What do you think?
Rate this book
East End Nolan Family #3
Perhaps Tomorrow
Mattie Maguire is a twenty-six-year-old widow with an infant son. Since her husband, Brian, died three years before, she has struggled to keep the family's East End coal business solvent, as well as taking care of her troubled mother-in-law. But unbeknown to Mattie, life is about to get even tougher. Maguire's is in the path of the proposed Wapping to Mile End Railway extension that Amos Stebbins is trying to raise capital for, and he has his sights set on the deeds of the coal yard. Outwardly, Amos is a respectably married local benefactor. But he has a darker side and will stop at nothing to get what he wants.
- GenresHistorical
277 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2011
113 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
About the author
Jean Fullerton
30 books197 followersI was born into a large, East End family and grew up in the overcrowded streets clustered around the Tower of London. I still live in East London, just five miles from where I was born. I feel that it is that my background that gives my historical East London stories their distinctive authenticity.
I first fell in love with history at school when I read Anya Seton’s book Katherine. Since then I have read everything I can about English history but I am particularly fascinated by the 18th and 19th century and my books are set in this period. I just love my native city and the East End in particular which is why I write stories to bring that vibrant area of London alive.
I am also passionate about historical accuracy and I enjoy researching the details almost as much as weaving the story. If one of my characters walks down a street you can be assured that that street actually existed. Take a look at Jean’s East End and see the actual location where my characters played out their stories.
I first fell in love with history at school when I read Anya Seton’s book Katherine. Since then I have read everything I can about English history but I am particularly fascinated by the 18th and 19th century and my books are set in this period. I just love my native city and the East End in particular which is why I write stories to bring that vibrant area of London alive.
I am also passionate about historical accuracy and I enjoy researching the details almost as much as weaving the story. If one of my characters walks down a street you can be assured that that street actually existed. Take a look at Jean’s East End and see the actual location where my characters played out their stories.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
May 8, 2025
At some points I really enjoyed this book and at others I had to force myself to read it.
Overall it was ok, fine.
Three stars.
Overall it was ok, fine.
Three stars.
April 18, 2018
I loved this book the third in the series of the Nolan family .
It made you feel as if you were part of the family and you lived along with the characters .
The story had you in suspense from start to finish Jean Fullerton is a brilliant story teller .
I have now started the 4th and final book in the series and know I will be sorry when I finish the last page .
It made you feel as if you were part of the family and you lived along with the characters .
The story had you in suspense from start to finish Jean Fullerton is a brilliant story teller .
I have now started the 4th and final book in the series and know I will be sorry when I finish the last page .
February 9, 2022
Mattie McGuire has been widowed and has a young child and mother in law to care for and a busy coal yard to run. A staff vacancy is filled by a attractive man, who has escaped from botany bay.
I enjoyed this book and I have really enjoyed all the books so far in the Nolan series. The way Jean Fullerton describes the Irish community in this time is so warming. On the contrary I do think the novel was a bit slow in the middle, then tried to fit too much in at the end. Otherwise though very enjoyable and the next book in the series.
I enjoyed this book and I have really enjoyed all the books so far in the Nolan series. The way Jean Fullerton describes the Irish community in this time is so warming. On the contrary I do think the novel was a bit slow in the middle, then tried to fit too much in at the end. Otherwise though very enjoyable and the next book in the series.
April 10, 2018
Mattie and Nathaniel
Once again Jean has brought the streets of London to life the story of Mattie and Nathaniel was fabulous it had love sorrow and happiness as well as the horrors of the gangs that were around in London then reading this you can see the hard work that Jean put into her research . Definitely a 5 STARS for this book now to read book four .
Once again Jean has brought the streets of London to life the story of Mattie and Nathaniel was fabulous it had love sorrow and happiness as well as the horrors of the gangs that were around in London then reading this you can see the hard work that Jean put into her research . Definitely a 5 STARS for this book now to read book four .
January 23, 2019
Dieselblackcat
That’s the third book done and dusted and another good one. Roll on the fourth and I hope it’s as good as the last three.
That’s the third book done and dusted and another good one. Roll on the fourth and I hope it’s as good as the last three.
July 13, 2019
Good
As good as the last 2. Kept me reading into the wee hours. Will download the next in the series and then get some sleep. But I may need to read at least the first chapter.
As good as the last 2. Kept me reading into the wee hours. Will download the next in the series and then get some sleep. But I may need to read at least the first chapter.
April 8, 2020
Repeat almost
Enjoyed reading this story very much. I like reading historical romance especially anything To do with the Irish.
I look forward to the next.
Enjoyed reading this story very much. I like reading historical romance especially anything To do with the Irish.
I look forward to the next.
August 29, 2020
Excellent read
Cannot wait to read the next one in the series. Once started could not put it down. Love following the families in the series. Would recommend this to all.
Cannot wait to read the next one in the series. Once started could not put it down. Love following the families in the series. Would recommend this to all.
April 28, 2022
Could not book this book down
December 17, 2011
A relaxing read that transported me back to an era that I am glad I was not born in!
It is thanks to the enthusiasm of many authors today that use the internet to publicise their work that I have started reading more widely than ever. I have always had eclectic tastes but until recently historical fiction was a genre that I had not been reading much. If you look back over my recent book reviews you will notice that many of them are books I have read thanks to the generosity of the authors. I very much appreciate that they are willing to let me read and review their work. It is also thanks to some of these authors that I am now reading and enjoying more historical fiction.
Jean Fullerton is one of the authors whose enthusiasm for her writing goes far beyond the book and the story. Since reading Perhaps Tomorrow while researching autobiographical information about her, I discovered that on her website, she has copious information and photos of locations used in the novel. Wonderful it really brings it alive and makes you realise how comprehensive this author’s research is.
Storyline
The female heroine is young widow Mattie Maguire who is a tough young lady. Struggling for three years since her husband died, to keep the family coal business afloat she has a hard time. Not only is she a woman in a mans world, but she has a young son and a disturbed mother in law to look after as well. At first she has no idea that her livelihood is under threat by the proposals of corrupt local business man, Amos Stebbins. Mattie believes that she will never fall in love again, until into her life comes Nathaniel Tate. Nathaniel has escaped wrongful imprisonment and returned to London to make the man who has ruined his life pay for his past crimes. Of course the man is Amos Stebbins and tracking him down to the coal yard is how he and Mattie meet when she offers him work. It is thanks to Nathaniel that Mattie manages to cope with the dastardly deeds that Amos tries to bring her business to collapse. The pair grow ever closer only to be torn apart again when the police catch up with him. It is a challenge for him to prove his innocence, expose Amos and get back with the woman he loves.
A relaxing read that transported me back to an era that I am glad I was not born in! If you think you would enjoy a love story set in the late 1840’s then you will not go far wrong with this one.
For more information please visit LindyLouMac's Book Reviews
http://lindyloumacbookreviews.blogspo...
It is thanks to the enthusiasm of many authors today that use the internet to publicise their work that I have started reading more widely than ever. I have always had eclectic tastes but until recently historical fiction was a genre that I had not been reading much. If you look back over my recent book reviews you will notice that many of them are books I have read thanks to the generosity of the authors. I very much appreciate that they are willing to let me read and review their work. It is also thanks to some of these authors that I am now reading and enjoying more historical fiction.
Jean Fullerton is one of the authors whose enthusiasm for her writing goes far beyond the book and the story. Since reading Perhaps Tomorrow while researching autobiographical information about her, I discovered that on her website, she has copious information and photos of locations used in the novel. Wonderful it really brings it alive and makes you realise how comprehensive this author’s research is.
Storyline
The female heroine is young widow Mattie Maguire who is a tough young lady. Struggling for three years since her husband died, to keep the family coal business afloat she has a hard time. Not only is she a woman in a mans world, but she has a young son and a disturbed mother in law to look after as well. At first she has no idea that her livelihood is under threat by the proposals of corrupt local business man, Amos Stebbins. Mattie believes that she will never fall in love again, until into her life comes Nathaniel Tate. Nathaniel has escaped wrongful imprisonment and returned to London to make the man who has ruined his life pay for his past crimes. Of course the man is Amos Stebbins and tracking him down to the coal yard is how he and Mattie meet when she offers him work. It is thanks to Nathaniel that Mattie manages to cope with the dastardly deeds that Amos tries to bring her business to collapse. The pair grow ever closer only to be torn apart again when the police catch up with him. It is a challenge for him to prove his innocence, expose Amos and get back with the woman he loves.
A relaxing read that transported me back to an era that I am glad I was not born in! If you think you would enjoy a love story set in the late 1840’s then you will not go far wrong with this one.
For more information please visit LindyLouMac's Book Reviews
http://lindyloumacbookreviews.blogspo...
January 3, 2012
I met Jean at the Festival of Romance in Watford at the back-end of 2011 and I was really pleased when she asked if I would review one of her books. As anyone who follows my blogs will know, I’m a big fan of historical novels and always keen to try a new Author to me. I certainly was not disappointed with this book Perhaps Tomorrow.
Set with the back drop of the East End of London in the Regency period. To me felt there were three storylines all interwoven with each other and it not until to progress through the book you totally understand how and why. Nathaniel and his need to clear his name. Mattie to survive the loneliness and continue to keep the family business going and Amos with all his dark secrets that he has been able to hide so well.
Jean has written a fabulous book really pulling you into the dirt and hardship of this time. Her wonderful descriptive text really helps make you feel that you are in the East End of London amongst the dirt and coal dust. Mattie was a wonderful heroine. She was a great mix of compassion with those around her and struggling with what life had to throw at her but also strong enough to stand up for what she believed in and who she loved. I loved the chemistry (positive and negative!) that she had with both Nathaniel and Amos. There are lots of moments of where will the story take you next? Is it possible for there to be a happy ending or is it too late!
A wonderful 5* read and I recommend it and will certainly be reading other books by Jean.
Thank you so much Jean for letting me have a copy of Perhaps Tomorrow. I wish you lots of success with it.
If you would like to purchase a copy via amazon please click this link Jean Fullerton Books
To find out more about the location of where this book was set, please click this link to Jean Fullerton’s website http://tiny.cc/a9vmx
Set with the back drop of the East End of London in the Regency period. To me felt there were three storylines all interwoven with each other and it not until to progress through the book you totally understand how and why. Nathaniel and his need to clear his name. Mattie to survive the loneliness and continue to keep the family business going and Amos with all his dark secrets that he has been able to hide so well.
Jean has written a fabulous book really pulling you into the dirt and hardship of this time. Her wonderful descriptive text really helps make you feel that you are in the East End of London amongst the dirt and coal dust. Mattie was a wonderful heroine. She was a great mix of compassion with those around her and struggling with what life had to throw at her but also strong enough to stand up for what she believed in and who she loved. I loved the chemistry (positive and negative!) that she had with both Nathaniel and Amos. There are lots of moments of where will the story take you next? Is it possible for there to be a happy ending or is it too late!
A wonderful 5* read and I recommend it and will certainly be reading other books by Jean.
Thank you so much Jean for letting me have a copy of Perhaps Tomorrow. I wish you lots of success with it.
If you would like to purchase a copy via amazon please click this link Jean Fullerton Books
To find out more about the location of where this book was set, please click this link to Jean Fullerton’s website http://tiny.cc/a9vmx
March 21, 2011
Set in the East End of London following the struggles of Mattie Maguire. Widowed only 3 years ago she is the owner of her late husband's coal yard, mother to her 3 year old son Brian and carer for her frail mother-in-law.
Running a business is not easy for a woman but that is the least of Mattie's worries. Thank goodness for the kind help of Amos Stebbins, businessman and pillar of the church community. Although, Amos is not all that he appears to be. He has dark secrets and ruthless intentions.
Who is this handsome stranger, who appears at the coal yard? What is the secret he shares with Amos Stebbins? Nathaniel helps Mattie to turn the coal yard around but will his secret catch up with him?
The author captures Mattie's plight so that I felt compassion for her but also had admiration for the strength she showed keeping the family business running in a man's world and still managing to care for the family.
The scene setting took me right to the heart of the East End for the working classes, and into the criminal nightlife, too. I felt like I was there.
A real page turner that had me wanting to know more.
I want to read more of Jean's work.
4/5 for me!
I received a copy of this novel, from the Author, for an honest review. This did not influence my review in any way.
Running a business is not easy for a woman but that is the least of Mattie's worries. Thank goodness for the kind help of Amos Stebbins, businessman and pillar of the church community. Although, Amos is not all that he appears to be. He has dark secrets and ruthless intentions.
Who is this handsome stranger, who appears at the coal yard? What is the secret he shares with Amos Stebbins? Nathaniel helps Mattie to turn the coal yard around but will his secret catch up with him?
The author captures Mattie's plight so that I felt compassion for her but also had admiration for the strength she showed keeping the family business running in a man's world and still managing to care for the family.
The scene setting took me right to the heart of the East End for the working classes, and into the criminal nightlife, too. I felt like I was there.
A real page turner that had me wanting to know more.
I want to read more of Jean's work.
4/5 for me!
I received a copy of this novel, from the Author, for an honest review. This did not influence my review in any way.
August 10, 2011
This is the third book I've read by Jean Fullerton and she just keeps getting better and better. Her sense of time and place is impeccable and her hero is gorgeous. Can't wait for the final book in the Nolan series.
February 21, 2016
I enjoyed this book so it was a little easier to make the time to read it. I am time poor these days so it can take me months to read one book unless it is audio but this one I managed in a month.
Mattie Maguire was a good character and she fell in the love with the right man. A nice easy read.
Mattie Maguire was a good character and she fell in the love with the right man. A nice easy read.
September 24, 2011
Fabulous!!!!!!!!!! So well researched.A must!!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews