Stormy Times for The Dockyard Girls

by Tracy Baines

A brand new gritty, historical saga set around the hardworking women of Grimsby Dockyard from bestselling Tracy Baines! Perfect for fans of Lizzie Lane, Nancy Revell and Pam Howes ❤️ Sometimes it’s not about saving others – it’s about saving yourself…

Great Grimsby, Peace Day July 1919

The Great War is over, and few families have been left untouched. Those who remain face a tough and uncertain future.

Letty Hardy has managed to keep her family afloat by running a café and chandlers on Grimsby Docks. She’s grateful for the safe return of her husband Alec from minesweeping duties, when many women were not so fortunate.
War has left deep scars buried beneath the surface and one explosive secret is set to blow the family apart.

Trawler owner Richard Evans worked hard to leave a legacy. Something to hand down through the generations. With his sons lost to war, Ruth, his only daughter, stands to inherit the Excel Trawler Company, so it's important that she marries well. But is her current suitor the right husband for Ruth?

Can the folk of Great Grimsby rebuild their lives and find the peace they so desperately seek?

A gritty story of love, forgiveness and redemption perfect for readers of Elaine Everest, Nancy Revell and Pam Howes.

If you love The Dockyard Girls - try Tracy's other series The Seaside Girls

Praise for Tracy

'Brilliant book. Absolutely loved this book and hoping there’s a next chapter of the story. The characters really come to life. Highly recommend. Love Tracy’s books.' - Reader Review

'Brilliant. I could not put this book down I will be reading more by this author thank you Tracy Baines' - Reader Review

‘A saga about ambition, hard work, courage ...and spite’. - Rosie Clarke

'Oh wow I have just cried buckets at the end. Such a brilliant book but oh what an ending. Hope there will be more to this series' - Reader Review

'Fantastic book. This book was great, I enjoyed it from the beginning till the end . The only problem was ,''I didn't want it to end . I will be buying more books by this author.' - Reader Review

'A new saga author has arrived. The Dockyard Girls is a joy to read' - AnneMarie Brear

'Brilliant read. I was gripped from the first few pages brilliant characters and story line I couldn't but it down really really enjoyed every page' - Reader Review

'I highly recommend this book.’ - Fenella Miller

'Fantastic reading the characters drew you in straight from page one - can’t wait for the second book !!' - Reader Review

‘An emotional, entertaining read that had me gripped!’ - Sheila Riley

'I couldn't put this book down and read it in a day whilst on holiday.' - Reader Review

'An absorbing saga. I loved it from the very beginning and would highly recommend it...' Elaine Roberts

Genres: Historical Fiction

366 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 16, 2025

About the author

Tracy Baines writes about friendship, family, and finding your inner strength when life gets tough. Her stories celebrate strong women and the importance of community spirit. Tracy’s bestselling historical sagas are inspired by her love of the seaside and its contrast with the gritty industrial fishing ports on the east coast of England where she was born.

Her debut novel The Variety Girls (now The Seaside Girls) was shortlisted for the RNA Saga Award 2020.

Her grandmother’s stories and her own family heritage are the inspiration behind the Fishers Wharf series which follows the Hardy and the Evans families and the friendship that grows between two women from opposite sides of the class divide.

Tracy lives in Dorset with her husband, and dogs Harry and Betsy. Her children and grandchildren live close enough for babysitting duties.

When she’s not writing Tracy is either gardening, rummaging in antique shops or finding a host of other lovely ways to procrastinate. Coffee and cake are usually involved.

Reviews

[Courtney Pityer · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for a good story that deals with the aftermath of the Great War then this is the novel for you. It is apart of a three part series but can also be read as a standalone however I will hopefully get around to reading the other books as well. I am so grateful that I joined Netgalley a month ago because it has given me the opportunity to discover so many wonderful novels based on both world wars.
Our main focus is on a mother named Lena who has been focused on holding everything together since her husband has been away. With him back she will finally have a huge load taken off of her shoulders. However, other women are not so lucky because even though the war is over a lot of men were not lucky enough to live to tell the tale. There is a lot of healing that will need to take place for those who want to move on with their lives.
I received an arc copy from Netgalley and all opinions are of my own.

[Booklover BEV · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes it's not about saving others it's about saving yourself.
The great war is over.
Peace time 1919 Grimsby.
With Letty Hardy still running the cafe, and Alec away on Trawlers. Happy with their little family with a new added addition coming.
It's now time for the town to rebuild and find peace.
With stormy times ahead, they all will weather them together.
I loved reading this book, it's ups and downs are helded together to give you a closeness to all the characters. Hopefully will be reading more in the series.

[Louise Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fishers Wharf Book 3

Great Grimsby Peace Day 1919

The Great War is over, and few families have been left untouched. Those who remain face a tough and uncertain future. Letty Hardy has managed to keep her family afloat by running a cafe and chandeliers on Grimsby Docks. She's grateful for the safe return of her husband Alex from mine sweeping duties, when many women weren't so fortunate.

Trawler owner Richard Evans worked hard to leave a legacy. Something to hand down through the generations. With his sons lost to war, Ruth, his only daughter, stands to inherit the Excel Trawler Company, so its important that she marries well.

This is the first book in this series that I've read and it does read well as a standalone. The war may be over but now it's time to start rebuilding everything they have lost. The women had to be strong while their husbands were fighting for the country, but now they are home, it's time for new beginnings.

This is an emotional read. The women are all strong characters. There's love, heartbreak and loss, but they all grit their teeth whilst rebuilding the dockyard.

Published 16th July 2025

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

[Lily · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the latest book in this emotional World War I historical fiction series, readers return to Great Grimsby after the war has ended and families are still recovering from the war. Letty Hardy has managed to keep her family afloat by running a cafe and chandlers on Grimsby Docks and is happy her husband Alec is home from his minesweeping duties during the war. Ruth Evans, on the other hand, is under pressure from her father to marry and marry well, and Richard Evans is not sure if her current suitor is the right man for his daughter. As they cope with the changes to Great Grimsby after the war and the state of affairs of their businesses, Letty, Ruth, and the other inhabitants have a lot ahead of them in this new novel from Tracy Baines. The characters are, as always, the stars of the book, and readers will love the depth of detail in the characters’ narrative arcs and the contrast between the wartime novels and this postwar novel. The setting is detailed, vibrant, and packed with fascinating minor characters, and readers will particularly enjoy the new conflicts and relationships unfolding in this fun, entertaining, and heartwarming new historical fiction book.

Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨✨✨✨✨ The newest novel in Tracy Baines’ delightful Dockyard Girls series is Stormy Times for the Dockyard Girls.

We return to Grimsby on Peace Day 1919. Letty is eager to take Percy and Norah out to partake in the celebrations, allowing Percy the chance to experience more than just his four walls! On their journey to Norah’s, Letty and Alec encounter a young woman who has fallen into the docks. Without hesitation, Alec jumps in to rescue her. After bringing her to Norah’s, they help her dry off, and she is then taken to the Mission for further assistance. It soon becomes clear that this young lady has a potential suitor, but is he truly the right match for her and her future inheritance? Can the communities of Grimsby and Cleethorpes heal from the aftermath of war?

I have read and loved the majority of Tracy’s novels and this one is no exception! Her storytelling skills never cease to amaze me. I was transfixed from the beginning to the end! Watching Dorcas change over the years has been fantastic - from a mean, harsh mother-in-law who knocked Letty’s confidence in the beginning to a caring, supportive woman and grandmother. I love Dorcas now!!

[Angela Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the series but could be read as a stand-alone quite easily.

For me there was too much repetition of previous events - and when something happened in this book the events seemed to be repeated often as well.
I won’t say too much because it would provide many spoilers.

This book again chronicles the story of Letty and Alec and their children and growing family, Dorcas and the Parkers - we also find out more about the Marshalls, Evans’ and other minor characters. All have been damaged in some way by WW1

Grimsby is starting to recover - but it takes time especially for a fishing port - there are nasty characters, underhand goings-on and Mr Crowe shows his true light.

Obviously Tracy Baines has done a lot of research into life on the East Coast after WW1 but for me this wasn’t my favourite book in the series. I put it down at one point and had to return to it. Though bringing together the past storylines was great to see.

[Jade aka MrsTosh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is the third in a series, I have read the previous book and really enjoyed it so was looking forwards to see what had happened with the girls. The books can however be read as stand alone.

It is a beautifuly written book which deals with life after the war. Its a book about friendship, family and finding hope even when times are dark. The strength of the women shines as they try to rebuilding their lives. For Lena our main characters, although she has managed to keep her family fed and thinks going with her their business whilst her husband was away, the war has left its mark on Grimbsy and all it's inhabitants. Some who sadly didn't make it back.

I really enjoy reading about this time period, the bravery and reslience that our great grandparents and grandparents showed was something remarkable.

Thank you to Netgalley for a copy fo this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Ashli Rich · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️ | Grit, grace, and hope in postwar Grimsby ⚓️
This book swept me straight to the docks of 1919, where the war might be over, but the real work—healing, rebuilding, and facing the truth—is just beginning. Letty’s resilience, Ruth’s quiet strength, and the secrets threatening to surface had me fully invested from page one.

It’s a deeply emotional story about the weight of survival, the strength of women, and what it means to hold a family—and a town—together when everything feels broken. If you love postwar historical fiction with strong female characters, found family, and just the right amount of drama and heart, this one delivers.

A perfect storm of love, loss, and redemption. I didn’t want it to end. ⚓️💔❤️‍🩹

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh this was a lovely historical saga that is part of a series (this is entry three), but I can attest that it reads just fine as a standalone. Although of course I’ve added the other two to my towering TBR pile. This is a carefully researched story as it vividly captures what life is like in the aftermath of the Great War. I found that fascinating. And the stories of the characters are both uplifting and hard read – much like the ebbs and flows of life. I felt emotional while reading and found myself pausing to sit with the story. And it was the wonderfully strong female characters that kept me reading, admiring their bravery and unwillingness to give up. I alternated between the print and audio editions and both are excellent. Looking forward to looking up more of Tracy Baines' work!

[Sarah Jane Higginbottom · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the third in a series, I haven't read the first two but I didn't find it hard to follow this one. I will be read those too.

This book is a gritty, cosy novel filled with love, heartbreak and meaningful relationships. I love how all the characters were so well written you really feel like you know them all. Baine's really knows how to develop characters and make you fall in love with them all.

This is a sage that will really keep you wanting more. Highly recommend.

5🌟

📚I was able to read an advanced copy of title thanks to NetGalley, Tracy Baines and Boldwood Books📚
📚All reviews and opinions are entirely my own📚
Come back to your Review on the pub date, Jul 16

[Leona · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Dockyard Girls historical saga series. I really enjoyed this one, just as much as I’ve enjoyed reading the previous books. It can however be read as a standalone book.
It’s Summer 1919 and the great w@r is finally over but for most people around Grimsby Docks things will never be the same again but life must go on . What really struck me as I made my way through this book was how strong the women of that era were. Doing their best during the most difficult of times and most importantly being there for each other . Stormy Times for The Dockyard Girls is a hard hitting and emotional read that captivated me until the very last chapter .

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in Grimsby in 1919, after the Great War, the story follows families as they try to rebuild their lives and homes. It highlights the women who strive to find the strength to keep their families together.
The book is emotional, yet filled with grit and determination. It features a diverse array of characters, some of whom are delightful, while others are downright nasty. From the very beginning, the book captivated me. It took me on quite a rollercoaster ride, which I thoroughly enjoyed.

[Kacey/Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another wonderful books for WWI. It gives a glance at what life would have been down by the docks during the war. The characters are lovely and enjoyable. The story had the love, forgiveness and courage we would all hope to have.

[Kim Medley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this saga 😊

[Shannan Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

A mix of emotions in this third installment of the Dockyard Girls saga. Lett and Alec rescue a woman from the sea. What is her story? Nora and Percy are trying to earn the finances they lost after the war. Ruth is trying to decide if she should marry Arthur Marshall. Alec is wondering if his affair with Betsey will come to light. There are many storms in the lives of the people of Grimsby. Ruth is trying. How will they handle these storms?
This book stirred so many emotions in me as I am attached to the characters because the author has thoroughly fleshed out their faults and all. She writes about their complex emotions as a result of issues in their lives. The storyline is a continuation of the previous installments in this series, but the first chapters give you a background. This book ties up the loose ends of the saga towards the end of the novel. This is a must-read for fans of the Historical Saga Girls series. Thank you, Netgalley and Boldwood Books, for this book for free in exchange for an honest review.