Finding Friends on Beamer Street

Beamer Street #1

by Sheila Riley

Liverpool 1921
Pregnant, Mary Jane Starlings secret wedding to Paddy Redfern ends in disaster when her fiancé is murdered on the way to the church. Paddy’s wayward twin ‘Red’ intercepts Mary Jane and warns that they must flee Ireland for fear of reprisals from her family, never to return.
Too young and terrified to question Red’s motives, Mary Jane, is hurriedly escorted to Liverpool where she quickly discovers Red’s good Samaritan act is a sham when he abandons her homeless and destitute.
However, strength, fortitude and good luck save her when she catches the eye of reclusive Cal Everdine and is befriended by Molly Hayward’s lovable family.
But Mary Jane still has to live with the overbearing guilt of the secrets she holds.
Will she ever be able to follow her dreams and reconcile her past?

A brand-new series, set around Liverpool Docks, by bestselling author Sheila Riley

Genres: Historical Fiction, British Literature

288 pages, Paperback

Published November 16, 2022

About the author

Born and raised on Merseyside, Sheila Riley is the eldest of seven children. Her parents John and Peggy took the scenic route through the many family anecdotes they shared and encouraged their daughter to do the same. At school Sheila quickly discovered her English exam grades could be improved by writing tales in the back of her exercise book, and so began her lifelong love of story-telling. Happily married to Tony, they have three grown-up children, five adorable grandchildren and a huge German Shepherd who is put in his place by a small, ancient cat called Missy.

Child of the Mersey is the first book in a new series that will feature the residents of Empire Street in Liverpool during the Second World War.

Reviews

[Jonann loves book talk❤♥️❤ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finding Friends on Beamer Street by Sheila Riley

You won't want to miss this new series of historical sagas set around Liverpool Docks.

Synopsis:
Mary Jane Starling's secret wedding to Paddy Redfern in Liverpool 1921 ends in grief when her fiancé is murdered on his way to be married. After finding Mary Jane, Paddy's evil twin "Red" warns her that they must flee Ireland for fear of repercussions from her brothers.

Red's self-sacrificing act is exposed as fake when he abandons Mary Jane in Liverpool. Lady Luck steps in when Molly Hayward's loving family befriends Mary Jane and she attracts the attention of Cal Everdine. Mary Jane still carries the guilt of her past. Will she find the courage to reveal her secret?

There is a delightful quality to Sheila Riley's writing and it would make a wonderful movie. I found the plot to be heartwarming and reminiscent of a Hallmark setting. The story is clean and doesn't contain graphic content.

Finding Friends on Beamer Street is available on November 16th. My review will be released on November 21st as part of Rachel's Random Resources Blog Tour.

Thanks to Sheila Riley, Rachel's Random Resources, Boldwood Books, and NetGalley for sharing this book with me. Your kindness is greatly appreciated!

@BoldwoodBooks @BookandTonic #FindingFriendsOnBeamerStreet @RachelsRandomResources, @NetGalley #NetGalleyReviewer #Blogtour

[StinaStaffymum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having thoroughly enjoyed Sheila Riley's previous two series - Reckoner's Row and the Mersey Mistress/Angels - I was excited to discover yet another new series on the horizon. FINDING FRIENDS ON BEAMER STREET is a delightful tale of betrayal, survival, courage and strength against all odds. I just love the characters who are either warm-hearted or nosey and opinionated, with the exception of one of course.

1921: Paddy Redfern is preparing for his secret wedding to Mary Jane Starling when he is accosted by his twin Christie 'Red' Redfern and a plea for money. But Paddy is done bailing his wastrel brother out of scrapes of his own making and refuses to give him what he asks, even when Red pleads that his creditor demands immediate payment or on his own head be it. But Paddy confides that he has no money to spare since he and Mary Jane are about to marry and board the night ferry to Liverpool where they will begin their new life.

With child, Mary Jane is eagerly waiting Paddy's arrival when his no good brother Red intercepts her with warnings that they Paddy has been murdered and that they must flee Ireland for fear of reprisals from her three brothers should they catch up with her. Luckily Paddy had entrusted her with their ferry tickets (as well as their savings safely tucked away) which Red takes advantage of by hurrying Mary Jane across the Irish Sea to Liverpool, where he promised Paddy he would take care of her.

But the moment they set foot on the docks, he leaves her stranded having to make her own way to somewhere safer than here. She spies a teashop and takes refuge there but not before almost being bowled over by a horse and trap. When Red catches up with her, he gives her rough directions to where they need to go before hurrying off once again. Mary Jane knows Red cannot be trusted which is why she never let on about the savings Paddy had entrusted her with, fearing he would just fritter it away on ale and gambling.

With the help of Cal Everdine, Mary Jane finds her way to Beamer Street where Red has them booked into Cissie Stone's lodging house, which is filthy with grime and dirt. Esconced in the attic room under the guise of husband and wife, Mary Jane cleans the room from top to bottom before settling in there. She knows she will have to start earning to build up the savings she and Paddy put aside to escape this horrid place and awful landlady, not to mention the lazy wastrel Red who spends more time at the alehouse or in Cissie's rooms than working on the docks.

Mary Jane comes up with a plan to bake pies and pastries to sell at the market and soon has just enough to rent the empty shop premises across the street, below Cal Everdine's flat. She has had just about enough of Red's cadging and Cissie's filthy place. But then she discovers all her savings gone...every little bit she and Paddy had saved that she had hidden in various places...along with her carpet bag and Red's belongings. The scoundrel had fled with everything she had and not a penny left to pay the rent.

But Mary Jane will not be beaten. Even when she returns the following day to find her belongings strewn on the doorstep of the lodging house, Cissie having turfed her out, Mary Jane will not be beaten. Her only friends since she came to Beamer Street have been Molly Hayward next door and the quiet Cal Everdine from across the street. Molly takes in Mary Jane and gives her a roof whilst Cal gives her his premises to bake her pies and pastries and soon, she has enough once again to rent out the premises below his flat. And it isn't long before her business is thriving and she has orders from all over, as well as the nosey busybodies from down the street who wouldn't give her the time of day when she first moved in. And slowly Mary Jane saves enough to put aside for when her confinement starts and the baby comes.

And then she arrives home one day to find Molly in tears, a letter in her hand. And their worlds come crashing down just as Christmas nears and Mary Jane's baby is due.

FINDING FRIENDS ON BEAMER STREET is a delightfully easy read that I thoroughly enjoyed and cannot wait to rejoin the Haywards and the Everdines on Beamer Street again soon. There is so much going on within this little family and their friends and I enjoyed every minute of my stay with them.

As with all of Sheila Riley's series, FINDING FRIENDS ON BEAMER STREET is a heartwarming tale of love, loss, courage and strength with a beautiful ending. I loved every minute of my stay there and cannot wait to rejoin them all again soon.

Perfect for fans of sagas.

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

This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.

[linda hole · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book was for me about following your Dreams, betrayal, determination , strength, strong women and a sweet romance
What I thought about the book
What a way to start of a new series. You Will love the Main characters , and the nosey and opinionated neighbours. You Will take an interest in following their daily lives.. you Will see their strength shine through, Even though life tries to knock them down, you Will be so proud of them. And it has a sweet romance , that for me gave hallmark vibes.
Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion

[Leona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finding Friends on Beamer Street is the first book in a brand new saga series by Sheila Riley. As soon as startled reading this book I just knew I was going to love it . This is such a fabulous read with great characters, The main character was wonderful and was filled with courage, strength and determination. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series and highly recommend to fans of historical saga books.

[Alayne Emmett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a lovely story, but very predictable. I guessed alot of the outcome of this story and was right most of the time. Apart from that I enjoyed this WW2 story. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

[Kathleen Ryder · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in a new series, and starts with a bang.

Pregnant, Mary Jane Starlings secret wedding to Paddy Redfern ends in disaster when her fiancé is murdered on the way to the church. Paddy’s wayward twin ‘Red’ intercepts Mary Jane and warns that they must flee Ireland for fear of reprisals from her family, never to return.

Too young and terrified to question Red’s motives, Mary Jane, is hurriedly escorted to Liverpool where she quickly discovers Red’s good Samaritan act is a sham when he abandons her homeless and destitute.

However, strength, fortitude and good luck save her when she catches the eye of reclusive Cal Everdine and is befriended by Molly Hayward’s lovable family.

But Mary Jane still has to live with the overbearing guilt of the secrets she holds. Will she ever be able to follow her dreams and reconcile her past?

A quick, easy read, finished in just under 2 hours.

Thank you to @netgalley for a copy of this lovely read in return for my honest review.

[Booklover BEV · Rating 5 out of 5]

1921 Cashelree Ireland Mary Jane and Paddy are fleeing to be wed then catching the night ferry over to Liverpool. Mary Jane is with child and when her brothers find out there will be war to pay for paddy. His twin brother Red finds out and rushes to tell Mary Jane that Paddy is dead her brothers got to him and he is going to get her away on the night ferry is she doing the right thing? Red has never been reliable like Paddy and takes her to number 43 Beamer Street the awful landlady Cissie Stone and the place is filthy, she needs to be earning so she can save and get away from there with the help of Cal Everdine and Daisy may and her Mother Molly next door she sells pies and bread down the market using Cal's yard and oven, she has to get out of this house and Red and his skulduggery he is not dragging her down with him she has a unborn baby to think of, thanks to friendship in Beamer Street her savings are starting to grow and she can get her own shop.
This book was so touching to read right through and I enjoyed every page and look forward to more to come from the series.

