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The Bailey Chronicles #2
Bill Bailey's Lot
Bill Bailey, the rugged Liverpudlian, was now a fully-fledged Tyneside building contractor, as staunchly loyal to his squad of workmen as they were to him. He had also met and married Fiona, a young widow with her own loveable family, to which she and Bill shortly added with the adoption of the orphaned Mamie.Life was good, but the economic climate was growing distinctly cloudy, and it was vital that Bill land the contract of a major development scheme. Competition was fierce, and when his men came under attack, Bill was sure that someone was out to spoil their chances for the job.Meanwhile, there were ructions on the domestic front. One of their children, Willie, acquired a new friend, Sammy Love, and although Fiona had grave doubts about this formidable lad and his colourful language, it was Sammy – and his father – who would make a vital contribution to the lives and fortunes of Bill Bailey’s lot.This is a novel that conveys much warmth with the well-drawn characters of Bill Bailey and the captivating Sammy Love.
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1987
30 people are currently reading
194 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Cookson
463 books690 followersCatherine Cookson was born in Tyne Dock, the illegitimate daughter of a poverty-stricken woman, Kate, who Catherine believed was her older sister. Catherine began work in service but eventually moved south to Hastings, where she met and married Tom Cookson, a local grammar-school master.
Although she was originally acclaimed as a regional writer - her novel The Round Tower won the Winifred Holtby Award for the best regional novel of 1968 - her readership quickly spread throughout the world, and her many best-selling novels established her as one of the most popular contemporary woman novelist. She received an OBE in 1985, was created a Dame of the British Empire in 1993, and was appointed an Honorary Fellow of St Hilda's College, Oxford, in 1997.
For many years she lived near Newcastle upon Tyne.
Although she was originally acclaimed as a regional writer - her novel The Round Tower won the Winifred Holtby Award for the best regional novel of 1968 - her readership quickly spread throughout the world, and her many best-selling novels established her as one of the most popular contemporary woman novelist. She received an OBE in 1985, was created a Dame of the British Empire in 1993, and was appointed an Honorary Fellow of St Hilda's College, Oxford, in 1997.
For many years she lived near Newcastle upon Tyne.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
February 16, 2018
Really enjoyed reading this book. Storytelling at it's best.
February 3, 2020
The continuing story of the Baileys.... It's a bit rougher in its story then the first book . Don't mess with the Baileys
June 4, 2025
I read this in 2021 and loved it, as I did the one before and the one after. I have now managed to get the audio books, too.
I find it very strange that most of the audio books seem to be narrated by ladies using very polished voices for the characters, so for me I would stick with the books and picture in my minds eye and ears, Bill and little Sammy talking with voices that add to the characters. I am lucky that I managed to get a Bill Bailey Lot audio book that was narrated by a chap and it's brilliant, just like voices used in the Cooksons films, very strange as this with audible is listed as narrated by
I find it very strange that most of the audio books seem to be narrated by ladies using very polished voices for the characters, so for me I would stick with the books and picture in my minds eye and ears, Bill and little Sammy talking with voices that add to the characters. I am lucky that I managed to get a Bill Bailey Lot audio book that was narrated by a chap and it's brilliant, just like voices used in the Cooksons films, very strange as this with audible is listed as narrated by
January 24, 2021
Wow another amazing story from the great Catherine Cookson. This is the second book in the Bill bailey series and once again a heart warming family saga that will have you on the edge of your seat. It will keep you page turning until you reach the end. This saga is truly the best of her works I have read so far. I can not wait to read part 3
June 20, 2023
The 2nd book in the series about Bill Bailey. I first read these books when I was at school having discovered Catherine Cookson I couldn't read enough of her books. This time I listened to the audio version which was narrated with different voices for each character. I enjoyed them all over again but I wouldn't read them again as I would say they were for a younger audience!
October 22, 2023
3/5 stars. While very dated, I thought this series was great.
May 17, 2008
My dad loved reading these books by Cathrine Cookson. I read a few of the books and liked them all.
