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Fishers Wharf
The Women of Fishers Wharf
Can you leave the past behind and embrace the future? - A brand new series from Tracy Baines
Great Grimsby, 1912
Newlywed fisherman Alec Hardy decides to make a fresh start with his young wife Letty and move to the thriving fishing port of Grimsby in search of a brighter future.
Letty is from farming stock and knows nothing of the hard life as a fishermen’s wife but is willing to embrace the challenge with Alec.
But where Alec goes, so does his widowed mother, Dorcas and she has trouble coming to terms with taking second place in her son’s life.
With Alec at sea for weeks on end, the two women clash and Letty seeks escape from her bitter mother-in-law amongst the streets of Fish Dock Wharf.
Can Letty help them break free from the shadows of the past or will she be bound by Dorcas’ insistence that they cling to the old ways?
Great Grimsby, 1912
Newlywed fisherman Alec Hardy decides to make a fresh start with his young wife Letty and move to the thriving fishing port of Grimsby in search of a brighter future.
Letty is from farming stock and knows nothing of the hard life as a fishermen’s wife but is willing to embrace the challenge with Alec.
But where Alec goes, so does his widowed mother, Dorcas and she has trouble coming to terms with taking second place in her son’s life.
With Alec at sea for weeks on end, the two women clash and Letty seeks escape from her bitter mother-in-law amongst the streets of Fish Dock Wharf.
Can Letty help them break free from the shadows of the past or will she be bound by Dorcas’ insistence that they cling to the old ways?
335 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 17, 2022
199 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
About the author
Tracy Baines
24 books49 followersTracy Baines writes about friendship, family, and finding your inner strength when life gets tough. Her stories celebrate strong women and the importance of community spirit. Tracy’s bestselling historical sagas are inspired by her love of the seaside and its contrast with the gritty industrial fishing ports on the east coast of England where she was born.
Her debut novel The Variety Girls (now The Seaside Girls) was shortlisted for the RNA Saga Award 2020.
Her grandmother’s stories and her own family heritage are the inspiration behind the Fishers Wharf series which follows the Hardy and the Evans families and the friendship that grows between two women from opposite sides of the class divide.
Tracy lives in Dorset with her husband, and dogs Harry and Betsy. Her children and grandchildren live close enough for babysitting duties.
When she’s not writing Tracy is either gardening, rummaging in antique shops or finding a host of other lovely ways to procrastinate. Coffee and cake are usually involved.
Her debut novel The Variety Girls (now The Seaside Girls) was shortlisted for the RNA Saga Award 2020.
Her grandmother’s stories and her own family heritage are the inspiration behind the Fishers Wharf series which follows the Hardy and the Evans families and the friendship that grows between two women from opposite sides of the class divide.
Tracy lives in Dorset with her husband, and dogs Harry and Betsy. Her children and grandchildren live close enough for babysitting duties.
When she’s not writing Tracy is either gardening, rummaging in antique shops or finding a host of other lovely ways to procrastinate. Coffee and cake are usually involved.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
October 17, 2022
I've read and enjoyed Tracy Baines' Variety Girls series but this book THE WOMEN OF FISHERS WHARF is so much better! Maybe it's the era that's different that I like without the usual wartime background, I'm not sure. But it is a wonderful historial saga tale set in the North East in 1912 around the fish dock wharves and the community it surrounds.
Letty Hardy is a young idealistic young women, having just married the love of her life Alec who is a fisherman. She made the brave move from her life on the farm to Grimsby with her new husband and his mother so that Alec can find work on a fishing trawlers. But she didn't anticipate just how hard life in Mariners Row would be, and how much harder it would be with her mother-in-law Dorcas.
Alec finds work almost immediately on the Black Prince as a third hand, leaving Letty at home with his mother. The two women do not get along, Dorcas showing her disapproval at her son's choice of wife obvious. In her opinion Letty knows nothing of the fisher wives way of life, having come from the land not the sea. And try as she might, Letty cannot seem to reach an even keel with her mother in law. They cannot see eye to eye on anything - from braiding nets to their neighbour Anita to Letty's volunteer work at the mission to her desire to make something of herself and helping to support them while Alec is at sea. Each time Letty tries to extend an olive branch Dorcas rebuffs her, both women stubborn in their own way. But Letty wants more for herself than threading needles and braiding nets for the menfolk and Dorcas sees that as a snub at their way of life.
Whilst out looking for work one day she was lead to the Parkers, where she offered her services on a trial basis. Letty knew she could turn this business around and make it profitable again. And despite Percy Parker's reticence, he soon warmed to young Letty who not only brightened the poky old shop but their lives as well. Meanwhile Alec was making plans of his own. He wants his skippers ticket so he could man his own boat and one day take ownership of a fleet of trawlers of his own.
Life in the fishing community is a hard one - for the men who brave the rough open seas and for the wives at home waiting for the safe return of their menfolk. Some make it back, some don't. The community around he fish docks is a thriving one and they each look out for their own, doing what they can to help. And when tragedies strike, they rally around.
All the characters in this tale are warm and welcoming, even the ones who aren't come around. Everyone helps each other and friendships are formed. THE WOMEN OF FISHERS WHARF is an easy read and thoroughly enjoyable. I loved the easy style with which it is written, drawing the reader into the story and keeping us there throughout.
I can't wait to see where this saga takes us next and eagerly await the second book. Although it is the first in a new series, it can easily be read as a standalone. But the characters are all so warm and inviting you just want to revisit them again.
A perfect easy read for those who enjoy historical sagas.
I would like to thank #TraceyBaines, #Netgalley, #BoldwoodBooks and #RachelsRandomResources for an ARC of #TheWomenOfFishersWharf in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
Letty Hardy is a young idealistic young women, having just married the love of her life Alec who is a fisherman. She made the brave move from her life on the farm to Grimsby with her new husband and his mother so that Alec can find work on a fishing trawlers. But she didn't anticipate just how hard life in Mariners Row would be, and how much harder it would be with her mother-in-law Dorcas.
Alec finds work almost immediately on the Black Prince as a third hand, leaving Letty at home with his mother. The two women do not get along, Dorcas showing her disapproval at her son's choice of wife obvious. In her opinion Letty knows nothing of the fisher wives way of life, having come from the land not the sea. And try as she might, Letty cannot seem to reach an even keel with her mother in law. They cannot see eye to eye on anything - from braiding nets to their neighbour Anita to Letty's volunteer work at the mission to her desire to make something of herself and helping to support them while Alec is at sea. Each time Letty tries to extend an olive branch Dorcas rebuffs her, both women stubborn in their own way. But Letty wants more for herself than threading needles and braiding nets for the menfolk and Dorcas sees that as a snub at their way of life.
Whilst out looking for work one day she was lead to the Parkers, where she offered her services on a trial basis. Letty knew she could turn this business around and make it profitable again. And despite Percy Parker's reticence, he soon warmed to young Letty who not only brightened the poky old shop but their lives as well. Meanwhile Alec was making plans of his own. He wants his skippers ticket so he could man his own boat and one day take ownership of a fleet of trawlers of his own.
Life in the fishing community is a hard one - for the men who brave the rough open seas and for the wives at home waiting for the safe return of their menfolk. Some make it back, some don't. The community around he fish docks is a thriving one and they each look out for their own, doing what they can to help. And when tragedies strike, they rally around.
All the characters in this tale are warm and welcoming, even the ones who aren't come around. Everyone helps each other and friendships are formed. THE WOMEN OF FISHERS WHARF is an easy read and thoroughly enjoyable. I loved the easy style with which it is written, drawing the reader into the story and keeping us there throughout.
I can't wait to see where this saga takes us next and eagerly await the second book. Although it is the first in a new series, it can easily be read as a standalone. But the characters are all so warm and inviting you just want to revisit them again.
A perfect easy read for those who enjoy historical sagas.
I would like to thank #TraceyBaines, #Netgalley, #BoldwoodBooks and #RachelsRandomResources for an ARC of #TheWomenOfFishersWharf in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
February 28, 2023
A great story set in Grimsby about the wives and there fishermen husbands. Work was very hard fishing out at sea, but it was also hard for the women left at home who worked and kept house as well.
October 29, 2022
Fishermen and their families the world over should be saluted for taking on the forces of the seas and oceans from which they earn their livelihood. The ever-imminent danger at sea, lurks, taking toll on the men and their families who wait ashore. Families wait and watch, wondering - will they see their husbands and sons, ever again? I'd say this work of fiction is a wholehearted salute to these courageous men and boys, who daily, take their lives into their hands, and to their womenfolk who often suffer but work patiently at home and in the village to mark the time until the trawlers, hopefully, return.
Such was Alec and Letty's life. Letty, left with her hostile mother-in-law, found a sympathetic ear and friend in the shopkeepers' ears as she helped them revive their living. They also try to be understanding as she learns what it is to be a fisherman's wife. The stress and strain of such a life could not be fully imagined except to experience it firsthand. Author Tracy Bains helps the "outsider" reader do just this as she unfolds her tale that has been loosely based on real life fishermen and their families.
Anyone having grown up in a fishing village, will relate well to this story, knowing just 'how it is' with 'certain sure' clarity. I have been well satisfied with this story and give the author a 5 Star thumbs up.
~ Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger ~
September 2022
Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent by NetGalley and the Boldwood Books
Such was Alec and Letty's life. Letty, left with her hostile mother-in-law, found a sympathetic ear and friend in the shopkeepers' ears as she helped them revive their living. They also try to be understanding as she learns what it is to be a fisherman's wife. The stress and strain of such a life could not be fully imagined except to experience it firsthand. Author Tracy Bains helps the "outsider" reader do just this as she unfolds her tale that has been loosely based on real life fishermen and their families.
Anyone having grown up in a fishing village, will relate well to this story, knowing just 'how it is' with 'certain sure' clarity. I have been well satisfied with this story and give the author a 5 Star thumbs up.
~ Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger ~
September 2022
Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent by NetGalley and the Boldwood Books
November 18, 2022
I loved this page Turner and was pleased to get to bed to read it every night to find out what happened next. The lives of fishermen rarely feature in books so I was delighted to read more of their lives and trials, joys, sorrow and elation.
Tracy has a beautiful way of quietly delivering information about the characters. When reading some books, I have a job keeping up with who’s who, but not in Tracy’s books.
I’ve read the Variety Girls books and will be hunting for more!
More books mentioning my beloved Cleethorpes and Grimsby please, Tracy.
Tracy has a beautiful way of quietly delivering information about the characters. When reading some books, I have a job keeping up with who’s who, but not in Tracy’s books.
I’ve read the Variety Girls books and will be hunting for more!
More books mentioning my beloved Cleethorpes and Grimsby please, Tracy.
October 19, 2022
I have been a fan of Tracy's work for a while now. I read and absolutely loved her books about the 'Variety Girls' and so when I heard that Tracy was going to release another book and that it was the first book in a new saga series called 'The Women Of Fishers Wharf', I knew that I had to grab a copy of the book at the earliest opportunity. I managed to grab hold of a copy and I hibernated until I read the very last word on the very last page. I adored reading 'The Women Of Fishers Wharf' but more about that in a bit.
I loved the character of Letty Hardy and I warmed to her from the very start. In fact I ended up feeling as though Letty had become a friend of mine and naturally I felt all protective of her. Letty is a young woman, who recently married her sweetheart called Alec Hardy. They are enjoying married life although admittedly it is still early days for them. Alec and Letty move to Grimsby in the hope that Alec will be able to find paid work on the fishing boats there. The only problem is that Alec's mother Dorcas has moved with them and she isn't exactly the most pleasant lady. In fact at times I could have quite cheerfully slapped Dorcas. Letty tries not to let her mother in law get to her, which at times is easier said than done. Letty tries to make the best of the situation and build a new life for herself and she soon makes friends. Letty finds she has to keep busy to avoid worrying about Alec when he is at sea. Letty is a kind, caring, compassionate, sensitive, helpful, hardworking and decent young woman. I kept everything crossed that she would make a success of her new life and that she would get the 'happy ever after' ending that she so deserved. What happens? Well for the answer to that question and so much more you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out as I am not going to tell you.
Anybody who knows me well, knows that not only am I a book geek but I absolutely love historical fiction- particularly books set in the first half of the 20th Century. So imagine my excitement when I read the synopsis of 'The Women Of Fishers Wharf'. I jumped straight into the story and boy what a story it was. The story is set during 1912 which is a period that fascinates me. It didn't take me long at all to get into the story. As soon as I started reading, I knew that I was reading something special and that I would struggle to put the book down. That's exactly what happened. 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 had my own suspicions as to what was going to happen so I had to keep reading to see if I was on the right track or if I had wandered in the opposite direction. I became so wrapped up in the story that I lost all track of time and just how quickly I was getting through the book. All too quickly I reached the end of 'The Women Of Fishers Wharf' and I had to say goodbye to Alec and Letty Hardy and the rest of the characters. I found 'The Women Of Fishers Wharf' to a gripping, tense, dramatic and emotional read, which certainly kept me on the edge of my seat throughout.
'The Women Of Fishers Wharf' is superbly written but then I have come to expect nothing less from Tracy Baines. Tracy has an easy going writing style that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. In fact reading one of Tracy's books feels more like a chat between friends rather than reading an actual book. I hope that makes sense. Tracy certainly knows how to grab the reader's attention and draw them into what proves to be one hell of a read. Tracy clearly cares about her characters and this shines through in the very vivid and realistic way in which she describes them. She describes them so well that they seem just as real as you and I. Reading 'The Women Of Fishers Wharf' felt a bit like being on an emotional rollercoaster ride with all the highs and lows, ups and downs and well you get the picture. I love the way in which Tracy makes the reader feel as though they are part of the story and at the heart of the action.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'The Women Of Fishers Wharf' and I would definitely recommend it to other readers. I will most definitely be reading more of Tracy's work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
I loved the character of Letty Hardy and I warmed to her from the very start. In fact I ended up feeling as though Letty had become a friend of mine and naturally I felt all protective of her. Letty is a young woman, who recently married her sweetheart called Alec Hardy. They are enjoying married life although admittedly it is still early days for them. Alec and Letty move to Grimsby in the hope that Alec will be able to find paid work on the fishing boats there. The only problem is that Alec's mother Dorcas has moved with them and she isn't exactly the most pleasant lady. In fact at times I could have quite cheerfully slapped Dorcas. Letty tries not to let her mother in law get to her, which at times is easier said than done. Letty tries to make the best of the situation and build a new life for herself and she soon makes friends. Letty finds she has to keep busy to avoid worrying about Alec when he is at sea. Letty is a kind, caring, compassionate, sensitive, helpful, hardworking and decent young woman. I kept everything crossed that she would make a success of her new life and that she would get the 'happy ever after' ending that she so deserved. What happens? Well for the answer to that question and so much more you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out as I am not going to tell you.
Anybody who knows me well, knows that not only am I a book geek but I absolutely love historical fiction- particularly books set in the first half of the 20th Century. So imagine my excitement when I read the synopsis of 'The Women Of Fishers Wharf'. I jumped straight into the story and boy what a story it was. The story is set during 1912 which is a period that fascinates me. It didn't take me long at all to get into the story. As soon as I started reading, I knew that I was reading something special and that I would struggle to put the book down. That's exactly what happened. 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 had my own suspicions as to what was going to happen so I had to keep reading to see if I was on the right track or if I had wandered in the opposite direction. I became so wrapped up in the story that I lost all track of time and just how quickly I was getting through the book. All too quickly I reached the end of 'The Women Of Fishers Wharf' and I had to say goodbye to Alec and Letty Hardy and the rest of the characters. I found 'The Women Of Fishers Wharf' to a gripping, tense, dramatic and emotional read, which certainly kept me on the edge of my seat throughout.
'The Women Of Fishers Wharf' is superbly written but then I have come to expect nothing less from Tracy Baines. Tracy has an easy going writing style that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. In fact reading one of Tracy's books feels more like a chat between friends rather than reading an actual book. I hope that makes sense. Tracy certainly knows how to grab the reader's attention and draw them into what proves to be one hell of a read. Tracy clearly cares about her characters and this shines through in the very vivid and realistic way in which she describes them. She describes them so well that they seem just as real as you and I. Reading 'The Women Of Fishers Wharf' felt a bit like being on an emotional rollercoaster ride with all the highs and lows, ups and downs and well you get the picture. I love the way in which Tracy makes the reader feel as though they are part of the story and at the heart of the action.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'The Women Of Fishers Wharf' and I would definitely recommend it to other readers. I will most definitely be reading more of Tracy's work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
October 22, 2022
A brand new historical sage from Tracy Baines whose previous series The Variety Girls was an excellent historical saga series. This time she has taken the mantle of the fishing community and their wives in 1912, Great Grimsby.
I thoroughly enjoyed the Variety Girls series so wasted no time in reading this book. etty and Alec have moved to Grimsby with the hope in their hearts that Alec will be able to get paid work on the boats. They don't move alone though, Alex's mum moves with them, Dorcas. She is used to the fisherman's way of life where Letty is new to it all and has no clue how hard it will be once Alec goes to sea on the Black Prince. Letty wants to get out and earn for them too so goes looking for work while Dorcas stays at home. Can these two women find it in themselves to become friends and pull together to help them survive this harsh life?
Tracy Baines has again perfectly captured the time with her detailed descriptions of the harsh lives of the fisherman out at sea, while the women stay on land keeping things together while their men are away. She must have done some extensive and comprehensive research as I felt like I was surrounded by history, almost like a snapshot in time. I find her a skilled author in the way she creates the fishing community, the characters and the atmosphere of this time.
I was right behind Letty as she found her way in her new life. Making friends and working in a job that was a totally different one from what she did previously. We see her character develop over the story and it was great to see.
This is an author who writes historical sagas with all her heart. The research, the character development, the setting, all work their magic so the reader feels it as one with this new series. I am so looking forward to the next chapter in the Fisher's Wharf series.
Thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and Boldwood Books for the ARC.
I thoroughly enjoyed the Variety Girls series so wasted no time in reading this book. etty and Alec have moved to Grimsby with the hope in their hearts that Alec will be able to get paid work on the boats. They don't move alone though, Alex's mum moves with them, Dorcas. She is used to the fisherman's way of life where Letty is new to it all and has no clue how hard it will be once Alec goes to sea on the Black Prince. Letty wants to get out and earn for them too so goes looking for work while Dorcas stays at home. Can these two women find it in themselves to become friends and pull together to help them survive this harsh life?
Tracy Baines has again perfectly captured the time with her detailed descriptions of the harsh lives of the fisherman out at sea, while the women stay on land keeping things together while their men are away. She must have done some extensive and comprehensive research as I felt like I was surrounded by history, almost like a snapshot in time. I find her a skilled author in the way she creates the fishing community, the characters and the atmosphere of this time.
I was right behind Letty as she found her way in her new life. Making friends and working in a job that was a totally different one from what she did previously. We see her character develop over the story and it was great to see.
This is an author who writes historical sagas with all her heart. The research, the character development, the setting, all work their magic so the reader feels it as one with this new series. I am so looking forward to the next chapter in the Fisher's Wharf series.
Thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and Boldwood Books for the ARC.
November 1, 2022
The Women of Fishers Wharf is a historical fiction which takes place in 1912 near the fish wharfs in a small community built around the fishers and their needs. The main character, Letty is a young newlywed who recently moved to the area with her new husband and mother-in-law into a run down little house to be close to Alec's work as a fisherman. Life is not easy in Mariners Row, and Hetty finds it hard to adjust to a new place and her not-so-pleasant mother-in-law Dorcas who she must spend the majority of her time with now that her husband is working at sea.
Dorcas feels that Hetty knows nothing of being a fisherman's wife, while Hetty believes Dorcas is set in her old ways and has no interest in trying new things. Hetty is ready for new challenges including finding a job outside of the house, but this is just another thing Dorcas doesn't approve of. Hetty's not sure how long she can sit around waiting, worrying about Alec's safety and their future!
The characters are all well developed and unique but form a cohesive cast that is fitting for this setting. Between infusing the odd elements of the language and repeatedly reminding readers of the morals and beliefs of the location and time, the author creates a very immersive experience that makes readers feel as if they are really a part of this strange little community. This book is perfect for historical fiction fans looking for something that is not set in the war time era and does not time hop all over the place as too many new histfics do! It is an easy read and is well written.
Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher, Boldwood Books and Rachel's Random Resources for giving me the chance to read and review this book!
#blogtour
Dorcas feels that Hetty knows nothing of being a fisherman's wife, while Hetty believes Dorcas is set in her old ways and has no interest in trying new things. Hetty is ready for new challenges including finding a job outside of the house, but this is just another thing Dorcas doesn't approve of. Hetty's not sure how long she can sit around waiting, worrying about Alec's safety and their future!
The characters are all well developed and unique but form a cohesive cast that is fitting for this setting. Between infusing the odd elements of the language and repeatedly reminding readers of the morals and beliefs of the location and time, the author creates a very immersive experience that makes readers feel as if they are really a part of this strange little community. This book is perfect for historical fiction fans looking for something that is not set in the war time era and does not time hop all over the place as too many new histfics do! It is an easy read and is well written.
Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher, Boldwood Books and Rachel's Random Resources for giving me the chance to read and review this book!
#blogtour
October 19, 2022
The Women Of Fishers Wharf by Tracy Baines is a marvelous historical novel set in 1912 in a North Eastern fishing community.
Life was hard. If you didn’t work, you didn’t eat. People had to make money however they could in order to keep themselves and their children out of the poor house. There were hard choices to be made at times. Women were particularly vulnerable. If they lost their husband, there would be no money as there were no widow’s pensions. Women did what they had to in order to put food on the table.
There were very few jobs available to women. Many worked at home doing piecework in their cottages. Some worked in shops. We see the strength and tenacity needed in order to survive.
Being at sea was a hard life. The atmosphere on board ship has been captured perfectly with Tracy Baines descriptions.
There is a thriving community spirit. People look out for each other. They do what they can to help. Needs are met as people pull together. When tragedies strike, the community rallies round.
All the characters were warm and welcoming. The women, left on shore while their men are at sea, help each other. Unbreakable bonds are formed.
I really loved The Women Of Fishers Wharf. It was a hard life but community was strong. I can recommend the book as I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I received a free copy from Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
Life was hard. If you didn’t work, you didn’t eat. People had to make money however they could in order to keep themselves and their children out of the poor house. There were hard choices to be made at times. Women were particularly vulnerable. If they lost their husband, there would be no money as there were no widow’s pensions. Women did what they had to in order to put food on the table.
There were very few jobs available to women. Many worked at home doing piecework in their cottages. Some worked in shops. We see the strength and tenacity needed in order to survive.
Being at sea was a hard life. The atmosphere on board ship has been captured perfectly with Tracy Baines descriptions.
There is a thriving community spirit. People look out for each other. They do what they can to help. Needs are met as people pull together. When tragedies strike, the community rallies round.
All the characters were warm and welcoming. The women, left on shore while their men are at sea, help each other. Unbreakable bonds are formed.
I really loved The Women Of Fishers Wharf. It was a hard life but community was strong. I can recommend the book as I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I received a free copy from Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
October 23, 2022
The Women of Fishers Wharf by Tracy Baines
Can you leave the past behind and embrace the future? - A brand new series from Tracy Baines
Great Grimsby, 1912
Newlywed fisherman Alec Hardy decides to make a fresh start with his young wife Letty and move to the thriving fishing port of Grimsby in search of a brighter future.
Letty is from farming stock and knows nothing of the hard life as a fishermen's wife but is willing to embrace the challenge with Alec.
But where Alec goes, so does his widowed mother, Dorcas, and she has trouble coming to terms with taking second place in her son's life.
With Alec at sea for weeks on end, the two women clash, and Letty seeks to escape from her bitter mother-in-law amongst the streets of Fish Dock Wharf.
Can Letty help them break free from the shadows of the past, or will she be bound by Dorcas' insistence that they cling to the old ways?
The Women of Fishers Wharf is an entertaining, well-written read. The author's easy-going, descriptive writing style keeps the reader engaged and captivated.
The characters are well-drawn and appealing.
An ideal read for those who like historical sagas.
I want to thank the publishers Boldwood Books, author Tracy Baines and Rachels Random Resources for a copy to read and review.
Can you leave the past behind and embrace the future? - A brand new series from Tracy Baines
Great Grimsby, 1912
Newlywed fisherman Alec Hardy decides to make a fresh start with his young wife Letty and move to the thriving fishing port of Grimsby in search of a brighter future.
Letty is from farming stock and knows nothing of the hard life as a fishermen's wife but is willing to embrace the challenge with Alec.
But where Alec goes, so does his widowed mother, Dorcas, and she has trouble coming to terms with taking second place in her son's life.
With Alec at sea for weeks on end, the two women clash, and Letty seeks to escape from her bitter mother-in-law amongst the streets of Fish Dock Wharf.
Can Letty help them break free from the shadows of the past, or will she be bound by Dorcas' insistence that they cling to the old ways?
The Women of Fishers Wharf is an entertaining, well-written read. The author's easy-going, descriptive writing style keeps the reader engaged and captivated.
The characters are well-drawn and appealing.
An ideal read for those who like historical sagas.
I want to thank the publishers Boldwood Books, author Tracy Baines and Rachels Random Resources for a copy to read and review.
October 30, 2022
With the first page you'll find yourself in a grimy old building that is now your home that you share with your new husband and his mother. Each page of this story makes you feel that you're right there in this fishing village. It's not a life of beauty or ease for this newlywed couple but they are in love and just happy to be together. Dorcas, the husband's mother, is with them and not happy. She's not happy that her husband and other son died long ago at sea. She doesn't approve of the girl he married. The mother in law is so judgemental and critical, it makes it hard to be filled with joy.
The mother in law, Dorcas, is determined to treat Lettie in a cold manner. She wants Lettie to braid nets because it's what she does, to make money. Lettie goes out and finds herself a job that suits her personality and gifts. She's good at sales and organizes a store to help them maximize their earnings.
Alec will soon come home and the family dynamic will again be difficult. I enjoyed the writing and the characters in this book. There was plenty of humor in the story to keep the book from becoming depressing
Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
The mother in law, Dorcas, is determined to treat Lettie in a cold manner. She wants Lettie to braid nets because it's what she does, to make money. Lettie goes out and finds herself a job that suits her personality and gifts. She's good at sales and organizes a store to help them maximize their earnings.
Alec will soon come home and the family dynamic will again be difficult. I enjoyed the writing and the characters in this book. There was plenty of humor in the story to keep the book from becoming depressing
Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
October 17, 2022
The Women of Fishers Wharfe is the first in a brand new series by author, Tracy Baines. Set in Grimsby, I loved how Tracy included references to other local towns in Lincolnshire, including my own town of Boston! Set in 1912, the main characters are strong women: Letty and her mother-in-law, Dorcas. Dorcas is so set in her ways as a traditional fisherman's wife and Letty is new not only to being a fisherman's wife but also to the area they've all moved to. Can the two women find a way to live together happily, waiting for Alec, Dorcas' son, to come home after each fishing haul? I can't wait to read more in the series.
October 20, 2022
This is the first book in a new series and it’s one which I absolutely loved. This is a story of hardship, love and hope set in the North East of England around 1912. As soon as I started reading this book I became completely caught up in the story and just wanted to keep reading . This was one book I didn’t want to put down. There were parts of the book that had me in tears at times as I could just picture what was happening as everything was described so well. The characters were strong and mostly likeable and I look forward to their developments over the series. I can’t wait to read the next book in what I predict to be an excellent series.
March 18, 2023
What I really liked about the book was its unusual setting and subject matter. Set in Grimsby in the early part of the 20th century, it tells of the hard life for fisherfolk; not only for the men who risk their lives daily to earn a living, but for the wives and mothers left behind, waiting and worrying. Letty is newly-wedded to Alec, a fisherman from Lowestoft. He wants to move to Grimsby for better opportunities but does she really know what she is letting herself in for? Especially when Alec brings his mother with him. I loved the well-drawn characters. I felt impelled to read to the end to find out what happened to them all and I look forward to the next book in the series.
October 27, 2022
This was my first book by Tracy and I loved it!
A little emotional in places but it had me totally gripped from the beginning and I found it incredibly difficult to put down.
Tracy has a brilliant way of engaging you and detailing the settings so that you actually feel like you are there and enables you to create images of the characters.
My favourite characters were Letty, Norah and Percy.
I look forward to discovering more of Tracy’s books and would definitely recommend this. A very worthy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Many thanks to Boldwood Books and Tracy for an early ARC of this book xx
A little emotional in places but it had me totally gripped from the beginning and I found it incredibly difficult to put down.
Tracy has a brilliant way of engaging you and detailing the settings so that you actually feel like you are there and enables you to create images of the characters.
My favourite characters were Letty, Norah and Percy.
I look forward to discovering more of Tracy’s books and would definitely recommend this. A very worthy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Many thanks to Boldwood Books and Tracy for an early ARC of this book xx
February 4, 2023
This is an excellent book that had me hooked from the start.
Letty is an newlywed and lives with her husband Alec and her Mother in law Dorcas who is not very forthcoming and feels her son has married the wrong woman. Alec is an fisherman is away a lot so Letty & Dorcas need to get along while he is away. Letty works for a couple in a shop that has not done well for years but she helps them.
The story was enjoyable and was very descriptive and I enjoyed the characters.
Would recommend this book.
Letty is an newlywed and lives with her husband Alec and her Mother in law Dorcas who is not very forthcoming and feels her son has married the wrong woman. Alec is an fisherman is away a lot so Letty & Dorcas need to get along while he is away. Letty works for a couple in a shop that has not done well for years but she helps them.
The story was enjoyable and was very descriptive and I enjoyed the characters.
Would recommend this book.
July 24, 2023
Learning Family Love
This story brings to light the hard ways and the strong, warm ways of life of a fishing man and his family. How people who have different dreams for the future can learn from each other and develope a common goal to work toward. When they realized the hope each had found for the future, they discovered they truly cared for each other, try were a real family.
This story brings to light the hard ways and the strong, warm ways of life of a fishing man and his family. How people who have different dreams for the future can learn from each other and develope a common goal to work toward. When they realized the hope each had found for the future, they discovered they truly cared for each other, try were a real family.
October 18, 2022
This historical saga novel is perfect for fans of the genre. It is well written and makes it easy to keep reading.
There are a range of characters with a variety of personalities to get to know and feel invested in so I do think there'll be lots of readers who love reading this novel.
This was a new author to me but I would read another of their books as I liked this one.
There are a range of characters with a variety of personalities to get to know and feel invested in so I do think there'll be lots of readers who love reading this novel.
This was a new author to me but I would read another of their books as I liked this one.
August 2, 2023
Could not put the book down
Fantastic reading the characters drew you in straight from page one, and with having family living in cleethorpes… my husband took me round all the areas that was in the book, some of them not there anymore but it felt sort of real in a sense … can’t wait for the second book !! X
Fantastic reading the characters drew you in straight from page one, and with having family living in cleethorpes… my husband took me round all the areas that was in the book, some of them not there anymore but it felt sort of real in a sense … can’t wait for the second book !! X
February 5, 2024
Evocative page-turner! Couldn’t put it down.
I was born in Cleethorpes and grew up in Grimsby with a family history of the fishing industry, the docks and all that went with it. This book took me back to those memories so beautifully that I could smell the salty air, the smoke houses and the taste of freshly-caught haddock. Wonderful and I can’t wait to read the next one!
I was born in Cleethorpes and grew up in Grimsby with a family history of the fishing industry, the docks and all that went with it. This book took me back to those memories so beautifully that I could smell the salty air, the smoke houses and the taste of freshly-caught haddock. Wonderful and I can’t wait to read the next one!
July 3, 2024
a Wonderful Book
I really went along for the ride on this one. I laughed, I cried, I relived times in my life when different generations needed to work out their conflicts and common interests. So glad Dorcas and Libby were of good character and Libby had so much love and patience.
I really went along for the ride on this one. I laughed, I cried, I relived times in my life when different generations needed to work out their conflicts and common interests. So glad Dorcas and Libby were of good character and Libby had so much love and patience.
May 24, 2023
great story
A bit slow to start A great read and so well written. The trials and tribulations of two women thrown together by the love of for one her son and the other’s husband. Would definitely recommend
A bit slow to start A great read and so well written. The trials and tribulations of two women thrown together by the love of for one her son and the other’s husband. Would definitely recommend
October 25, 2022
An interesting start to a new series set very near to my hometown but over 100 years ago.
November 6, 2022
My review of The Women of Fishers Wharf can be found on my blog....
https://quirkybookreads.wordpress.com...
https://quirkybookreads.wordpress.com...
November 12, 2022
A great read
Enjoyed the storyline immensely and well researched. Great to read fiction around the area I live and hope there is more to come
Enjoyed the storyline immensely and well researched. Great to read fiction around the area I live and hope there is more to come
February 1, 2023
Fantastic book .
The book was amazing i couldn't put it down wish it could have gone on longer loved the read .
The book was amazing i couldn't put it down wish it could have gone on longer loved the read .
February 6, 2023
A great read
I enjoyed the book especially the tussle between Letty and her mother in law before they made peace between them.
I enjoyed the book especially the tussle between Letty and her mother in law before they made peace between them.
February 22, 2023
Gripping
I loved the way this book was written it transported you to the docks .
With plenty twists to keep you page turning
I loved the way this book was written it transported you to the docks .
With plenty twists to keep you page turning
May 7, 2023
Loved it, had me hooked from the beginning. Forget doing any homework, etc, I just wanted to read, so i did.
May 7, 2023
Excwi
Really enjoyed this book took a while to get into it but was worth it in the end looking forward to next book
Really enjoyed this book took a while to get into it but was worth it in the end looking forward to next book
May 10, 2023
Very heartwarming story of goodness winning over evil and love overcoming obstacles.
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