Belle of the Back Streets

by Glenda Young

'Real sagas with female characters right at the heart' Woman's HourIf you love Dilly Court and Rosie Goodwin, you'll LOVE Glenda Young's 'amazing novels!' (ITV's This Morning presenter Sharon Marshall)'In the world of historical saga writers, there's a brand new voice' My WeeklyWhat readers are saying about Glenda's dramatically powerful and romantic saga of tragedy and 'Better than a Catherine Cookson' 5* reader review'Wonderful read, full of rich characters, evocative description and a touch of romance' 5* reader review'Just wanted it to go on forever and read more about the characters and their lives' 5* reader review............................................'Any rag and bone!'Everyone recognises the cry of Meg Sutcliffe as she plies her trade along the back streets of Ryhope. She learnt the ropes from her dad when he returned from the War. But when tragedy struck, Meg had no choice but to continue alone, with only her trusty dog Spot and beloved horse Stella for company. Now the meagre money she earns is the only thing that stands between her family's safety and predatory rent collector Hawk Jackson...Many say it's no job for a woman - especially a beauty like Meg who's noticed everywhere she goes. When she catches the eye of charming Clarky it looks like she might have found a protector and a chance of happiness. But is Clarky really what he seems? And could Adam, Meg's loyal childhood friend, be the one who really deserves her heart?............................................Praise for Glenda 'I really enjoyed Glenda's novel. It's well researched and well written and I found myself caring about her characters' Rosie Goodwin'Will resonate with saga readers everywhere...a wonderful, uplifting story' Nancy Revell'All the ingredients for a perfect saga and I loved Meg; she's such a strong and believable character. A fantastic debut' Emma Hornby'Glenda has an exceptionally keen eye for domestic detail which brings this local community to vivid, colourful life and Meg is a likeable, loving heroine for whom the reader roots from start to finish' Jenny Holmes'I found it difficult to believe that this was a debut novel, as "brilliant" was the word in my mind when I reached the end. I enjoyed it enormously, being totally absorbed from the first page. I found it extremely well written, and having always loved sagas, one of the best I've read' Margaret KaineLook out for all of Glenda's compelling sagas - Belle of the Back Streets, The Tuppenny Child, Pearl of Pit Lane, The Girl with the Scarlet Ribbon, The Paper Mill Girl and The Miner's Lass - out now!<

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction

284 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 1, 2018

Reviews

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not what I was expecting and I loved Young's characterisation. After a major twist (which I hoped wouldn't happen) I was glad no other bad things would happen and I really cared about Meg. I liked her brother as he wasn't really a wet blanket. My favourite bits were when Grace smiled and bits with Stella and Spot. Overall a happy book!

[Tracy ann Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

i so enjoyed this book my 1st saga read for a while beautifully written megs dad come home from the war gives her the horse and cart so she makes a living oh and loved spot the dog i dont like spoilers so wont say no more this book is about hardship love and so cant wait to read more from this author a brilliant read

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Lovely story that drew me in as Belle lived her life and fought so hard for her family,to face up to the wrongs in life and then overcome them.Belle is a beautiful person inside and out She tries so hard to be the same woman her mother was and to defend what' s hers.With the birth of her daughter Grace Belle fights to provide for her and Tommy but when the miners strike it hits them hard.I don't want to give the plot away so i will say give this book a read as i loved it and can't wait for the next one from this Author.5*

[Heather Copping · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely book, full of warmth and lovely characters. I fell under this books spell in the very first pages and was carrying it around to read at every opportunity.
Meg is a very strong lead character and she lives in the village of Ryhope in Sunderland where she has had to deal with many situations and people ( some nice and supportive and some not so). The story describes the area so very well, although I have never visited the area I felt like I knew it so well. Would have give this book more than 5☆ if it was possible, all I can say is read it you definitely won't be disappointed.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Started this book of feeling it was a cute little post ww1 family drama, interesting but predictable. Although I could work out where the story was going I enjoyed following Meg around as she did her work with Stella and meeting all the people she met along the way. Then it did surprise me as a series of events happened that I had not predicted, and it was heartwarming seeing all these characters that Meg had met come forward and help her in her hour of need, loved it!

[Jill Beattie-Paterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a book where you actually LIKE the characters. I was rooting for this wee community of friends and family. I’ve read a few books set in this period and Glenda Young has captured the hardship and poverty so very well. What’s a piece of fiction without the goodies and the baddies? It was a bit predictable but I really enjoyed losing myself in this book.

[Booklover BEV · Rating 5 out of 5]

FANTASTIC BOOK 1919 Ryhope Sunderland, Meg Sutcliffe living in Tunstall Street with her mam Sally and brother Tommy, her dad Ernie comes home after been called up for the war with the durham light infantry four years ago,15 years old meg sets to work with her dad as a rag and bone merchant, treking around the big houses in Ryhope shouting " any old rags", even after her dads sudden death meg vows to carry on the business, meg certainly has plenty looking out for her all around Ryhope, the paper mill and the market, throughout this book meg faces lots of hardship. this book travels through the miners strike 1921 that hits her and her brother Tommy hard,right up to three years on to meg 18 years old this book for me was such a delight to read, reading all about my home town Sunderland, this is the first book by this author, everything about it was such a accurate account, i could not fault any of it, i so look forward to reading a lot more of her work i just did not want this book to end. I LOVED IT

[Vicky Peplow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing read about a lass from an old coal mining village

Great story from beginning to end. An engrossing story about a few years in the life of a northern lass who goes from the very lows in life to the very highs and finally gets the life she deserves.

Great to have a book wrote about where I was born and brought up. Great author and look forward to reading the next book.

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! A great lead character with a fantastic story, full of highs and lows. Very well written and Meg's character really drew me in.

[Esther · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meg has been added to the list of book characters that I wish I was friends with. She is so fiercely independent and driven but at the same time kind, loving and a bit vulnerable that I had to stop myself from fist pumping every time she triumphed.
Full review on my blog http://clydescorner.org/2018/11/08/re...

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a debut from Glenda. The way this book was written you’d think Glenda was a veteran in sagas. I fell in love with the characters and was totally captivated in the ups and downs of their lives. I look forward to the Tuppenny Child next year.

[Alan Charlton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant story

Could not put it down once I started reading ,living in the area under can relate to the places mentioned .

[mois reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meg

What a fantastic book this was I loved reading about meg and her family and look forward to the next book by this author a well deserved 5 STARS.

[Mrs Margaret Maher · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really lovely book

I really enjoyed reading this book. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book about all the strings in life and how eventually it all works out. Great reading.

[c m bolton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Belle

I have really enjoyed this story. What a fabulous family and what wonderful history. Sure the whole family will be happy.
Thank you Glenda Young

[Beth Wintle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say, this is one of the best books I have read, being from Sunderland, it was lovely knowing where things were like the Albion Pub, the guidepost Pub! Really enjoyed this book, I will be reading more from the author!

[Layla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely book. Belle lives with her family her mother works in a local bar. Belle is home when her brother sees a strange man sitting in thir House. It turns out to be her dad who they have never seen.. Lovely book. Giving this to a friend to read.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tragedy, grim events and so many challenges makes this a less than easy book, but it is immensely readable and difficult to put down when you have become involved with the characters. That is the strength of this saga which is set in a grim seaside colliery village at the end of the First World War; the characters and their dialogue fits extremely well with the setting and gives a super sense of the time and place. The research on the time, the work undertaken and even the habits of individuals and families in these circumstances is very impressive and contribute to a cohesive whole. This is a romantic and realistic saga which is very well written and is a very worthwhile read with living, breathing characters. I was pleased to receive a copy to read and review.
In the Summer of 1919 a strange man appears in a house. At least Tommy and Meg thinks so, and it is only when Sally is extracted from a local pub where she is working behind the bar that she confirms that it is indeed her husband, the children’s father, Ernie Sutcliffe, who has been away fighting in the War. Her feelings on seeing him are mixed as while she is grateful to see him home safely, Sally has had the bare minimum of contact in the form of postcards only once or twice a year. This is a different story from the romantic norm of moving correspondence with soldiers at the Front; in this novel the characters have different priorities from writing long letters. It seems that Ernie has not changed as he has a drink at every local pub, and quickly picks up his local contacts. Meg, the Belle of the title, is to learn the trade of rag and bone collection, with a horse drawn cart. The horse is an elderly one, called Stella, and a stray dog called Spot is added for company and protection as Meg learns where to collect old clothes, rags and even bones. The author shows how she has carefully researched the markets for such items, giving Meg more contact with other people in her community and further away. She meets Clarky, and despite it being obvious that nothing good can come of a relationship, she is smitten with her first love. When things get worse for the family, certain people rally around, including Adam. As Meg discovers that life can be difficult, the reader is carried along with the trials and tribulations of the community.
I found this an interesting and entertaining book well written and impeccably researched. There are lots of small details which have the effect of drawing the reader in by grounding the story in reality. I enjoyed the characters who were well developed and changed in keeping with their circumstances. It is well written book of its type, and fans of historical female led fiction with an atmosphere of gritty realism will enjoy it. I found it a fascinating book with real insight, and look forward to future novels from this writer.

[Kerry https://likeherdingcatsblog.wordpress.com Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the email for this book tour arrived from Anne I almost bit her hand off to get onto the tour.  How could I refuse?  This book is set in the village next to where I live, it's an area I know well and is rich in history and community.  I have visited the pubs in the book and walked along the same roads.  There was no way I was going to refuse this one despite it being out of my usual genre.  

Follow the fierce and beautiful Meg, as she turns from a young girl into a woman.  After the death of her father upon his return from war,  rather than enter into service, Meg choses the freedom of becoming a rag and bone woman earning a pittance but managing to keep her family fed and working hard to keep away the vile landlord - Hawk Jackson.  Whilst fighting to keep her family well and together, she meets her first love Clarky who is not all he seems and is blind to the admiration coming from her long time friend Adam.          

Belle of the Back Streets fully encompasses and embraces life in a mining village.  It depicts the hardships that families and communities often went through without provoking pity from the reader but equally demonstrates the community spirit and the way in which families managed in mining villages and towns.  Despite the often heartbreaking and difficult circumstances faced by Meg, you cannot help but feel warmed by the family and community strengths and support in this book. 

The Sutcliffe family demand a huge amount of respect, not pity from the reader.  In  addition to our heroine Meg, her mother Sally is just such a fighter making the best of a bad situation and bringing her children up with pride and respect.  Meg's brother Tommy is a bit more rebellious but knows when to get his head down and work hard and protects his family despite being the age of 12/13.   

It's very obvious from the outset that Glenda Young not only knows this area and its history very well but it deeply passionate about it - it's written about with honesty but pride.  I cannot wait to pass on my recommendations to friends and family and to spread the word about this truly wonderfully written, heartwarming novel.     

[Jaffareadstoo · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's a lovely atmosphere in Belle of the Back Streets which brings to life the North East of England during the early part of the twentieth century. Meg Sutcliffe is a beautiful young woman, who finds that she has to do whatever she can to provide help for her mother and younger brother. Times are hard, poverty is rife and Meg constantly struggles to survive and keep her head above water, especially when there are men around like the dangerous, rent collector, Hawk Jackson and the charismatic, Clarky.

The author writes really well and brings to vivid life this area of the North East which she calls home. Her close connection to the history of the area gives such an authentic feel to the story and the hardships experienced by ordinary people, especially when life is really tough, shows just how resilient folk had to be. And even though they have nothing, there is natural kindness between the friends who rally round when Meg and her family are affected by personal tragedy.

I've really enjoyed reading this historical saga, the story grabbed my attention from the beginning and I loved how the author brought together a likeable set of characters and combined their stories with what was actually happening at the time. The effect of the 1921 Miner's strike and the hardship which greatly affected Northern communities is written about with a real sense of history and community spirit.

Belle of the Back Streets is this author's debut historical saga and from the strength of her writing I am sure we are going to see much more of her excellent stories in the future.

[Cheryl M-M · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meg and her younger brother have had no choice but to become the breadwinners in their family. Meg is forced to enter a ruthless world of bargaining and thievery. Trying to recognise who is friend or foe isn't exactly easy when you're young and lack experience. On top of that it doesn't help that Meg is a pretty lass, the kind of pretty that attracts the right sort of men and the wrong ones too.

Meg makes an unusual choice for her life considering the era she lives in. She decides to not choose the safe option and luckily for her she doesn't get too much flack because of it. She wants to be wanted for herself and not because it's the right thing to do.

It's written with a flair of Cookson, with a focus on supportive neighbours and feeling of small communities. Where family isn't necessarily defined by blood, but rather by a sense of kinship due to being in the same grim situation. The working class support system and loyalty, because there is no other person looking out for them, so they automatically do it for each other.

It's a dramatic read at times and yet simultaneously also a cosy read, with just enough danger and heartbreak to keep the pages turning, but not too much lest it become too dire a read. The strength of the premise is the way the author shows us that there is always a solution, a way forward, despite how desperate the situation may seem. It's a retreat from harsh reality.

It's historical fiction with a strong sense of family and community.
*I received a courtesy copy*

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would not have guessed that this was a debut novel in a million years! The main character Meg is so endearing but a strong woman with a great love for her family. The book is set in 1920, in Ryhope near Sunderland, a mining village near to the coast. The job of ‘Rag and Bones’ is a tough, labour intensive job which many women would run a mile from. However, Meg takes on the challenge and learns the ropes from her father so that she can continue the family business.

have to mention Spot the dog who adopted Belle and became her loyal, constant companion and whose sole aim in life was to keep her safe. Then there was the elderly horse Stella who had given the family years of devotion and hard labour. Without her, the business could not continue and Belle and her family did everything they could to take care of her.

The book is extremely well researched and cleverly plotted with a diverse set of characters. It really brings to life what it must have been like in a mining village back in the 1920s. I learned so much about the rag and bone trade, the true origin of the term ‘fish wife’ and the absolute hardship that extreme poverty can bring.

I can’t wait for the next installment from Glenda Young. I think this is a name we will become very familiar with and I highly recommend Belle of the Back Streets.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book as the author is giving a talk soon at a reading group I attend. I have to admit that it's not my usual type of read, and wasn't expecting to enjoy it.
I was very pleasantly surprised, as I found it an enjoyable story, with believable characters and a very good plot.
It was quite a light and refreshing relief to some other books I've read recently, and although the characters were a little stereotypical and the plot a bit predictable, I found it was written well and I could relate to some of the descriptions of the area. It was quite atmospheric and I found myself caring for the characters.
The happy ending was nicely finished, with all the loose ends tidied up - not perhaps the most realistic of outcomes, but nice nonetheless.
I would definitely read another of Glenda Young's novels - and the fact that she's a big Coronation Street fan (as am I) is a plus.

[Julie Cordiner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I only recently discovered Glenda after seeing that she was giving an author talk, which I’ve booked to attend. And what a discovery! Belle of the Back Streets is a heartwarming story, true to the historical saga tradition. The characters are so well drawn it feels as if you know them personally and Glenda skilfully weaves in the setting as if it is another character, always there, informing the action.

I love reading books set in my home region and this one is right up there with the best. The story flows so well and involves the reader emotionally, making you root for Meg as she battles against hardship and tragedies to make a better life for herself. I am really looking forward to meeting Glenda and reading more of her books.

[Roz Radmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic debut novel !
Meg Sutcliffe is a heroine to tug at the heartstrings . When her father can no longer run his rag and Bone business , having returned ill from the First World War Meg takes over the businesss . Soon she has learned the ins and outs of the trade but is still very innocent of life .
On going to the market for the first time she meets Clarky . For Meg it is love at first sight but Clarky may not be as nice as he seems .
Meg will have to go through a lot before she can find true happiness .
This is an exciting and gripping novel . It is hard to believe that this is the writer's first book . I will be looking out for her future novels .

[Cherrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and really didn't think I was going to. It was full of strong characters and a strong community spirit too of everyone looking out for each other which I really liked.

Meg shone through as a really strong woman - especially with her work and when she becomes a mother too. I also really liked Adam who was a really solid man to have in your life and you could never doubt how much he loved Meg. Tom is also a brilliant brother and he really supports his sister and is everything you could want in a brother.

A brilliant read and looking forward to reading another book from this author.

[Carol Mageean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this story about Meg Sutcliffe and her family and how she plies her trade along the back streets of Ryhope, following in the footsteps of her dad. Unfortunately she falls in love with Clarky and things develop, leaving her to struggle further but fortunately Adam, her lifelong friend, is there to support her. The characters and the village of Ryhope really come to life In this book and it’s a great story. Would highly recommend

[Katherine Reid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marvellous local tale

I read about the author in the local news paper and as I don't live far from Ryhope, I was intrigued to read the book.
It's an excellent read. I have barely put it down and very well written
Glenda captures the essence of the area and people as a whole and I can't wait to read another of her books.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic read, especially for those folks local to the Sunderland area:the book is packed with place names local to the former County Durham area of Sunderland.All of the streets and places mentioned in the book are either still there in present day or were once there.
A nostalgic look at the old trade of the " rag and bone man"too.

[brenda young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more by this author . I couldn't put it down just wanted to keep turning the pages to find out what was going to happen .