Here is a bit about her:
Catherine Cookson was born in Tyne Dock, the illegitimate daughter of a poverty-stricken woman, Kate, whom she believed to be her older sister. She began work in service but eventually moved south to Hastings, where she met and married Tom Cookson, a local grammar-school master. Although she was originally acclaimed as a regional writer - her novel The Round Tower won the Winifred Holtby Award for the best regional novel of 1968 - her readership quickly spread throughout the world, and her many bestselling novels established her as one of the most popular of contemporary women novelists. After receiving an OBE in 1985, Catherine Cookson was created a Dame of the British Empire in 1993. She was appointed an Honorary Fellow of St Hilda's College, Oxford, in 1997. For many years she lived near Newcastle upon Tyne. She died shortly before her ninety-second birthday, in June 1998
Here is a bit about her:
Catherine Cookson was born in Tyne Dock, the illegitimate daughter of a poverty-stricken woman, Kate, whom she believed to be her older sister. She began work in service but eventually moved south to Hastings, where she met and married Tom Cookson, a local grammar-school master. Although she was originally acclaimed as a regional writer - her novel The Round Tower won the Winifred Holtby Award for the best regional novel of 1968 - her readership quickly spread throughout the world, and her many bestselling novels established her as one of the most popular of contemporary women novelists. After receiving an OBE in 1985, Catherine Cookson was created a Dame of the British Empire in 1993. She was appointed an Honorary Fellow of St Hilda's College, Oxford, in 1997. For many years she lived near Newcastle upon Tyne. She died shortly before her ninety-second birthday, in June 1998
July 30, 2020
2nd book in the Bill Bailey Trilogy which introduces another new character into their lives Sammy Love and his father as Bill and Fiona settle in to their married life.
When Bill and Fiona marry, he adopts not only her three ``lovable bairns,'' but also the orphan daughter of a co-worker. As we follow the lively family over a span of 10 years, we meet quirky and endearing characters, Cookson's forte. Among the characters in all of the books are Fiona's man-chasing, disagreeable mother; young Sammy Love and his Irish father from rough Bog's End from this 2nd book; Nell, the helpful neighbour who gets a second chance at marriage; and those of more genteel background who find the Baileys irresistible. Although the Baileys do not escape the pain of life, they triumph through love and laughter. Cookson manages to avoid the pitfall of sentimentality, to spin an attractive tale.
Catherine Cookson’s novel is a richly entertaining tale of human relationships which are warm-hearted, full of humour and powerfully dramatic.
When Bill and Fiona marry, he adopts not only her three ``lovable bairns,'' but also the orphan daughter of a co-worker. As we follow the lively family over a span of 10 years, we meet quirky and endearing characters, Cookson's forte. Among the characters in all of the books are Fiona's man-chasing, disagreeable mother; young Sammy Love and his Irish father from rough Bog's End from this 2nd book; Nell, the helpful neighbour who gets a second chance at marriage; and those of more genteel background who find the Baileys irresistible. Although the Baileys do not escape the pain of life, they triumph through love and laughter. Cookson manages to avoid the pitfall of sentimentality, to spin an attractive tale.
Catherine Cookson’s novel is a richly entertaining tale of human relationships which are warm-hearted, full of humour and powerfully dramatic.
May 26, 2025
I read this in 2021 and loved it, as I did the one before and the one after. I have now managed to get the audio books, too.
I find it very strange that most of the audio books seem to be narrated by ladies using very polished voices for the characters, so for me I would stick with the books and picture in my minds eye and ears, Bill and little Sammy talking with voices that add to the characters. I am lucky that I managed to get a Bill Bailey Lot audio book that was narrated by a chap and it's brilliant, just like voices used in the Cooksons films, very strange as this with audible is listed as narrated by Susan Jameson.
Susan is very good, but is definitely a little out of place with the Bill Bailey trilogy.
My audio copy may be an old version from the newer versions.
I find it very strange that most of the audio books seem to be narrated by ladies using very polished voices for the characters, so for me I would stick with the books and picture in my minds eye and ears, Bill and little Sammy talking with voices that add to the characters. I am lucky that I managed to get a Bill Bailey Lot audio book that was narrated by a chap and it's brilliant, just like voices used in the Cooksons films, very strange as this with audible is listed as narrated by Susan Jameson.
Susan is very good, but is definitely a little out of place with the Bill Bailey trilogy.
My audio copy may be an old version from the newer versions.
June 22, 2010
As in most of Cookson's books she writes with strong female characters overcoming some miserable circumstance or misfortune. I also love the English accents given her characters. If you like books set in old England and well developed characters, you will enjoy books by Catherine Cookson!
This is part of a series of Bill Bailey books.
This is part of a series of Bill Bailey books.
May 18, 2012
I read all of Catherine Cookson's books some years ago and enjoyed them immensley. I recently re-read all of them and find that on a second look I found them all so very predictable, and was rather disappointed. However I'm sure that it is my tastes that have changed not the calibre of her story telling.
September 17, 2012
nice to read a slightly more modern set novel from this wonderful story teller
September 19, 2012
a nice, non-serious read.
August 5, 2011
The second in the Bill Bailey trilogy. I loved this trio of stories! Cookson shines!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews