The Mersey Mistress

by Sheila Riley

A gripping saga from Liverpool's very own bestselling author, Sheila Riley


1910 LIVERPOOL DOCKS

Ruby Swift is a hard-working, straight-talking woman of substance who does not suffer fools gladly.

But when tragedy strikes on a bitter Christmas Eve, Ruby and her beloved husband Archie take matters into their own hands when a trusted employee’s house is mysteriously engulfed by flames and lives are lost.

Orphaned by the fire, Ruby welcomes heartbroken sixteen-year-old Anna Cassidy, into her home but is unable to save Anna's twelve-year-old brother Sam, who is sent by the Church to Canada as a Homeboy.

Can Ruby help mend a broken heart and can these two children ever be reunited or is there another higher game in play?

Mersey Mistress takes you on a journey to another time, another place. From the banks of the River Mersey to the frozen waters of the Canadian Saint Laurence River.

Praise for Sheila

'A powerful and totally absorbing family saga that is not to be missed. I turned the pages almost faster than I could read.' Carol Rivers

'A fabulous story of twists and turns - a totally unputdownable, page turner that had me cheering on the characters. I loved it!' Rosie Hendry

'A thoroughly enjoyable, powerful novel' Lyn Andrews

'An enchanting, warm and deeply touching story' Cathy Sharp

'Vivid, compelling and full of heart. Sheila is a natural-born storyteller.' Kate Thompson

'This author knows the Liverpool she writes about; masterly storytelling from a true Mersey Mistress.' Lizzie Lane

Genres: Historical Fiction, Audiobook, Historical, Fiction

298 pages, Paperback

Published April 6, 2021

About the author

Born and raised on Merseyside, Sheila Riley is the eldest of seven children. Her parents John and Peggy took the scenic route through the many family anecdotes they shared and encouraged their daughter to do the same. At school Sheila quickly discovered her English exam grades could be improved by writing tales in the back of her exercise book, and so began her lifelong love of story-telling. Happily married to Tony, they have three grown-up children, five adorable grandchildren and a huge German Shepherd who is put in his place by a small, ancient cat called Missy.

Child of the Mersey is the first book in a new series that will feature the residents of Empire Street in Liverpool during the Second World War.

Reviews

[Alayne Emmett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book, another new author which I’m always happy to try. This book was set in the 1900’s and through to the sinking of the Titanic and the First World War. I loved all the different characters and the way this book ended I’m sure there is more in this series. I sincerely hope so.

[StinaStaffymum · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm thrilled to be taking part in the #BlogTour for Sheila Riley's engaging new saga THE MERSEY MISTRESS.

Beginning in 1892, THE MERSEY MISTRESS sets the tone of this enthralling new saga when young lovers, Rowena Ashland and Archie Swift, banished from Rowena's family home of Ashland Hall when it is revealed she is with child. But Rowena's father, Silas Ashland, forbids her to marry Archie and if she does so in his lifetime he will disinherit her. So together they set up home together and welcome their baby girl into the world. But unbeknownst to them, her father and her barren younger sister's husband conspired to steal away Rowena and Archie's little girl when she was barely ten days old for May and Giles to raise as their own, leaving Rowena distraught. She vowed to never forgive her father...or Giles Harrington.

Liverpool 1910: Emma Cassidy is a proud widow bringing up 4 children since the death of her husband at sea before her five year old twins were born. Pregnant and widowed, she knocked on the door of Ruby Swift's Emporium begging for work to feed her family. Ruby took her in and gave her a job in which Emma thrived. Now five years later, as she makes her way to the Emporium on Christmas Eve, she trips over a broken gas lamp and twists her ankle. She manages to hobble home where her 16 year old daughter Anna settles her in with the twins to rest by the fire, assuring her that she will work her mother's job for the day so she will not miss out on her much-needed wages.

Known as "her ladyship" to some, Ruby Swift did not come from humble beginnings like those who frequented her stores. But life has taught her to be humble since her father forbade her to marry the man she loved and stole their child in the night. Born Rowena Ashland, Ruby took on the name of Archie's beloved aunt and long-serving housekeeper at Ashland Hall and that of Archie's, living together as married despite the fact they are not. Ruby was good to the people of Liverpool's dock area and was revered amongst many, as well as charitable in her donations. But Ruby believed in an honest day's work and never begrudged anyone trying to do their best for their family. When she took on Emma Cassidy, she also became a friend as well as an employee, and a trusted one at that. So when Emma failed to show up at work on Christmas Eve she knew it was not like her at all...and then Anna came knocking, offering to do her mother's job in her place.

Anna Cassidy was brought up to be respectful of others but to also stand on her own two feet. She had no qualms in working her mother's job in her place if it meant giving the twins a memorable Christmas. She took her 12 year old brother Sam along with her to collect the rents for Miss Ruby, but when on her own she found herself cornered by the unpleasant and bullying Jerky Woods, who tried forcing himself on her as well as stealing her takings. A swift kick sent Jerky reeling in pain, giving her the chance to escape, but Anna knew she would need to be on her guard after that as Jerky would not let such a humiliation lie. It was not to be her last encounter with him that day either...but it was one that would change the course of her life forever.

Tragedy rocks Anna's world when Ruby tells her that her house is on fire and she races back to Queen Street to save her mother and little brothers...but arrives too late. After watching her house crumble into charred remains, the firemen carried out the lifeless bodies of her family. But where was Sam? Whilst Ruby faces off with the unscrupulous Father O'Connell, Anna steals away in the night to search for her only surviving brother. She searches all night to no avail and the following morning Archie and Ned, the young man he and Ruby too in, find Anna frozen and unconscious by the docks.

Meanwhile, Sam was discovered by a policeman in the charred remains of his house and taken to the priest who vowed not to let the sinful harlot Ruby Swift get her claws into the child. So he sent him off to the orphanage before Ruby could discover his subterfuge, signing Sam's life away to Canada in one fell swoop. It was to be a new life for Sam...but what was really in store?

Although Anna remained in hospital for many weeks, she was taken in by Ruby and Archie upon her recovery where she started work in the Emporium alongside the woman who had saved her life. Too late, she discovered Sam had been sent to Canada and all she could do was hope she would one day see him again. In one night, Anna had lost everything - her home, her family. All she had left was the silver locket her brother had saved for all year to buy their mother for Christmas.

Life is harsh on the docks, but Anna has been given a second chance. But is it enough? Can Ruby help Anna mend her broken heart? And will Anna and Sam ever be reunited? Or is there something sinister keeping them apart?

An addictive tale that sweeps you back to the early 20th century in this wonderful story of love, family, betrayal, loss and tragedy. THE MERSEY MISTRESSis truly heartbreaking but also wonderfully charming that will warm your heart as well as make you cry.

The grittiness of poverty to the opulence of the middle class, this book has it all. I thoroughly enjoyed it and didn't want it to end. My only complaint is that it ended. I wanted it to go on and on and never have it end. But the story is left open to continue to a second book, which I hope won't be too far away.

Perfect for historical fiction and saga fans, THE MERSEY MISTRESS will tug at your heartstrings and have you reaching for the tissues. Be warned, you will need them.

I would like to thank #SheilaRiley, #RachelsRandomResources, #Netgalley and #BoldwoodBooks for an ARC of #TheMerseyMistress in exchange for an honest review.

This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.

[Isabel Mawby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good, love an easy read.

[Beth Thompson · Rating 3 out of 5]

So many unanswered questions! Very disappointed.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a fan of Sheila’s work for a little while now. I read, loved and reviewed her two previous books called ‘The Mersey Orphan’ and ‘The Mersey Girls’. So when I heard that she was due to release another book, I knew that I had to read it as soon as I could. Well ladies and gents the wait is over because Sheila’s new book called ‘The Mersey Mistress’ was released on 6th April 2021. It is another corker of a read, which I thoroughly enjoyed but more about that in a bit.
I loved the character of Ruby Swift and I took to her from the start. In fact she began to feel more like a friend than a character in a book. She hasn’t had it easy herself as events happened in her past that led to her having to move away and create a new life for her and her husband. Ruby hasn’t let it keep her down as she and her husband have made a success of things. Her success hasn’t changed her and she has been known to help those in need. She has known hardship herself and she can’t bear to see others suffer. Ruby is a kind, compassionate, sensitive young woman. She doesn’t suffer fools gladly and she won’t take any nonsense from anybody.
It’s no word of a lie when I say that I was drawn to this book by the fact that I saw Sheila Riley’s name on the cover of the book. The synopsis left me wanting more and I dived straight into the story. To say that reading ‘The Mersey Mistress’ became addictive is a huge understatement. I picked the book up only intending to read a chapter or two but I ended up becoming so wrapped up in the story that I was still sat there reading over half a dozen chapters later. ‘The Mersey Mistress’ developed a hold over me and it was a hold that I wasn’t willing to break. Despite my best efforts to ration how much I read in one go to prolong my enjoyment of the book, I finished reading ‘The Mersey Mistress’ in just under 12 hours.
‘The Mersey Mistress’ is superbly written but then I think the same to be true of Sheila’s work in general. Sheila has a writing style that is easy to take to and easy to get used to. She certainly grabbed my attention and drew me into what proved to be a compelling and emotional read. Sheila describes Merseyside so well that I feel as though I know the place without ever having visited. I hope that makes sense. I felt as though I was part of the story and that’s thanks to Sheila’s very vivid and realistic storytelling.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘The Mersey Mistress’ and I would definitely recommend it to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Sheila’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.

[Storied Conversation · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has been a while since I read a saga and I must tell you that I am more than thrilled to have read this amazing book from Sheila Riley. This is my first book from this author and I must say this is one of the most well written sagas I've read.

I'm going to be honest and I hate sagas typically! I can remember reading and then watching one in particular when I was younger that just put me off them. Over the years I have given one or two a go and liked them alright. The Mersey Mistress puts all the ones before to shame.

Rowena Ashland her her lover set out on their own when Rowena is banished from her family home when it is discovered that she is pregnant for Archie. That is simply not done in 1892. However banishment isn't enough, her father forbids her to marry Archie.

Now, I would say at this point who cares what he forbids because you already broke the big rule of no sex before marriage. Yet they don't marry, instead they set up house and prepare for the birth of their child.

Her father and brother in law steal Rowena's newborn daughter so that Giles (the brother in law) and her sister can raise the child as their own. Can I just say I hate Rowena's father?

But unbeknownst to them, her father and her barren younger sister's husband conspired to steal away Rowena and Archie's little girl when she was barely ten days old for May and Giles to raise as their own, leaving Rowena distraught. She vowed to never forgive her father...or Giles Harrington.

If all of that doesn't seem like enough years later Ruby (as Rowena goes by now) takes in Emma Cassidy to work for her. One day when Emma doesn't show up but her daughter Anna does Ruby knows there is something wrong. When more trouble arrives for young Anna, Ruby knows she has to help.

There is so much more that happens in this book but I feel like saying anything more would be giving stuff away. This book made me feel so many things. I cried when Rowena's baby is taken, when everything that goes on with Anna seems like too much. However I celebrated their good times as well. This is a book that will leave you all the feels but mostly with awed by the words and imagination that this author has accomplished.

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. This review was originally posted on Wickedly Romance

[Gina Rae Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sheila Riley's newest book, situated in the Mersey area, is simply amazing. This historical fiction novel will grab you by the heart and keep you turning page after page. 

Please note this is a stand-alone entry in the Reckoner's Row set. This story revolves around Ruby Swift and Anna Cassidy. As their lives become more entwined, what starts as duty, turns to love. We follow along as tragedies are overcome and truly generous, giving people show there is decency among our fellow men. 

While Ruby and Anna are the main characters, the large cast of people in the book is what makes it the most appealing. Without Archie, where would Ruby be? Can Anna find her brother Sam? Will Ned travel the world? I could go on and on, but I'll let you discover the joy of these characters for yourself.

The Mersey Mistress is a family saga that deals with familial duty and the male dominance of the era. It touches on the earliest days of the suffrage movement. I learned more about the orphans called Home Children sent from Britain to Canada as indentured servants to rural farmers.

The poverty of the area is its own character in this story. The stark differences in how each family deals with their dire existence shines through as a moral to the story. While some will beg or steal to make ends meet, many others vow to let their work ethic and personal strength carry them through the most trying of times.

The author does a great job of giving us enough closure to be satisfied while waiting for the next book. There simply must be another book, as I need to know what's next for these wonderful people.

This heartbreaking yet uplifting tale deeply touched me. It has earned the highest of my recommendations for historical fiction lovers, family sagas, and well-written prose. Please pick up a copy today; I'm sure you won't be able to put it down.

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such an addictive historical fiction story that fans of sagas will love. The intro to the story is hard and cruel, it is representative of a time gone by.

Set in 1910 in the dock area of Liverpool the author weaves the story of two women. One who has turned her back on all she knows for happiness. The other trying to the best she can. Both women have suffered tragedy in their lives. They have endured the pain of losing family. Yet they have fought through and are survivors.

This is quite an emotional story at times, that did pull at the heartstrings. There are so many ups and downs that I found myself unable to stop reading. The author has captured the feel of society and also of the conditions of the time. She has successfully used her characters to show the good and the bad in a society of the time.

The story is such a fabulous read and even though it has heartbreaking moments, I also felt that it was balanced with a sense of hope. This is one that historical fiction/ romance and family saga readers are going to adore. It has the feel of the start of a much longer story, and I would love to see a follow-up. I read this in one sitting, it was that good and I would definitely recommend it.

[Donna Maguire · Rating 5 out of 5]

https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...

I absolutely adored this book – it was a wonderful story with so much going on.

I loved the way that the book was written as it follows the main characters through the book, there was a wonderful feeling of family, support and togetherness, through to tragedy and peril too.

It had a lovely flow to it and I found it to be an addictive read, after the first few chapters I just wanted to carry on reading and it was a brilliant book to relax with.

It is 5 stars from me for this one, I loved it, it was a fabulous historical saga and I can’t wait for more – very highly recommended!!

[Rupanwita · Rating 1 out of 5]

set around WW-I, story of a brother and sister who face quite a lot of tragedy in their teens yet thrive to be good and survive. Very dramatic and very meh.

[Misfits farm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruby has a child by her fathers groom Archie whom she loves very much. The child is taken away. Eighteen years later and Ruby and Archie are living as man and wife although not married. This is 1910 and would be frowned upon if certain members of the community knew. However both Archie and Ruby run successful businesses and the local community depends on them. Ruby is strict but fair- she has to be- Archies business is a pawn shop and hers an emporium where things can be quietly bought on the never never for those who either can’t afford things or wish to be seen on the rise. When her very trusted employee Emma Is off work, her daughter Anna fills in for the day and one thing leads to another in a bad way, leaving Anna in hospital and her brother being looked after by the church. Ruby steps in to help- too late to help Sam but she can look after Anna. I loved this- it's not my usual genre but something struck me when reading the synopsis and I'm very glad I did. A story of not being bullied into who you “should” be, but of being who you are and going with your heart. I greatly admired both Ruby and Anna. Both women who overcame adversity and found their strength in doing so. I very much look forward to the next in the series.
For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/
or follow me on Twitter@nickisbookblog

[Jo Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a lovely nostalgic read. I mean not that I was around at the time of the titanic, but it was a wander through old times. No NHS, no benefit system, just hard graft, poverty and maybe the help of the church. Not better times but seemed to be much simpler times.

Set in Liverpool, Anna takes over her mothers job for the day after an accident, and from there we are brought tragedy after tragedy, but also the love of Ruby, Ruby who has escaped her past and really made something of herself.

There should be a series here. There’s much left unsaid. I’d definitely read a follow up, these kind of stories always leave me feeling warmed.

Free on audible now

[Victoria Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sheila Riley has a way of using and reusing idioms. Should I have been one of the characters, hearing these once a day or less, I would not have found so jarring. However, given I am not, in fact, a character in a Riley saga, I am jarred, nay, kegged by the repetitious use of some idioms.

Despite this, very enjoyable. I liked the characters, Riley eeks out mystery in a mostly satisfying way. It does make twists easier to predict, but the narrative holds its own and doesn't necessarily need them.

[Mrs MJH Compton-Edwards · Rating 4 out of 5]

thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, but to me there should have been so much more to come, a follow on book perhaps Sheila... to me this book had no ending, so writers please note we do like an ending to a story, even if it means another book to come......did Brother and Sister ever find each other again, did Anna and Ned get married, and why oh why did Ruby not tell Eleanor she was her Daughter, as I said story needed an ending!!!!

[Vicky · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant Read of life in Liverpool starting pre WW1

This book was everything I love in a read. Historical drama at its best. Set in Liverpool depicting the tasking way of life around the set of WW1. Ruby and Archies sad start in life together and wonderful characters like Anna, Ned and Sam coming into their fold and care. Great story of sorrow, hardship, and happiness . A brilliant book which I am now about to read book two.

[Jenny Warren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. Loved all the characters and their life stories however I was disappointed with the ending. I thought this must have been the first book in a series as so many stories were left unfinished. I was therefore very disappointed to find that it was not a part of a series and just left the reader feeling unfinished.

[Kathleen Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the Mersey Mistress book by Sheila Riley, as I am from Liverpool, born just after ww2 it was fascinating learning about what life was like back then although my Parents and Grand parents went through both wars there but people from that era never spoke much about life then they just got on with what ever there life was like. I am now in the middle of the the Mersey Angels and I really hope there is more to come in this saga Excellent reading would certainly recommend these books

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

New to this author and what a great introduction to her work. I love the relationships between the good characters and despise the bullies that inflict pain on them. I also enjoyed that hometown feel and how people lpoked out for each other. Please tell me there is a sequel to this book as the ending has me intrigued...!

[Marilyn Williams]

Very enjoyable

I've read all of Sheilas books and they are wonderful, you feel that you are right there with the characters. I also read the ones she wrote under Annie Groves name, all brilliant. A wonderful story teller, can't wait for more.

[Phyllis Moran · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written

I enjoyed the characters and the story line very much, but although I don't expect a happy ever after for all characters I felt that leaving at least 5 story lines up in the air was upsetting. Could not therefore recommend this book unfortunately

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Mersey Mistress

Very well written and interesting story focusing on the good and bad events in the life of several people in Liverpool during the early part of the 20th century. The characters come alive and the reader can feel their pain.

[Tania Cook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another corker

Loved this story and at times couldn't put it down. The characters are all really real and I quickly got to like them all. I can't wait to read the next in the series.

[Nancy Reynolds · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not a standalone book. It seems to set the stage nicely for the follow up, which 8 will begin reading tomorrow. So if you commit to this book, be prepared to read the second in the series. It's good descriptive writing, but overall a light read.

[Jo Fetsco · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ruby and her common-law husband take in a young woman whose family, the mother of which works for Ruby, on Christmas Eve after her family is killed by a house fire.. Clearly a book to start a series, this book just leaves the reader hanging at the end.

[josephine Hunt · Rating 3 out of 5]

A story that needed a better end.

There was a very good story but I skipped a lot of the descriptive writing, it was too much. I needed a better end.

[Janeellis65iCloud.com · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

An excellent tale with amazing details of life as we do not know it. I am looking forward to more of this clever authors work

[Bethlaiymail.Com · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entwined lives

Ruby and her friends and family work together to create a good life through all their trials and hardships always looking out for each other

[jayne hay · Rating 5 out of 5]

What's Ruby secret ?

When Ruby arrives in Liverpool she has secrets will they be found out or can she keep her secrets from being revealed

[Helena Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hard to put down

Characters you want to get to know.Reminding us that people a great readcan be kind.Looking at the largest change the world has seen

[Jan Parkes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good story

I hope there is a follow up to this book. I would like to think Sam got home to see his sister