The Riverside Maid

The Waterfront Women #3

by AnneMarie Brear

From rags to riches... but will happiness follow?

Orphaned as a child, Fliss Atkins has spent her life working at her uncle’s pub, The Bay Horse Inn, nestled along the banks of the River Calder. Life has been anything but easy for Fliss. Her aunt is unloving, and her older cousin Gerald is cruel.

Then she meets Oscar Nolan, whose adventurous spirit makes her wonder if there might be more to life beyond the only home she’s known. Could Oscar and his dreams of travel be her chance at a fresh start? The thought is tempting, but leaving her best friends, Lorrie and Meg, and their beloved families behind seems unimaginable.

When tragedy strikes, Fliss is presented with an unexpected opportunity to shape a new life for herself. But will new riches bring her the happiness she longs for, or will it lead to even greater troubles for this riverside maid?

A compelling and emotional read set in Victorian Yorkshire, perfect for fans of Dilly Court and Rosie Godwin.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, Fiction

282 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 20, 2025

About the author

Australian born AnneMarie Brear writes historical novels and modern romances and sometimes the odd short story, too. Her passions, apart from writing, are travelling, reading, researching historical eras and looking for inspiration for her next book.
https://www.facebook.com/annemariebrear
http://www.annemaribrear.com

Reviews

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Fliss Atkins' parents died, she spent a year in an orphanage before her uncle discovered her circumstances. Bringing Fliss to their home - The Bay Horse Inn - Fliss loved her uncle, but her aunt was cold, aloof and looked down on Fliss, while her cousin, Gerald, was cruel, beating Fliss constantly. Her life was full of work, and caring for her unloving aunt; she ran up and down the stairs all day long. But when her uncle died unexpectedly, things changed in a dramatic fashion.

Fliss' good friends, Meg and Lorrie, and their families, always had her back, and she was happy when she was with them. And when she met Oscar Nolan, Fliss felt she'd met a kindred spirit. With their lives changing, things going better for Fliss than they ever had, she wondered if she could be happy? What would be the future for Fliss, the riverside maid?

The Riverside Maid is the 3rd in The Waterfront Women by Aussie author AnneMarie Brear and I loved it. Set in the late 1800s, the first book is Meg's story, the 2nd Lorrie's. And now we have Fliss'. Strong, courageous women, and Fliss showed her mettle finally, after the years of cowering with fear from Gerald and her aunt. I've really enjoyed this series, and although I don't know if there are anymore to come, I hope so. Highly recommended.

With thanks to NetGalley & Boldwood Books for my digital ARC to read and review.

[Leona · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book number three in the Riverside Women series. This book is mainly based around Felicity Atkins, more affectionately known as Fliss. I’ve read and adored both of the previous two books in the series, so I was super excited to read this one. After I’d finished reading the first chapter I just knew this was going to be another unputdownable read. And I most certainly wasn’t wrong. Once you start this book you’ll be completely absorbed in the story just like I was. I felt many emotions as I made my way through the story from happiness, sadness and sometimes anger. The characters were all written so well and the descriptions of life back in the late 1800’s was vividly described by the author. There were times I could picture in my head the men at the pub drinking from their tankards of beer and chatting to each other. If like myself you enjoy historical sagas I can’t recommend this series enough. After finishing the book I read the Authors Note and was sad to see that this is the final book in the series but it’s a trilogy that will stay with me and I can’t wait to discover what books the author has coming up in the future.

[StinaStaffymum · Rating 5 out of 5]

From rags to riches...but will happiness follow...?

What a delightful rags to riches story this is! Felicity "Fliss" Atkins was orphaned from a a young age and taken in by her uncle Terry, landlord and owner of the Bay Horse public house, on the banks of the River Calder. Over the years, trade from the river has slowed as steam trains have taken over the carrying of cargo across land leaving the narrowboats often without work. The Bay Horse is a working man's pub in which the dockers from the wharf drink at the end of a long day.

But for Fliss, life has been anything but easy. Orphaned at a young age, her uncle's family didn't want her and her cousin Gerald made her life a misery, while her aunt Hilda remained cold and aloof. As she grew into adulthood, Gerald's torture never waned and her aunt treated her like a skivvy. Only her uncle had any love for her. And then there were her friends Meg and Lorrie, whom she befriended when Meg used to work behind the bar before marrying wealthy Christian Henderson. But the friendships formed between the three women remained.

Now at 25 years of age, as she watched her two friends happily married with young children of their own, Fliss wonders if there will ever be someone special for her. She thinks not as her aunt as always been at pains to say she is nothing special and Gerald taunts her mercilessly about her ugly looks. Who would want a redheaded orphan without a bean to her name?

Then one day she meets Oscar Nolan, a young surveyor measuring up the vacant building adjoining the Bay Horse. What had once been an old shop was to be sold and Fliss couldn't help but wonder how much the asking price was. She had often regaled her ideas of expansion into the adjoining building to her uncle but he was happy keeping things as they are. But a twist of fate sees her holding the keys as she begins work on expanding the Bay Horse into an Inn in which travellers can rest with beer, food and lodgings. But not everyone is happy with how things have played out and Fliss soon finds herself in danger.

When Fliss finds Oscar Nolan stopping by one day to ask her to go for a walk, she dares to dream of stepping out with a man. But what would someone as dashing and adventurous as him want with an old maid like her? And yet Oscar continues to visit, even melting aunt Hilda's ice cold heart. The couple are attracted to each other and soon Fliss begins to dream of the possibilities. But when she discovers Oscar has a job offer that will take him away from her, Fliss wonders if she could bare to let him go.

Set in the late 1800s towards the end of the old Queen's reign, this delightful tale rounds off those of the Waterfront Women that we have come to know and love in each of their respective stories. As with all sagas of this time kind, there is plenty love, heartache and tragedy to go round as well as a heartwarming ending to round things off.

Despite this being the obvious end to the series, I would love to see what's in store next for the women in sunnier climes. It would shed a different light and perspective on life and I would love to see it play out...should it do so.

Another delightful tale at the pen of AnneMarie Brear.

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

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

[Cindy Spear · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an enthralling rags to riches story by AnneMarie Brear! I adored The Riverside Maid more than I can express. And although I enjoyed the previous two instalments of this Waterfront Women series, this by far is the best in my opinion and therefore my absolute favourite.

This novel centres around Felicity (Fliss) Atkins who was an orphan until her aunt and uncle took her in to their home. After she grows up she works in her uncle’s pub, The Bay Horse Inn, and proves her capability and love for the business. Her uncle adores her but her aunt is very unkind and controlling and her cousin Gerald is spiteful and treats her with contempt, verbally and physically. But she has her loving best friends, Meg and Lorrie who provide wonderful support as needed but her time with them is limited. When she meets surveyor Oscar Nolan, her life takes a little change. They are attracted to each other and Fliss begins to dream of the possibilities. He has an adventurous spirit and kind heart and his positive influence helps her believe she could have a happier life. But then disaster strikes and everything is turned on its head. There are some unexpected surprises and Fliss is put in a position of making some big decisions. The rest of the story is quite a tumultuous and at times exciting ride for this young woman who faces many challenges. But each of these mountains she must climb take her a bit higher and help her to become stronger in mind and spirit. She is a hard worker, resilient and unstoppable.

I plunged into this story head first but my heart became fully engaged after a few pages. Once I started, I literally could not stop reading and I could not go to sleep until I swiped the last page. I truly cared about Fliss, Oscar, Uncle Terry, Meg, Lorrie and even Aunt Hilda by the end. They all played some important roles in Fliss’s life and development. And Fliss’s best friends, added both encouraging and tense moments! There were lots of twists and turns in their lives and I was hanging on to threads at times! AnneMarie’s riveting words took my heart on quite a tumultuous journey! But I am so glad I read this lovely story. It was like curling up under your most comfortable blanket after a hard day’s work. I just drifted off to the setting and became quickly entrenched in the drama, loves and futures of these special characters. The plot was well executed and the enemy of the story, Fliss’s cousin Gerald, was vicious to the core. My heart ached for her with the abuse she endured from his wicked hands. But without giving anything away, l was glad that Fliss won some victories and to watch her grow from a timid girl to a strong woman was so uplifting. She had her trials but battled them fiercely.

This is an inspirational story (with a bit of delicious mystery!) of hope and love after a time of trials and tremendous loss. Beautifully written, it just floats along like a movie. The Riverside Maid is a seriously great feel-good story that does not ignore the messiness of life but offers a wished-for happy ending. Thanks to AnneMarie for making such positive choices for her characters. An absolute joy to read and a book I definitely recommend! 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for a review copy.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Riverside Maid by Annemarie Brear is a touching story of a young woman who considers herself a spinster as she is twenty-four. She lives with her aunt and uncle and cousin above a pub. She has great ideas for the pub but her uncle doesn’t want to hear about it. Her aunt considers her a general servant and her cousin has been abusing her for years. He is cruel and unfeeling, even to his parents. He is trying to raise himself up, which is good, but he is underhanded about it. He is trying to become engaged to a young woman, the daughter of a well-to-do mill owner and hopes to take over his business one day. Uncle Terry cannot support his lifestyle and Gerald resents him for it. One day Fliss meets a young man on the river bank. He is a surveyor and she likes him immediately. The start a tentative courtship, until Gerald forbids it. Life goes on, Fliss working, Gerald, not, and Aunt Hilda doing nothing at all until on day when Uncle Terry drops to the floor, dead with a heart attack. Then things start to change.

Fliss is a lovely character, one who deserves more than she has and she intends to get it. Aunt Hilda makes an 180 turn-around after Terry’s death and Gerald gets worse, until he gets himself into his last fight. Things move along swiftly in this enticing 1870s slice-of-life novel. The reader learned a lot about what could be done with a little gumption, and how relationships can direct a person’s life. The book is full of humor, love, compassion, as well as selfishness and greed. It was a good read.

I was invited to read The Riverside Maid by Boldwood Books. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #BoldwoodBooks #AnnemarieBrear #TheRiversideMaid

[Zulekha's Reflections · Rating 4 out of 5]

Third book in the series, this one focuses on Fliss from the trio of best friends. From previous books we've known that Fliss has been physically abused by her cousin. But to what extent would he go to to hurt her or ruin her life?

With the sudden death of her dear uncle and left with Gerald and her Aunty who has never loved her what will Fliss's fate be? Can Fliss stand up for herself? Will she find a partner who loves her just as her dear friends found their soul mates? Will Fliss remain a maid or will she become more than this?

I enjoyed this book. From a diffident and timid girl, Fliss changed her life around by speaking up, setting boundaries and daring to dream. Living in a pretty much unloved household, Fliss cherishes her friends as they do her and they play a huge part in her decision making.
The author brilliantly portrays the various factors which one has to take into consideration when making life-changing decisions i.e. personal preferences, wants and desires, compromises or sacrifices, family and friends.

In all three books of this series, AnnaMarie Brear shows the markings of true gentlemen and the reality of love - fulfilling but not always easy. There were a few occasions when I felt that certain scenarios were far-fetched and certainly not a common reality.
But definitely a warm and engaging read with plot twists along the way. I'd say I knew that this book had to have a positive ending because I couldn't imagine AnneMarie Brear allowing it to be anything else. All three books showed a change in the course of people's lives for the better despite their beginnings.

[Jo - Cup of Toast · Rating 5 out of 5]

AnneMarie Brear is fast securing a place on my bookshelf as one of my favourite historical fiction authors. ‘The Riverside Maid’ is the final installment in a trilogy of books based on life in Victorian Wakefield. A gentle recap at the beginning of the book ensures that new readers won’t feel unable to pick up the storylines and friendships between the central female characters. Returning readers might welcome the chance to refresh their memories too.

The central protagonist in this third installments is Felicity Atkins, Fliss, an orphan who lives at the Bay Horse pub with her uncle, Terry, aunt, Hilda, and cousin, Gerald. Unlike her closest friends, Meg and Lorrie, Fliss doesn’t have a husband and family of her own. Instead she tends to the bar at the pub and every whim of her rather troublesome aunt Hilda.

As always, the scenery in Brear’s novel springs from the page. There is a strong sense of the changing of times and fortunes as the Industrial Revolution moves trade towards train transportation and away from the rivers. The pub remains busy though, and when a surveyor arrives to size up the vacant property next door Fliss has a brilliant business plan. As others see her quiet strength and perseverance Fliss begins to get the independence that she has dreamt of, although it does not come without tragedy.

The characters are brilliantly rounded and consistent, the story keeps you guessing and each page is as engrossing as the last. I would highly recommend ‘The Riverside Maid’ to any other fans of historical fiction, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm reviewing this via NetGalley, as part of a tour with Rachel's Random Resources.

I really enjoyed the last book that I read by this author, so I was looking forward to this, and it certainly didn't disappoint. The story takes us to Wakefield, Yorkshire, in the 1870s. The protagonist, Fliss, was orphaned as a little girl. She works at The Bay Horse Inn, and lives with her Aunt Hilda and cousin Gerald, who are cold and unkind to her. When she meets Oscar, Fliss begins to wonder if the world has more to offer than the life she has settled for.

I warmed to Fliss and found that she made me smile. Her friends Meg and Lorrie were also very likeable characters. My favourite character was Oscar, though I felt Aunt Hilda had the most interesting character development.

As I carried on reading, I found this to be a little bit of an emotional rollercoaster. I felt that Fliss deserved to be happy, so I wanted her to follow her heart and do whatever felt right for her. There was a point in the story when I felt a little bit conflicted, and I thought about how sometimes in life, following our hearts may be easier said than done, because the choices that make us the happiest may not always be the simplest.

This was wonderful to read; I really enjoyed following Fliss on her journey, and I hope to read more by this author in future.

Thank you to NetGalley, Rachel's Random Resources, Boldwood Books, and to the author, for the opportunity to read and review this.

[Jade aka MrsTosh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Waterfront Women series. I have really enjoyed getting to know all the lovely characters Fliss, Meg and Lorrie. This book centres around Fliss. Orphaned at a young age she has spend most of her life working at her uncle's pub, The Bay Horse in Wakefield, Yorkshire which is located on the riverside. Life hasn't been easy for Fliss she is hated and abused by his son and wife, but on her Uncle’s death Fliss is left the pub and has a chance at changing her life.

The book really comes alive with colourful characters from the dockside. It isn't an easy read in places but I think it matches the time period and location well. life wasn't easy for most working class people at this time so I was really hoping she got her happy ending and a life she deserved. Her two best friends Meg and Lorrie from the previous books are still there for her both now happy married with children to look after, Fliss is hoping to find this with Oliver.

This is a lovely rags to riches story set in the late 1800's. A must read for anyone who enjoys saga's or historical fiction.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Book for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Historical fiction set at a riverside pub in Victorian Wakefield. This is book 3 in the Waterfront Women series, but can be read alone.

Fliss lives and works in her uncle’s pub by the river, serving pints and pies to the men working nearby. She gently suggests to her uncle that he should buy the empty shop next door and convert the pub into a larger inn. Then Fliss meets Oscar Nolan and her whole world changes. She instantly falls for him, but he is a surveyor and travels a lot for work. Can they be together while both chasing different dreams?

Meanwhile, Fliss faces cruelty from her cousin Gerald. He wants nothing to do with the pub unless it can pay his debts. He is trying to impress mill owner Mr Pritchett so that he can marry his daughter Alma and get into the mill business. I hated Gerald! He is very well-written as a bully, everytime he appeared I wanted to throw the book!

I enjoyed the friendship between Fliss, Lorrie and Meg.

I liked the realness of this story. Although some parts were tragic and sad, it was overall a heartwarming and nostalgic read.

Thank you to @rachelsrandomresources and @theboldbookclub for sending me a review copy for the blog tour.

[Lily · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the latest book in the Waterfront Women series, readers follow orphan Fliss Atkins through her life working at her uncle’s pub The Bay Horse Inn, located along the River Calder. With a childhood starved of love, the arrival of Oscar Nolan and his adventurous charm might show Fliss that there is more to life than the Bay Horse Inn, but leaving her friends Lorrie and Meg behind make her hesitate at leaving this life behind. After tragedy hits, Fliss suddenly has the chance to reshape her life, but it might mean losing Oscar, and she must figure out if her new fortune will bring her joy or take it away and replace it with new troubles. With a great emotional throughline and a lot of tension and drama, readers will enjoy the high stakes of this novel and Fliss’s reactions to said tension and drama. Her character development (and that of other characters in this novel) is well-written and draws readers into the story, and Brear’s world-building continues to impress. With its excellent characters and vibrant setting, readers will really enjoy this historical fiction novel and this series because the details and emotional storylines are well-written, immersive, and unique.

Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.

[Louise Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Waterfront Women #3

Orphaned as a child, Fliss Atkins has spent her life working at her uncle's pub, The Bay Horse Inn, nestled in along the banks of the River Calder. Life has been anything but easy for Fliss. Her aunt is unloving, and her cousin Gerald is cruel. Then she meets Oscar Nolan, whose adventurous spirit makes her wonder if there might be more to life beyond the only home she's known. Could Oscar and his dreams of travel be her chance of a fresh start? The thought is tempting, but leading her best friends, Lorrie and Meg, and their beloved families seems unimaginable.

Set in the late 1800s. The story is centred around Fliss. She had been in an orphanage when her uncle had found her and took her back to The Bay Horse Inn. But her aunt and her cousin Gerald were not very nice to her. But when she meets Oscar Nolan, her life takes a change for the better.

I quite enjoyed reading Fliss's story. I hoped she was going to get her happy ever after.

Published 20th March 2025

I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #AnneMarieBrear for my ARC of TheRiversideMaid in exchange for an honest review.

[Angela Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in the series about 3 friends Felicity (Fliss), Meg and Lorrie.

This centres around Fliss and her life in the Bay Horse - a Wakefield public house on the riverfront.

Fliss is an orphan taken in by her aunt and uncle and hated by her cousin. He abuses her physically and often leaves her bruised and battered.
On her Uncle’s death Fliss is left the pub and a letter leads her to the security she needs to make a success of the business.
Along the way she meets a surveyor Oscar - who has slightly different ideas about his future to Fliss’.

Along the way there are trials and tribulations, secrets divulged and endless rain causing havoc and flooding along the riverbanks.

This is such a well written book, we meet new characters but the old ones develop and become ‘real’ people in someways. Annemarie Brear obviously has researched the book and the geographical area well and this comes over in the prose. It is also apparent that she loves the characters that need to be loved and makes those that don’t into complete horrors. She deals with social problems of the time like childbed fever in an empathetic manner.

A complete joy to read - thank you

[Booklover BEV · Rating 5 out of 5]

From rags to riches but will happiness follow?
Wakefield Yorkshire 1875.
Orphaned Felicity Atkins (Fliss) the Bay Horse Inn living with her aunt, uncle and awful cousin Gerald always on their beck and call.
She meets Oscar Nolan a surveyor who always here and there with his job and they become close.
Her two best friends Meg Henderson and Lorrie Bannerman are there for her always but have happy marriages and children to look after, will Fliss find this with Oscar?
Big changes are ahead after a family tragedy that will mean she will no longer be hiding in the shadows, this could be the making of Fliss, but as always Gerald is going to bring her down in everyway possible.
Oh my goodness the story the characters all blend in to make this book full of happy days and sad days as we see Fliss become a strong willed business woman in her own rights as the saying goes believing in yourself, taking one day at a time, will this leave a happy ending for her and Oscar at long last.
Totally inspirational story for readers to love.
And yes I loved it.

[Ash Laverty · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing series!

I loved seeing the growth of the 3 women as they evolved from poor girls into successful and happy women. Book 3 tells us the story of Fliss, and we get more insight into her upbringing and home life. It was so well written, with everything from love and hate to fears and triumph. We get to see just how important the love of true friendships is, and that blood is not always thicker than water. The importance of compromise is also a massive theme, and while I thought Oscar was very selfish for most of the book his character development showed again just how important true love is. Aunt Hilda is a fascinating character, it would be amazing to have a spinoff book with more details about her story and how everything she had been through made her into who she is.

I hope we get to read more about the next adventures of the trio of Waterfront Women and their families!

4.5 out of 5 ⭐️

[Nicola Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is 1870 and Fliss is working at her uncle's pub situated next to the river Calder. Her uncle had rescued her from the orphanage after her parents' death. Despite the fact she is 25, she is treated like a servant by her aunt and constantly given work to do. Her cousin Gerald is a nasty piece of work and takes any opportunity to hurt her. Gerald is trying to escape life in the pub by pursuing a rich woman and so is rarely at the pub. Fliss is supported in the pub by the cook Don who cares for her alongside her two friends. Sadly, Fliss's uncle dies unexpectedly and leaves the pub to her triggering a series of events both tragic and life affirming.

I enjoyed this pacy and engaging historical tale with a strong female lead. It is well plotted but does have a slightly contrived ending. I hadn't read the others in the series so wasn't familiar with all the characters but that didn't matter too much. With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of the arc.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in this series which I didn’t realise so I’ve read this book first. You can easily read and enjoy this as a stand-alone but I will be reading the rest of the series soon.
Fliss is taken in by her Uncle when she ends up in the orphanage. Unfortunately her Aunt and cousin are not as happy about the new addition to the family. Fliss grows up helping out in her Uncle’s pub as her cousin Gerald shows no interest in it. Fliss has a rollercoaster ride in this book and the way it’s written you are drawn to the characters and can’t help but hope that Fliss will get a happy ever after as she’d had a rough time of it especially with the cruel treatment from Gerald. I highly recommend this book if this is the genre for you.

[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Riverside Maid centres around Fliss Atkins who as a orphan is taken in by her aunt and uncle. Her aunt seems to think Fliss is her personal servant and her cousin Gerald is spoilt and entitled and treats Fliss horribly. One day Fliss meets a man called Oscar who makes Fliss feel like there could be another life for her out in the world. When tragedy strikes it might bring all of Fliss's dreams to life or it may just ruin everything. The words in the book flow so beautifully it was like watching a movie that you can't take your eyes away. The emotions shine and make the characters thrive. I felt such excitement because it truly is a hard book to turn off from.

[Emma Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

We continue the series and it certainly is a wonderful book.

Fliss lives with her Uncle and Aunt and their son Gerald. Her Aunt has never been a nice person to Fliss always demanding and never letting her see her friends. Fliss meets Oscar who she really likes. Gerald her cousin is not very nice to her attacking her where no one can see the bruises. A tragedy changes things for Fliss which means her future looks brighter.

This book is just as good as the other two and was good to catch up with all the friends. The characters all work well together and it was well written the book flowed and you just wanted to read on to find out what happens.

Would recommend.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, in true Anne-Marie Brear fashion, I was hooked from Chapter 1. I was taken back to early England to a series I have loved.

Fliss works for her loved Uncle while being treated like a slave to her Aunt and putting up with her cousin Gerald torturing her. The story sees the loss of her beloved Uncle and a change of fortune for Fliss much to the horror of her Aunt and cousin. Fliss continues to thrive in her new role and finds love. Dramas unfold which keep you reading for hours. I finished the book in 2 days as I just couldn’t stop.

Thank you for another brilliant instalment to the Waterfront Lass Series. A truely unforgettable story.

[Jeanette Fallon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fliss had a hard life. Her Aunt treated her as a maid. Her cousin was abusive and threatened her happiness. Only her Uncle showed any kindness.

Day to day life at the pub was hard work. Her Uncle loved the pub and tried to protect it at all cost. But Fliss had no idea that she was part of his plan.

This was a very emotional read. Could Fliss ever find complete happiness?

I can't get enough of historical sagas. I especially love Annemarie Brear. She writes wonderful stories. I finish her books way too fast! Now I have to wait for her next one.

[Sue Sykes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book telling Fliss’s story, her life at the inn and her life with Uncle Terry and Aunt Hilda and the horrible Gerald. This story is so well written and the characters are just lovely and when Fliss comes into her own she has such a strong character. Can she find happiness with the lovely Oscar or is it all going to come to a tragic end.
I wish we could have more tales of the life and loves of Fliss
My thanks as always to NetGalley and to publisher Boldwood books and the lovely Annemarie Brear giving us another amazing read with the Waterfront Women series

[Sarah Higginbottom · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really gripping rags to riches story. This is my favorite installment so far. I cant wait to see what else the Author brings us. This is beautifully written and pulls at your heartstrings. The character profiles are so well written. Highly recommend this whole series to everyone

📚I was able to read an advanced copy of title thanks to NetGalley, AnneMarie Brear and Boldwood Books📚
📚All reviews and opinions are entirely my own📚

[Roo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely book set in Yorkshire in 1875, a young woman lives with her uncle and aunt in a house above an ale house. When her uncle drops down dead, she inherits the pub. She wants it to work, but the uncles son is making it hard for her. This was a lovely quick read, the period was a perfect setting for this read. I really enjoyed it and hope there’s another book in this series. 5 star read. Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a copy.

[Julia Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riverside Maid

Another great story, telling of friendship, love, jealousy and hatred.
One young girls, ordeal living with her Uncle and Aunt and cousin. How she overcame the odds, built a thriving business her uncle left her. Finally finding love. In amongst dealing with Aunt whom had her own issues, and how her cousin tortured her, making her more determined to survive. The three friends supporting each other, through thick and thin. Loved it

[Barbara Daniels Dena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Drama and Mystery

The pages of "The Riverside Maid" welcome the reader into a riveting read full of drama with an intriguing mystery built in. Excellent character building with true to life personalities for the era. I didn't catch on to that last little twist until the end, but there was a clue or two present that I didn't connect, let's see if if the next reader does. A great Anne Annemarie Bread work.

[mrs t m Baigent]

Amazing

Love the fact that Fliss got her happy ending, especially after all the pain and suffering she went through from Gerald, great to see that aunt Hilda turned around and became a better person. I would really like to read how they all get on in Australia

Another awesome read

[Paula Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely fabulous book to finish off the three book series, well worth reading. Enjoyed even more as my local town , 3 young ladies all looking for happiness, going through life's trials and tribulations to find their own true love, and happiness.

[Caroline Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet and charming romance in the late Victorian era, that ends all too soon. I want more! I home Josie’s story will be next - or that there’ll be more love in Wakefield.

[Janine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good ending to this series.