For fans of Katie Flynn and Sheila Jeffries, The Canal Girls is a heart-warming novel from the Queen of family saga, and author of Bicycles and Blackberries, Sheila Newberry.
'I have long been a fan of Sheila Newberry's novels. I love their wonderful warmth and charm.' Maureen Lee, bestselling author of The Seven Streets of Liverpool
Wales, 1883.
Young Ruth Owen, a talented musician with a scholarship to a prestigious music school, has a sparkling career ahead of her. But after a run-in with her mysterious tutor, Drago, she flees to London, leaving everything and everyone behind.
London, 1897.
Fourteen years later, Ruth Owen, now married with two children, finds herself struggling for money and a place to live. Left with no other option, she must return with her family to the place she once fled. But what troubles await her return? And can the past ever truly be forgotten?
'Reading a Sheila Newberry book is like having dinner with your mother in her warm and cosy kitchen. You can feel the love and care put into every juicy morsel' - Diane Allen, bestselling author of For the Sake of Her Family
I have often wondered what it would be like to live on a Canal boat, or just holiday on one for a few weeks. Then to read this novel it helps put the life a bit more in perspective. This story is referring to the early 1900’s so life along the canal is far more different than today’s life. Not as romantic, more for cargo to make a living. Even so I was completely taken by surprise in this story, not seeing or understanding one part of it until nearer the end. Like a suspense story I got it completely wrong. I believe that when something happens that is least expected and catches you unawares, then you are reading a great story. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, I didn’t think I was going to with it concerning life on the cancel boat, but right from the start it the story pull you in and you enjoy the people who are entwined within.
Such an interesting read of family life living on board a narrowboat and how happy they all are. Brilliant storylines and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
A great book wish it hadn’t ended defo recommend also love this Author Took me longer to read due to work It brings new light to me has didn’t realise canal people had a really rough life
The story of Ruth Owen living in Lock Cottage Brynbach Canal with her sister Rachel and her husband and two children, Ruth has a lyrical welsh voice as she plays the piano after taking a job in the canal office she flees to London to find dreams and Marries Bayly Barley the year 1897 and the story of The Singing barley's is here to be told. What a delightful read this was, I so found it very enjoyable from this author. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers well worth the stars.