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The Variety Girls
Alternate cover edition of ISBN10: 1804265047 / ISBN13: 978-1804265048
Cleethorpes 1939
With the country teetering on the brink of war everyone faces an uncertain future.
Destitute after the tragic death of her father, aspiring singer Jessie Delaney and her family have no choice other than to accept the charity of relatives to ensure a roof over their heads.
Spiteful Aunt Iris soon has Jessie dreaming of a life filled with colour and excitement that she knows the theatre can offer. How can Jessie escape the drudgery, support her family and pursue her dreams?
Through her father’s connections Jessie finds work as a Variety Girl in a new show at the Empire in Cleethorpes, a small seaside theatre on the east coast. But taking the job means flying solo and leaving her family and her sweetheart, Harry behind.
Friendships are forged but will the glamour of show business lose its shine without those she loves close by?
A gritty and heart-warming saga perfect for readers of Elaine Everest, Nancy Revell and Pam Howes.
Cleethorpes 1939
With the country teetering on the brink of war everyone faces an uncertain future.
Destitute after the tragic death of her father, aspiring singer Jessie Delaney and her family have no choice other than to accept the charity of relatives to ensure a roof over their heads.
Spiteful Aunt Iris soon has Jessie dreaming of a life filled with colour and excitement that she knows the theatre can offer. How can Jessie escape the drudgery, support her family and pursue her dreams?
Through her father’s connections Jessie finds work as a Variety Girl in a new show at the Empire in Cleethorpes, a small seaside theatre on the east coast. But taking the job means flying solo and leaving her family and her sweetheart, Harry behind.
Friendships are forged but will the glamour of show business lose its shine without those she loves close by?
A gritty and heart-warming saga perfect for readers of Elaine Everest, Nancy Revell and Pam Howes.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
330 pages, Paperback
Published June 30, 2022
175 people are currently reading
103 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 31 reviews
February 13, 2020
The cover of this book drew me to read the blurb and then i knew i had to read it.This is the story of Jessie her mom and brother and life after they lost their dad/husband.When we first meet jessie she is living in the home of Aunt iris and Uncle norman but they don't have a happy time as iris rules them and they hate it.Although jessie loves Harry her chap,her mom and her brother eddie so much it hurts when things come to a head.Jessie has a dream and that dream is to be on the stage just like her beloved father so when she joins a variety show she is determined to succeed to make her family proud.I won't say any more as it would spoil the book for others but as Tracy Baines debut book this BRILLIANT i have loved joining jessie on her journey and i am really looking forward to the next book.5*
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February 25, 2020A ray of sunshine as you read
This is the first novel by this author set in Norfolk with the year set in 1939. The plots are so well written, it's a story of loss love and sorrow. Jessie Delaney her mum Grace brother Eddie all live in with her Aunt Iris and uncle Norman after the death of her father, her mum found it hard to cope, The Beeches a Victorian villa, is not where eighteen years old Jessie intends to stay. Working for her uncle as a boring Secretary and living with a stuffy fussy aunt, she dreams of working in the theatre like her father did. She's walking out with Harry Newman and they love walking out in Cromer and going to see shows at the theatre, she lives for music. Happy to be accepted for a job at the Empire its a dream come true but it in Cleethorpes can love survive the distance apart. The theatre want dancers to preform and along with Kay,Virginia,Sally and Frances they all become the variety girl's. all the glam and sequins add a shimmer to this wonderful book, that I so enjoyed, it will touch your heart in many ways as you keep reading. Such a fabulous story with a beautiful ending for Jessie. I so look forward very much to reading more about her journey in the not to distance month's. Well deserved double the star's.
This is the first novel by this author set in Norfolk with the year set in 1939. The plots are so well written, it's a story of loss love and sorrow. Jessie Delaney her mum Grace brother Eddie all live in with her Aunt Iris and uncle Norman after the death of her father, her mum found it hard to cope, The Beeches a Victorian villa, is not where eighteen years old Jessie intends to stay. Working for her uncle as a boring Secretary and living with a stuffy fussy aunt, she dreams of working in the theatre like her father did. She's walking out with Harry Newman and they love walking out in Cromer and going to see shows at the theatre, she lives for music. Happy to be accepted for a job at the Empire its a dream come true but it in Cleethorpes can love survive the distance apart. The theatre want dancers to preform and along with Kay,Virginia,Sally and Frances they all become the variety girl's. all the glam and sequins add a shimmer to this wonderful book, that I so enjoyed, it will touch your heart in many ways as you keep reading. Such a fabulous story with a beautiful ending for Jessie. I so look forward very much to reading more about her journey in the not to distance month's. Well deserved double the star's.
May 19, 2023
Read Harder Challenge 2023: Read a book you know nothing about based solely on the cover.
I threw myself into this one, choosing a book whose cover suggested I would never normally choose such a title. A photograph of two smiling girls with 1940's hairstyles, wearing colourful summer dresses, with a background of a theatre on a pier, and some donkeys on a beach. The tagline, just below the donkeys, read "The show must go on". The copy I picked up on a whim from the library turned out to be a large print book too, causing much hilarity with my wife every time she saw me reading it.
At first I found myself reacting to it rather cynically, judging it as all rather disposable. But I couldn't help be taken in by the story and eventually my cynicism melted away as I was swept up by the deftly created arcs of the many characters. Clearly the author has a lifelong love of the theatre, and Cleethorpes, both of which end up being quite infectious. It's an optimistic, joyful story about ambition, family, responsibilities and making the most of opportunities. I enjoyed it more than I expected to!
I threw myself into this one, choosing a book whose cover suggested I would never normally choose such a title. A photograph of two smiling girls with 1940's hairstyles, wearing colourful summer dresses, with a background of a theatre on a pier, and some donkeys on a beach. The tagline, just below the donkeys, read "The show must go on". The copy I picked up on a whim from the library turned out to be a large print book too, causing much hilarity with my wife every time she saw me reading it.
At first I found myself reacting to it rather cynically, judging it as all rather disposable. But I couldn't help be taken in by the story and eventually my cynicism melted away as I was swept up by the deftly created arcs of the many characters. Clearly the author has a lifelong love of the theatre, and Cleethorpes, both of which end up being quite infectious. It's an optimistic, joyful story about ambition, family, responsibilities and making the most of opportunities. I enjoyed it more than I expected to!
July 10, 2022
Jessie dreams of a life on stage just like her mother and father used to have but at the moment shes stuck in the depressive home of her mums relatives Uncle Norman and Aunt Iris. After her fathers death and left with no money they had no choice but to move in with them
Jessie knows she must rescue her mum and brother from that house and she knows just how to do it.
What stunning WW2 saga, this has everything you need and what i was hooked all the way through and I can’t wait for the next instalment when war has finally broken out
Jessie knows she must rescue her mum and brother from that house and she knows just how to do it.
What stunning WW2 saga, this has everything you need and what i was hooked all the way through and I can’t wait for the next instalment when war has finally broken out
September 5, 2022
It's wonderful to find a new author in one of your favourite genres. I was instantly drawn to the cover and requesting to read.
Jessie's dad had a life on the stage and after she loses him and has to stay with relatives she is drawn to look for work in Variety calling on her dad's contacts. I loved the story and the building friendships between the girls.
Tracy Baines is going to be one to watch- can't wait to read more.
Jessie's dad had a life on the stage and after she loses him and has to stay with relatives she is drawn to look for work in Variety calling on her dad's contacts. I loved the story and the building friendships between the girls.
Tracy Baines is going to be one to watch- can't wait to read more.
February 19, 2020
Tracy Baines’ debut novel draws on her first-hand experience of working as an assistant stage manager in local theatre and variety shows. She recreates the thrills and nerves of the entertainers and back-stage crew in an industry that is as hard as the boards they tread.
As the outbreak of the Second World War looms ever closer, we know the challenges that will face the country – and how entertainment throws a lifeline. Preparations for the inevitable are underway and loved ones are already parted.
Jessie Delaney’s talent will take her far; as her mother tells her: ‘Let your love and passion for what you are doing shine through every word, every movement.’
That’s exactly what Tracy Baines has done with this first novel in the series – her love and passion shines through every word.
As the outbreak of the Second World War looms ever closer, we know the challenges that will face the country – and how entertainment throws a lifeline. Preparations for the inevitable are underway and loved ones are already parted.
Jessie Delaney’s talent will take her far; as her mother tells her: ‘Let your love and passion for what you are doing shine through every word, every movement.’
That’s exactly what Tracy Baines has done with this first novel in the series – her love and passion shines through every word.
June 8, 2020
I absolutely loved this book, I couldn’t put it down and finished it in a day.
I am usually a thriller / crime reader but I was not disappointed. A really enjoyable read.
I live in Cleethorpes so it was really lovely to imagine the characters strolling through the streets of my hometown. But also to learn about the Empire Theatre and how some things haven’t changed. I’d love for it to change back to a theatre again though!
The characters were very relatable and I loved the way they interacted with each other and how the surroundings of our lovely town where described.
I can’t wait for the next instalment of the Variety Girls to find out what Jessie and the gang have been up to!
I am usually a thriller / crime reader but I was not disappointed. A really enjoyable read.
I live in Cleethorpes so it was really lovely to imagine the characters strolling through the streets of my hometown. But also to learn about the Empire Theatre and how some things haven’t changed. I’d love for it to change back to a theatre again though!
The characters were very relatable and I loved the way they interacted with each other and how the surroundings of our lovely town where described.
I can’t wait for the next instalment of the Variety Girls to find out what Jessie and the gang have been up to!
September 9, 2020
At last, a novel set in Cleethorpes, my home town. I hope people will read it and realise what a lovely, friendly place it is, not just that it was during the war when this book is set. I look forward to the Christmas sequel.
October 11, 2025
The author immediately transports one to a bygone time in Britain when the music halls reigned. I was born in the area where she writes and I felt as though I was actually holding her hand as I walked once again along the Promenade with her. She is an excellent story teller, I just can't wait for her new books coming out this Fall.
June 26, 2022
★★★★ 4.5 stars
Another delightful wartime saga this time set in the seaside town of Cleethorpes in Lincolnshire just prior to the war beginning. It moves along at a gentle pace whilst still keeping the reader engaged from start to finish. And by the books end, you will be hankering for the second one to see how things pan out for the characters.
It's 1939 and Jessie Delaney lives an isolated and sheltered life with her aunt and uncle in Norfolk. Her father had died the year before afterwhich her mother Grace called on her only other surviving relative, her cousin Norman and his wife Iris, to take them in. But Jessie feels stifled within the dark dim walls of the Victorian house called The Beeches. She and her fourteen year old brother Eddie dream of bigger things beyond The Beeches and Jessie's hope is that she can make enough money to take them all away from the horrible stifling atmosphere Iris brings to the house. Ruling the place with an iron fist, Iris belittle Jessie every chance she gets deeming her selfish and wilful, the type of girl Harry Newman would never dream of settling down with.
But Jessie knows better. She throws in her boring mundane job at Norman's solicitors office and heads to Cleethorpes where her father's agent, and now her agent, has gotten her a job as a Variety Girl at the Empire Theatre. Grace, Eddie and Harry are thrilled for Jessie...Iris and Norman not so much "after all they've done for her giving her a home and a job". Despite being happy for her, Harry is sad that Jessie didn't confide in him her plans and wonders if she loves him as much as he loves her. Her dreams to be on the stage seem to take up all her energy Harry wonders if there is room for him. But he loves her and he will support her for as long as she needs him to.
Upon moving to Cleethorpes, Jessie knows no one but soon makes friends within the entourage and her new kindly landlady, Geraldine. The work is hard and tiring but Jessie thrives knowing she is doing what she loves. She meets many people and makes friends in Frances and Dolly. But there is a fly in the ointment with overt Billy Lane who thinks the world of himself and tries hooking Jessie for himself.
And then Eddie calls with the news that their mother is ill but when Jessie calls to speak to her aunt Iris answers and says her mother is perfectly fine but is resting; that there is no need to worry for Eddie was prone to exaggerate, she says. However, when Harry calls upon Grace he is shocked and makes the journey to Cleethorpes to bring Jessie home.
As much as Jessie loves singing, music and being on the stage, will she put her dreams ahead of her family when they need her? And will Harry be patient and wait for her? Or will she lose him altogether?
A delightful read from start to finish, THE VARIETY GIRLS begins in the summer prior to the war beginning in September. There are rumours and hints that it is just on the horizon but life goes on and should war arrive on their shores then people will need cheering up.
Although a wartime saga (albeit just prior), THE VARIETY GIRLS has a vastly different flavour to it. It is not of the make-do-and-mend type of tale of rationing and taking shelter from air raids...not just yet. And while there are whispers of the war, life goes on and Jessie has dreams to fulfil. It will be interesting to see how the next book pans out with the war having already begun by that stage to see how it affects the characters and their lives.
I am reminded of Pam Howes Bryant Sisters series and Rosie Archer's The Force's Sweetheart series, in which music and song play a big part through ENSA. I wonder if that will come into the story or will Jessie remain in the seaside town of Cleethorpes?
An enjoyable read all round, THE VARIETY GIRLS is a delightful tale set during the troubling times when war was on the horizon. Gently paced, it is an easy read with likeable characters, as well as some aptly placed unlikeable ones. I look forward to the next book "Hopes and Dreams for the Variety Girls" .
I would like to thank #TracyBaines, #NetGalley and #BoldwoodBooks for an ARC of #TheVarietyGirls in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
Another delightful wartime saga this time set in the seaside town of Cleethorpes in Lincolnshire just prior to the war beginning. It moves along at a gentle pace whilst still keeping the reader engaged from start to finish. And by the books end, you will be hankering for the second one to see how things pan out for the characters.
It's 1939 and Jessie Delaney lives an isolated and sheltered life with her aunt and uncle in Norfolk. Her father had died the year before afterwhich her mother Grace called on her only other surviving relative, her cousin Norman and his wife Iris, to take them in. But Jessie feels stifled within the dark dim walls of the Victorian house called The Beeches. She and her fourteen year old brother Eddie dream of bigger things beyond The Beeches and Jessie's hope is that she can make enough money to take them all away from the horrible stifling atmosphere Iris brings to the house. Ruling the place with an iron fist, Iris belittle Jessie every chance she gets deeming her selfish and wilful, the type of girl Harry Newman would never dream of settling down with.
But Jessie knows better. She throws in her boring mundane job at Norman's solicitors office and heads to Cleethorpes where her father's agent, and now her agent, has gotten her a job as a Variety Girl at the Empire Theatre. Grace, Eddie and Harry are thrilled for Jessie...Iris and Norman not so much "after all they've done for her giving her a home and a job". Despite being happy for her, Harry is sad that Jessie didn't confide in him her plans and wonders if she loves him as much as he loves her. Her dreams to be on the stage seem to take up all her energy Harry wonders if there is room for him. But he loves her and he will support her for as long as she needs him to.
Upon moving to Cleethorpes, Jessie knows no one but soon makes friends within the entourage and her new kindly landlady, Geraldine. The work is hard and tiring but Jessie thrives knowing she is doing what she loves. She meets many people and makes friends in Frances and Dolly. But there is a fly in the ointment with overt Billy Lane who thinks the world of himself and tries hooking Jessie for himself.
And then Eddie calls with the news that their mother is ill but when Jessie calls to speak to her aunt Iris answers and says her mother is perfectly fine but is resting; that there is no need to worry for Eddie was prone to exaggerate, she says. However, when Harry calls upon Grace he is shocked and makes the journey to Cleethorpes to bring Jessie home.
As much as Jessie loves singing, music and being on the stage, will she put her dreams ahead of her family when they need her? And will Harry be patient and wait for her? Or will she lose him altogether?
A delightful read from start to finish, THE VARIETY GIRLS begins in the summer prior to the war beginning in September. There are rumours and hints that it is just on the horizon but life goes on and should war arrive on their shores then people will need cheering up.
Although a wartime saga (albeit just prior), THE VARIETY GIRLS has a vastly different flavour to it. It is not of the make-do-and-mend type of tale of rationing and taking shelter from air raids...not just yet. And while there are whispers of the war, life goes on and Jessie has dreams to fulfil. It will be interesting to see how the next book pans out with the war having already begun by that stage to see how it affects the characters and their lives.
I am reminded of Pam Howes Bryant Sisters series and Rosie Archer's The Force's Sweetheart series, in which music and song play a big part through ENSA. I wonder if that will come into the story or will Jessie remain in the seaside town of Cleethorpes?
An enjoyable read all round, THE VARIETY GIRLS is a delightful tale set during the troubling times when war was on the horizon. Gently paced, it is an easy read with likeable characters, as well as some aptly placed unlikeable ones. I look forward to the next book "Hopes and Dreams for the Variety Girls" .
I would like to thank #TracyBaines, #NetGalley and #BoldwoodBooks for an ARC of #TheVarietyGirls in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
April 30, 2022
Even with the country at war, the show must go on...
After the tragic death of her father, aspiring singer Jessie Delaney has been forced to live with her bullying aunt and dreams of getting the break of a lifetime to escape. When she's cast as one of the Variety Girls in a new show at the Empire Theatre, Jessie hopes this is the new beginning she's been longing for. But following her dreams on stage will mean being separated from sweetheart Harry.
As she starts her new job, it's not long before she forms a close-knit friendship with Frances and Dolly, although the girls soon find that life in the theatre isn't always glamorous. And with the country on the brink of war, everyone is facing an uncertain future. Can friendship help Jessie through the challenges ahead?
Britannia Pier is located at the seaside town of Great Yarmouth in the English county of Norfolk. It opened in 1858. The pier was closed and sectioned during WWII and reopened in 1947 after essential repairs including replacing sections removed during wartime to prevent enemy troops using the pier as a landing station. Throughout the 20th century, Yarmouth boomed as a resort, with a promenade, pubs, trams, fish and chip shops, theatres, the Pleasure Beach, Hippodrome Circus and the Great Yarmouth Winter Gardens. The town suffered Luftwaffe bombing during WWII as the last significant place.Cleethorpes is a seaside town on the estuary of the Humber in North East Lincolnshire,England.The Alexander Theatre was opened in 1896.By 1913 it had been renamed Empire Theatre,and live theatre use continued until 1922,when it was converted into the Empire Cinema.In 1939,it was requisitioned by the Government for war use until 1946,when it was refurbished and reopened as the Empire Theatre at Easter 1946.Variety shows,arts or entertainment,is entertainment comprised of a variety of acts including musical performances,sketch comedy,magic,acrobatics,juggling and ventriloquism.It is normally introduced by a host.The variety format made its way from the Victorian era stage in Britain and America to radio and then television.
After the tragic death of her father, aspiring singer Jessie Delaney has been forced to live with her bullying aunt and dreams of getting the break of a lifetime to escape. When she's cast as one of the Variety Girls in a new show at the Empire Theatre, Jessie hopes this is the new beginning she's been longing for. But following her dreams on stage will mean being separated from sweetheart Harry.
As she starts her new job, it's not long before she forms a close-knit friendship with Frances and Dolly, although the girls soon find that life in the theatre isn't always glamorous. And with the country on the brink of war, everyone is facing an uncertain future. Can friendship help Jessie through the challenges ahead?
Britannia Pier is located at the seaside town of Great Yarmouth in the English county of Norfolk. It opened in 1858. The pier was closed and sectioned during WWII and reopened in 1947 after essential repairs including replacing sections removed during wartime to prevent enemy troops using the pier as a landing station. Throughout the 20th century, Yarmouth boomed as a resort, with a promenade, pubs, trams, fish and chip shops, theatres, the Pleasure Beach, Hippodrome Circus and the Great Yarmouth Winter Gardens. The town suffered Luftwaffe bombing during WWII as the last significant place.Cleethorpes is a seaside town on the estuary of the Humber in North East Lincolnshire,England.The Alexander Theatre was opened in 1896.By 1913 it had been renamed Empire Theatre,and live theatre use continued until 1922,when it was converted into the Empire Cinema.In 1939,it was requisitioned by the Government for war use until 1946,when it was refurbished and reopened as the Empire Theatre at Easter 1946.Variety shows,arts or entertainment,is entertainment comprised of a variety of acts including musical performances,sketch comedy,magic,acrobatics,juggling and ventriloquism.It is normally introduced by a host.The variety format made its way from the Victorian era stage in Britain and America to radio and then television.
March 12, 2020
This is not my usual type of book to read, but I was intrigued by the theatrical, pre-war setting.
Jessie Delaney is dissatisfied with her life. She is from a theatrical background but her Dad has passed away and the family's reduced circumstances require her, her mother and brother to live with her aunt and uncle. Aunt Iris is a pretty bitter person and, despite meeting the love of her life, Harry, who has proposed to her, Jessie writes to a theatre agent friend of her father and acquires a job away in Cleethorpes as a dancer in a troupe, The Variety Girls.
After arriving with little clue, she lands on her feet by meeting new friends and a community happy to help her settle into her new life, though she continues to worry about her mother and brother and misses her Harry.
The setting and life at the time are recreated to give a real sense of place. The plot follows the workings of the theatre, the characters who make up a show and Jessie's path to the life she wants to live. Things are brought to a head when there is a crisis at home, and worry for both Jessie and Harry that they are losing each other.
The characters are believable and likeable - apart from Aunt Iris! And the story ends on a high which will hopefully continue in the next in the series.
Jessie Delaney is dissatisfied with her life. She is from a theatrical background but her Dad has passed away and the family's reduced circumstances require her, her mother and brother to live with her aunt and uncle. Aunt Iris is a pretty bitter person and, despite meeting the love of her life, Harry, who has proposed to her, Jessie writes to a theatre agent friend of her father and acquires a job away in Cleethorpes as a dancer in a troupe, The Variety Girls.
After arriving with little clue, she lands on her feet by meeting new friends and a community happy to help her settle into her new life, though she continues to worry about her mother and brother and misses her Harry.
The setting and life at the time are recreated to give a real sense of place. The plot follows the workings of the theatre, the characters who make up a show and Jessie's path to the life she wants to live. Things are brought to a head when there is a crisis at home, and worry for both Jessie and Harry that they are losing each other.
The characters are believable and likeable - apart from Aunt Iris! And the story ends on a high which will hopefully continue in the next in the series.
July 18, 2022
my thanks to Netgalley for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review, which I freely give.
This is the first time I have read this author and I really enjoyed it
The story begins May 1939 with rumblings of war. Jessie who is the central character is living with her widowed mother and brother at her Uncle and Aunts home. Exchange wicked stepmother for Aunt. Jessie longed to go on the stage in the footsteps of her father. Her Aunt was disgusted. Jessie is going out with Harry headstrong Jessie decides to follow her dream and she heads for the theatre. She makes friends with Frances from the dance troupe that she has joined and she takes her to her digs where she soon settles in.
Plenty of action, worry for Jessie, unwelcome advances from a male performer in the show. This book ends on September 2nd 1939 - the eve of the beginning of WWII.
There is a follow up book due out later which I am looking forward to. I can recommend this and give it 5*
This is the first time I have read this author and I really enjoyed it
The story begins May 1939 with rumblings of war. Jessie who is the central character is living with her widowed mother and brother at her Uncle and Aunts home. Exchange wicked stepmother for Aunt. Jessie longed to go on the stage in the footsteps of her father. Her Aunt was disgusted. Jessie is going out with Harry headstrong Jessie decides to follow her dream and she heads for the theatre. She makes friends with Frances from the dance troupe that she has joined and she takes her to her digs where she soon settles in.
Plenty of action, worry for Jessie, unwelcome advances from a male performer in the show. This book ends on September 2nd 1939 - the eve of the beginning of WWII.
There is a follow up book due out later which I am looking forward to. I can recommend this and give it 5*
June 28, 2022
I absolutely loved this book by Tracy Baines. Set in 1939 with World War Two looming it’s got everything you need for a great read. The characters are good and you quickly get drawn into the ups and downs of their lives. This book tells the story of Jessie who with her Mum and brother Eddie they’re struggling to deal with life after the death of their father Davey. I can’t wait for more from the Variety Girls.
March 30, 2024
Sorry to say but the story doesn't match the title of this book.
I first saw this book and was confused by the title. It is about seaside or a variety?
When I first started to read this. I thought it was about a seaside town and what can happen.
But as I read more. I felt I read a book that a similar to this story about a theatre.
Sorry I had to give this a one star as it doesn't make sense to me with the title.
I first saw this book and was confused by the title. It is about seaside or a variety?
When I first started to read this. I thought it was about a seaside town and what can happen.
But as I read more. I felt I read a book that a similar to this story about a theatre.
Sorry I had to give this a one star as it doesn't make sense to me with the title.
July 31, 2021
The Variety Girls is a beautiful story of love and ambition in pre-war Britain. It’s a story of family and friendship and main character Jessie’s determination to follow in her father’s footsteps and tread the boards. It is gentle and warm and the kind of book to cosy up with a large mug of tea and a stack of your favourite biscuits.
June 27, 2023
Good book
Enjoyed all the raw emotions, reminds me always that no matter how hard you work and succeed there is always that one (Iris) who wants to tear you down. Oh well everyone cant always like you. Looking forward to reading next in series. It is gonna be heating up for all the girls and families.
Enjoyed all the raw emotions, reminds me always that no matter how hard you work and succeed there is always that one (Iris) who wants to tear you down. Oh well everyone cant always like you. Looking forward to reading next in series. It is gonna be heating up for all the girls and families.
July 16, 2023
not the most expansive plot ever, but an easy read
As the tagline says, this isn’t the most action packed book & the storyline is quite simple & predictable, but it’s an easy read. I love historical fiction & felt this was a little light on such detail, but enjoyed the easy going style & theatrical theme.
As the tagline says, this isn’t the most action packed book & the storyline is quite simple & predictable, but it’s an easy read. I love historical fiction & felt this was a little light on such detail, but enjoyed the easy going style & theatrical theme.
August 2, 2022
A feel good read
Brilliant book loved the characters especially Iris who is like to give a piece of my mind to. So well written I could feel the excitement in Jesss character and could visualize her act
Brilliant book loved the characters especially Iris who is like to give a piece of my mind to. So well written I could feel the excitement in Jesss character and could visualize her act
March 31, 2020
Really enjoyed this book...loved the theatre stories.....characters were lifelike......couldn’t put it down.....
May 8, 2021
Nice read. I did pick this book up for the reason that it was set in Cleethorpes
July 1, 2021
Once I got into this book I found it very worth a five star rating.
I can’t wait to read the Christmas book that follows this one
I can’t wait to read the Christmas book that follows this one
January 15, 2022
A lovely comforting read about seaside Theatre land. Really enjoyed it
September 3, 2022
A very entertaining read.
September 4, 2022
Lovely story set in Cleethorpes just as WW2 begins.
September 28, 2022
Enjoyable
Enjoyable reading, some great characters and set just before the outbreak of WW2. Looking forward to reading the next book
Enjoyable reading, some great characters and set just before the outbreak of WW2. Looking forward to reading the next book
October 16, 2022
Good read
My first read by this author and it was most enjoyable. I am looking forward to reading the next one.
My first read by this author and it was most enjoyable. I am looking forward to reading the next one.
March 28, 2023
The first book in a new series set in Cleethorpes at the end of the 1930’s. I enjoyed this first book and look forward to reading more in this series.
May 21, 2023
brilliant book
Great story , can’t wait to continue reading next one, few sad bits but you know it’s going to come good
Great story , can’t wait to continue reading next one, few sad bits but you know it’s going to come good
July 22, 2023
page turner
Great story. I was right there from the first page and carried beautifully to the end. Couldn’t put it down from one drama to another. Loved it!
Great story. I was right there from the first page and carried beautifully to the end. Couldn’t put it down from one drama to another. Loved it!
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