[Jennifer Cadge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spellbinding

I loved this book, the story of Mary Jane and her courage she was so brave especially in that century when unmarried mothers was crowned upon. Well done. Sheila.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a fan of Sheila's work for a while now. I have read and loved each and every book that she has written. When I found out that Sheila was due to release the first book in a new series, I knew that I had to read it as soon as I could get hold of a copy and hibernate until I had read the very last word on the very last page. That's exactly what I did! I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'Finding Friends On Beamer Street' but more about that in a bit.

I loved the character of Mary Jane Starling and I warmed to her from the very start. In fact I ended up feeling as though she had become a friend of mine and I felt all protective of her. She is a young Irish lass who is due to get married to her sweetheart. The wedding has to be now because Mary Jane is expecting a baby. For reasons beyond her control, the wedding doesn't go ahead and she flees to Liverpool. She doesn't have the easiest of lives when she first gets to Liverpool and she isn't helped by the fact that her sweetheart's brother Red has also fled with her. To be honest he is completely useless and a waste of oxygen. Will Mary Jane make a success in her new life? Will she find the 'happy every after' ending that she so deserves? Does Red get his comeuppance? Well for the answers to those questions and so much more you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out as I am not going to tell you.

It took me no time at all to get into 'Finding Friends On Beamer Street'. In fact as soon as I started reading I knew that I was reading something special and that I would struggle to put the book down. The book wasn't exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it travelled everywhere with me. I couldn't bear to miss a single second of the story. Part of the reason for my addiction to this story was the fact that I liked Mary Jane so much and I had to keep reading to see how the story panned out for her. I always know that the sign of a good book is when I find myself becoming far too involved in the story to the extent that I interact with the book as if the characters can hear me. That's exactly what happened with this book. If I could have leapt into the pages of the book then I would have done to sort out Red if nothing else. The more of the book that I read, the more I wanted to read and the quicker the pages seemed to turn. I soon got to the end of 'Finding Friends On Beamer Street' and I had to say goodbye to Mary Jane. I found 'Finding Friends On Beamer Street' to be a gripping, gritty and emotional read in more ways than one.

'Finding Friends On Beamer Street' is superbly written but then I have come to expect nothing less from Sheila Riley. Sheila has one of those easy going writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. Sheila certainly knows how to grab the reader's attention and draw them into what proves to be one hell of an emotional read. For me, the story hit the ground running and maintains a steady pace throughout. Sheila clearly cares about her characters and this shines through in the very vivid and realistic way in which she describes them. She really does make her characters seem just as real as you and I. I love the fact that the story was set in the 1920s, which is a time period that fascinates me. I love the way in which the author makes the reader feel as though they are part of the story and at the heart of the action.

In short, I thoroughly enjoyed 'Finding Friends On Beamer Street' and I would recommend it to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Sheila's work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding Friends On Beamer Street by Sheila Riley is a wonderful historical novel set in Liverpool in 1921.
The leading lady is admirable and likable. Fresh off the boat from Ireland, she possesses a strength of character and has a will to succeed. She will stand her ground against anyone.
Dreams are important. We all need something to strive for. The reader admires the lead character who does not let set backs hold her back. She uses them as stepping stones towards her goals.
A character is drowning in guilt. An event in the past has a stranglehold as a character continues to punish themselves by denying themselves anything but the basics.
Only a few years after the first world war has ended means life is tough for those who lost husbands and fathers. They could let grief pull them down but instead they live and love and laugh. The wonderful feeling of love and care radiates from the pages.
The residents of Beamer Street don’t have much but there is a generosity of spirit. They all pull together, offering support where it is needed.
There is the theme of riches. Riches has nothing to do with your bank account. The richest people are those who love and are loved.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the residents of Beamer Street. It was a heart-warming novel that filled me with love.
I received a free copy from Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mary Jane is pregnant to Paddy, when Paddy is murdered Paddy's twin brother Red tells Mary Jane that they must flee Ireland never to return or face the repercussions of her family. Red promises that they will start over but he soon abandons her. Will Mary Jane be able to make her dreams come true on her own?
I was really inspired by this story as the main character is a strong female that I adored. Mary Jane hasn't had it easy but despite that she is a kind but courageously strong willed character. No matter what life throws at her she seems to tackle it head on and she certainly isn't someone who would have the wool pulled over her eyes but at the same time she is a beautiful, kind and caring human and I loved seeing her friendship with Molly develop.
A captivating story of courage, love, loss and friendship that I relished.

[Jeanette Fallon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know about finding friends but I found a new series that I am going to love.  This book is about Mary Jane.  She found herself in a terrible predicament.  But she was a fighter.  She had plans.

I couldn't put the book down.  It had so many wonderful characters.  Her new neighbor, Molly, befriended Mary Jane in her time of need. She became so much more than a friend. Cal, who lived across the street, took a shining to her and helped when he could.

Mary Jane's brother-in-law, Red, was everything you would want to stay away from.  I didn't like him at all.  He was a leech.

I loved Mary Jane.  She was determined to better her life.  She thought that to be successful she had to depend only on herself.  But she learned that she found wonderful friends on Beamer Street who were there for her. 

[Catherine Laverick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved loved loved this book, a wonderful story with characters that jump out of the pages. Mary Jane arrives in Liverpool from Ireland pregnant and unmarried, the father killed on what should have been their wedding day, she has to struggle to survive and build a life for her unborn baby, by doing the only thing she knows, baking and building up a business. Taken in by Molly and her family she finds love stability with them. A great start to what will be a wonderful series I cannot wait to read the next one. Definitely a well deserved ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ book

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Finding Friends on Beamer Sheet is a the first book in a brand new series by Sheila Riley. Mary Jane is pregnant but had to fled Ireland to Liverpool when her fiancé, Paddy is murdered, supposedly by her brothers, with Paddy's twin brother, Red. Mary Jane is a great character - very strong-willed and knows what she wants. She befriends her neighbour Molly who takes her in when she most needs it. Cal had been attracted to Mary Jane since he first set eyes on her when she got off the ferry from Ireland. I can't wait for the next instalment.

[N.L. Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mary Jane, leaves Ireland feeling this is the better thing to do, but when her situation leaves her homeless she must rely on her neighbour and strength to keep herself going.

This is an excellent start to a new series and I couldn’t get enough, the main character has so much strength that I couldn’t help but empathise with them throughout and admire their attitude to different situations.

This is a heartwarming novel with themes such as friendship, family and loss, and Riley ties these all together brilliantly. This is a great first novel and I look forward to the next.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

After enjoying Sheila’s Reckoners Row series I was looking forward to reading this new one. It has got some great characters. Some characters you love and some you love to hate. Mary Jane has a bad start when she’s meant to be starting a new life with her new husband in Liverpool. Mary Jane certainly doesn’t have an easy time of things when she moved to Beamer Street far from her village in Ireland. Not one to quit without a fight Mary Jane does her best despite some knock backs along the way. I look forward to catching up with the Beamer Street residents again hopefully soon

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful start to a new series and book. I couldn't devour enough of it, Page after page of the struggle and strength of the main character Mary Jane Starling.
Set in Liverpool in the 1920s. Such great characters with a lot of warmth and love and the right amount of betrayal and guilt. This story will carry you along with its determination and emotion.

I can wait for the next installment.

[mrsbookburnee Niamh Burnett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely adored this book, I always enjoy one about communities and this made me want me to live at Beamer Street ❤️

Most of the characters were endearing (Red 🙄), Mary-Jane is so inspiring, her strength and determination won me over.

I cannot wait to be back with the characters of Beamer Street! This is perfect for historical Fiction fans

[Carol Mageean · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book about Mary Jane and her in life in Liverpool after her fiancé is murdered. The story portrays Mary Jane as a very strong character who deals with life’s ups and downs in a positive manner despite hardship and struggles. I look forward to the next instalment.

[Jan Parkes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant book

This is the first time of reading books by this author and it won't be the last. Mary Jane was a fighter and have a lot.of happiness I could not put this book down. Well worth five stars.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely book this is to read with a strong woman wanting to make a life for her unborn child.I have really loved this book it is BRILLIANT and fans will also love it 5*

[Sian · Rating 4 out of 5]

My review of Finding Friends on Beamer Street can be found on my blog....

https://quirkybookreads.wordpress.com...

[Carly Rushforth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Superb!

What an enchanting book this was.
A proper historical fiction saga which I absolutely loved.
I'll look forward to the next book.

[Vickie Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

Great book read in a afternoon could not put it down would most definitely recommend and looking forward to the continuing story

[Pamela Felton · Rating 5 out of 5]

GREAT BOOK.

REALLY ENJOYED THIS BOOK. GREAT STORY, GOOD CHARACTERS. MARY JANE AND MOLLY ARE STRONG FEISTY WOMEN, I LOVE CHARACTERS LIKE THAT.LOOK FORWARD TO BOOK 2.

[Pat Cohen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good read.

If this is the start of her brand new historical saga I can’t wait to read the next.
Sheila Riley has done it again.

[Rita Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read

I found this book hard to put down, the characters and story were so interesting. It told a story of hardship friendship and family it felt as if you knew them and the love story was not a sloppy one.
A part 2 would be nice.

[Barbara Doodson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant read

I love this author I have just found.

It is a must read. So glad it is part of a series do off to buy the next one!

[audrey page · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

Loved how the characters were brought to life felt I was sitting having a cup of tea with them. Great page turner

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. Mary Jane had to overcome alot but she excelled.