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Blackpool Lass
______________
'In the grand tradition of sagas set down by the late and great Catherine Cookson'
Jean Fullerton
Blackpool's Angel - the first book in Maggie Mason's brand new Sandgronian trilogy - is OUT NOW .
Maggie Mason is the pen name of bestselling author Mary Wood.
______________
Orphaned and destitute, will Grace find her own way in the world?
When Grace's Ma passes away and her Da's ship sinks with all hands, Grace is utterly alone in the world. She's sent to an orphanage in Blackpool, but the master has an eye for a pretty young lass. Grace won't be his victim, so she runs, destitute, into the night.
In Blackpool, she finds a home with the kindly Sheila and Peggy - and meets a lovely airman. But it's 1938, and war is on the horizon. Will Grace ever find the happiness and home she deserves?
Perfect for fans of Mary Wood, Kitty Neale, Val Wood and Nadine Dorries.
'In the grand tradition of sagas set down by the late and great Catherine Cookson'
Jean Fullerton
Blackpool's Angel - the first book in Maggie Mason's brand new Sandgronian trilogy - is OUT NOW .
Maggie Mason is the pen name of bestselling author Mary Wood.
______________
Orphaned and destitute, will Grace find her own way in the world?
When Grace's Ma passes away and her Da's ship sinks with all hands, Grace is utterly alone in the world. She's sent to an orphanage in Blackpool, but the master has an eye for a pretty young lass. Grace won't be his victim, so she runs, destitute, into the night.
In Blackpool, she finds a home with the kindly Sheila and Peggy - and meets a lovely airman. But it's 1938, and war is on the horizon. Will Grace ever find the happiness and home she deserves?
Perfect for fans of Mary Wood, Kitty Neale, Val Wood and Nadine Dorries.
385 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 26, 2018
22 people are currently reading
68 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
July 28, 2018
the story of gracie rimmer and two friends sheila and jeannie. starts in 1932 13 years old living with her poorly ma and drunken da gracies meets up with sheila a blackpool rock seller after her visiting her granny in blackpool and they become good friends. after the death of her parents she lives with her granny till she dies and she is sent to manchester to hallford house refuse where she meets and friended jeannie. all three girls share so much throughout this book along the way i loved it. new name for this author and first book looking forward to more.
August 10, 2018
A book worth reading
I don't know how I'm writing this review as I've tears running down my face. This story has had everything in. Laughter, smiles and tears but my tears are for the love found. Thank you Maggie. I can't wait for your next book. xx
I don't know how I'm writing this review as I've tears running down my face. This story has had everything in. Laughter, smiles and tears but my tears are for the love found. Thank you Maggie. I can't wait for your next book. xx
September 30, 2018
Having recently discovered this author's alter ego, Mary Wood, I was thrilled to be asked to take part in the blog tour for her latest release as Maggie Mason. I'm a sucker for an historical fiction saga novel so I couldn't wait to start reading Blackpool Lass.
This has got to be one of the most heartbreaking stories I have ever read! The year is 1924 and Grace lives with her mother and father in Fleetwood. When her mother dies and her father's ship sinks she goes to live with her beloved grandmother but it's not long until tragedy strikes for Grace once again and her whole world is turned upside down.
Finding herself in Halford House, a children's home, Grace makes friends with Jeanie who gives her the low down on life in the home and Grace is horrified at the goings on in a place that she thought was supposed to take care of children, where it turns out that this is definitely not the case where the staff here are concerned.
Grace eventually makes her way back to home territory and reaches out to Sheila, a local girl she knew briefly back in happier times and life finally seems to be on the up for her.
Blackpool Lass is a true roller coaster of a novel. One minute I was laughing out loud with Grace and the next minute my heart was truly breaking for he,r and at one point I was so angry with the author for giving Grace such a difficult life! If ever there was a character that deserved a bit of happiness in her life it was Grace.
It's abundantly clear that Maggie has done extensive research into life in Blackpool at the time which only adds to the realism of the story. The struggles that Grace and her friends and family went through were a harsh reality for so many people back in the day and it really makes you realise just how lucky were are nowadays.
I absolutely loved this book and if you're a fan of family saga's and historical fiction then this is definitely a book that you need to read.
This has got to be one of the most heartbreaking stories I have ever read! The year is 1924 and Grace lives with her mother and father in Fleetwood. When her mother dies and her father's ship sinks she goes to live with her beloved grandmother but it's not long until tragedy strikes for Grace once again and her whole world is turned upside down.
Finding herself in Halford House, a children's home, Grace makes friends with Jeanie who gives her the low down on life in the home and Grace is horrified at the goings on in a place that she thought was supposed to take care of children, where it turns out that this is definitely not the case where the staff here are concerned.
Grace eventually makes her way back to home territory and reaches out to Sheila, a local girl she knew briefly back in happier times and life finally seems to be on the up for her.
Blackpool Lass is a true roller coaster of a novel. One minute I was laughing out loud with Grace and the next minute my heart was truly breaking for he,r and at one point I was so angry with the author for giving Grace such a difficult life! If ever there was a character that deserved a bit of happiness in her life it was Grace.
It's abundantly clear that Maggie has done extensive research into life in Blackpool at the time which only adds to the realism of the story. The struggles that Grace and her friends and family went through were a harsh reality for so many people back in the day and it really makes you realise just how lucky were are nowadays.
I absolutely loved this book and if you're a fan of family saga's and historical fiction then this is definitely a book that you need to read.
September 26, 2018
I've read a few books by Maggie Mason's alter ego, Mary Wood, and loved all of them. This one is no exception but be prepared for a heart-breaking journey. As always, the author shows the gritty side of life and when Grace is orphaned, she has to fend for herself. What happens to her doesn't make for easy reading but it really does endear the reader to the character as I was rooting for her all the way through. Maggie Mason has the knack of taking a time and place and transporting the reader there. I really enjoyed the setting and as well as seeing the protagonist gain in strength. Be prepared to stay up late as this story will suck you in.
April 26, 2019
What an absolutely Brilliant book i have loved travelling along with Gracie in a life that would be the end for some but she stays strong.With the help of friends she starts to live again and meets a soldier Freddie and at long last she falls in love and glides along in life untill a man she grew up with starts making demands.I won't spoil the book for others but will say Gracie comes through a stronger person and this book is well worth more than 5*
July 31, 2018
Gracie
A fantastic 1st book from Maggie mason was hooked from the start loved reading about Gracie Sheila and Jeanie definitely worth 5 STARS hope for many more from this author .
A fantastic 1st book from Maggie mason was hooked from the start loved reading about Gracie Sheila and Jeanie definitely worth 5 STARS hope for many more from this author .
October 15, 2019
It Kept my interest, but too much adversity! I was expecting cozy, but it wasn’t. Although all ended well! I definitely need cozy now!!
September 24, 2018
Starting in 1924 near Blackpool and then continuing through the 30’s, then World War II you get to meet Gracie (Grace) who looses not only her parents, but also her home and is forced to move away as there is no family willing to take her in. She is instead taken to an orphanage, a place that is far from the safe haven it should be. After leaving the home she returns to Blackpool, can she overcome her past ordeals and start a new life?
Oh my goodness this author knows how to write her characters. Gracie is as tough as old boots and has had to be to just get through life. She is a wonderful character who knows how tough living can be, yet she is warm, generous , fun and supportive. She deals with what life throws at her with a certain dignity even when things look really bad.
This is an era of change, women are more outspoken but often are still unheard. This is a time when men still rule the roost, their women are expected to behave in a certain way because that it the way it has always been. But since the end of Worlds War I women have found a foothold. They were needed to help while the men were away at war. This foothold gave women something to hope for and as World War II approaches they are needed once again and their courage to be treated fairly gains in volume.
This story touches on many of the things that girls and women had to deal with and while it is never pleasant to read about some of these aspects of life at that time, I think it is important that they are still acknowledged as being something that happened and I think the author has done a great job telling the story and without being graphic.
There were many things in this story that really stood out for me, but I am going to briefly focus on the sense of community as this was the one that shined through and complimented Gracie’s story so well. When things look so bad that you have nowhere to turn it is the kindness of strangers that can often show more support than you can imagine. Being accepted into a community is something that Gracie found and it allowed her to heal. People pulling together and letting differences aside was essential during the war and the author again instils the sense of pride that people had, giving love, time and resources when they were thin on the ground. But as Grace was to find out, not everyone has shares the same sense of community mindedness.
I loved Gracie and her friends and felt that even though they worked hard and some had been dealt “a bad lot” they still found warmth, love and comfort in their friendship, and also I bet they would have been a noisy bunch as well…
If you are after a historical saga then you will not be disappointed in The Blackpool lass, it is about family, friends, community, life, loss, love, despair and hope, dealing with many aspects of social history relevant to the time. This is a story that would definitely appeal to readers of historical fiction, family saga, and general fiction and one that I would definitely recommend.
Oh my goodness this author knows how to write her characters. Gracie is as tough as old boots and has had to be to just get through life. She is a wonderful character who knows how tough living can be, yet she is warm, generous , fun and supportive. She deals with what life throws at her with a certain dignity even when things look really bad.
This is an era of change, women are more outspoken but often are still unheard. This is a time when men still rule the roost, their women are expected to behave in a certain way because that it the way it has always been. But since the end of Worlds War I women have found a foothold. They were needed to help while the men were away at war. This foothold gave women something to hope for and as World War II approaches they are needed once again and their courage to be treated fairly gains in volume.
This story touches on many of the things that girls and women had to deal with and while it is never pleasant to read about some of these aspects of life at that time, I think it is important that they are still acknowledged as being something that happened and I think the author has done a great job telling the story and without being graphic.
There were many things in this story that really stood out for me, but I am going to briefly focus on the sense of community as this was the one that shined through and complimented Gracie’s story so well. When things look so bad that you have nowhere to turn it is the kindness of strangers that can often show more support than you can imagine. Being accepted into a community is something that Gracie found and it allowed her to heal. People pulling together and letting differences aside was essential during the war and the author again instils the sense of pride that people had, giving love, time and resources when they were thin on the ground. But as Grace was to find out, not everyone has shares the same sense of community mindedness.
I loved Gracie and her friends and felt that even though they worked hard and some had been dealt “a bad lot” they still found warmth, love and comfort in their friendship, and also I bet they would have been a noisy bunch as well…
If you are after a historical saga then you will not be disappointed in The Blackpool lass, it is about family, friends, community, life, loss, love, despair and hope, dealing with many aspects of social history relevant to the time. This is a story that would definitely appeal to readers of historical fiction, family saga, and general fiction and one that I would definitely recommend.
July 31, 2018
A very poignant story of Graccie, and her struggles after the death of her mother and father. She is a very strong person and gets on with her life. I will not go on anymore as it may spoil it for those of you who may read it. It is a must read book which is very enjoyable. A recommended read! Well done Maggie Mason keep writing like this.
August 14, 2018
I wish I could give this book more than 5 stars. It is totally unputdownable. Such a heartwarming - and heartbreaking story from start to finish. The characters were all amazing and Poor Gracie. There were plenty of funny moments but oh so many sad ones I found myself crying an awful lot. For me, personally it was extra special as I have spent a lot of happy times in my life in Blackpool so it was like 'coming home' not to mention that I used to visit my own dear friend Grace, sadly no longer in this world, and we had some wonderful times. It is the best book I have read in a long time.
August 9, 2018
Blackpool Lass
Ohh Mary ehhh maggie! another beautiful story, an amazing journey for Gracie. I really hate when I finish one of your books. I want to know more about Gracie and her family. There was a bit that made me laugh out loud, thankfully i was at home!!! Easy 5 stars. Xx
Ohh Mary ehhh maggie! another beautiful story, an amazing journey for Gracie. I really hate when I finish one of your books. I want to know more about Gracie and her family. There was a bit that made me laugh out loud, thankfully i was at home!!! Easy 5 stars. Xx
August 9, 2018
Brilliant
I absolutely loved this book ,I just wanted to keep reading it to find out what was going to happen but at the same time didn't want the book to end , a fantastic story I would recommend .
I absolutely loved this book ,I just wanted to keep reading it to find out what was going to happen but at the same time didn't want the book to end , a fantastic story I would recommend .
October 20, 2018
This is a wonderful story of a teenage girl who suffers many trials and tribulations in her young life some of which no-one, let alone a thirteen year old, should suffer. After loosing all her family in a short period of time Grace is sent to an orphanage. Maggie Mason pulls no punches in describing what happens to Grace and the other’s that spent time in the orphanage. Grace will not have any of it and soon runs away back to her hometown of Blackpool.
Connecting with friends who take her in we read of how her life goes. This book covers the period 1924 to 1945 with the main story taking place between 1932 and 1941. Life is harsh and you have to work hard to even scrape a living so friends and family are important and these relationships are lovingly brought to life by Maggie Mason.
The author not only tells a terrific story but her characters are great and she brings them to life wonderfully. Gracie is the main character tough and determined as she needs to be to get through what life throws at her. There are many other characters in the story one or two not so nice but by and large the folk that Gracie encounters are warm, generous with what they have, kind-hearted and very supportive. The sense of family – in all its sense – and place is really well done in this book.
Not everything goes the way Gracie would want and life in these times gives her, and the women of that era, difficult and unpleasant things to deal with. Still it was life back then and it is right to include it and the author does so subtly and honestly without needing to be graphic weaving these parts of life into the story really well.
We are between the World Wars and life is beginning to change although attitudes and society are slow to keep up men still expect to be the head of the household but women are starting to see this shouldn’t be the way. It might take some time but the book reflects well on the desire and how women strive for a life in which they are treated in a fairer way.
I’d like to take a moment to say how well the sense of place is told in the book. Knowing Fleetwood and, to some degree, Blackpool it was lovely to recognise some of the places and things written about. Conjuring up memories of childhood, albeit in the 1960s and 1970s, of playing on the Mount, taking a ride on the tram, the fun of the seaside and, of course, the illuminations.
Gracie is a terrific character and supported in the story with her Granny, Peggy, Sheila, Aunty Maggie and many more this makes for a wonderful, heartwarming but realistically told story. This is one for those who enjoy something a little more substantial and will certainly appeal to readers who enjoy a story with a strong sense of setting, period and society. The Blackpool Lass is one such book and easy to recommend.
———————
Blog Tour and competition!
With thanks to Mary Wood for the invitation to be part of this blog tour, for which I was delighted to say ‘yes’, and to Sphere for a paperback copy of Blackpool Lass.
“Just to let you know that I am putting on a competition……., I will make up a random question to answer, or just ask for a comment. The prize will be a signed book.” Maggie Mason. Well now isn’t that fantastic? Follow her Facebook Page to get all the details. *Good luck folks!
So do check out the rest of this wonderful tour….
https://lovebooksreadbooks.com/2018/0...
Connecting with friends who take her in we read of how her life goes. This book covers the period 1924 to 1945 with the main story taking place between 1932 and 1941. Life is harsh and you have to work hard to even scrape a living so friends and family are important and these relationships are lovingly brought to life by Maggie Mason.
The author not only tells a terrific story but her characters are great and she brings them to life wonderfully. Gracie is the main character tough and determined as she needs to be to get through what life throws at her. There are many other characters in the story one or two not so nice but by and large the folk that Gracie encounters are warm, generous with what they have, kind-hearted and very supportive. The sense of family – in all its sense – and place is really well done in this book.
Not everything goes the way Gracie would want and life in these times gives her, and the women of that era, difficult and unpleasant things to deal with. Still it was life back then and it is right to include it and the author does so subtly and honestly without needing to be graphic weaving these parts of life into the story really well.
We are between the World Wars and life is beginning to change although attitudes and society are slow to keep up men still expect to be the head of the household but women are starting to see this shouldn’t be the way. It might take some time but the book reflects well on the desire and how women strive for a life in which they are treated in a fairer way.
I’d like to take a moment to say how well the sense of place is told in the book. Knowing Fleetwood and, to some degree, Blackpool it was lovely to recognise some of the places and things written about. Conjuring up memories of childhood, albeit in the 1960s and 1970s, of playing on the Mount, taking a ride on the tram, the fun of the seaside and, of course, the illuminations.
Gracie is a terrific character and supported in the story with her Granny, Peggy, Sheila, Aunty Maggie and many more this makes for a wonderful, heartwarming but realistically told story. This is one for those who enjoy something a little more substantial and will certainly appeal to readers who enjoy a story with a strong sense of setting, period and society. The Blackpool Lass is one such book and easy to recommend.
———————
Blog Tour and competition!
With thanks to Mary Wood for the invitation to be part of this blog tour, for which I was delighted to say ‘yes’, and to Sphere for a paperback copy of Blackpool Lass.
“Just to let you know that I am putting on a competition……., I will make up a random question to answer, or just ask for a comment. The prize will be a signed book.” Maggie Mason. Well now isn’t that fantastic? Follow her Facebook Page to get all the details. *Good luck folks!
So do check out the rest of this wonderful tour….
https://lovebooksreadbooks.com/2018/0...
March 14, 2019
a gripping , heart rending book , set in my home town . With well known landmarks and memories revived . I loved it !
Gracie grew up in the small fishing town of Fleetwood . Her father works the trawlers and life is good. Gracie visits her grandmother in nearby Blackpool whenever she can . She meets a girl called Sheila who sells rock on The Prom and they become firm friends .
Gracie 's life changes forever when she loses her entire family . Still only thirteen she is taken by the authorities and put in an orphanage in Manchester , When something unbearable happens she manages to escape and heads to Blackpool and Sheila ,
Six years later and Gracie is nearly twenty years old . It is 1938 and war looms not too far away on the horizon . Will Gracie and her friends find the happiness they deserve ?
Gracie grew up in the small fishing town of Fleetwood . Her father works the trawlers and life is good. Gracie visits her grandmother in nearby Blackpool whenever she can . She meets a girl called Sheila who sells rock on The Prom and they become firm friends .
Gracie 's life changes forever when she loses her entire family . Still only thirteen she is taken by the authorities and put in an orphanage in Manchester , When something unbearable happens she manages to escape and heads to Blackpool and Sheila ,
Six years later and Gracie is nearly twenty years old . It is 1938 and war looms not too far away on the horizon . Will Gracie and her friends find the happiness they deserve ?
September 5, 2023
Ive never really read anything quite like it. its so raw and very bleak, its hard to believe the things that happened to Gracie really happened.
having growing up in Fleetwood myself it was quite warming to have the sense of community described so well in the book. It was so realistic felt I could have been in the 40s while reading.
I really liked the notion of Blackpool being a safe haven. It was definitely a page turner Thats for sure!
having growing up in Fleetwood myself it was quite warming to have the sense of community described so well in the book. It was so realistic felt I could have been in the 40s while reading.
I really liked the notion of Blackpool being a safe haven. It was definitely a page turner Thats for sure!
October 14, 2018
One of the most heart-breaking yet hopeful stories I've read in years. Just couldn't put it down until I finished it at 3am. A gritty story of life for poor women & children in Northern Britain less than a century ago. Makes me very grateful for the comfortable lives me & my daughters have now.
Thank you Maggie Mason (Mary Wood) for my signed copy.
Thank you Maggie Mason (Mary Wood) for my signed copy.
August 2, 2019
Blackpool Lass
What a lovely book I was born in Blackpool and you made Blackpool come alive.
My Grandma was widowed at a young age and used to take lodgers in and slept in the bath once or twice.
What a lovely book I was born in Blackpool and you made Blackpool come alive.
My Grandma was widowed at a young age and used to take lodgers in and slept in the bath once or twice.
September 25, 2020
Brilliant book but some dark themes that are heart wrenching to read. Was rooting for the main character all the way through the story. Be prepared to stay up late for this one as it will suck you in.
September 8, 2021
The irregular use of dialect irritated me, plus sometimes phrases, words etc was way out of their life standard,
Found it difficult to believe that she should put up with so much abuse, , a bit childish IMO
Found it difficult to believe that she should put up with so much abuse, , a bit childish IMO
June 26, 2023
I can’t stop reading these books by Mary, I haven’t read in years 🙈 but going into the library and getting this book I have my passion to read again 😍 it’s based in my home town, which is great. Can’t wait to read more from this lovely lady.
October 30, 2018
Great book
What a lovely read you almost thought you were part of it. Would really recommend this book to anyone. Unmissable
What a lovely read you almost thought you were part of it. Would really recommend this book to anyone. Unmissable
January 4, 2019
I did enjoy this book, but there was something I didn't like about it - but just can't put my finger on what it was.
There were parts I could see coming, but overall a good read
There were parts I could see coming, but overall a good read
June 6, 2019
Absolutely brilliant book, couldn’t put it down.
July 12, 2019
I've really enjoyed this book remembering the places were I lived and still go there on holiday
March 20, 2021
First and most definitely not the last book I've read by Maggie mason! Gripping story and so difficult to put this book down, just wanted to read more! Very highly recommended book ❤️❤️❤️💖❤️❤️❤️
February 19, 2023
What a fantastic read, I couldn’t put it down, and I was constantly thinking about the characters when I wasn’t reading
July 23, 2023
This is a very read, but a slow start, but once I got round the middle of the book it really started to get really good
August 16, 2023
I wasn't very happy or impressed with this story but I couldn't stop reading it and I'm so glad that I did read it till the end.
July 31, 2019
This is the first book that I’ve read by this author and I will most certainly be reading more. This was an excellent saga story set in Blackpool and I would recommend for all fans of saga stories .
February 18, 2020
I really enjoyed this and hope there's a second in the pipeline
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews