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One Week in August
One week will change all their lives...
Janice Butler is working as a waitress at her mother’s Blackpool boarding house when she meets Val Horrocks and Cissie Foster who are visiting from Halifax, and the three form an instant friendship.
Romance beckons for all of them, but the events of one evening at a local dance will change all their lives for better and for worse, and all three girls will discover that life doesn’t always turn out as one would expect.
A charming tale of friendship and romance set in 1950s Blackpool, perfect for fans of Margaret Dickinson and Rosie Archer.
Janice Butler is working as a waitress at her mother’s Blackpool boarding house when she meets Val Horrocks and Cissie Foster who are visiting from Halifax, and the three form an instant friendship.
Romance beckons for all of them, but the events of one evening at a local dance will change all their lives for better and for worse, and all three girls will discover that life doesn’t always turn out as one would expect.
A charming tale of friendship and romance set in 1950s Blackpool, perfect for fans of Margaret Dickinson and Rosie Archer.
294 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 30, 2020
225 people are currently reading
116 people want to read
About the author
Margaret Thornton
54 books22 followersMargaret Thornton was born in Blackpool and has lived there all her life. She was a qualified teacher but retired in order to concentrate on her writing.
Thornton has two children and five grandchildren. Her previous Blackpool sagas are available from Headline and have been highly praised. To date, she has written 24 novels.
Thornton has two children and five grandchildren. Her previous Blackpool sagas are available from Headline and have been highly praised. To date, she has written 24 novels.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
January 20, 2022
Great book
March 21, 2021
I gave this a 3.5 stars or 7/10. My copy of this book came from BorrowBox the digital lending side of my local Library.
This is the first in the Northern Lives series by this Author. I have read the series out of order, as I read Love and Marriage which is the second in the series before this one. My enjoyment of this story wasn't spoiled in any way with having read the stories out of order.
This is a gentle romantic series with a little more to it than just romance. It tells the story of the relationship between three young ladies who meet when two of them visit the boarding house in Blackpool that Janice's parents own. Val and Cissie live in Halifax, Yorkshire they travel to Blackpool to spend a week holidaying and with Blackpool being local to myself it was lovely to read about local sights that form part of the backdrop. One particular part reminded me of a sponsored three legged event that I took part in as it followed some of the area that was mentioned while one of the characters was walking at night.
As fate plays it's hand and events happen that have consequences for the three young ladies, it's how they deal with it that forms what will happen later in their lives.
Grab a cuppa and a copy of this and settle back to immerse yourself in the world of the three young women.
September 16, 2025
It took me a little while to settle into this story, but once I did, I was completely hooked. At times, the dialogue felt a bit drawn out, and I’ll admit I skimmed ahead here and there, but overall I really enjoyed it.
The book wasn’t quite what I expected from the synopsis, but once the pieces came together, it all made sense. Set in 1950s UK, the atmosphere and writing style captured the era beautifully. I especially loved the bond the three girls developed during that single week in August. It felt genuine and heartwarming.
Normally, I’m not a fan of stories that switch between multiple POVs, but here it worked perfectly. The distance between the characters made it necessary, and following each perspective added depth to the story.
There were moments of real sadness balanced by plenty of joy, which made for a satisfying emotional journey. I’ll definitely be continuing with the second book, because now that I’ve met these characters, I can’t just walk away without seeing where life takes them next.
This was my first Margaret Thornton novel, but it certainly won’t be my last.
The book wasn’t quite what I expected from the synopsis, but once the pieces came together, it all made sense. Set in 1950s UK, the atmosphere and writing style captured the era beautifully. I especially loved the bond the three girls developed during that single week in August. It felt genuine and heartwarming.
Normally, I’m not a fan of stories that switch between multiple POVs, but here it worked perfectly. The distance between the characters made it necessary, and following each perspective added depth to the story.
There were moments of real sadness balanced by plenty of joy, which made for a satisfying emotional journey. I’ll definitely be continuing with the second book, because now that I’ve met these characters, I can’t just walk away without seeing where life takes them next.
This was my first Margaret Thornton novel, but it certainly won’t be my last.
August 21, 2020
An excellent nostalgic book
This was a light nostalgic book. The central characters all meet over a weeks holiday in Blackpool.
The characters are all very likeable and the book is well written.
This was a light nostalgic book. The central characters all meet over a weeks holiday in Blackpool.
The characters are all very likeable and the book is well written.
December 3, 2020
I just found this very predictable and boring overall. It was easy reading and flowing and if you want happy story you certainly get mostly that but there just wasn't anything that jumps at you or grabs you.
November 3, 2021
A lovely story.
This is a delightful story of three friends and their friendships and romance staring in a week in Blackpool. A pleasant read and looking forward to the next book in this series.
This is a delightful story of three friends and their friendships and romance staring in a week in Blackpool. A pleasant read and looking forward to the next book in this series.
April 2, 2022
A lovely read following the lives of 3 young ladies who all become friends after a holiday in Blackpool
This is the 1st book of 3 of The Northern Lives by Margaret Thornton
I recommend this Author she has some lovely books x
This is the 1st book of 3 of The Northern Lives by Margaret Thornton
I recommend this Author she has some lovely books x
June 14, 2024
Good story
I liked the way the author described so many scenes from every day life during that time period. As a child in the 60’s in America, this reminded me of how many pleasurable pastimes and simple activities were so much more enjoyable during a simpler time.
I liked the way the author described so many scenes from every day life during that time period. As a child in the 60’s in America, this reminded me of how many pleasurable pastimes and simple activities were so much more enjoyable during a simpler time.
May 10, 2025
Really enjoyed it
I enjoyed reading this book. I didn't want it to end. The writer is very good a definate read for people from the 50s to reminisce I was born in 70s and really enjoyed the book
I enjoyed reading this book. I didn't want it to end. The writer is very good a definate read for people from the 50s to reminisce I was born in 70s and really enjoyed the book
June 24, 2020
Great author
Although I listen to books rather than read them ,this book held my attention so well that I almost listen to it in one sitting.
Although I listen to books rather than read them ,this book held my attention so well that I almost listen to it in one sitting.
September 20, 2020
Charming
Three girls meet three boys, what could be simpler? Withe lovely descriptions of Blackpool, it's an easy read and really rather sweet.
Three girls meet three boys, what could be simpler? Withe lovely descriptions of Blackpool, it's an easy read and really rather sweet.
December 7, 2020
Best books
Best books I have read will tell my sister and niece to read this book will read more of Margaret Thornton book in the future lovely story
Best books I have read will tell my sister and niece to read this book will read more of Margaret Thornton book in the future lovely story
December 19, 2020
Endearing, but boring and predictable. Relatable as I’m from Bradford and have visited Blackpool many times. Good use of language for the time/location.
September 2, 2023
Absolutely loved this. Loved the 3 girls friendship. First book by this author
Read
December 1, 2024Really enjoyed this book. Will be keeping an eye out for more.
June 14, 2025
passed a weekend, but highly predictable with average writing.
January 1, 2022
A Lovely but sad book It starts off in Blackpool 3 young Ladies meet up and stay as friends and their lives a year later Really enjoyed this book
February 18, 2016
Great read
February 2, 2025
Loved the description of Blackpool story a bit predictable
Read
June 15, 2016decent one time read
July 5, 2020
A beautiful story
July 22, 2020
A quick, light read. I thought I got to know the characters well.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews