The Mersey Angels

by Sheila Riley

1916 LIVERPOOL
Following the death of her father, Ruby Swift, and husband Archie finally move back into Ashland Hall.
As the Great War rages, fathers and sons take the King's Shilling and head off to fight the unknown enemy, not knowing what horrors lie ahead.
With Ned Kincaid in the Navy, Archie signs up to the volunteer constabulary and nurses Anna Cassidy and Ellie Harrington enlist to do their bit for King and Country.
Soon the true casualties of war are being brought home in droves, Ruby converts Ashland Hall into an auxiliary hospital for wounded servicemen.
It’s not long before the true cost of war is brought closer to home and Anna and Ellie enlist in the British Military Nursing Corp and soon find themselves in the battlefields of France in search of the truth.
But they soon discover more than they bargained for...

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, World War I, British Literature

306 pages, Paperback

Published August 10, 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

[StinaStaffymum · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having previously enjoyed the author's Reckoner's Row series and then "The Mersey Mistress" , which was the first in this new Docklands series set on the River Mersey, I was excited to meet up with Anna and Ruby once again. I thoroughly enjoyed their stories in the first book, their tragedies and heartaches along with their lives, loves and joys. The first book introduced us to a cast of characters we grew to love in Anna, Ruby, Archie, Ned, Izzy, Lottie, Sam and Ellie including the not so nice ones in Jerky, Giles and the priest Father Parsons. In THE MERSEY ANGELS we meet up with them once again as life takes a different turn in each of their lives.

When we left them at the end of "The Mersey Mistress" , Ruby's father had passed away and she was finally able to marry her lifelong love Archie. Surprisingly her estranged father had left Ashland Hall and its estate to Ruby while his elder daughter May inherited Ashland Lodge within the grounds of the estate. Giles was so angered by the outcome that he packed himself and May back up and they returned to his parish in Scarborough, for he had been so sure the Hall was coming to May and therefore him and he'd already begun firing staff and making arrangements to move in.

Now Ruby was in the process of refitting Ashland Hall with electricity and making the necessary arrangements to open as an Auxillary Hospital for soldiers returning from the Front. With Anna and Ellie trained up as nurses, they handed in their notices at a nearby hospital and took up positions at Ashland to treat returning soldiers alongside Doctor Bea, a brash wiry haired Scotswoman who does not suffer fools.

Anna's story began in "The Mersey Mistress" also as a young girl who was made homeless when her house was burnt to the ground with her mother and twin brothers inside. Her ten year old brother Sam had been picking up a birthday gift for their mother he had saved for by carrying passengers' bags from the docks for them. But he had returned to find his home a pile of ashes and was taken to the vicarage where Father Parsons had taken him to the orphanage and nefariously arranged a passage for him to Canada and a new life, telling Sam that his sister Anna had died in hospital. But his new life was nothing like it was promised and Sam was beaten and abused before he managed to escape and was taken in by a kindly doctor. When war broken out in 1914, Sam signed himself up in the hope that he will one day return to Liverpool. He wrote a final letter home to Ruby and Archie asking them to put some flowers on Anna's grave for him, which is when they realised Sam believed her to be dead.

Now as a nurse in the Ashland Auxilliary Hospital, Anna works tirelessly alongside Ellie, Ruby's secret daughter who had been stolen from her and Archie ten days after her birth by Giles and her father. But Anna dreams of searching for her brother Sam and when young Nipper Woods is brought in as a casualty of war, he tells Anna that Sam says hi. Is he delirious? Anna isn't sure but one thing she is sure about...she wants to be posted overseas so she can find her brother. In his letter two years ago, he told Ruby and Archie that he was going off to war so where else would he be but at the Front? But for now, Anna knows she is needed here. Besides, when Ned comes home on leave she wants to be here to see him. The couple have grown closer over the years they have lived with Ruby and Archie, particularly when Ned rescued her from Jerky Woods' advances in a dark alley one night. The friendship then grew into something more and it is her fondest hope that he will return unscathed so that they may marry.

When Doctor Bea announces she is joining the Red Cross overseas, Anna and Ellie decide to go with her...much to Ruby and May's horror. But the two women are old enough and their services are needed at the Front to the many soldiers that come in by the hour. Both are excited by their new adventure but nothing prepares Ellie for the lack of facilities available, having been sheltered all her life. They meet and make fast friends with the effervescent Daisy Flynn who, as luck would have it, was shipped to Canada on the same passage as Anna's brother Sam.

But nothing could prepare Anna for the sheer joy she would feel when she finally comes face to face with her brother now all grown up at 17 and working as a medic. But just as quick as she found him comes the threat of her losing him all over again. And with not having heard from Ned in months, Anna fears she has lost the two men she loves the most in the world.

Back home in Liverpool, life goes on as normal for those left behind on the home front. And yet it has changed dramatically for so many in the years since war began. They said it would be over by Christmas...they just didn't define which Christmas!

As with the first book "The Mersey Mistress" , there are various stories running throughout involving each of the key players. There are still many secrets but they too come to the surface and bring everyone full circle. As this book begins in 1916, the war is well underway so a fair portion of it is devoted to the battlefield both in the trenches and the field hospitals. There are more losses along the way - some tragically cut short while others may not be so missed.

The reader will be taken through a range of emotions as we are left wondering who will return from the Front and who will not. THE MERSEY ANGELS is a delightful addition to the Dockside saga series and while there was an element of rounding off the stories by the books conclusion, I hope this isn't the end and that we hear more from Anna, Ruby and their extended families.

Thoroughly enjoyable, THE MERSEY ANGELS can be read as a standalone as there is enough backstory included to not leave the reader behind. But I do recommend reading "The Mersey Mistress" as it is a very different tale to this one that is emotional and tragic on a whole other scale. To better understand the characters in this one, I do recommend reading "The Mersey Mistress" first.

Enjoyable easy read, THE MERSEY ANGELS is perfect for fans of historical wartime fiction and sagas. I highly recommend.

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

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

[Federica · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is not a book I would have chose myself, but I got a widget from the publisher, so I decided to give it a try.
It's an easy read, but also informative about the historical time, as well having some mystery elements and some depths in the story that make it very interesting and engaging.
Despite being the second one in a series, the story is easy to follow and the characters are believable.
The style is not exactly my favourite, there are a lot of repetitions, both of expressions and of whole sentences, that made the reading difficult for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Grace J Reviewerlady · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another gripping saga from an author at the top of her game!

Ruby and husband Archie have finally moved into Ashland Hall. As the Great War rages on, most of the family are doing their bit one way or another and with the ever increasing wounded returning with injuries, Ruby decides to turn the Hall into a hospital. Anna and Ellie take the decision to take their nursing skills to France while they worry about loved ones in the throes of the action.

This is a thoroughly good tale which doesn’t shirk away from the horrors of war – nor should it. A family saga following lots of different angles all brought together with some very skilful writing. Great characters and more that a bit of truth sprinkled through the pages making this an interesting and stirring read. I have enjoyed previous novels by this author and this is of the same high calibre. A moving and inspiring read which I’m happy to recommend and give 4.5*.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book with interesting story lines, although part of a series you can read it as a stand alone.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Mersey Angels by Sheila Riley takes readers back to 1916 in England where our characters are dealing with injured soldiers from the war. Ruby Swift decides to turn Ashland Hall into an auxiliary hospital. Ruby, Archie, Anna, and Ellie move into the hunting lodge as a drill sergeant of a doctor takes over the hospital. Each person is worried about a loved one while they work to help the injured soldiers. The Mersey Angels can be read as a standalone in case you have not had the opportunity to read The Mersey Mistress. I thought The Mersey Angels was easy to read with developed, realistic characters. The author did her research for this series. She captured the time period, so the reader felt like they were back in 1916. I liked most of the characters with my favorite being the formidable Ruby Swift. She was a clever, shrewd woman. Ruby did not let any grass grow under her feet. If she had an idea, she was off to make it happen. The Mersey Angels is an emotional novel. There is heartache, hope, deep sorrow, disgust, joy, love, and hope. We get to follow Anna, Ruby, Ellie, Lottie, and Izzy as they go about their everyday lives with the additional workload of helping the war effort. Each person “wants to do their bit.” They experience losses, but they continue to have hope. With loved ones away fighting in the war, they worry they could receive a dreaded telegram. A telegram in 1916 told you if your loved one was missing in action, dead, or injured. There were, on occasion, telegrams that would bring joyful news. Letters would be exchanged between those at home and those away. Women at home worried when they did not receive consistent communication. The war wreaked havoc with mail delivery. While most of the characters are those that readers will love, there are some that you will love to hate. Jerky Woods is one of those. I just wanted to shake Lottie who was naïve and refused to see the man’s true nature. The Mersey Angels is an appealing novel that will delight fans of historical fiction. The ending will leave you smiling. The Mersey Angels is a compelling tale with a dedicated doctor, an awe-inspiring woman, an absent brother, a despicable son, courageous soldiers, and a waging war.

[Frankie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a sucker for stories set during the great war, it’s an era I am fascinated about and I have read a lot of books set in this era, that was one of the reason’s why I decided to read this book. Even though it did leave me in two frames of mind (more about that later) I did enjoy it, I can’t say I loved it but it was a decent story.

I did love the premise of the plot and that the story revolves around two women in particular who take up the call and lend their hands to the Nursing core.

This is the second instalment in the ‘Dockside Saga’ as I haven’t read the first book I can honestly say that you don’t need to, I read it as a stand-alone and it worked well enough for me. It’s an easy enough book to fall into without stressing that you have missed out on something from the previous stories.

I liked Anna and Ellie, they are both courageous, loyal, kind and caring young women who just want to do their bit. They have this calling and that calling takes them to the front, I admired them and liked their compassion and understanding of how they stick together and their genuine kindness.

One of the things I did love about the book is the extraordinary attention to detail, the hard work and research which has gone into The Mersey Angels are wonderful, the rich historical detail shines through and it is that part of the book which I enjoyed the most. I loved the little details which bring the entire story to life, the vivid detailing from their clothing to their day to day life puts meat onto the bones and keeps you engaged.

As I said above, that I am in mixed feelings about this, I did struggle with it quite a bit – which is the reason why this review has taken me so long to write, I will never write a slating review that will upset, I will always take time to say what I feel about a book in an honest but non-critical/hurtful way. This was one of those books which I did have to put down and come back to as I felt there were moments that I did find it a chore to read. Sorry!

Yet, on the other hand, there were times when I enjoyed it and thought ‘right, we are finally on track’ and those parts of the book spoke to me and I started falling into the lives of the characters once more. But more often than not there was a lot of repetition in phrases and wording. Again, apologies!

Overall, The Mersey Angels is an enjoyable story of secrets, family and friends, it’s full of courage and emotion. I think it’s a tad long-winded for my liking, but for those who love their family fuelled saga’s then this is a must-read.

[Kathy E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant read from Sheila Riley. This is a great follow up to The Mersey Mistress. I enjoyed both these books. Recommended five star reads.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a fan of Sheila’s work for a while now. I have read and loved each and every book that she has written to date. I especially love ‘The Dockside Series’. The first book in the series is called ‘The Mersey Mistress’ and was released in April 2021. Ever since I finished reading ‘The Mersey Mistress’ I have been very (im)patiently waiting for the second book in the series to be released. Well ladies and gents, the second book in the series called ‘The Mersey Angels’ was released on 10th August 2021. It is another superb book from the pen of Sheila Riley. I flipping well loved reading ‘The Mersey Angels’ but more about that in a bit.
It didn’t take to me long to get used to the characters again. In fact, I felt as though I had reunited with old friends with most of the characters whilst at the same time I wanted to sort out the nasty characters and give them a sharp telling off for upsetting my ‘friends’. I won’t go into too much details but needless to say the nasty characters are less than desirable and should be avoided at all costs.
As soon as I started to read ‘The Mersey Angels’ that was it- I just knew that nothing else would be done for the rest of the day because I wouldn’t be able to put the book down. My Kindle wasn’t exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it travelled everywhere with me. I couldn’t bear to miss a single second of the story. I became totally wrapped up in the story. I had my own suspicions as to what was going to happen and I couldn’t turn the pages quickly enough as I worked my way through the story. At one point the pages were turning that quickly that the page numbers became a blur. I found ‘The Mersey Angels’ to be a gripping read, which held my attention throughout and which kept me on the edge of my seat.
‘The Mersey Angels’ is superbly written but then that’s certainly true of Sheila’s books in general. Sheila has one of those writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. She grabs your attention from the start and reels the reader in in the same way as a fisherman would reel in a catch. Sheila has clearly carried out a lot of research into the period in which the story is set and this shines through in the quality of the story. I felt as though I was part of the story myself and at the heart of the action and that’s thanks to Sheila’s very vivid and realistic storytelling. I found that I became so convinced by the story that I began to interact with the book as if the different characters could hear me.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘The Mersey Angels’ and I would definitely recommend this book 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*.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in 1916 Liverpool, this book is chock full of nooks and crannies to explore and get lost in. The author includes historical bits and facts and what was de rigueur for the era such as "wristwatches". She writes about the grit and heartache as well as tender and interesting moments. One moment we feel hope, another disgust, another joy and another sorrow, an emotional rollercoaster of sorts. Zeppelin raids are becoming more common and RMS Lusitania had been sunk.

Ruby and Archie move back into Ashland Hall. As a dreamer and and a doer, Ruby makes big changes at the house. The valuables are locked away and the house becomes a beautifully-run auxiliary hospital for thirty patients with plans for more. Ruby puts her government stipend to excellent use...no equipment is out of reach and the best supplies and procedures are used. The doctor demands that the bandages be changed often, for example, which wouldn't happen at field hospitals. Nurses Anna and Ellie are in their element and see it all. Or so they think.

Anna hasn't seen her brother for years and her hope is waning. Lottie, another young woman, believes she is in love with her prince. Izzy and Nippy also have large roles to play in the story. So do secrets which take the reader all over from the hospitals to the tenements to the battlefield. Some characters are dear and loveable, others despicable. We see the effects of war and how people cope with it differently.

Those who enjoy a great Historical Fiction with informative historical bits should gravitate towards this and grab it. It has depth some don't have. The mystery elements are well integrated.

My sincere thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this fascinating book!

[Yvonne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Liverpool Saga series and carries on from The Mersey Mistress. This book can be read as a stand-alone, but I do think that it works better if read in order.

As the synopsis describes, Ruby has moved into Ashland Hall. WWI is taking its toll and the casualties are mounting, Ruby decides that she will give over the hall to help the injured servicemen as beds and hospitals are in short supply. As the injured are brought in thoughts of loved ones away in Europe is always on the minds of those who are home in Briain. Everyone, well almost everyone is wanting to do their part.

Set in 1916, the author uses her knowledge of the Liverpool area, to give the reader a chance to glimpse the lives of those who lived and worked both in Liverpool and further afield. This is a story that has its hardships and also its secrets. Even though the war is going on people still have to carry on with their everyday lives. For some that means working longer, doing jobs they would never have been considered for and putting themselves in the midst of some of the worst events in history.

The story does focus on key people, I found myself quite caught up in their various stories. Wondering along with the characters if a loved one would return, if they would be injured and if a telegram would bring the worst news. Following the characters as they struggled with loss, love but with a hope that things would be ok.

This is a story that falls into the saga and historical fiction genres. It is an addictive read and one that brought attitudes, social etiquette, some politics into the lives of the characters. It is a book and a series I am really enjoying and The Mersey Angels is one I would happily recommend.

[Jéssica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saga books, at least those that I have read, have this sense of community and family. Maybe because of the circumstances following the characters, with the wars and the dangers. Nevertheless, it's something I love. In this book we follow a group of characters during the WWI.

As Ruby turns Ashland Hall into a hospital and Anna and Ellie follow their path as nurses right to France, a lot can be said for these angels. The characters touched my heart, their kindness, their role in the story... I could feel compassion for them. I worry for them and for their loved ones. That's the power of stories like this one, even if they are fiction, they feel real, because the events are realistic and the Great War really existed.

Like I previously said, this is about family, about the way we are connected, the way war affects people's life. It's also about secrets, and there are a lot of them when it comes to our society. It's about hardship and love and finding your path and strength. In the end, it may feel like a rollercoaster of emotions, but it gives me hope.

Overall, it was an amazing book. And even though it's part of a series, I felt it could be read as a standalone. Although, it was a nice continuation of book one and I loved to be back to this group of characters. Sheila Riley did a brilliant job with the characters and with transporting us to their sides in this setting and time period. If this genre and setting is one you enjoy reading about, do give it a change.

[I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, Sheila Riley and Boldwood Books for the eCopy of this book, via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.]

[Terri (BooklyMatters) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in the early days of WW1 in Merseyside, Lancashire, this story follows the journey of Anna and Ellie, two young female nurses, who long to do their part to help in the war effort.

It’s a grim and difficult period for those left behind - the docksides dirty with coal and dust from railway locomotives and the gasworks; the tenements, factories, and alleyways, reeking of beer, tobacco, poverty and misery.

The second in the “Dockside Sagas” series, I read this book without having read the previous installment and had no difficulties following the continuing storyline.

With the help of their headstrong and tenacious “Aunt”, Lady Rowena Ashland, (also known as Ruby) the women secure resources and join the staff working to set up Ashland Hall as an auxiliary hospital for wounded and recuperating soldiers.

The story is told primarily in a variety of female voices, each depicting another perspective riddled with fear, hope, terror and anxiety associated with the war-mandated transcription of male husbands, fathers, sons and lovers - made acceptable against a backdrop of widespread community-generated fervor for the war effort which is buoyed by a shared (and deeply unsettling) abhorrence of those cowardly enough to not join in the fight.

Anna and Ellie’s journey, from somewhat naive but determined young women, brimming with “dockside toughness”, to compassionate shared survivors is interesting and the story told is rich with WW1 historic details and context.

Thank you to the author for an ARC of this book. All thoughts presented are my own.

[Jacqueline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nurses and best friends, Anna and Ellie, soon find doing their bit for the war effort at Ashland Hall with Aunt Ruby isn’t enough. For many reasons they want to help in the field hospitals in France. Anna has a troubled past and in order to make peace with her future, needs to do what she can to get to France, even if it’s a million to one chance she’ll find her brother Sam there.

The two girls couldn’t be more different, but I found both were characters who kept my interest. They were strong, followed their hearts, but were not afraid of hard work. They met the horrors and losses they saw on the battlefields with real Liverpudlian grit and determination, never losing their focus.

Alongside the personal dramas, I also enjoyed the social history aspect to this novel. From the converting of grand manor houses to recuperation hospitals, to the rise of women in the workforce and the poverty portrayed in the Liverpool dock vignettes, as well as the horrific conditions of the mud-filled trenches of France.

There was a lot to like if you are a historical fiction fan like I am.

I hadn’t read the first book in this series, which introduces eccentric Aunt Ruby and Anna’s tragic childhood story, and although I felt a bit lost at the beginning, I soon caught up and enjoyed following her journey. I would, however, recommend starting with The Mersey Mistress.

If you enjoy historical dramas with a real sense of place, I’m sure you will like this series.

[Misfits farm · Rating 4 out of 5]

We are back in 1914 and the second book in the series.(book 1 is “ The Mersey Mistress”) Ruby is determined to turn Ashland Hall, the home she gained from her father in his will, into a much needed hospital for the war effort. Men are coming back wounded and worse and everyone knows someone affected in one way or another. Young boys are singing up being deceitful about their age- to begin with it was only single men being conscripted, now as the need grows ever greater it is married men too. Not everyone wants to fight for their country- some would rather be on the wrong side of the law and opt for an easy life as Lottie is finding about her young man. May is now back under Ruby’s wing having endured Giles' wrath and conniving ways for far too long- he having taken every penny and more to fuel his gambling. When Anna and Ellie volunteer for the front line and end up at Ypres they see rather more than they bargained for. A nostalgic, informative, well researched read. We too easily forget what generations at that time went through- so much more than anything in recent times in this country.. The losses and loves and anxieties and heartaches are well portrayed and you can’t help but feel for the young women portrayed. A highly enjoyable read.

[Lisa's Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading and reviewing The Mersey Mistress, I was eager to read The Mersey Angels. This book is a continuation of the story of Ruby and her husband Archie. Ruby wants to help the war effort and the huge estate where they live is transformed into a hospital for returning soldiers. It is the perfect place for them to recover.

Anna Cassidy and Ellie are now nurses and are stationed at Ashland Hall. They are excellent nurses and love caring for the soldiers, but Anna worries about her true love, Ned. He is at sea and she longs for his letters. After serving at Ashland Hall the girls want to volunteer to serve in field hospitals in France.

They are determined to go, even though Ruby doesn’t like it. Anna has heard from another Liverpool soldier that her brother is working there as a medic. There are many unanswered questions: Will they find Sam, will Ned return safe, and will they survive the battlefield? I enjoyed the adventures of these ladies and gents. The story was filled with intrigue and had a fast-moving storyline.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[JayRaeReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝘽𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙍𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜: ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (3.5 out of 5)
⠀
I didn’t realize this was part of a series until after I had started (I need to start checking that better 😂) but for me it was fine as a stand-alone book.
While I didn’t like that the writing style felt very repetitive, the overall plot and historical references to WW1 were good. The characters were really good. It was easy to get attached to these women doing good works, being so kind, and basically being angels. The feel of family in this novel was wonderful and made me enjoy the story even more. The family aspect and medical aspect kind of reminded me of one of my favorite TV shows “Call the Midwife” but just in a general feeling sense, as the story was completely unique.
The pace was a little slow for me, but I will still try other saga books from this author.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was great to catch up with everyone in this second book of this series. World War 1 is tearing people’s lives apart, and Anna and Ellie try their best to help by nursing all the sick and terribly injured men. Ruby is taking to life back in her old family home and turns it into a hospital for the soldiers. As with book one I was drawn into this book from page one. Eagerly catching up with the great characters I followed them through the highs and lows as they tried their best to cope with what life threw at them. A well deserved five star read.

[Becki Basley · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Mersey orphan by Sheila Riley. (Part one of Reckoners Row) (Audiobook read on hoopla app)

Evie Kilgaren has had a rough upbringing but she dreams of working in an Office and moving away from the rough existence she had always known. Her father was dead as far as she knew and her mother unreliable, she must know take responsibilty for her younger brother and Sister. The little ones had been sent to Ireland to wait out the war. Now Evies dreams are seemed dashed as she must take work as a cleaner to make a life for her beloved siblings,

[Liza · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Merseyside Angels is a gripping tale from the very first page when Ruby agrees to turn her home into a hospital during WW1 she didn't realise it would become the best. But then Anna and Ruby's daughter Ellie go off to nurse on the front in France to search for Anna's long lost brother Sam. There are other just as gripping tales weaved through the book too.

Brilliant book, well written and highly recommended. The characters are both believable and relatable.

[Nancy Reynolds · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Mersey Mistress and Mersey Angels should have been one book versus a series. The first book set up the plot, and the second book spends too much time recapping events from the first book. Neither book stands alone well. It's light reading. Good writing, but predictable. Also, it's lost on me how/why Lady Rowena changing her name to Ruby is central to the plot. I doubt I will read other books by this author.

[Aviraj Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it Better than the last one will miss Anna and Ruby can't wait to see if we get further adventures, set after the sinking of Lusitania the books shows what happened towards the end of WW I with Ned missing and a long awaited reunion this book makes you happy and sad at the same time will surely recommend it
It's a review for a #NetGalley copy

[veronica cochrane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great tale, well written

A good story and it is well told. Interesting look into the horrors of WW1, and the bravery of people in the battlefield. The role played by women and the suffering of servicemen is very poignant and I couldn't put the book down. Look forward to the next in the series.

[Jann Graham · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a nice audio read while traveling. I love this time period of WWI and the courageous sacrifices of the soldiers, and especially those left behind to handle home life. So many young women weren’t sure if the future of their lives at this time. This book really emphasized that to the reader. An easy, pleasant read.

[jayne hay · Rating 5 out of 5]

The continue story off Anna and Ruby and there lives set in the first world war

What has happened to Anna's brother since he was sent to Canada will they all survive the first world war you need to read this book to find out

[Patricia Dorwin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Help needed

This book desperately needs a good proofreader and an even better editor. The story is already known but the human interest parts are disjointed. Two major points were downplayed, cataract surgery and blood transfusions. Pity.

[Niki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to follow soon as part of a Boldwood Books blog tour

[Sian · Rating 4 out of 5]

My review of The Mersey Angels is on my blog.

https://quirkybookreads.wordpress.com...

[Maureen Foster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good follow up book

The story continued in the same way of the first book strong and captivating. Facts incorrect no scouts or guides.

[Janeellis65iCloud.com · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story

A wonderful story of love, war and brave people. Really enjoyed this book. Sheila is a brilliant writer Will read some more of her wirk

[Marilyn Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story

I have loved this book, the detail about the first world war is absolutely amazing. Can't wait to read the rest of the series