What do you think?
Rate this book
The Halfpenny Girls #1
The Halfpenny Girls
THE BRAND NEW SAGA SERIES BY MAGGIE MASON - MEET THE HALFPENNY GIRLS. . .'In the grand tradition of sagas set down by the late and great Catherine Cookson ' Jean Fullerton on Blackpool LassDown on their luck, all the have left is friendship . . .It is 1937 and Alice, Edith and Marg continue to face hardships every day, growing up on one of the poorest streets in Blackpool. Penniless, their friendship has helped them survive this far, but it'll take more than that to see them through the dark days that lie ahead . . .Alice is coping with a violent father and the weight of the duty she carries to support her family, Marg is left reeling after a dark secret about her birth comes to light and threatens to destroy the life she knows, and Edith is fighting to protect her alcoholic mother from the shame of their neighbours and keep her brother on the straight and narrow.A chance encounter at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom promises to set their lives on a new path, one filled with love and safety and hope for a brighter future. Will The Halfpenny Girls, who have never known anything but poverty, finally find happiness? And if they do, will it come at a price?The first in a brand new series from reader favourite Maggie Mason, The Halfpenny Girls is the perfect heart-warming family saga about overcoming hardship and the value of friendship. Perfect for fans of Val Wood, Kitty Neale and Rosie Goodwin.Readers LOVE Maggie Mason's Blackpool '5 stars - I wish I could give it more . Wonderful read.''Another must read book ''What a brilliant book. I couldn't put it down !''I was hooked from the first page . . . this author is a must read ''A totally absorbing read'
- GenresHistorical Fiction
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2021
63 people are currently reading
87 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
April 1, 2021
A cracking start to what promised to be a terrific series!
Alice, Edith & Marg have grown up together in Whitaker Street, Blackpool, where there is never much money going spare. Now, all three young women work in the local biscuit factory and do their best to improve the lives of their families but each has their troubles to bear. Alice is doing her best to provide for her brothers and her father who is no longer able to work, but manages to beat her up on a regular basis. Edith is struggling to deal with the shame her alcoholic mother brings upon the family, and a brother who seems to be heading for the wrong side of the law, while Marg discovers a family secret which shocks and appalls her, and deems to have a long lasting effect on her life. A rare night out at the Tower Ballroom has a bearing on their future happiness, if only they can cope with the realities of surviving right now.
This is a packed read and a great example of families who suffered and fought poverty. The deprivations thrust upon them don't mean that don't have standards and morals and this is well demonstrated. Friendships forged in such hard times are ever lasting. The author has cast a fine tale with fascinating characters and it all adds up to an engrossing read, and one which I thoroughly enjoyed. Definitely a series I want to follow! I'm very happy to recommend this to lovers of 1930's historical fiction and give it 4.5*.
Alice, Edith & Marg have grown up together in Whitaker Street, Blackpool, where there is never much money going spare. Now, all three young women work in the local biscuit factory and do their best to improve the lives of their families but each has their troubles to bear. Alice is doing her best to provide for her brothers and her father who is no longer able to work, but manages to beat her up on a regular basis. Edith is struggling to deal with the shame her alcoholic mother brings upon the family, and a brother who seems to be heading for the wrong side of the law, while Marg discovers a family secret which shocks and appalls her, and deems to have a long lasting effect on her life. A rare night out at the Tower Ballroom has a bearing on their future happiness, if only they can cope with the realities of surviving right now.
This is a packed read and a great example of families who suffered and fought poverty. The deprivations thrust upon them don't mean that don't have standards and morals and this is well demonstrated. Friendships forged in such hard times are ever lasting. The author has cast a fine tale with fascinating characters and it all adds up to an engrossing read, and one which I thoroughly enjoyed. Definitely a series I want to follow! I'm very happy to recommend this to lovers of 1930's historical fiction and give it 4.5*.
April 18, 2021
Three young women live on one of the poorest streets in Blackpool in 1937. They have become very close, even when they are down to their last few coins, partly through their work at the local biscuit factory, but also because of growing up together in tough circumstances. Alice has a violent father and three younger brothers to keep together. Marg’s Gran is losing her understanding of the present. Edith has a challenging brother and an alcoholic mother to contend with as well as a sick father. This book has its traumatic and difficult moments, but underlying everything is the friendship, even love, between the three women which extends to their families and friends as needed. A memorable night in the Tower Ballroom marks meetings that could give new hope, but how far can they trust the unknown?
Maggie Mason has created new characters in this first of a Blackpool based trilogy that linger in the mind, in a setting of a close community. As authentic aspects of life in the late 1930s are referred to, reading this book is an immersive experience of how those without many material resources struggled to cope, when the most basic healthcare cost money which could be ill afforded, when working conditions were tough and potentially dangerous, and food was relatively expensive. Despite all the challenges the women face, they maintain their closeness and mutual support, and it is this element which really runs throughout this novel. I was very pleased to have the opportunity to read and review this book.
The three young women meet on the way to work in Bradshaw’s biscuit factory, and it becomes immediately obvious that Alice has received a severe blow in the face from her father. This is not a mark of straightforward domestic violence, as Alice’s father was involved in rescuing a man during a significant incident in a factory, and his resulting head injury has transformed his personality. She has been trying to cope with him and her brothers ever since. Marg’s father has died, and her mother seems weakened by breathing problems. As her grandmother is likely to roam if unsupervised, she has to pay for care, as well as encouraging her younger sister to stay at school and have extra tuition which will transform her prospects. Her Uncle Eric is a frequent and unpredictable visitor, sometimes helping financially. It is his gift of a pound note that means that Marg can pay for an evening of treats for the trio, which involve visiting the heart of Blackpool and indulging in a visit to the Tower. When Alice is whirled off to dance by a handsome young man, Edith has severe reservations even though she is asked to dance as well. Only Marg is left on the side, but as they later begin to return home they discover that a “rumpus” has erupted on the street, this time involving Alice’s father who has attacked Harry, her oldest brother. Marg returns to find that her Uncle Eric’s visit has involved alcohol and cigarettes, which has left her mother in a poor state, so that Ada, a nurse and unofficial first line of care must be summoned. Edith’s streetwise brother makes observations of wealthy young men taking advantage of poor girls like Edith, but despite it all the young women have a glimmer of hope.
This is the sort of book that is so easy to become totally involved with in a good way. Edith, Marg and Alice come over as real people who are struggling to keep themselves and their families going. Mason is so well versed in this time that the story never becomes weighed down by research or explanation. As the book acknowledges the possibility of war to come, I look forward to discovering what happens next for this extended community.
Maggie Mason has created new characters in this first of a Blackpool based trilogy that linger in the mind, in a setting of a close community. As authentic aspects of life in the late 1930s are referred to, reading this book is an immersive experience of how those without many material resources struggled to cope, when the most basic healthcare cost money which could be ill afforded, when working conditions were tough and potentially dangerous, and food was relatively expensive. Despite all the challenges the women face, they maintain their closeness and mutual support, and it is this element which really runs throughout this novel. I was very pleased to have the opportunity to read and review this book.
The three young women meet on the way to work in Bradshaw’s biscuit factory, and it becomes immediately obvious that Alice has received a severe blow in the face from her father. This is not a mark of straightforward domestic violence, as Alice’s father was involved in rescuing a man during a significant incident in a factory, and his resulting head injury has transformed his personality. She has been trying to cope with him and her brothers ever since. Marg’s father has died, and her mother seems weakened by breathing problems. As her grandmother is likely to roam if unsupervised, she has to pay for care, as well as encouraging her younger sister to stay at school and have extra tuition which will transform her prospects. Her Uncle Eric is a frequent and unpredictable visitor, sometimes helping financially. It is his gift of a pound note that means that Marg can pay for an evening of treats for the trio, which involve visiting the heart of Blackpool and indulging in a visit to the Tower. When Alice is whirled off to dance by a handsome young man, Edith has severe reservations even though she is asked to dance as well. Only Marg is left on the side, but as they later begin to return home they discover that a “rumpus” has erupted on the street, this time involving Alice’s father who has attacked Harry, her oldest brother. Marg returns to find that her Uncle Eric’s visit has involved alcohol and cigarettes, which has left her mother in a poor state, so that Ada, a nurse and unofficial first line of care must be summoned. Edith’s streetwise brother makes observations of wealthy young men taking advantage of poor girls like Edith, but despite it all the young women have a glimmer of hope.
This is the sort of book that is so easy to become totally involved with in a good way. Edith, Marg and Alice come over as real people who are struggling to keep themselves and their families going. Mason is so well versed in this time that the story never becomes weighed down by research or explanation. As the book acknowledges the possibility of war to come, I look forward to discovering what happens next for this extended community.
April 5, 2021
I'm always excited to hear that Maggie Mason has a new book coming out - and to know that it's the first in a new series is even better!
Best friends Alice, Marg and Edith work together at Bradshaw's Biscuit factory and grew up on the same poverty stricken street in Blackpool. It's not just money that the girls have to worry about, each one of them is dealing with family issues, but their friendship is so strong and they know that they can rely on one another during desperate times.
On a rare night out at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom, courtesy of Marg's Uncle Eric, the girls meet someone who has the potential to change their paths in life forever. Will they be brave enough to grab these opportunities and if so, what impact will it have on their families?
This is another fabulous book from Maggie Mason with friendship, family and loyalty at it's very core. Despite the fact that these people have very little, they are always willing to share and help to ease the burdens of others as and when they can, something which I think is sadly lacking in this day and age. As always when I read one of Maggie's book's, the descriptions of Blackpool are so vivid, I can almost smell the sea air for myself. The characters seem so real and it's easy to get immersed into their lives, sharing their highs and lows and wanting only the best for them as if they are genuine friends. I was reluctant to put this book down and get back into the real world and I read it in about three days.
I felt a sense of sadness when I turned the last page, not because of the story, but because I know that I'll now have to wait a little while to find out what comes next for this heart-warming trio of girls. I would highly recommend The Halfpenny Girls and I feel that it's a must read for fans of historical fiction and / or saga's.
Best friends Alice, Marg and Edith work together at Bradshaw's Biscuit factory and grew up on the same poverty stricken street in Blackpool. It's not just money that the girls have to worry about, each one of them is dealing with family issues, but their friendship is so strong and they know that they can rely on one another during desperate times.
On a rare night out at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom, courtesy of Marg's Uncle Eric, the girls meet someone who has the potential to change their paths in life forever. Will they be brave enough to grab these opportunities and if so, what impact will it have on their families?
This is another fabulous book from Maggie Mason with friendship, family and loyalty at it's very core. Despite the fact that these people have very little, they are always willing to share and help to ease the burdens of others as and when they can, something which I think is sadly lacking in this day and age. As always when I read one of Maggie's book's, the descriptions of Blackpool are so vivid, I can almost smell the sea air for myself. The characters seem so real and it's easy to get immersed into their lives, sharing their highs and lows and wanting only the best for them as if they are genuine friends. I was reluctant to put this book down and get back into the real world and I read it in about three days.
I felt a sense of sadness when I turned the last page, not because of the story, but because I know that I'll now have to wait a little while to find out what comes next for this heart-warming trio of girls. I would highly recommend The Halfpenny Girls and I feel that it's a must read for fans of historical fiction and / or saga's.
April 4, 2021
Book one in this new trilogy,
That I am ready to start and enjoy.
We meet Alice Brett, Edith Forman and Marg Porter, all best friends the same age, live in the same street Whittaker Avenue and all working at Bradshaw Biscuit factory in the packing department Blackpool.
It's the year 1937, and poverty and worries are always a main concern for these Blackpool lasses.
Marg's Uncle Eric gives her a crisp pound note for the girl's to go out Friday night so they all excited and head off to the Tower Ballroom and have a bit of fun away from it all and the worries they have in their home lives.
They have always been known as the three Halfpenny Girls after Edith's da once said," You three may not have a halfpenny between you, but you have sommat money can't buy Friendship"
It has been a perfect night out but the girl's don't know what faces them as they head home.
This book will fill you up in tear's, I had to keep all my emotions under control many times, you get so wrapped up in the whole story, a different world that will take you away and back in time, this book will teach you the value that wealth and money doesn't always make you happy, it's the bond of friendship and family that matter. and these girl's are taking through a lot of hard times.
As the book closes at the end it will leave reader's with a contented feeling inside, and a aching for any journey with the next Halfpenny Girls that we can look forward to, I adored every page and now I just cannot wait for the next read to come and it cannot come quick enough. very worthy stars and more from me.
That I am ready to start and enjoy.
We meet Alice Brett, Edith Forman and Marg Porter, all best friends the same age, live in the same street Whittaker Avenue and all working at Bradshaw Biscuit factory in the packing department Blackpool.
It's the year 1937, and poverty and worries are always a main concern for these Blackpool lasses.
Marg's Uncle Eric gives her a crisp pound note for the girl's to go out Friday night so they all excited and head off to the Tower Ballroom and have a bit of fun away from it all and the worries they have in their home lives.
They have always been known as the three Halfpenny Girls after Edith's da once said," You three may not have a halfpenny between you, but you have sommat money can't buy Friendship"
It has been a perfect night out but the girl's don't know what faces them as they head home.
This book will fill you up in tear's, I had to keep all my emotions under control many times, you get so wrapped up in the whole story, a different world that will take you away and back in time, this book will teach you the value that wealth and money doesn't always make you happy, it's the bond of friendship and family that matter. and these girl's are taking through a lot of hard times.
As the book closes at the end it will leave reader's with a contented feeling inside, and a aching for any journey with the next Halfpenny Girls that we can look forward to, I adored every page and now I just cannot wait for the next read to come and it cannot come quick enough. very worthy stars and more from me.
October 11, 2021
The Halfpenny Girls is the name given to Alice, Edith and Marg, young women living in a poor area of Blackpool in 1937. They've been friends since childhood and always look out for each other through thick and thin. Each has their own problems at home with difficult family members and struggles to keep food on the table and yet there's a cheerful camaraderie between them that is unbeatable.
I absolutely loved this book. It's full of Maggie Mason's trademark warmth with characters to care about. As always there are ones to dislike too but they are often a product of their upbringing or lifestyle and the author portrays hard working class life brilliantly. Throughout the course of the book each of the girls has to cope with tragedy and revelations and as each is so lovely I was really hoping they would come out the other end relatively unscathed. This is the first in a new trilogy so I'm sure there's lots more to come for them in the future.
Mason always sets her books in her home town of Blackpool and the town feels like another character. It's portrayed so well and is really brought to life with the seaside town feel, the fish and chips and the rock stalls on the sea front. The girls go for a night out at the famous Tower Ballroom and it could well set at least two of them on a different future path. I can't wait to read the second instalment and see what happens to them all next.
The Halfpenny Girls is a heart-warming story of family and friendship amidst all that life can throw at you, good or bad. I raced through it and found it completely engrossing.
I absolutely loved this book. It's full of Maggie Mason's trademark warmth with characters to care about. As always there are ones to dislike too but they are often a product of their upbringing or lifestyle and the author portrays hard working class life brilliantly. Throughout the course of the book each of the girls has to cope with tragedy and revelations and as each is so lovely I was really hoping they would come out the other end relatively unscathed. This is the first in a new trilogy so I'm sure there's lots more to come for them in the future.
Mason always sets her books in her home town of Blackpool and the town feels like another character. It's portrayed so well and is really brought to life with the seaside town feel, the fish and chips and the rock stalls on the sea front. The girls go for a night out at the famous Tower Ballroom and it could well set at least two of them on a different future path. I can't wait to read the second instalment and see what happens to them all next.
The Halfpenny Girls is a heart-warming story of family and friendship amidst all that life can throw at you, good or bad. I raced through it and found it completely engrossing.
April 24, 2021
This is the first of a new series by the wonderful Maggie Mason. It starts in 1937 Blackpool, and is the story of three close friends Alice, Marg and Edith who work in the local Biscuit factory. They live in the same street and all three of them have complications with their home lives, but have been close friends from birth and call,themselves The Halfpenny Girls. Make sure you have tissues handy, you will need them. Their stories drew me in and I couldn’t put it down. This is brilliantly written and had me unable to put it down, as I had to find out what happened next. I cannot wait for the second book in the series and have pre ordered it. Such a talented author, I have read all,her books and highly recommend this wonderful novel. If you have never read any of her novels before, it will certainly not be your last.
January 6, 2023
It's so hard to review this book! I think if you read these, you know what you're getting. Yes, it's predictable, but sometimes that's what you want.
I loved the main characters and they are so well and compellingly written. But the dialogue is often so so clunky! It just doesn't sound like what normal people would say. Plus, I don't think any one in Blackpool has ever used "anyroad" and "eeh" quite that much, even in 1937!
It feels quite "over tell/over explain" rather than "show, don't tell" but again, I still wanted to read on. A couple of niggly copy errors, but didn't ruin the overall story. It's a hell of a slog at times but it's compelling, works out nicely, and I'm glad someone is writing stories set in Blackpool.
So torn, but I'll probably read the rest of the trilogy to find out what happens to the girls!
I loved the main characters and they are so well and compellingly written. But the dialogue is often so so clunky! It just doesn't sound like what normal people would say. Plus, I don't think any one in Blackpool has ever used "anyroad" and "eeh" quite that much, even in 1937!
It feels quite "over tell/over explain" rather than "show, don't tell" but again, I still wanted to read on. A couple of niggly copy errors, but didn't ruin the overall story. It's a hell of a slog at times but it's compelling, works out nicely, and I'm glad someone is writing stories set in Blackpool.
So torn, but I'll probably read the rest of the trilogy to find out what happens to the girls!
August 9, 2021
Miserable
Although this had a almost happy and unbelievable ending unbelievable in the sense it was too good to be true. Why would a Doctor go to a dance at Blackpool tower just before he goes on a night shift. The three women had miserable lives then almost within a few hours the doctor has fallen in love with Alice. I realise this is fiction but its far too unbelievable to be anything else. I have never heard Blackpool people talk like that either
Although this had a almost happy and unbelievable ending unbelievable in the sense it was too good to be true. Why would a Doctor go to a dance at Blackpool tower just before he goes on a night shift. The three women had miserable lives then almost within a few hours the doctor has fallen in love with Alice. I realise this is fiction but its far too unbelievable to be anything else. I have never heard Blackpool people talk like that either
June 23, 2022
A brilliantly written book with a plot that continues to twist and turn in ways you don’t expect. It definitely kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. I don’t think I’ll be reading any further in the series, because I quite like where it left off, but it is definitely worth the read. This book brings with it some extremely lovable and complex characters, and I loved following their stories.
May 4, 2023
This is a beautiful story of friendship involving three girls who have suffered more than most in their lives of every day struggles, violence in the family and poverty. Their heart warming stories will weave together to make a beautiful tale of how friendship can withstand through the most horrific events.
I took so long to read it because I used to listen to my grans tales of when she was a young girl and this book.. Just felt like another of her stories. It was very moving.
I took so long to read it because I used to listen to my grans tales of when she was a young girl and this book.. Just felt like another of her stories. It was very moving.
May 11, 2021
WOW 5 STARS!!!!
One of the best books I have ever read. It pulls you in & you feel like you are actually there with the girls. It made me laugh & cry, extremely hard hitting in places. I can't wait for the next installment & have pre-ordered it already. The best book Maggie has ever written!!. 👏😀
One of the best books I have ever read. It pulls you in & you feel like you are actually there with the girls. It made me laugh & cry, extremely hard hitting in places. I can't wait for the next installment & have pre-ordered it already. The best book Maggie has ever written!!. 👏😀
July 15, 2021
This is an absolutely amazing story of three Blackpool Girls Marg, Alice, and Edith who work together and share everything in their lives. This is a story of true friendship which has you held from the beginning of the book to the end. I just cannot wait for book 2. A five star read for Maggie Mason.(Mary Wood)
November 17, 2021
This was a book I found hard to put down, the three friends Edith, Marg and Alice are brought to life within the pages. The hardship they all endure growing up in 1937 in the poorest area of Blackpool is conveyed brilliantly as is the friendship and laughter they all share.
I can't wait to read book 2
Brilliantly written book that I would recommend without hesitation.
I can't wait to read book 2
Brilliantly written book that I would recommend without hesitation.
November 5, 2022
A rounded up 4. I find this type of book very predictable and obvious, but this one less so which made it an enjoyable read. I liked the girls and cared about what was going to happen to them. However, I found some of the writing a bit amateurish and the accent did get on my nerves (“anyroad” !) , but the story was the winner which is at it should be. I’m even tempted to look up the sequel…!
February 7, 2023
Really enjoyed this book.
Well worth the read and will definitely be looking out for the others in the series.
The characters were all relatable,, I found myself laughing and crying at the trials and tribulations of the girls.. Very well written. One of the best easy going books I've read in ages.
Well worth the read and will definitely be looking out for the others in the series.
The characters were all relatable,, I found myself laughing and crying at the trials and tribulations of the girls.. Very well written. One of the best easy going books I've read in ages.
July 20, 2024
4.5. I very much enjoyed this book. It provided an interesting insight into the lives of the working class in Blackpool in the interwar period. The characters are strong and likable; it is surprising how much they are up against and how resilient their friendship makes them. Events in the story become more dramatic as the plot develops.
April 21, 2021
Alice, Edith, marge
Well ive just got myself 3 new friends I love them and reading there stories is going to be very interesting, I can't wait for the next instalment this had sad moments and happy moments a 5 star review.
Well ive just got myself 3 new friends I love them and reading there stories is going to be very interesting, I can't wait for the next instalment this had sad moments and happy moments a 5 star review.
July 25, 2021
A touching story.
This is the heart breaking story about three friends Madge, Alice and Edith and the struggles they face and their friendship that helps them through. A touching story and !looking forward to the next book in this series.
This is the heart breaking story about three friends Madge, Alice and Edith and the struggles they face and their friendship that helps them through. A touching story and !looking forward to the next book in this series.
August 2, 2021
Totally absorbing
This book I’m sure depicted the life of many people living in poorer areas at that time. I can’t imagine she poverty they incurred but admire the spirit that got the through
This book I’m sure depicted the life of many people living in poorer areas at that time. I can’t imagine she poverty they incurred but admire the spirit that got the through
April 1, 2021
loved reading the halfpenny girls following marg alice and ediths stories didnt want it to end definately 5***** hit every emotion cant wait for next book x
November 12, 2021
heartwarming
What a lovely heartwarming read, the characters were just perfect and their stories had me laughing, smiling and crying. Can’t wait to continue their story in The halfpenny girls at Christmas. Worth everyone of the recommended five stars
What a lovely heartwarming read, the characters were just perfect and their stories had me laughing, smiling and crying. Can’t wait to continue their story in The halfpenny girls at Christmas. Worth everyone of the recommended five stars
December 12, 2021
Fabulous start to a new series. Look forward to hearing more from the girls.
December 12, 2021
Set in Blackpool the story centres on Marg, Alice and Edith and their families. I really enjoyed this and can't wait to get my hands on book 2!
July 31, 2022
A warm story
August 16, 2023
I'm sorry I wanted to enjoy this story.
But I felt like I wasn't getting anywhere with it.
But I felt like I wasn't getting anywhere with it.
August 18, 2023
Such an enjoyable read. Another author to follow
September 26, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this book.It was very gritty and painful at times to read but so true to life.Im now looking forward to reading the follow up the halfpenny girls Christmas.
December 1, 2023
This bok was brilliant, but a very slow start, but once I got about 6 chapters in I couldn't put it down to find out if the girls found happiness or heartbreak
January 16, 2024
think this is the best book yet, so wholesome, enjoyed it from start to finish
June 3, 2024
This book was extremely depressing in some places but as I had started it I had to finish it. The characters were interesting but I wasn't keen on the style of writing...
2.5 stars 🌟 rounded up
2.5 stars 🌟 rounded up
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews