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The Brighton Guest House Girls
A saga of immense charm and warmth, with three characters you won't forget. Thea, Anna and Daisy forge an unbreakable friendship through adversity.
Thea's loathsome stepbrother is trying to trick her out of her inheritance of her parents' beautiful house in the seaside town of Brighton by means of a Will which Thea believes to be forged. He gives her three months in which to leave. Afterwards she will face destitution.
Anna is pregnant and grieving, her explorer fiancé lost at sea. Her violent father drives her from the family home in the back streets of London's Bermondsey and her fiancé's upper-class relatives cruelly reject her.
Daisy is in search of independence, running from a man she doesn't want to marry.
Together the three girls set up Thea's home as a guest house and embark on a mission to outwit her stepbrother by proving his fraud. In a race against time, nothing will turn out to be quite as it seems.
Thea's loathsome stepbrother is trying to trick her out of her inheritance of her parents' beautiful house in the seaside town of Brighton by means of a Will which Thea believes to be forged. He gives her three months in which to leave. Afterwards she will face destitution.
Anna is pregnant and grieving, her explorer fiancé lost at sea. Her violent father drives her from the family home in the back streets of London's Bermondsey and her fiancé's upper-class relatives cruelly reject her.
Daisy is in search of independence, running from a man she doesn't want to marry.
Together the three girls set up Thea's home as a guest house and embark on a mission to outwit her stepbrother by proving his fraud. In a race against time, nothing will turn out to be quite as it seems.
Kindle Edition
Published July 4, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
July 16, 2019
4☆ A Captivating and Engrossing Storyline
THE BRIGHTON GUEST HOUSE GIRLS is a Warm and Compelling Historical Saga/ Women's Fiction with a Gorgeous Book Cover.
This is a story of three different women who come together due to very different circumstances, but one thing they all have in common is the love for The Brighton Guest House and their determination to save it from greed.
Thea is left her Mother's House in her will, but her greedy and calculating and manipulative Step-brother Stanley shows up demanding the house is his, giving her a few months before he claims it!
But Thea is determined not to let him get his hands on her Mother's home.
Anna finds herself homeless and pregnant after her fiancé disappeared at sea.
But neither her family or his wants anything to do with her.
On a chance meeting, she bumps into Thea and she asks her to stay with her.
She too falls in love with Thea's home and her story and decides to help her.
Daisy is running away from a man who wants her, and she finds herself moving in with Thea and Anna
Between the three of them they put plans in motion to turn Thea's beloved home into.....
THE BRIGHTON GUEST HOUSE.
But in the mean time they need to save the house and stop Stanley's accusations, or they could lose the house forever.
It was so heart warming to see the girls become good friends as they grow, work together, support each other through their trials and tribulations, and set out for a fresh new start and venture.
THE BRIGHTON GUEST HOUSE GIRLS is a wonderful feel good read, with a dash of Mystery, under handed tactics, wit, and warmth. It's a beautiful story of Friendship, Growth, Support, New Beginnings, Family Saga.
The Characters are relatable and strong with engrossing storylines that are seamlessly weaved together.
So if you are looking for a Historical Saga that has a feel good, captivating and Engrossing storyline, then you will love THE BRIGHTON GUEST HOUSE GIRLS by LESLEY EAMES.
I am really hoping that there will be more to come from The Brighton Guest House.
Thank you to Aria Fiction for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2019/0...
THE BRIGHTON GUEST HOUSE GIRLS is a Warm and Compelling Historical Saga/ Women's Fiction with a Gorgeous Book Cover.
This is a story of three different women who come together due to very different circumstances, but one thing they all have in common is the love for The Brighton Guest House and their determination to save it from greed.
Thea is left her Mother's House in her will, but her greedy and calculating and manipulative Step-brother Stanley shows up demanding the house is his, giving her a few months before he claims it!
But Thea is determined not to let him get his hands on her Mother's home.
Anna finds herself homeless and pregnant after her fiancé disappeared at sea.
But neither her family or his wants anything to do with her.
On a chance meeting, she bumps into Thea and she asks her to stay with her.
She too falls in love with Thea's home and her story and decides to help her.
Daisy is running away from a man who wants her, and she finds herself moving in with Thea and Anna
Between the three of them they put plans in motion to turn Thea's beloved home into.....
THE BRIGHTON GUEST HOUSE.
But in the mean time they need to save the house and stop Stanley's accusations, or they could lose the house forever.
It was so heart warming to see the girls become good friends as they grow, work together, support each other through their trials and tribulations, and set out for a fresh new start and venture.
THE BRIGHTON GUEST HOUSE GIRLS is a wonderful feel good read, with a dash of Mystery, under handed tactics, wit, and warmth. It's a beautiful story of Friendship, Growth, Support, New Beginnings, Family Saga.
The Characters are relatable and strong with engrossing storylines that are seamlessly weaved together.
So if you are looking for a Historical Saga that has a feel good, captivating and Engrossing storyline, then you will love THE BRIGHTON GUEST HOUSE GIRLS by LESLEY EAMES.
I am really hoping that there will be more to come from The Brighton Guest House.
Thank you to Aria Fiction for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2019/0...
May 20, 2019
I have loved reading this book about Thea and her strive to keep her home from her unscrupulous stepbrother.Thea is a delight and trying to work out how to save her home she knows her mother would never have left her this way.Anna is a young woman in love Piers who is on an expedition to brazil but unfortunatley his ship goes down in a storm and all are lost.Anna is grieving and also pregnant and homeless after her father throws her out.Then she meets Thea and ends up staying with her while chatting Thea has the idea of opening her home up as a guesthouse.While sorting all this out along comes Daisy who is a live wire with a heart of gold.The three girls become close friends along the way.If you want to know more then buy the book as i will.This book is well worth the 5*
June 29, 2019
The Brighton Guest House Girls by Lesley Eames takes readers back to February of 1923 in Brighton, England. Theodora “Thea” Fairfax believes now that her mother and her awful stepfather are deceased, that the family home will come to her according to the will her mother drew up three years prior. Then Stanley Ambrose, her odious stepbrother, returns to England claiming the house belongs to him. Stanley has an updated will leaving the estate to his father who in turn left everything to him. Thea has her doubts and wants to do a little investigating. However, she only has until the end of May and Thea needs funds to live on until that time. Anna Watson is pregnant and her fiancé, Piers supposedly drowned while returning from Brazil. Her father threw her out and Piers parents do not believe her claims. Thea, after rescuing Anna’s bag from a thief, invites her to live with her and help her turn the home into a guest house. Daisy Flowers is lacking in the domestic arts, but she loves to work with horses. Daisy needs to spread her wings as well as escape a local man who wishes to court her. She ends up in Brighton helping Anna and Thea with their new venture plus helping Thea with her sleuthing. The three ladies clean up the home on Clarendon Place and turn it into a lovely guest house. In their spare time, they search out the witnesses to the will attempting to prove Stanley’s fraud. Will they succeed before Stanley returns to claim the house?
The Brighton Guest House Girls is a charming story. This historical drama drew me right in with its engaging characters, lovely seaside town, and diverse storylines. I thought the characters were developed. The three ladies come from different backgrounds, but each is struggling to get ahead. I like how they bond together. They end up becoming a family and support each other. The author has an engaging writing style and the book had lovely flow. I just wanted to keep reading to see how The Brighton Guest House Girls would end. The story does have its villains which just encouraged me to root more for our ladies. I like how the three women worked to overcome adversity and the hurdles put in front of them. We get to see Daisy, Anna and Thea grow from their challenges. They become stronger and more prepared to handle what life will throw at them in the future. The ending is gratifying and uplifting. The Brighton Guest House Girls is a heartwarming story that will give you the warm fuzzies.
The Brighton Guest House Girls is a charming story. This historical drama drew me right in with its engaging characters, lovely seaside town, and diverse storylines. I thought the characters were developed. The three ladies come from different backgrounds, but each is struggling to get ahead. I like how they bond together. They end up becoming a family and support each other. The author has an engaging writing style and the book had lovely flow. I just wanted to keep reading to see how The Brighton Guest House Girls would end. The story does have its villains which just encouraged me to root more for our ladies. I like how the three women worked to overcome adversity and the hurdles put in front of them. We get to see Daisy, Anna and Thea grow from their challenges. They become stronger and more prepared to handle what life will throw at them in the future. The ending is gratifying and uplifting. The Brighton Guest House Girls is a heartwarming story that will give you the warm fuzzies.
August 11, 2019
I thought this was a nice historical fiction with well defined characters. At times it did feel like the story got draggy and slowed down. But, it did keep my interest and I couldn’t wait to see how the story was going to end.
A intriguing story about 3 women who meet by chance and the unique friendship that develops between them. Each of them is strong in their own way and they compliment each other with their individual strengths.
This is the first book I have read by Lesley Eames and I look forward to reading more from her.
Many thanks to NetGallery, the publisher and author, Lesley Eames, for the opportunity to read and give my honest review of “The Brighton Guest House Girls.”
A intriguing story about 3 women who meet by chance and the unique friendship that develops between them. Each of them is strong in their own way and they compliment each other with their individual strengths.
This is the first book I have read by Lesley Eames and I look forward to reading more from her.
Many thanks to NetGallery, the publisher and author, Lesley Eames, for the opportunity to read and give my honest review of “The Brighton Guest House Girls.”
July 15, 2019
Thea, Anna and Daisy have very different backgrounds. Thea's stepbrother doesn't want her to inherit their parents' house in Brighton. He gives Thea 3 months to leave. The other consequence is destitution, so her future is looking pretty bleak.
Anna is pregnant and grieving, her explorer fiancé lost in Brazil. Her father is a cruel man and because of him she ends up on the streets of Bermondsey. Her equally cruel relatives reject her.
Daisy is with someone she no longer loves and has to get away from him. She just wants to be independent.
Thea and the other women turn her home into a guest house and have to prove her brother really did commit fraud.
This latest offering from Lesley Eames is detailed, makes you feel for the characters and hope everything gets better for them. It's humbling hearing about their struggles and as with other books, Lesley Eames creates an emotional and atmospheric novel.
Thanks to Lesley Eames and Aria for my ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review and my place on the blog tour for this title.
4 stars
Anna is pregnant and grieving, her explorer fiancé lost in Brazil. Her father is a cruel man and because of him she ends up on the streets of Bermondsey. Her equally cruel relatives reject her.
Daisy is with someone she no longer loves and has to get away from him. She just wants to be independent.
Thea and the other women turn her home into a guest house and have to prove her brother really did commit fraud.
This latest offering from Lesley Eames is detailed, makes you feel for the characters and hope everything gets better for them. It's humbling hearing about their struggles and as with other books, Lesley Eames creates an emotional and atmospheric novel.
Thanks to Lesley Eames and Aria for my ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review and my place on the blog tour for this title.
4 stars
October 8, 2019
In this most fantastastic and complelling read I was hooked immediatly with the storyline. A jouney of friendship that starts in the toughest of times , where will it take you? This story had me up all night till i finished it. Filled with loss , grief, friendship and how to move on. I cried reading this and loved the characters so much! This was such an amazing book i promise its not one youll forget! Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for my Arc copy in exchange for my honest review!
June 14, 2019
It must have been so difficult to be intelligent and street smart for women in the early part of the century. They were expected to conform, not to argue, to be supported by a plethora of parents, brothers, husbands and just expected to look helpless and pretty.
For someone like Thea who saw through her stepfather's wiles and was disenchanted with his drunken ways life was hard. Not only did he run through all the money that was available, he sold everything her mother possessed to fuel his drinking habit. When he died, his son turned up on Thea's doorstep with a will which showed that her mother had written everything to her husband, and her husband had written everything to his son. His son wanted Thea out of the house asap.
Thea knew that either the will was forged or that signatures were forged or witnesses were coerced. She did not know where to start though.
In a parallel zone we have Anna, single and pregnant her partner lost at sea off the coast of Brazil and now she has been thrown out of her home. We have Daisy who wants to see the outside world a bit before returning to the loving embrace of her father. How these three women meet, give each other the support each one needs and form a bond over riding class particularly and becoming good friends is this story.
The story was a charming one of the support people can be for each other, and how greed for material wealth over rides morals or ethics.
A simple story of all's well that ends well but put together very well.
For someone like Thea who saw through her stepfather's wiles and was disenchanted with his drunken ways life was hard. Not only did he run through all the money that was available, he sold everything her mother possessed to fuel his drinking habit. When he died, his son turned up on Thea's doorstep with a will which showed that her mother had written everything to her husband, and her husband had written everything to his son. His son wanted Thea out of the house asap.
Thea knew that either the will was forged or that signatures were forged or witnesses were coerced. She did not know where to start though.
In a parallel zone we have Anna, single and pregnant her partner lost at sea off the coast of Brazil and now she has been thrown out of her home. We have Daisy who wants to see the outside world a bit before returning to the loving embrace of her father. How these three women meet, give each other the support each one needs and form a bond over riding class particularly and becoming good friends is this story.
The story was a charming one of the support people can be for each other, and how greed for material wealth over rides morals or ethics.
A simple story of all's well that ends well but put together very well.
July 6, 2019
A delightful and beautifully told story that I found gripping from the offset.
Thea's loathsome stepbrother is trying to trick her out of her inheritance of her parents' beautiful house in the seaside town of Brighton by means of a Will which Thea believes to be forged. He gives her three months in which to leave. Afterwards, she will face destitution.
Anna is pregnant and grieving, her explorer fiancé lost at sea. Her violent father drives her from the family home in the back streets of London's Bermondsey and her fiancé's upper-class relatives cruelly reject her.
Daisy is in search of independence, running from a man she doesn't want to marry.
Together the three girls set up Thea's home as a guest house and embark on a mission to outwit her stepbrother by proving his fraud. In a race against time, nothing will turn out to be quite as it seems.
The characters were well portrayed and unique and the plot was brilliantly executed. I felt as though I was there alongside them, living through their angst and turmoil and experiencing the good times and I found myself rooting for all of them. I'd love to have friends like Thea, Anna and Daisy.
Overall, this was a superb saga and I highly recommend The Brighton Guest House Girls.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel, at my own request, from Aria via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
Thea's loathsome stepbrother is trying to trick her out of her inheritance of her parents' beautiful house in the seaside town of Brighton by means of a Will which Thea believes to be forged. He gives her three months in which to leave. Afterwards, she will face destitution.
Anna is pregnant and grieving, her explorer fiancé lost at sea. Her violent father drives her from the family home in the back streets of London's Bermondsey and her fiancé's upper-class relatives cruelly reject her.
Daisy is in search of independence, running from a man she doesn't want to marry.
Together the three girls set up Thea's home as a guest house and embark on a mission to outwit her stepbrother by proving his fraud. In a race against time, nothing will turn out to be quite as it seems.
The characters were well portrayed and unique and the plot was brilliantly executed. I felt as though I was there alongside them, living through their angst and turmoil and experiencing the good times and I found myself rooting for all of them. I'd love to have friends like Thea, Anna and Daisy.
Overall, this was a superb saga and I highly recommend The Brighton Guest House Girls.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel, at my own request, from Aria via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
July 8, 2019
Another wonderful read from Lesley Eames! I had high expectations - and this latest novel easily surpassed them.
Thea, Anna and Daisy all find themselves alone in the world. When their paths cross, new friendships are struck and, like the Three Musketeers, they are stronger together. With straitened circumstances, each of their lives are changing and together they work to set up a business to provide much needed income. But will this be enough to protect them from all the outside forces which seem to be against them?
These three young women - all complete strangers - all have trials in their lives; fate brings them together in the most unlikely of circumstances. Strong friendships are forged and, as a unit, they face their problems together. With mystery, crime, romance - both welcome and unwanted - this is a complex book which will entertain from beginning to end.
Packed with a cast of beautifully created characters, this is a well structured read and there is always something to keep the readers attention. With twists and turns, it's a gripping read and one which certainly is in keeping with the period it's set in. I loved everything about it and - honestly - could not find fault even if I wanted to! Another superb read from an author who has found her way onto my favourites list with her fabulous novels. Absolutely terrific, heartily recommended and definitely a five star read!
Thea, Anna and Daisy all find themselves alone in the world. When their paths cross, new friendships are struck and, like the Three Musketeers, they are stronger together. With straitened circumstances, each of their lives are changing and together they work to set up a business to provide much needed income. But will this be enough to protect them from all the outside forces which seem to be against them?
These three young women - all complete strangers - all have trials in their lives; fate brings them together in the most unlikely of circumstances. Strong friendships are forged and, as a unit, they face their problems together. With mystery, crime, romance - both welcome and unwanted - this is a complex book which will entertain from beginning to end.
Packed with a cast of beautifully created characters, this is a well structured read and there is always something to keep the readers attention. With twists and turns, it's a gripping read and one which certainly is in keeping with the period it's set in. I loved everything about it and - honestly - could not find fault even if I wanted to! Another superb read from an author who has found her way onto my favourites list with her fabulous novels. Absolutely terrific, heartily recommended and definitely a five star read!
July 7, 2019
Brighton 1923
Thea Fairfax, Brighton. Anna Watson, Bermondsey London. Daisy Flowers, Pixfield South Downs. Thea suffers the death of her mother and step father, and finds herself in stricken finances. All she has is the house 18 ,Clarendon House that is turned into a guest house. She takes on both Anna and Daisy, and they all run it smoothly. All girls have different backgrounds and past, can they find happiness ? read on to find out. I really found this book enchanting all the way through from start to finish.
Thea Fairfax, Brighton. Anna Watson, Bermondsey London. Daisy Flowers, Pixfield South Downs. Thea suffers the death of her mother and step father, and finds herself in stricken finances. All she has is the house 18 ,Clarendon House that is turned into a guest house. She takes on both Anna and Daisy, and they all run it smoothly. All girls have different backgrounds and past, can they find happiness ? read on to find out. I really found this book enchanting all the way through from start to finish.
July 9, 2019
A great book that you won’t want to put down. It tells the story of Thea who is about to lose her beloved home after the deaths of her Mother and her nasty stepfather to her horrible stepbrother. Unable to believe that her Mother would leave her with nothing she starts to look into the will that her stepbrother produces leaving everything to him. Along the way to sorting out her problems Thea befriends Daisy and Anna who also have problems of their own to solve. Together the girls make a strong friendship and help each other get to the bottom of each of their problems. A very enjoyable read.
June 28, 2019
Lovely story about three women who discover they are stronger and more capable than they thought- especially when they work together. Thea's about the find herself on the street thanks to her rotten stepfather and even worse- her horrid stepbrother. Anna's pregnant and alone and Daisy has more or less run away from home. Turing Thea's disputed house in Brighton into a guest house is a terrific idea but it takes a lot of work. These three have ups and downs and you know what- you will root for them all the way. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A good old fashioned read.
July 13, 2020
The Brighton Guest House Girls is the 1st book I have read by Lesley Eames and won't be the last. Thea, Anna and Daisy are similar in age, live near London in the 1920's, come from different backgrounds, and currently need help. Thea has a cunning step-brother waving around a falsified will to kick her out her home and claim the estate for himself. Anna's father has kicked her out of the family home and bid her to never contact them again because she is pregnant and unwed; her finance is a journalist and currently missing. Daisy is the youngest and not interested in love, especially from neighbor Daniel. She loves horses, wants to work with her cousin Max in the business, not spend her days taking care of Daniel's children.
Anna and Daisy needs a place to stay and Thea needs help turning her home into a bed and breakfast while trying to prove her step-brother's deceit. Striking a 3-way friendship and partnership, each of these women is strong, smart and endearing. Ms. Eames structured the story in that one woman's POV is presented per chapter, which keeps the pace and the drama of 3 different plights now interwoven flowing smoothly. With interesting secondary characters to help or hinder problems and build up romance, I was caught up in each story and cheering all three ladies. Interesting and never a dull moment, with just the right amount of subtle touches to remind you of the decade, I thoroughly enjoyed this story and am on to another one by Ms. Eames.
Anna and Daisy needs a place to stay and Thea needs help turning her home into a bed and breakfast while trying to prove her step-brother's deceit. Striking a 3-way friendship and partnership, each of these women is strong, smart and endearing. Ms. Eames structured the story in that one woman's POV is presented per chapter, which keeps the pace and the drama of 3 different plights now interwoven flowing smoothly. With interesting secondary characters to help or hinder problems and build up romance, I was caught up in each story and cheering all three ladies. Interesting and never a dull moment, with just the right amount of subtle touches to remind you of the decade, I thoroughly enjoyed this story and am on to another one by Ms. Eames.
August 8, 2023
The Brighton Guest House Girls set in 1923 is a charming, easy to read novel, perfect for a quick chill out. It is the story of three young women from very different backgrounds who come together and form a bond of immense friendship. Thea, Anna and Daisy each have their unique challenges and their support for each other allows them to find their inner strengths.
June 10, 2019
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Words cannot describe how much I love this book. I wasn't too sure how 'me' the book would be but the author had me gripped from the get go. The characters are all unique and well built, the plot is well thought out and fleshed out through the book and the sub plots also work well together. You feel for Thea as she tries to fight against her evil stepbrother, you want to mother Anna when she is left alone whilst young, pregnant and grieving.
Daisy is the only one who isn't in turmoil but is looking for something more from life and this brings her into the path of Thea and Anna. The three main characters are all very well developed and you truly get a feel for their stories - the backstory of each is well written and it is like you are in their minds.
You find yourself willing everything to be alright in the end and you also find yourself wanting certain pairings which may seem unlikely from the beginning of the book.
Overall, this is a fantastic saga and I really enjoyed it. I'd love to see more from these characters in the future although I'm not too sure their stories could be continued, I just loved them so much. I'd love friends like Thea, Anna and Daisy, wouldn't you?
Words cannot describe how much I love this book. I wasn't too sure how 'me' the book would be but the author had me gripped from the get go. The characters are all unique and well built, the plot is well thought out and fleshed out through the book and the sub plots also work well together. You feel for Thea as she tries to fight against her evil stepbrother, you want to mother Anna when she is left alone whilst young, pregnant and grieving.
Daisy is the only one who isn't in turmoil but is looking for something more from life and this brings her into the path of Thea and Anna. The three main characters are all very well developed and you truly get a feel for their stories - the backstory of each is well written and it is like you are in their minds.
You find yourself willing everything to be alright in the end and you also find yourself wanting certain pairings which may seem unlikely from the beginning of the book.
Overall, this is a fantastic saga and I really enjoyed it. I'd love to see more from these characters in the future although I'm not too sure their stories could be continued, I just loved them so much. I'd love friends like Thea, Anna and Daisy, wouldn't you?
June 7, 2019
Thanks to netgalley for an early copy in return for an honest review
First time reading this fabulous author this book was a real breath of fresh air FANTASTIC plot and story line that held you totally captivated through out the book Theo and her amazing idea of a board house collecting on the way such intriguing characters and there own journeys as well this was such a refreshing fun filled book
A real full throttle trumpet toting EXTRAVAGANZA
First time reading this fabulous author this book was a real breath of fresh air FANTASTIC plot and story line that held you totally captivated through out the book Theo and her amazing idea of a board house collecting on the way such intriguing characters and there own journeys as well this was such a refreshing fun filled book
A real full throttle trumpet toting EXTRAVAGANZA
August 6, 2019
This is the second book by Lesley Eames but I read it first and I loved it. It was full of adventure, friendship and adversity I didn't want the book to end. The whole book from start to finish was brilliant. I definitely recommend that you read it
July 20, 2019
Thea has had a rough few years, after the death of her mother and her stepfather’s pilfering of anything of value in their house, she’s finally laid him to rest and now must figure out her next step. Knowing that the house is now hers, free and clear, is a benefit: finding out how to earn a living to keep the house is her struggle. Until her step-brother shows up with a new will, deeding the house to him and leaving Thea with only 3 months to vacate, and a certainty that the will she’s been shown is a forgery. When searching for the witnesses to the will, she sees a young woman who had been accosted, her bags stolen, and the thief coming straight at her. She downs the thief, recovers the young woman’s bag and offers her assistance.
Anna has quit her job at Selfridge’s in London, a saleswoman in Ladies Fashion, she’s used every available option to rise above the poor circumstances of her birth, helping to raise her siblings, seeing they pay attention to school and opportunities, and avoiding her dockworker father’s fists and temper. But now, pregnant with a child from a man of a much higher station, and he off to Brazil to “adventure” with no word back to her in months, she’s been put out of her family house and is heading for Piers’ family home to introduce herself and hopefully, find assistance. Rebuffed at the door and discovering that Piers is believed dead, heartbroken and homeless she was in Brighton when spotted by Thea. With her impending homelessness approaching, Thea has thought that running a guest house will both bring in money and leave her time to investigate her concerns about the will, and with Anna staying on to help, at least for the moment, Thea’s got a plan and something to work toward. Meanwhile, Anna has not let on about her pregnancy, deciding that the ‘high born’ Thea will be shocked and judgmental. In fact, Thea is none of those things: well-raised, polite, intelligent and fair-minded, she’s not a member of the upper echelon, although her parents did have friendships with many of the finer families in the area.
As the girls are working to get the house ready for guests, they encounter Daisy who is in town from the farm, looking for work and to find something that may have been missing in her years helping her father at the forge and in the small community. In many ways, she’s running from the farm in hopes that soon, her cousin Max, a horse trainer, will be able to hire her to work with him. But, both Thea and Anna are welcoming despite her spilling the beans about Anna’s pregnancy, and the girls are soon fast friends: dividing the work (and Thea’s investigations) amongst themselves. Truly a story of the three coming together when they needed one another most, with interactions and introductions to friends and family members that show each of the girls a light at the end of the tunnel as they band together to save Thea’s house. Laden with moments to love and friendships that are clearly defined and more solid than the mere ‘acquaintances’ that Thea was used to when her circumstances were better, the three have hope, love, laughter and new options opening up to them all as a result of their friendships and cooperation. A lovely story that brings a sense of sisterhood, determination and hope to the forefront.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
Anna has quit her job at Selfridge’s in London, a saleswoman in Ladies Fashion, she’s used every available option to rise above the poor circumstances of her birth, helping to raise her siblings, seeing they pay attention to school and opportunities, and avoiding her dockworker father’s fists and temper. But now, pregnant with a child from a man of a much higher station, and he off to Brazil to “adventure” with no word back to her in months, she’s been put out of her family house and is heading for Piers’ family home to introduce herself and hopefully, find assistance. Rebuffed at the door and discovering that Piers is believed dead, heartbroken and homeless she was in Brighton when spotted by Thea. With her impending homelessness approaching, Thea has thought that running a guest house will both bring in money and leave her time to investigate her concerns about the will, and with Anna staying on to help, at least for the moment, Thea’s got a plan and something to work toward. Meanwhile, Anna has not let on about her pregnancy, deciding that the ‘high born’ Thea will be shocked and judgmental. In fact, Thea is none of those things: well-raised, polite, intelligent and fair-minded, she’s not a member of the upper echelon, although her parents did have friendships with many of the finer families in the area.
As the girls are working to get the house ready for guests, they encounter Daisy who is in town from the farm, looking for work and to find something that may have been missing in her years helping her father at the forge and in the small community. In many ways, she’s running from the farm in hopes that soon, her cousin Max, a horse trainer, will be able to hire her to work with him. But, both Thea and Anna are welcoming despite her spilling the beans about Anna’s pregnancy, and the girls are soon fast friends: dividing the work (and Thea’s investigations) amongst themselves. Truly a story of the three coming together when they needed one another most, with interactions and introductions to friends and family members that show each of the girls a light at the end of the tunnel as they band together to save Thea’s house. Laden with moments to love and friendships that are clearly defined and more solid than the mere ‘acquaintances’ that Thea was used to when her circumstances were better, the three have hope, love, laughter and new options opening up to them all as a result of their friendships and cooperation. A lovely story that brings a sense of sisterhood, determination and hope to the forefront.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
June 11, 2019
3 Stars.
This novel is the story of a house and the remarkable friendships formed between three young women who made it their home.
Thea is left penniless when her mother dies because her dissolute stepfather has frittered away her mother's fortune, leaving nothing for Thea. He has also issued a very suspect will leaving Thea's parent’s house to his own son, Stanley.
When her stepfather dies, Stanley appears and claims the house. Thea must fight to retain her home and rightful inheritance. She does so initially by opening the house as a guest house, and in so doing enlists the help of two other girls, Anna Watson and Daisy Flowers.
Anna is pregnant, but the well-to-do father of her unborn child, Piers, a travel writer and explorer, is away on an expedition and cannot be reached. Anna appeals to his parents for help, but true to the mores of the time, the book is set in 1920, they are appalled by the prospect of an unmarried mother and a working-class one to boot. They rebuff her cruelly. Later we learn that the expedition ship Piers has been travelling on is lost at sea and no survivors have been found. Anna's plight is desperate, indeed. Thea takes her in, and Anna helps her to run the guest house.
The third woman to join the guest house is Daisy Flowers. A young girl from the country who rebels against the life and suitor that seems to have been chosen for her.
The story of the house and Thea’s fight to keep it becomes the story of three young women at a time of huge social change who refuse to meekly accept their apparent fate. All three battle to live independent lives on their own terms in an age when women are seen either as helpless adornments or drudges. Their joint aspiration – their certainty that there is a better and more fulfilling way of life -resonates powerfully with a modern reader. So, in that sense, it is an absorbing and even inspirational tale as the three women fight against all the odds to achieve more meaningful lives and to be masters of their own fate.
The author starts out bravely with a great idea and three vivid and diverse characters. Their friendship and the unselfish way the three girls support each other is not merely heartfelt but heart-warming, and in this, she succeeds very well.
Where the book is less successful is the plot. The storyline – hopefully, the scaffolding in any novel – at times becomes a spider's web with the narrative trapped within it. The execution of some excellent ideas is, at times, ponderous and predictable.
The character of the villain, Thea’s stepbrother, Stanley, is especially crudely drawn. He is so relentlessly villainous that without any contrast to the darkness of his character, we lose definition.
Without light and shade, there is no depth. My major criticism is that the author tends to describe not qualify, leaving the reader wanting more texture and detail.
Despite this, her exploration of the major themes of the book – the emerging role of women, snobbery and class prejudice and the warm and perceptive nature of her main character, Thea, who creates in her threatened home a haven for women who are, each in their own way, outsiders, is readable and engrossing. It is a good book, but I was left wanting more.
Charlotte Gower
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
This novel is the story of a house and the remarkable friendships formed between three young women who made it their home.
Thea is left penniless when her mother dies because her dissolute stepfather has frittered away her mother's fortune, leaving nothing for Thea. He has also issued a very suspect will leaving Thea's parent’s house to his own son, Stanley.
When her stepfather dies, Stanley appears and claims the house. Thea must fight to retain her home and rightful inheritance. She does so initially by opening the house as a guest house, and in so doing enlists the help of two other girls, Anna Watson and Daisy Flowers.
Anna is pregnant, but the well-to-do father of her unborn child, Piers, a travel writer and explorer, is away on an expedition and cannot be reached. Anna appeals to his parents for help, but true to the mores of the time, the book is set in 1920, they are appalled by the prospect of an unmarried mother and a working-class one to boot. They rebuff her cruelly. Later we learn that the expedition ship Piers has been travelling on is lost at sea and no survivors have been found. Anna's plight is desperate, indeed. Thea takes her in, and Anna helps her to run the guest house.
The third woman to join the guest house is Daisy Flowers. A young girl from the country who rebels against the life and suitor that seems to have been chosen for her.
The story of the house and Thea’s fight to keep it becomes the story of three young women at a time of huge social change who refuse to meekly accept their apparent fate. All three battle to live independent lives on their own terms in an age when women are seen either as helpless adornments or drudges. Their joint aspiration – their certainty that there is a better and more fulfilling way of life -resonates powerfully with a modern reader. So, in that sense, it is an absorbing and even inspirational tale as the three women fight against all the odds to achieve more meaningful lives and to be masters of their own fate.
The author starts out bravely with a great idea and three vivid and diverse characters. Their friendship and the unselfish way the three girls support each other is not merely heartfelt but heart-warming, and in this, she succeeds very well.
Where the book is less successful is the plot. The storyline – hopefully, the scaffolding in any novel – at times becomes a spider's web with the narrative trapped within it. The execution of some excellent ideas is, at times, ponderous and predictable.
The character of the villain, Thea’s stepbrother, Stanley, is especially crudely drawn. He is so relentlessly villainous that without any contrast to the darkness of his character, we lose definition.
Without light and shade, there is no depth. My major criticism is that the author tends to describe not qualify, leaving the reader wanting more texture and detail.
Despite this, her exploration of the major themes of the book – the emerging role of women, snobbery and class prejudice and the warm and perceptive nature of her main character, Thea, who creates in her threatened home a haven for women who are, each in their own way, outsiders, is readable and engrossing. It is a good book, but I was left wanting more.
Charlotte Gower
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
June 8, 2019
Thea has buried her mother and now she must figure out how to support herself. She is devastated when her repulsive step-brother informs her things are much worse than she imagined. He has a will, signed by her mother, which gives him the family home and she must get out within 5 months.
Her late step-father who died after her mother evidently signed a will giving his son everything. This new will by her mother, gives everything to her step-father and indirectly to his son.
She is shocked.
As a young lady of quality, she has no idea how she will make a living or survive. Then she has a brilliant idea. She is in Brighton, near the sea, and she will convert her family home into a guest house. That will give her income and time to try to prove the new will is fraudulent.
Just as she has made this decision she meets Anna. Anna is a young woman who has her own problems. Her fiance,Piers, was on an expedition to Brazil. Now she finds that his ship has gone down with everyone on board. There are no survivors. As terrible as that is, even worse, she is expecting a baby. Because of her pregnancy, her father has thrown her out of their home. She has no job and no place to live.
Then both Thea and Anna meet Daisy. Daisy is a young girl who has come to Brighton to try to figure out what she wants in life. She is energetic and imaginative. Her father loves her and has provided a warm and loving home for her. But, he agrees, she needs to look around a bit. A neighbor had asked if he could court Daisy. She was appalled. He is not adventurous enough for her. So, this idea of leaving home for a time seems a perfect escape.
These three you women become a unit. They do their best to get the house in shape to accept visitors. At the same time, each of them have their own thoughts, dreams, fears and goals.
This is a light read with an underlying lesson. Women can overcome hurdles. This is true even when they are regularly told they are not as capable as any man.
The characters of Thea, Anna and Daisy are each strong women in their own way. Each of them are admirable for their determination and the skills they bring to the house project as well as one another.
I enjoyed this book. It is the first I have read by Ms Eames. She has created good strong characters. Even the secondary characters are well rounded and complete. The plot moves at a good pace. As things unfold, the action moves forward and all the characters participate in events.
If I have any complaint at all, I felt at times solutions were a little too simplistic for my comfort.
I recommend this story to anyone who is looking for a happily ever after which travels through adventure to get there.
The reader will feel good when things work out exactly as they should.
I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley. I am voluntarily writing this review and all opinions are my own.
Her late step-father who died after her mother evidently signed a will giving his son everything. This new will by her mother, gives everything to her step-father and indirectly to his son.
She is shocked.
As a young lady of quality, she has no idea how she will make a living or survive. Then she has a brilliant idea. She is in Brighton, near the sea, and she will convert her family home into a guest house. That will give her income and time to try to prove the new will is fraudulent.
Just as she has made this decision she meets Anna. Anna is a young woman who has her own problems. Her fiance,Piers, was on an expedition to Brazil. Now she finds that his ship has gone down with everyone on board. There are no survivors. As terrible as that is, even worse, she is expecting a baby. Because of her pregnancy, her father has thrown her out of their home. She has no job and no place to live.
Then both Thea and Anna meet Daisy. Daisy is a young girl who has come to Brighton to try to figure out what she wants in life. She is energetic and imaginative. Her father loves her and has provided a warm and loving home for her. But, he agrees, she needs to look around a bit. A neighbor had asked if he could court Daisy. She was appalled. He is not adventurous enough for her. So, this idea of leaving home for a time seems a perfect escape.
These three you women become a unit. They do their best to get the house in shape to accept visitors. At the same time, each of them have their own thoughts, dreams, fears and goals.
This is a light read with an underlying lesson. Women can overcome hurdles. This is true even when they are regularly told they are not as capable as any man.
The characters of Thea, Anna and Daisy are each strong women in their own way. Each of them are admirable for their determination and the skills they bring to the house project as well as one another.
I enjoyed this book. It is the first I have read by Ms Eames. She has created good strong characters. Even the secondary characters are well rounded and complete. The plot moves at a good pace. As things unfold, the action moves forward and all the characters participate in events.
If I have any complaint at all, I felt at times solutions were a little too simplistic for my comfort.
I recommend this story to anyone who is looking for a happily ever after which travels through adventure to get there.
The reader will feel good when things work out exactly as they should.
I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley. I am voluntarily writing this review and all opinions are my own.
July 23, 2019
I love Lesley Eames writing. I love her characters and her sense of history and place.
The Brighton Guest House Girls is Eames second book, although not a continuation of the first (Silver Ladies of London). Eames's new characters, Thea, Anna and Daisy are united through difficult circumstances under the roof of Thea's home, the only thing left to her after her mother's death. Thea's villainous step-brother is trying steal the Brighton house from under her by bullying and fraud, but the girls are determined to fight back. In the meantime, they plan to make the most of a bad situation and open Thea's home as a guesthouse.
Eames is very gifted when it comes to character development and it was wonderful seeing the sisterhood that developed between these girls. Eames is also a master of happy-ever-after-some-heartbreak-and-tumult (as I like to call it). She keeps things twisty and interesting even though you know everyone is going to be ok in the end. Eames's books are completely clean, I recommend them for anyone who loves stories of survival and friendship, girls beating the odds, and lovers of historical fiction. There's always a little bit of mystery, a lot of sweet romance, and fierce friendship. Keep them coming!!
The Brighton Guest House Girls is Eames second book, although not a continuation of the first (Silver Ladies of London). Eames's new characters, Thea, Anna and Daisy are united through difficult circumstances under the roof of Thea's home, the only thing left to her after her mother's death. Thea's villainous step-brother is trying steal the Brighton house from under her by bullying and fraud, but the girls are determined to fight back. In the meantime, they plan to make the most of a bad situation and open Thea's home as a guesthouse.
Eames is very gifted when it comes to character development and it was wonderful seeing the sisterhood that developed between these girls. Eames is also a master of happy-ever-after-some-heartbreak-and-tumult (as I like to call it). She keeps things twisty and interesting even though you know everyone is going to be ok in the end. Eames's books are completely clean, I recommend them for anyone who loves stories of survival and friendship, girls beating the odds, and lovers of historical fiction. There's always a little bit of mystery, a lot of sweet romance, and fierce friendship. Keep them coming!!
June 12, 2025
Vi følger 3 unge kvinder, der hver især står overfor store udfordringer. De finder sammen og kommer til at drive et guest house (B&B) sammen.
Thea ejer huset - eller gør hun? Da hendes mor og efterfølgende hendes stedfar dør, regner Thea med at arve huset. Hun har ovenikøbet et testamente fra hendes mor, hvor hun efterlader alt til Thea. Men pludselig dukker hendes stedbroder op som en ond ånd. For han har også et testamente, hvoraf det fremgår at HAN arver huset og Thea intet arver.
Anna er blevet smidt ud hjemmefra. Hendes far har fundet ud af, at hun er gravid og han vil ikke have hende i huset og forbyder resten af familien at se hende. Annas store kærlighed, er på rejse til Brasilien og ved intet om graviditeten. Thea redder Anna fra at gå til grunde.
Daisy er kun 18 år og har livet foran sig. En mand har forelsket sig i hende, men hun kan slet ikke se sig selv i et ægteskab med ham, så for at skabe afstand vælger hun at søge mod storbyen. Også hun ender hos Thea.
De 3 unge kvinder kæmper sammen for at få The Guest House til at være et dejligt sted at være, samtidig med, at de kæmper hver deres kamp for deres fremtid.
En fin roman om kvinders vilkår tilbage i 1920'erne.
Thea ejer huset - eller gør hun? Da hendes mor og efterfølgende hendes stedfar dør, regner Thea med at arve huset. Hun har ovenikøbet et testamente fra hendes mor, hvor hun efterlader alt til Thea. Men pludselig dukker hendes stedbroder op som en ond ånd. For han har også et testamente, hvoraf det fremgår at HAN arver huset og Thea intet arver.
Anna er blevet smidt ud hjemmefra. Hendes far har fundet ud af, at hun er gravid og han vil ikke have hende i huset og forbyder resten af familien at se hende. Annas store kærlighed, er på rejse til Brasilien og ved intet om graviditeten. Thea redder Anna fra at gå til grunde.
Daisy er kun 18 år og har livet foran sig. En mand har forelsket sig i hende, men hun kan slet ikke se sig selv i et ægteskab med ham, så for at skabe afstand vælger hun at søge mod storbyen. Også hun ender hos Thea.
De 3 unge kvinder kæmper sammen for at få The Guest House til at være et dejligt sted at være, samtidig med, at de kæmper hver deres kamp for deres fremtid.
En fin roman om kvinders vilkår tilbage i 1920'erne.
June 25, 2021
A bit too twee! This had the makings of a really good idea but the characters and story completely lacked depth. It was almost like someones notes on the book they wanted to write, rather than the actual book. It was such a shame as they were all really likeable characters but the entire book was just a list of things that happened with no real flow.
As for the ending! There seemed to be a quarter of a book summed up in three paragraphs. There was a huge drama, so ridiculous it's impossible to believe, they all lived happily ever after. And as for kidnapping a willing invalid and hoisting them out of a bedroom window under the nose of their unwitting parents. Completely unnecessary nonsense, he could have just asked to be taken out for some air and picked up from the garden....
|I absolutely loved the local references to the south coast though as I have lived here all my life and recognised all the places mentioned even though they have changed.
As for the ending! There seemed to be a quarter of a book summed up in three paragraphs. There was a huge drama, so ridiculous it's impossible to believe, they all lived happily ever after. And as for kidnapping a willing invalid and hoisting them out of a bedroom window under the nose of their unwitting parents. Completely unnecessary nonsense, he could have just asked to be taken out for some air and picked up from the garden....
|I absolutely loved the local references to the south coast though as I have lived here all my life and recognised all the places mentioned even though they have changed.
May 24, 2020
A Tale of 3 Women
This book is a delight. No typing errors or missing or extra words etc. Obviously well edited for a change. 3 women with 3 different backgrounds and 3 different problems come together accidently. They become the best of friends and when problems look like being their ruin, they find help with new strength and new friends.
I loved the 3 main women characters - each with their ups and downs. The descriptions of their home, their different styles, their surroundings and their finding love was a really great story.
I enjoyed it and recommend that you read this!!!
This book is a delight. No typing errors or missing or extra words etc. Obviously well edited for a change. 3 women with 3 different backgrounds and 3 different problems come together accidently. They become the best of friends and when problems look like being their ruin, they find help with new strength and new friends.
I loved the 3 main women characters - each with their ups and downs. The descriptions of their home, their different styles, their surroundings and their finding love was a really great story.
I enjoyed it and recommend that you read this!!!
March 26, 2021
Thea, Daisy and Anna have different life challenges and, when they meet, help one another. I was hooked from the start of the book - Thea being cheated out of her inheritance and only home by a wicked step-brother. She's determined and resourceful and, with a little help from her newfound friends - sets out to get the better of him and claim what is rightfully hers. It was a lovely story with great characters - the good and the bad were well-drawn, and the wishy-washy middling one I detested but won't name as it would be a spoiler. Daisy was very sweet, impulsive and keen to please - her character development was great. It was a satisfying tale and beautifully written. I recommend the book.
July 7, 2019
Lovely story of the friendship forged by 3 women: Thea, left her parents' home but a step-brother is trying to take it away, Anna, a woman loved by a man who loves adventures, and is presumed dead when the ship he is on sinks, and finally Daisy, who loves horses and cares for her father, but falls for a horse racer. They turn Thea's house into a guest house, and rally to prove the latest will is a fraud.
June 23, 2020
Great Read for Anytime Reading
I recommend this book for many reasons, but mainly because we’re going through a pandemic right now and I think this book will have you feeling better! The characters are good people going through difficult times and the length of this book allows the.author enough time to fully develop the plot and relationships. There’s several surprises along the way to keep you
enthralled ‘til the last page.
I recommend this book for many reasons, but mainly because we’re going through a pandemic right now and I think this book will have you feeling better! The characters are good people going through difficult times and the length of this book allows the.author enough time to fully develop the plot and relationships. There’s several surprises along the way to keep you
enthralled ‘til the last page.
July 1, 2020
Very enjoyable
I liked this story. The characters were likeable...most of them. They each had their own vivid personality, including the villains. It was nice that the social classes crossed lines and worked together in helping Thea gain the inheritance from her mother that was rightfully hers. There were some daring adventures that may have been a bit far fetched, bit it was exciting to read and see how it would end up. I enjoyed it. Recommeded
I liked this story. The characters were likeable...most of them. They each had their own vivid personality, including the villains. It was nice that the social classes crossed lines and worked together in helping Thea gain the inheritance from her mother that was rightfully hers. There were some daring adventures that may have been a bit far fetched, bit it was exciting to read and see how it would end up. I enjoyed it. Recommeded
September 27, 2021
Delightful read
A lovely book to past the time with. Thea loses her mother and then finds herself in a precarious position where it looks like she will lose her beloved family home. Her ugly step father had somehow coerced her mother to sign a new will leaving the house to him or did she? Is the will real. Thea and her new friends Anna and Daisy start up a guest house in Brighton to help make ends meet as they investigate the mystery of the new will
A lovely book to past the time with. Thea loses her mother and then finds herself in a precarious position where it looks like she will lose her beloved family home. Her ugly step father had somehow coerced her mother to sign a new will leaving the house to him or did she? Is the will real. Thea and her new friends Anna and Daisy start up a guest house in Brighton to help make ends meet as they investigate the mystery of the new will
August 27, 2019
A very good story
It took me a while to get into this book as each character was introduced separately which I understood once they all came together but then I was gripped with all the twists and turns just hoping it would come right for each girl but you need to read it to find out
It took me a while to get into this book as each character was introduced separately which I understood once they all came together but then I was gripped with all the twists and turns just hoping it would come right for each girl but you need to read it to find out
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