something of herself and helping to support them while Alec is at sea. Each time Letty tries to extend an olive branch Dorcas rebuffs her, both women stubborn in their own way. But Letty wants more for herself than threading needles and braiding nets for the menfolk and Dorcas sees that as a snub at their way of life.

Whilst out looking for work one day she was lead to the Parkers, where she offered her services on a trial basis. Letty knew she could turn this business around and make it profitable again. And despite Percy Parker's reticence, he soon warmed to young Letty who not only brightened the poky old shop but their lives as well. Meanwhile Alec was making plans of his own. He wants his skippers ticket so he could man his own boat and one day take ownership of a fleet of trawlers of his own. 

Life in the fishing community is a hard one - for the men who brave the rough open seas and for the wives at home waiting for the safe return of their menfolk. Some make it back, some don't. The community around he fish docks is a thriving one and they each look out for their own, doing what they can to help. And when tragedies strike, they rally around.

All the characters in this tale are warm and welcoming, even the ones who aren't come around. Everyone helps each other and friendships are formed. THE WOMEN OF FISHERS WHARF is an easy read and thoroughly enjoyable. I loved the easy style with which it is written, drawing the reader into the story and keeping us there throughout.

I can't wait to see where this saga takes us next and eagerly await the second book. Although it is the first in a new series, it can easily be read as a standalone. But the characters are all so warm and inviting you just want to revisit them again.

A perfect easy read for those who enjoy historical sagas.

I would like to thank #TraceyBaines, #Netgalley, #BoldwoodBooks and #RachelsRandomResources for an ARC of #TheWomenOfFishersWharf in exchange for an honest review.

MEET THE AUTHOR:

Tracy Baines was born in Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire. When she was eight her parents took over the management of the pub opposite the pier, The Pier Hotel. One of the rooms had been closed up and her father reopened it as a music venue bringing performers such as Wayne Fontana and the Mindbenders, Billy J Kramer and Billy Fury to start the ball rolling.

So began her love of live entertainment, and with something of a virtual free pass, Tracy and her sisters got to see many variety performers who appeared in summer seasons and pantomimes on the end of the pier show.

From the age of sixteen, Tracy worked backstage during summer seasons, pantomimes and everything else in-between on the pier.  She met her husband when he was appearing with the Nolan Sisters and she was Assistant Stage Manager.

The first two books in the Variety Girls series are set in Cleethorpes, in the square mile that was her childhood home.

Tracy lives in Dorset with her husband and springer spaniel, Harry. Her children and grandchildren live close by.

Social Media links:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

REVIEW: Hopes and Dreams for the Variety Girls by Tracy Baines

Hopes and Dreams for the Variety Girls (The Variety Girls #2) by Tracy Baines

Genre: Historical fiction, Wartime fiction, Sagas, WW2

Read: 7th August 2022

Goodreads

Amazon

Published: 11th August 2022

★★★★ 4 stars

DESCRIPTION:

As war is declared can The Variety Girls keep smiling through…

Cleethorpes – September 1939

Struggling to keep their spirits up as the reality of war hits home and theatres are closed, friends Jessie Delaney and Frances O’Leary search for work to see them through until they can sing and dance again.

Frances, once upon a time followed her dreams of becoming a dancer but soon found herself with a broken heart and a precious secret when her lover abandoned her. Keeping her secret from her friends grows more difficult as time passes and their friendship grows..

But with her lover returning to England from a successful tour of America, how long will it be before the truth comes to light?

Secrets aren’t good for anyone and Frances isn’t the only one hiding things from her friends. Ginny Thomspon, another Variety Girl is hoping for the best. But is hope enough?

Can the Variety Girls pull together to help each other through the tough times or will their secrets tear them apart?

A gritty and heart-warming saga perfect for readers of Elaine Everest, Nancy Revell and Pam Howes.

MY THOUGHTS:

The second book in the Variety Girls series sees the story pick up directly where it left off in the "The Variety Girls" previously. This time, however, the story focuses on Frances with Jessie taking a a backseat to this story. It was lovely to revisit my time in Cleesthorpes with the girls once again.

At the close of the previous book, rumours of war had been looming all summer but that didn't deter the girls from putting on the performance of their careers. Jessie was offered a place in a West End show after talent scout Vernon Leroy had come to watch her perform, and best of all, her true love Harry had proposed. But Harry had already volunteered with the RAF so if war came he would be flying some treacherous missions.

Picking up directly after Jessie's doubly exciting news, it's 3rd September and all of Britain has awoken early to await the announcement from London at 11am. And it's the news no one wants to hear but were prepared for - Britain was at war with Germany. And immediately, all theatres were closed until further notice leaving Frances and Jessie and many others out of work. Never one to give up, Frances finds work at the Fisherman's Inn with her kindly landlady and boss Lil, and Jessie at a solicitor's office drawing on her previous experience working in her Uncle Norman's firm before joining the Variety Girls.

When the theatre owner Jack Holland announces that the Empire will reopen, but in a limited capacity, the girls step up and start rehearsing their act to perform between cinema screenings that are also being played. But with the girls' other work committments it soon becomes difficult to pin each of them down to specific schedule. For Frances, Sundays are out and no one can understand why for she remains tight-lipped about it.

Meanwhile in their dressing room is a photograph of her adored little niece Imogen...but what no one knows is that their relationship runs much deeper. And now Frances has received news that the sweetheart, the love of her life, who had abandoned her four years ago for the bright lights of America and promises to write and send her a ticket to join him, is back in England. Frances' heart was broken then and she would not allow it to be again. More importantly, she would not allow Imogen's to be broken. She had trusted Johnny and he had cruelly abandoned her...but had he really? And now that he is back, will her secret finally be revealed?

A delightful tale, HOPES AND DREAMS FOR THE VARIETY GIRLS is about love, life and friendships in the face of war and tragedy. The war is but a backdrop and is, in fact, barely mentioned. The story that unfolds is about love and friendships and secrets. As everyone knows secrets have a way of coming out and not always in a good way.

I certainly enjoyed this tale, far more than the first one I think, though I'm not sure why as they are both equally just as enjoyable and just as well told. And the characters are very likeable...bar one, of course, just as in the first book.

Although HOPES AND DREAMS FOR THE VARIETY GIRLS is the second in the series, it can suffice as a standalone with enough background information that doesn't leave you scratching your head as to what you may have missed. And equally so, as this one is Frances' story and the first one was Jessie's.

A thoroughly enjoyable tale, I can't wait to rejoin the girls in the next installment to see what awaits them...and who will be the focus next time? Ginny, maybe? Or Dolly? I guess we'll have to wait and see.

I would like to thank #TracyBaines, #Netgalley, #BoldwoodBooks and #RachelsRandomResources for an ARC of #HopesAndDreamsForTheVarietyGirls in exchange for an honest review.

MEET THE AUTHOR:

Tracy Baines was born in Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire. When she was eight her parents took over the management of the pub opposite the pier, The Pier Hotel. One of the rooms had been closed up and her father reopened it as a music venue bringing performers such as Wayne Fontana and the Mindbenders, Billy J Kramer and Billy Fury to start the ball rolling.

So began her love of live entertainment, and with something of a virtual free pass, Tracy and her sisters got to see many variety performers who appeared in summer seasons and pantomimes on the end of the pier show.

From the age of sixteen, Tracy worked backstage during summer seasons, pantomimes and everything else in-between on the pier.  She met her husband when he was appearing with the Nolan Sisters and she was Assistant Stage Manager.

The first two books in the Variety Girls series are set in Cleethorpes, in the square mile that was her childhood home.

Tracy lives in Dorset with her husband and springer spaniel, Harry. Her children and grandchildren live close by.

Social Media links:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

REVIEW: The Variety Girls by Tracy Baines

The Variety Girls (The Variety Girls #1) by Tracy Baines

Genre: Historical fiction, Sagas, Pre-war

Read: 26th June 2022

Goodreads

Amazon

Published: 30th June 2022

★★★★ 4.5 stars

DESCRIPTION:

Cleethorpes 1939

With the country teetering on the brink of war everyone faces an uncertain future.

Destitute after the tragic death of her father, aspiring singer Jessie Delaney and her family have no choice other than to accept the charity of relatives to ensure a roof over their heads.

Spiteful Aunt Iris soon has Jessie dreaming of a life filled with colour and excitement that she knows the theatre can offer. How can Jessie escape the drudgery, support her family and pursue her dreams?

Through her father’s connections Jessie finds work as a Variety Girl in a new show at the Empire in Cleethorpes, a small seaside theatre on the east coast. But taking the job means flying solo and leaving her family and her sweetheart, Harry behind.

Friendships are forged but will the glamour of show business lose its shine without those she loves close by?

A gritty and heart-warming saga perfect for readers of Elaine Everest, Nancy Revell and Pam Howes.

MY THOUGHTS:

Another delightful wartime saga this time set in the seaside town of Cleethorpes in Lincolnshire just prior to the war beginning. It moves along at a gentle pace whilst still keeping the reader engaged from start to finish. And by the books end, you will be hankering for the second one to see how things pan out for the characters.

It's 1939 and Jessie Delaney lives an isolated and sheltered life with her aunt and uncle in Norfolk. Her father had died the year before afterwhich her mother Grace called on her only other surviving relative, her cousin Norman and his wife Iris, to take them in. But Jessie feels stifled within the dark dim walls of the Victorian house called The Beeches. She and her fourteen year old brother Eddie dream of bigger things beyond The Beeches and Jessie's hope is that she can make enough money to take them all away from the horrible stifling atmosphere Iris brings to the house. Ruling the place with an iron fist, Iris belittle Jessie every chance she gets deeming her selfish and wilful, the type of girl Harry Newman would never dream of settling down with.

But Jessie knows better. She throws in her boring mundane job at Norman's solicitors office and heads to Cleethorpes where her father's agent, and now her agent, has gotten her a job as a Variety Girl at the Empire Theatre. Grace, Eddie and Harry are thrilled for Jessie...Iris and Norman not so much "after all they've done for her giving her a home and a job". Despite being happy for her, Harry is sad that Jessie didn't confide in him her plans and wonders if she loves him as much as he loves her. Her dreams to be on the stage seem to take up all her energy Harry wonders if there is room for him. But he loves her and he will support her for as long as she needs him to.

Upon moving to Cleethorpes, Jessie knows no one but soon makes friends within the entourage and her new kindly landlady, Geraldine. The work is hard and tiring but Jessie thrives knowing she is doing what she loves. She meets many people and makes friends in Frances and Dolly. But there is a fly in the ointment with overt Billy Lane who thinks the world of himself and tries hooking Jessie for himself.

And then Eddie calls with the news that their mother is ill but when Jessie calls to speak to her aunt Iris answers and says her mother is perfectly fine but is resting; that there is no need to worry for Eddie was prone to exaggerate, she says. However, when Harry calls upon Grace he is shocked and makes the journey to Cleethorpes to bring Jessie home. 

As much as Jessie loves singing, music and being on the stage, will she put her dreams ahead of her family when they need her? And will Harry be patient and wait for her? Or will she lose him altogether?

A delightful read from start to finish, THE VARIETY GIRLS begins in the summer prior to the war beginning in September. There are rumours and hints that it is just on the horizon but life goes on and should war arrive on their shores then people will need cheering up.

Although a wartime saga (albeit just prior), THE VARIETY GIRLS has a vastly different flavour to it. It is not of the make-do-and-mend type of tale of rationing and taking shelter from air raids...not just yet. And while there are whispers of the war, life goes on and Jessie has dreams to fulfil. It will be interesting to see how the next book pans out with the war having already begun by that stage to see how it affects the characters and their lives.

I am reminded of Pam Howes Bryant Sisters series and Rosie Archer's The Force's Sweetheart series, in which music and song play a big part through ENSA. I wonder if that will come into the story or will Jessie remain in the seaside town of Cleethorpes?

An enjoyable read all round, THE VARIETY GIRLS is a delightful tale set during the troubling times when war was on the horizon. Gently paced, it is an easy read with likeable characters, as well as some aptly placed unlikeable ones. I look forward to the next book "Hopes and Dreams for the Variety Girls".

I would like to thank #TracyBaines, #NetGalley and #BoldwoodBooks for an ARC of #TheVarietyGirls in exchange for an honest review.

MEET THE AUTHOR:

Tracy Baines was born in Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire. When she was eight her parents took over the management of the pub opposite the pier, The Pier Hotel. One of the rooms had been closed up and her father reopened it as a music venue bringing performers such as Wayne Fontana and the Mindbenders, Billy J Kramer and Billy Fury to start the ball rolling.

So began her love of live entertainment, and with something of a virtual free pass, Tracy and her sisters got to see many variety performers who appeared in summer seasons and pantomimes on the end of the pier show.

From the age of sixteen, Tracy worked backstage during summer seasons, pantomimes and everything else in-between on the pier.  She met her husband when he was appearing with the Nolan Sisters and she was Assistant Stage Manager.

The first two books in the Variety Girls series are set in Cleethorpes, in the square mile that was her childhood home.

Tracy lives in Dorset with her husband and springer spaniel, Harry. Her children and grandchildren live close by.

Social Media links:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads