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The Factory Girls #4
Bourbon Creams and Tattered Dreams
Matty Gilbie is better known as The Cockney Canary: West End music hall singer, toast of Broadway and future star of the silver screen. Success came early for Matty - perhaps too early - for now she finds herself back on the production line at Peek Freans biscuit factory, wondering if all her shattered dreams can ever be rebuilt.
In New York, Matty had shared a life of glamour and luxury with wealthy businessman, Tony Rossi. But the Wall Street Crash of 1929 brought her dreams of screen stardom, and love, to an abrupt end.
The crash may have stolen Matty's glittering future, but, as she strives to rebuild her life in Bermondsey, she is unaware that a long buried family secret is about to rob her of her past as well.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
462 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2016
52 people are currently reading
434 people want to read
About the author
Mary Gibson
7 books134 followersMary Gibson was born and brought up in Bermondsey, south east London. In 2009, after a thirty year career in publishing, she took the opportunity of early retirement to write a book of her own! Her début novel, Custard Tarts and Broken Hearts was inspired by the lives and times of her grandparents in World War One Bermondsey and went on to become a top ten Kindle best seller. It was selected as one of twenty titles for World Book Night 2015. Six more Bermondsey novels have followed, Jam and Roses, Gunner Girls and Fighter Boys, Bourbon Creams and Tattered Dreams , Hattie's Home, A Sister's Struggle and The Bermondsey Bookshop.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
September 27, 2017
Bourbon Creams and Tattered Dreams
I listened to the audiobook and I was very impressed by the storyline and the narration that had me listening to every last word.
The storyteller was so good that at times I felt I was there and would have used a hat like that myself and joined in to help.
I won't say anymore about the said hat because I don't want to spoil the story for anyone so I must leave you guessing.
Brilliant story,talented author,highly recommended, really enjoyed.
I listened to the audiobook and I was very impressed by the storyline and the narration that had me listening to every last word.
The storyteller was so good that at times I felt I was there and would have used a hat like that myself and joined in to help.
I won't say anymore about the said hat because I don't want to spoil the story for anyone so I must leave you guessing.
Brilliant story,talented author,highly recommended, really enjoyed.
February 2, 2017
Matty Gilbie has a heart and soul for singing, so much so people dubbed her as 'The Cockney Canary' life was going good, especially when she got a big chance to go to America although that is where things started to go wrong for her. Frank Rossi would be anyone's dream man on the outside, then again that is until you know him. As when you know him, you will want to run in the opposite direction, which is what Matty does.
Arriving back in her hometown of Bermondsey, she is broken and a shell of herself, unsure of herself and what people will think of her now that she is back. Hiding away in one of her safe haven's she has time to think and recover from the events that transpired. Seeing her family again is just what she need and she soon starts to feel a bit better, but is still looking over her shoulder waiting for the other shoe to drop.
Wanting to put her life back together, Matty knows she is going to have to take any job that pays a decent wage, as she is going to have to pay Frank money so that he will stay out of her life for good. Singing is mostly all she knows but as people haven't got money and not willing to pay money to see someone perform when they need to feed themselves, Matty decides that maybe she needs to think of a more long term option.
The start of the the book shatters your heart when you realise what Matty has been through but as I read on, I felt more and more that she went from strength to strength. Not all of her story is happy, but she seems to take the heartache and puts it towards making something of herself so she can finally be free of her past and focus on her future.
I would have to say my favourite character would be Nellie, I love her take no crap type of attitude. She is good not just for Sam but for the whole family, she is the glue that keeps the family together as they go through some big changes and some devastating news that affects everyone in the Gilbie family.
Bourbon Creams and Tattered Dreams (Love the name!) is a heartfelt story about following your dreams, giving it your all and what happens when it all comes apart. I couldn't recommend this book enough, to me it is beautifully written and told throughout the book, making me wish that it would never end.
Three Words
Amazing, Heartfelt and Moving.
Arriving back in her hometown of Bermondsey, she is broken and a shell of herself, unsure of herself and what people will think of her now that she is back. Hiding away in one of her safe haven's she has time to think and recover from the events that transpired. Seeing her family again is just what she need and she soon starts to feel a bit better, but is still looking over her shoulder waiting for the other shoe to drop.
Wanting to put her life back together, Matty knows she is going to have to take any job that pays a decent wage, as she is going to have to pay Frank money so that he will stay out of her life for good. Singing is mostly all she knows but as people haven't got money and not willing to pay money to see someone perform when they need to feed themselves, Matty decides that maybe she needs to think of a more long term option.
The start of the the book shatters your heart when you realise what Matty has been through but as I read on, I felt more and more that she went from strength to strength. Not all of her story is happy, but she seems to take the heartache and puts it towards making something of herself so she can finally be free of her past and focus on her future.
I would have to say my favourite character would be Nellie, I love her take no crap type of attitude. She is good not just for Sam but for the whole family, she is the glue that keeps the family together as they go through some big changes and some devastating news that affects everyone in the Gilbie family.
Bourbon Creams and Tattered Dreams (Love the name!) is a heartfelt story about following your dreams, giving it your all and what happens when it all comes apart. I couldn't recommend this book enough, to me it is beautifully written and told throughout the book, making me wish that it would never end.
Three Words
Amazing, Heartfelt and Moving.
October 22, 2017
Just couldn't get into this one by Mary Gibson - the synopsis sounded like it would be a page turner and I wouldn't be able to put it down, but alas, I found the story really heavy going and actually had a problem that it was actually going anywhere....!
I apologise to those that enjoyed it, perhaps, i might try one of the author's other books and I might have better success.
I apologise to those that enjoyed it, perhaps, i might try one of the author's other books and I might have better success.
February 23, 2017
Bourbon creams and tattered dreams
Simply amazing. A splendid mix of old and new from the previous book and I simply can't wait for the next book in winter!
Simply amazing. A splendid mix of old and new from the previous book and I simply can't wait for the next book in winter!
February 7, 2017
Matty is a famous singer from Bermondsey and people lovingly call her the Cockney Canary. Her career in England went well, but when Frank offered to take her to America to make her a big star Matty left everything and everyone she loved behind for fame and fortune. Life there wasn't as good as she expected it to be and things are rapidly going downhill for Matty. Unfortunately the Wall Street Crash makes it more difficult to find funding for movies and Frank changes from a seemingly kind rich man in someone with money issues and anger management problems. He seemed like the ideal man at first, but underneath his smooth exterior he's violent and scary. Matty doesn't feel safe when he's around, so she has no choice but to leave him.
Matty knows Frank isn't done with her. She might have escaped, but he is after her. She's back in Bermondsey and desperate for money. There isn't a place where Matty isn't in danger, but she feels a lot better being with the people she loves. To get back on her feet Matty works as much as she can. She becomes a factory girl once more. Will Frank find her and is there anything that Matty can do to keep herself safe? What will Matty's future look like when there are so many past secrets that prevent her from moving on?
Bourbon Creams and Tattered Dreams is a wonderful impressive story. Matty is strong and talented and her determination is admirable. She also has her flaws and tries to work on them, which makes her a respected and realistic main character. When she met Frank she was naïve. Later she saw what kind of person he actually was, but then it was too late to come out of the relationship unscathed. Matty is a fighter. She stands up for herself and for others and she always finds a way out of a dire situation. She feels at ease in both a factory and a salon and she is loved by many. That doesn't mean everyone knows her well though. Matty and her family have secrets and her life is filled with unexpected twists and turns. Everything about her is intriguing and meaningful and I loved being showed the core of Matty's personality, which is a beautiful and brave.
Matty has quite a bit of chaos in her life. Her days are never the same and they are filled with stress and adrenaline rushes. They make Bourbon Creams and Tattered Dreams gripping and fast-paced compared to other books in the genre. It's a long story and I loved every single page. I instantly became a fan of the solidarity of the people in Bermondsey, which leads to plenty of action and it helps Matty numerous times to rescue herself and others. I loved the connections between Matty and the people around her, they are intriguing and they kept me on the edge of my seat.
Bourbon Creams and Tattered Dreams is set in the period just after last century's big financial crash, which is an historically interesting time. Mary Gibson has clearly done her research and I loved her vivid descriptions of the turbulent way of life in those days. I always learn something when I'm reading her books and that is something I really enjoy. The fascinating history combined with a story about real people with real problems and a lovely romantic ending made me fall in love with this book. I highly recommend this heartwarming story, it has a lot of charm and character.
Matty knows Frank isn't done with her. She might have escaped, but he is after her. She's back in Bermondsey and desperate for money. There isn't a place where Matty isn't in danger, but she feels a lot better being with the people she loves. To get back on her feet Matty works as much as she can. She becomes a factory girl once more. Will Frank find her and is there anything that Matty can do to keep herself safe? What will Matty's future look like when there are so many past secrets that prevent her from moving on?
Bourbon Creams and Tattered Dreams is a wonderful impressive story. Matty is strong and talented and her determination is admirable. She also has her flaws and tries to work on them, which makes her a respected and realistic main character. When she met Frank she was naïve. Later she saw what kind of person he actually was, but then it was too late to come out of the relationship unscathed. Matty is a fighter. She stands up for herself and for others and she always finds a way out of a dire situation. She feels at ease in both a factory and a salon and she is loved by many. That doesn't mean everyone knows her well though. Matty and her family have secrets and her life is filled with unexpected twists and turns. Everything about her is intriguing and meaningful and I loved being showed the core of Matty's personality, which is a beautiful and brave.
Matty has quite a bit of chaos in her life. Her days are never the same and they are filled with stress and adrenaline rushes. They make Bourbon Creams and Tattered Dreams gripping and fast-paced compared to other books in the genre. It's a long story and I loved every single page. I instantly became a fan of the solidarity of the people in Bermondsey, which leads to plenty of action and it helps Matty numerous times to rescue herself and others. I loved the connections between Matty and the people around her, they are intriguing and they kept me on the edge of my seat.
Bourbon Creams and Tattered Dreams is set in the period just after last century's big financial crash, which is an historically interesting time. Mary Gibson has clearly done her research and I loved her vivid descriptions of the turbulent way of life in those days. I always learn something when I'm reading her books and that is something I really enjoy. The fascinating history combined with a story about real people with real problems and a lovely romantic ending made me fall in love with this book. I highly recommend this heartwarming story, it has a lot of charm and character.
February 5, 2017
I loved this book story was good and I could relate to the places in the book because my dad came from Bermondsey.
February 26, 2017
I enjoyed this as a fun romp round places I knew and people I had heard of in Bermondsey. Will be recommending it to friends who still live there. Good story as well.
July 21, 2018
Another great book, can't wait for the next one.
April 24, 2022
Together with the other book revolving about the Gilby family (Custard Tarts and broken hearts), this is my favourite of Gibson's books. The courage and strength of Mattie are inspiring, and the way her family and friends protect her moving. If you already read something bey Gibson's, try the audiobook versions as they are even more captivating.
June 8, 2021
A book I chose based on name amok from a 2nd hand book stall! A really enjoyable holiday read
March 20, 2019
Throughly enjoyed
February 2, 2017
This book is a perfect comfort book. Mary Gibson’s beautifully written characters and prose come to life in your imagination. Her characterisations are both believable and true, with our main protagonist, Matty, being sympathetic while also human. As she comes to terms with the end of her film career and tries to run from the gangster boyfriend who controls her. That gangster, Frank Rossi, is suitably intimidating and frightening, but all of Matty’s friend rally round to help.
Set in 1930s Bermondsey, London, a time of job losses due to the great depression after the First World War and the slum housing conditions that were prevalent at the time, it could have been a depressing scenario of a young woman’s dreams, instead the book is filled with love, laughter and hope, and while the characters do have their share of misfortunes and tragedies, (this was a time when TB was rampant with no real cure, and antibiotics for other ailments hand not yet been invented.), what comes across in Gibson’s writing is something that is sadly missing in today’s modern, fast paced world – Community.
The Bermondsey of Gibson’s’ narrative has community and community spirit, something that would hold the Country together in the coming war years.
This is a place where you are not just Neighbours – you are family and family always comes first and sticks together no matter what. That community spirit comes over in spades.
A great plot with adventure, heartbreak, tragedy and romance, the instilled in me a sense of well-being that con only come from an author who knows her subject.
The book made me happy and sad, filled me with anticipation and fear for the mail characters, but more than anything it gave me a sense of being home.
And that home is the best and safest place to be.
Set in 1930s Bermondsey, London, a time of job losses due to the great depression after the First World War and the slum housing conditions that were prevalent at the time, it could have been a depressing scenario of a young woman’s dreams, instead the book is filled with love, laughter and hope, and while the characters do have their share of misfortunes and tragedies, (this was a time when TB was rampant with no real cure, and antibiotics for other ailments hand not yet been invented.), what comes across in Gibson’s writing is something that is sadly missing in today’s modern, fast paced world – Community.
The Bermondsey of Gibson’s’ narrative has community and community spirit, something that would hold the Country together in the coming war years.
This is a place where you are not just Neighbours – you are family and family always comes first and sticks together no matter what. That community spirit comes over in spades.
A great plot with adventure, heartbreak, tragedy and romance, the instilled in me a sense of well-being that con only come from an author who knows her subject.
The book made me happy and sad, filled me with anticipation and fear for the mail characters, but more than anything it gave me a sense of being home.
And that home is the best and safest place to be.
February 6, 2017
Matty Gilbie is best known as the "Cockney Canary" due to her superb singing voice. After leaving Bermondsey for a better life in America she thought she had everything; love, happiness and a good career. However, when everything starts going wrong in America and Matty is forced to flee from her gangster boyfriend there is only one place she can go; back to Bermondsey. Although her hometown is supposed to be her safe heaven, it is apparent that all is not what it seems. Secrets are revealed and her safe heaven starts to become even more dangerous.
This is a story of heartbreak and betrayal and I loved how every tragedy that was thrown at Matty only made her stronger. Her determination and strength in the face of adversity is something to be admired. I thouroughly enjoyed Gibson's wrting style and I loved seeing familiar faces pop up from some of her other books. I also loved how she tried to accurately portray the hardships of the 1930s rather than romanticise them. The sense of community portrayed in the book was heartwarming and I loved that nobody's loyalties ever wavered despite the amount of time that may have passed since they'd last seen each other.
Overall, I thouroughly enjoyed reading this book and would definitley recommend it to anyone who loves historical fiction.
Thank you to Head of Zeus publishers for supplying me with a copy of this book.
This is a story of heartbreak and betrayal and I loved how every tragedy that was thrown at Matty only made her stronger. Her determination and strength in the face of adversity is something to be admired. I thouroughly enjoyed Gibson's wrting style and I loved seeing familiar faces pop up from some of her other books. I also loved how she tried to accurately portray the hardships of the 1930s rather than romanticise them. The sense of community portrayed in the book was heartwarming and I loved that nobody's loyalties ever wavered despite the amount of time that may have passed since they'd last seen each other.
Overall, I thouroughly enjoyed reading this book and would definitley recommend it to anyone who loves historical fiction.
Thank you to Head of Zeus publishers for supplying me with a copy of this book.
March 22, 2017
I found this book initially quite hard to get into but as I read on it got better. I mostly liked it because having lived in Bermondsey for 13 years I could relate to all the places that the author spoke of.
It made me want to look into the history of Bermondsey as its obviously very different now. Having worked as a Community Nurse in this area visiting people in their homes I realise how times have changed.
A really lovely read for those who know the are and I would definitely read another book from Mary
It made me want to look into the history of Bermondsey as its obviously very different now. Having worked as a Community Nurse in this area visiting people in their homes I realise how times have changed.
A really lovely read for those who know the are and I would definitely read another book from Mary
April 16, 2017
This was really a great read I had been looking forward to this book as it is the sequel to Custard Tarts and Broken Hearts. The story is set in Bermondsey in the 1930,s and sees Matty return from the USA with her dreams of fame and fortune in shreds. This is a well written book and the characters well rounded and the plot original
October 28, 2017
This is the second book I've read from this author. It's set in the 1930's, Bermondsey, London & gives insight into that decade. Her characters are believable & descriptions of the decade are interesting. I loved this book very much & hated to put in down. I thought it was a bit darker than the 1920's, but still an enjoyable read.
July 30, 2018
Absolutely amazing story of strength and resilience Matty Gilbie is an amazing character. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves the 1930s/1940s era. it leaves wanting to keep reading till the end. Matty Gilbie is the perfect heroine to learn from.
November 4, 2018
Received through GoodReads First Reads for reviewing - thank you.
Not read any Mary Gibson before but enjoyed this. Good length to it, and it kept my interest all the way through. Would read more by Gibson.
Not read any Mary Gibson before but enjoyed this. Good length to it, and it kept my interest all the way through. Would read more by Gibson.
May 7, 2017
Another romp through Bermondsey's slums and shadier side! Thoroughly enjoyable!
November 29, 2023
This is a long, slow read but I gave it time and enjoyed the reading experience. It's set in the early 1930s and features the relationship between a Cockney singer who has been abused by an American filmmaker and her old love, a local civil servant. The story is full of twists and turns as the American rogue and his cronies try to trap the heroine, and this is where I found the story dragged a bit. However, the insights I gained into the social issues of the day and the beautiful way in which the author depicts family relationships made a lasting impression.
July 9, 2024
This last book in the series of 4 doesn't follow on from #3 - it jumps backwards to 1939 and follows Matty's story. Enjoyable, but not as exciting as the previous 3 Factory Girls novels. However, if you've been invested this far, then it's certainly a pleasant conclusive book.
Anne Dover can clearly sing well as shown in Chapter 18, so I found the constant robotic reading of song lyrics tedious - this is a book that demands more singing from the Narrator - it doesn't have to be the actual songs, some of which aren't mainstream, but improvising would suffice.
Anne Dover can clearly sing well as shown in Chapter 18, so I found the constant robotic reading of song lyrics tedious - this is a book that demands more singing from the Narrator - it doesn't have to be the actual songs, some of which aren't mainstream, but improvising would suffice.
May 10, 2022
This is the second book I've read by Mary Gibson, and it won't be the last. Compelling and gripping story, well drawn characters and believable scenarios. But the attention to detail, especially for the historical era and the Bermondsey setting was the most pleasing thing for me. The descriptive writing is really good too. A pleasure to read.
October 11, 2022
This is the first book I have read by this author. I listened to the audio book, fabulous narration. A great story, I was riveted right to the end. I will definitely be reading more books by this author.
May 28, 2025
Probably my favourite put of the trilogy by Mary Gibson. The story of Mattie Gilby's life from New York to falling on harder times when she returned to Bermondsey. The excitement of being part of a girl gang and falling back in love with Tom. Loved it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 14, 2025
Definitely my favourite of the series. I love how you can read the books independently of each other, but then they also touch on characters that you recognise from the series. I would recommend reading them in order but if you don't, don't panic!
October 1, 2019
This author is amazing!
May 18, 2020
Fantastic storyline
A brilliant read, could not put it down full of twists and turns. Looking forward to reading more from this author
A brilliant read, could not put it down full of twists and turns. Looking forward to reading more from this author
November 24, 2020
This really isn't my cup of tea. It's the book equivalent of a daytime soap opera. If you like that kind of thing, this book is probably fine for you, but it really doesn't work for me.
February 10, 2021
Cant wait for the next one
April 18, 2021
I really enjoyed this book , alot of things happen to the main character to keep you turning the pages. I will have to go and read the other books now :)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews