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The Seaside Girls #2
Hopes and Dreams
Cleethorpes – September 1939
Struggling to keep their spirits up as the reality of war hits home and theatres are closed, friends Jessie Delaney and Frances O’Leary search for work to see them through until they can sing and dance again.
Frances, once upon a time followed her dreams of becoming a dancer but soon found herself with a broken heart and a precious secret when her lover abandoned her. Keeping her secret from her friends grows more difficult as time passes and their friendship grows..
But with her lover returning to England from a successful tour of America, how long will it be before the truth comes to light?
Secrets aren’t good for anyone and Frances isn’t the only one hiding things from her friends. Ginny Thomspon, another Variety Girl is hoping for the best. But is hope enough?
Can the Variety Girls pull together to help each other through the tough times or will their secrets tear them apart?
A gritty and heart-warming saga perfect for readers of Elaine Everest, Nancy Revell and Pam Howes.
Praise for Tracy
‘A charming, heart-warming saga about ambition, hard work and courage in the cut and thrust of a world often driven by jealousy and spite’. Rosie Clarke
‘Immerse yourself in the exciting, evocative world of Wartime musical theatre. I highly recommend this book.’ Fenella Miller
‘An emotional, entertaining read that had me gripped!’ Sheila Riley
'An absorbing and poignant saga. I loved it from the very beginning and would highly recommend it...' Elaine Roberts
'Terrific - beautifully written. The book twinkles. A well-crafted and satisfying story' Maisie Thomas
‘A pleasure from start to finish.’ Glenda Young
‘…you will have to read this well-researched song and dance of a novel in great gulps as I did’ Annie Clark
‘I just loved this book! Molly Walton
The Variety Girls is terrific - beautifully written & with an unusual background. The stage costumes twinkle with sequins and the book twinkles with tiny details of theatre life that add depth and atmosphere to this well-crafted and satisfying story. Maisie Thomas, The Railway Girls
‘A pleasure from start to finish.’ Glenda Young, Belle of the Backstreets
‘…you will have to read this well-researched song and dance of a novel in great gulps as I did’ Margaret Graham/Annie Clark/Milly Adams
‘an evocative, busy, entertaining read, which has well balanced touches of humour, vying with angst, and of course, more than a dollop of tension.’ Margaret Graham, Frost Magazine
‘I just loved this book! The characters were so well-drawn, they felt like old friends to me. Their relationships were beautifully written, heartwarming and authentic. A fascinating insight into the theatre life of the time and all its wonderful personalities. The setting of Cleethorpes was delightful and shone a light on this town that deserves more recognition. Tracy Baines is a very welcome addition to the saga genre, which she has enriched with this lovely story.’ Molly Walton author of A Mother’s War
‘Characterisation is one of the book’s strong points – the individual characters stay in your mind long after you finish the story.’ Barbara Dynes, The Voice
Struggling to keep their spirits up as the reality of war hits home and theatres are closed, friends Jessie Delaney and Frances O’Leary search for work to see them through until they can sing and dance again.
Frances, once upon a time followed her dreams of becoming a dancer but soon found herself with a broken heart and a precious secret when her lover abandoned her. Keeping her secret from her friends grows more difficult as time passes and their friendship grows..
But with her lover returning to England from a successful tour of America, how long will it be before the truth comes to light?
Secrets aren’t good for anyone and Frances isn’t the only one hiding things from her friends. Ginny Thomspon, another Variety Girl is hoping for the best. But is hope enough?
Can the Variety Girls pull together to help each other through the tough times or will their secrets tear them apart?
A gritty and heart-warming saga perfect for readers of Elaine Everest, Nancy Revell and Pam Howes.
Praise for Tracy
‘A charming, heart-warming saga about ambition, hard work and courage in the cut and thrust of a world often driven by jealousy and spite’. Rosie Clarke
‘Immerse yourself in the exciting, evocative world of Wartime musical theatre. I highly recommend this book.’ Fenella Miller
‘An emotional, entertaining read that had me gripped!’ Sheila Riley
'An absorbing and poignant saga. I loved it from the very beginning and would highly recommend it...' Elaine Roberts
'Terrific - beautifully written. The book twinkles. A well-crafted and satisfying story' Maisie Thomas
‘A pleasure from start to finish.’ Glenda Young
‘…you will have to read this well-researched song and dance of a novel in great gulps as I did’ Annie Clark
‘I just loved this book! Molly Walton
The Variety Girls is terrific - beautifully written & with an unusual background. The stage costumes twinkle with sequins and the book twinkles with tiny details of theatre life that add depth and atmosphere to this well-crafted and satisfying story. Maisie Thomas, The Railway Girls
‘A pleasure from start to finish.’ Glenda Young, Belle of the Backstreets
‘…you will have to read this well-researched song and dance of a novel in great gulps as I did’ Margaret Graham/Annie Clark/Milly Adams
‘an evocative, busy, entertaining read, which has well balanced touches of humour, vying with angst, and of course, more than a dollop of tension.’ Margaret Graham, Frost Magazine
‘I just loved this book! The characters were so well-drawn, they felt like old friends to me. Their relationships were beautifully written, heartwarming and authentic. A fascinating insight into the theatre life of the time and all its wonderful personalities. The setting of Cleethorpes was delightful and shone a light on this town that deserves more recognition. Tracy Baines is a very welcome addition to the saga genre, which she has enriched with this lovely story.’ Molly Walton author of A Mother’s War
‘Characterisation is one of the book’s strong points – the individual characters stay in your mind long after you finish the story.’ Barbara Dynes, The Voice
344 pages, Paperback
Published August 11, 2022
147 people are currently reading
108 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.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
September 5, 2022
A lovely catch up with the Variety Girls- trying to keep the theatres open during the war years. This book puts Frances in the spotlight and it's great to get to know her better. I am loving this war time saga and the theatrical element is really interesting. I can't wait to read more. My second book by Tracy Baines and I am really glad to have found a new saga author.
August 7, 2022
The second book in the Variety Girls series sees the story pick up directly where it left off in the
"The Variety Girls"
previously. This time, however, the story focuses on Frances with Jessie taking a a backseat to this story. It was lovely to revisit my time in Cleesthorpes with the girls once again.
At the close of the previous book, rumours of war had been looming all summer but that didn't deter the girls from putting on the performance of their careers. Jessie was offered a place in a West End show after talent scout Vernon Leroy had come to watch her perform, and best of all, her true love Harry had proposed. But Harry had already volunteered with the RAF so if war came he would be flying some treacherous missions.
Picking up directly after Jessie's doubly exciting news, it's 3rd September and all of Britain has awoken early to await the announcement from London at 11am. And it's the news no one wants to hear but were prepared for - Britain was at war with Germany. And immediately, all theatres were closed until further notice leaving Frances and Jessie and many others out of work. Never one to give up, Frances finds work at the Fisherman's Inn with her kindly landlady and boss Lil, and Jessie at a solicitor's office drawing on her previous experience working in her Uncle Norman's firm before joining the Variety Girls.
When the theatre owner Jack Holland announces that the Empire will reopen, but in a limited capacity, the girls step up and start rehearsing their act to perform between cinema screenings that are also being played. But with the girls' other work committments it soon becomes difficult to pin each of them down to specific schedule. For Frances, Sundays are out and no one can understand why for she remains tight-lipped about it.
Meanwhile in their dressing room is a photograph of her adored little niece Imogen...but what no one knows is that their relationship runs much deeper. And now Frances has received news that the sweetheart, the love of her life, who had abandoned her four years ago for the bright lights of America and promises to write and send her a ticket to join him, is back in England. Frances' heart was broken then and she would not allow it to be again. More importantly, she would not allow Imogen's to be broken. She had trusted Johnny and he had cruelly abandoned her...but had he really? And now that he is back, will her secret finally be revealed?
A delightful tale, HOPES AND DREAMS FOR THE VARIETY GIRLS is about love, life and friendships in the face of war and tragedy. The war is but a backdrop and is, in fact, barely mentioned. The story that unfolds is about love and friendships and secrets. As everyone knows secrets have a way of coming out and not always in a good way.
I certainly enjoyed this tale, far more than the first one I think, though I'm not sure why as they are both equally just as enjoyable and just as well told. And the characters are very likeable...bar one, of course, just as in the first book.
Although HOPES AND DREAMS FOR THE VARIETY GIRLS is the second in the series, it can suffice as a standalone with enough background information that doesn't leave you scratching your head as to what you may have missed. And equally so, as this one is Frances' story and the first one was Jessie's.
A thoroughly enjoyable tale, I can't wait to rejoin the girls in the next installment to see what awaits them...and who will be the focus next time? Ginny, maybe? Or Dolly? I guess we'll have to wait and see.
I would like to thank #TracyBaines, #Netgalley, #BoldwoodBooks and #RachelsRandomResources for an ARC of #HopesAndDreamsForTheVarietyGirls in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
At the close of the previous book, rumours of war had been looming all summer but that didn't deter the girls from putting on the performance of their careers. Jessie was offered a place in a West End show after talent scout Vernon Leroy had come to watch her perform, and best of all, her true love Harry had proposed. But Harry had already volunteered with the RAF so if war came he would be flying some treacherous missions.
Picking up directly after Jessie's doubly exciting news, it's 3rd September and all of Britain has awoken early to await the announcement from London at 11am. And it's the news no one wants to hear but were prepared for - Britain was at war with Germany. And immediately, all theatres were closed until further notice leaving Frances and Jessie and many others out of work. Never one to give up, Frances finds work at the Fisherman's Inn with her kindly landlady and boss Lil, and Jessie at a solicitor's office drawing on her previous experience working in her Uncle Norman's firm before joining the Variety Girls.
When the theatre owner Jack Holland announces that the Empire will reopen, but in a limited capacity, the girls step up and start rehearsing their act to perform between cinema screenings that are also being played. But with the girls' other work committments it soon becomes difficult to pin each of them down to specific schedule. For Frances, Sundays are out and no one can understand why for she remains tight-lipped about it.
Meanwhile in their dressing room is a photograph of her adored little niece Imogen...but what no one knows is that their relationship runs much deeper. And now Frances has received news that the sweetheart, the love of her life, who had abandoned her four years ago for the bright lights of America and promises to write and send her a ticket to join him, is back in England. Frances' heart was broken then and she would not allow it to be again. More importantly, she would not allow Imogen's to be broken. She had trusted Johnny and he had cruelly abandoned her...but had he really? And now that he is back, will her secret finally be revealed?
A delightful tale, HOPES AND DREAMS FOR THE VARIETY GIRLS is about love, life and friendships in the face of war and tragedy. The war is but a backdrop and is, in fact, barely mentioned. The story that unfolds is about love and friendships and secrets. As everyone knows secrets have a way of coming out and not always in a good way.
I certainly enjoyed this tale, far more than the first one I think, though I'm not sure why as they are both equally just as enjoyable and just as well told. And the characters are very likeable...bar one, of course, just as in the first book.
Although HOPES AND DREAMS FOR THE VARIETY GIRLS is the second in the series, it can suffice as a standalone with enough background information that doesn't leave you scratching your head as to what you may have missed. And equally so, as this one is Frances' story and the first one was Jessie's.
A thoroughly enjoyable tale, I can't wait to rejoin the girls in the next installment to see what awaits them...and who will be the focus next time? Ginny, maybe? Or Dolly? I guess we'll have to wait and see.
I would like to thank #TracyBaines, #Netgalley, #BoldwoodBooks and #RachelsRandomResources for an ARC of #HopesAndDreamsForTheVarietyGirls in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
October 11, 2020
The second book back with the girl's I have been so looking forward to reading as I loved the first and it's my favourite time of the year to read I love christmas book's.
Cleethorpes September 1939 and WW2 is starting and The Empire has to close.
Frances O'Leary has handed over Imogen in the care of Patsy, it's a big secret that she has to keep to protect her little girl, especially from Johnny Randolph and his sister Ruby after she finds them both back from America. But how long will she able too?
The dreadful war has spoiled all the girl's dreams until Jack Holland steps in and takes control of The Empire, Frances, Ginny and Jessie for all their secrets and worries want to make christmas a time to be remembered.
It's hard work with war been on going from all the characters having jobs and rehearsing at the same time but its what the girls love to do Dance.
this book is
so heart warming
so touching
and you will need tissues
it's a perfect christmas read and hope to read more stories from the variety girls next year.
an exceptional book all round loved it.
Cleethorpes September 1939 and WW2 is starting and The Empire has to close.
Frances O'Leary has handed over Imogen in the care of Patsy, it's a big secret that she has to keep to protect her little girl, especially from Johnny Randolph and his sister Ruby after she finds them both back from America. But how long will she able too?
The dreadful war has spoiled all the girl's dreams until Jack Holland steps in and takes control of The Empire, Frances, Ginny and Jessie for all their secrets and worries want to make christmas a time to be remembered.
It's hard work with war been on going from all the characters having jobs and rehearsing at the same time but its what the girls love to do Dance.
this book is
so heart warming
so touching
and you will need tissues
it's a perfect christmas read and hope to read more stories from the variety girls next year.
an exceptional book all round loved it.
August 16, 2022
I have a little confession to make- yes yet another one. Although I have the first book in the 'Variety Girls' series on my ever increasing 'to be read' mountain, I haven't read it yet. I know what a mistake to make. When I was invited to take part in the blog tour for 'Hopes & Dreams For The Variety Girls', I thought that it would be an ideal opportunity to introduce myself to the Variety Girls and see just what it was that I had been missing. Having enjoyed reading 'Hopes & Dreams For The Variety Girls' as much as I did, I am now rather cross at myself for leaving it this long to discover how flipping fantastic the series is. I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'Hopes & Dreams For The Variety Girls' but more about that in a bit.
Anybody who knows me well, knows that not only am I a ginger book geek but I am also a history nerd with a particular interest in historical fiction. So imagine my excitement when I read the synopsis of 'Hopes & Dreams For The Variety Girls'. The synopsis alone was enough to grab my attention and draw me in. As soon as I started reading the story itself, I knew that I was onto something special and that I wouldn't be able to put this book down for very long at all. I was right on both counts. I warmed to the characters from the start to such an extent that I began to consider some of them as being friends of mine. I had a suspicion as to how the story was going to pan out so of course I had to keep reading to see if I was on the right track or if I had wandered down another path entirely. When I was reading this book, I would become so wrapped up in the story that I would lose all track of time and just how quickly I was getting through the story. All too quickly, I reached the end of 'Hopes & Dreams For The Variety Girls' and I had to say goodbye to the girls and to the other characters. I found 'Hopes & Dreams For The Variety Girls' to be a gripping and at times emotional read.
'Hopes & Dreams For The Variety Girls' is brilliantly written and then some. The author has an easy going writing style that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. In fact reading this book felt more like a chat between friends rather than reading an actual book. I hope that makes sense. For me, the story hit the ground running and maintained a fairly gentle pace throughout. Tracy clearly cares about her characters and this shines through in the very vivid and realistic way in which she describes them- she describes her characters so well that they seem just as real as you and I. Tracy has clearly done an awful lot of research into the period in which the story takes place and this makes the story seem that bit more authentic. I always find that the sign of a good book is when I become far too involved with the story to the extent that I interact with the characters as if they can hear me. Well that's exactly what happened with this one. 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 'Hopes & Dreams For The Variety Girls' and I would recommend it to other readers. I will certainly 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*.
Anybody who knows me well, knows that not only am I a ginger book geek but I am also a history nerd with a particular interest in historical fiction. So imagine my excitement when I read the synopsis of 'Hopes & Dreams For The Variety Girls'. The synopsis alone was enough to grab my attention and draw me in. As soon as I started reading the story itself, I knew that I was onto something special and that I wouldn't be able to put this book down for very long at all. I was right on both counts. I warmed to the characters from the start to such an extent that I began to consider some of them as being friends of mine. I had a suspicion as to how the story was going to pan out so of course I had to keep reading to see if I was on the right track or if I had wandered down another path entirely. When I was reading this book, I would become so wrapped up in the story that I would lose all track of time and just how quickly I was getting through the story. All too quickly, I reached the end of 'Hopes & Dreams For The Variety Girls' and I had to say goodbye to the girls and to the other characters. I found 'Hopes & Dreams For The Variety Girls' to be a gripping and at times emotional read.
'Hopes & Dreams For The Variety Girls' is brilliantly written and then some. The author has an easy going writing style that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. In fact reading this book felt more like a chat between friends rather than reading an actual book. I hope that makes sense. For me, the story hit the ground running and maintained a fairly gentle pace throughout. Tracy clearly cares about her characters and this shines through in the very vivid and realistic way in which she describes them- she describes her characters so well that they seem just as real as you and I. Tracy has clearly done an awful lot of research into the period in which the story takes place and this makes the story seem that bit more authentic. I always find that the sign of a good book is when I become far too involved with the story to the extent that I interact with the characters as if they can hear me. Well that's exactly what happened with this one. 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 'Hopes & Dreams For The Variety Girls' and I would recommend it to other readers. I will certainly 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*.
November 7, 2022
Readers who enjoy Rosie Clarke and Elaine Everest’s sagas will not want to miss out on Tracy Baines’ heartfelt and enthralling tale, Hopes and Dreams for The Variety Girls, set in Cleethorpes just when the Second World War was declared.
September 1939 and the world is at war again. As wives, mothers and daughters bid goodbye to their husbands, sons and fathers who are off to do their duty for king and country, the women left to keep the home fires burning find themselves having to cope and survive amidst all the uncertainty and upheaval that war brings with it. Sacrifices need to be made and pennies have to be pinched, so when the theatres are shut down, close friends Jessie and Frances start to wonder just what the future will hold for them unable to do the one thing they love most in the world: perform…
Frances had once dreamed of becoming a dancer and she had pursued her ambitions and thought that the world was hers for the taking – until she fell in love and found herself abandoned by her lover. Heartbroken and in possession of a secret that could have life-changing consequences, Frances does not know which way to turn or how she is going to be able to keep a roof over her head. Will her lover’s return from a tour in America be the answer to all of her problems? Or the beginning of even more heartache? Frances is not the only one with secrets as Variety Girl Ginny has her own skeletons in the closet. Ginny is keeping her fingers crossed and hoping for the best. But is hope enough when everything seems so hopeless and desperate?
Will the Variety Girls find the strength to keep forging on during these uncertain times? Or will their secrets end up tearing them apart?
Hopes and Dreams for the Variety Girls is an enjoyable heart-warmer perfect for curling up with. Tracy Baines is a talented storyteller with a great gift for bringing to life the joys, sorrows and frustrations of life in wartime England. Hopes and Dreams for the Variety Girls is full of strong women who find themselves tested like never before doing their utmost to keep one foot in front of the other.
Written straight from the heart, Hopes and Dreams for the Variety Girls is a delightful wartime saga from Tracy Baines and I cannot wait to read the next installments in what promises to be a brilliant new series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 1939 and the world is at war again. As wives, mothers and daughters bid goodbye to their husbands, sons and fathers who are off to do their duty for king and country, the women left to keep the home fires burning find themselves having to cope and survive amidst all the uncertainty and upheaval that war brings with it. Sacrifices need to be made and pennies have to be pinched, so when the theatres are shut down, close friends Jessie and Frances start to wonder just what the future will hold for them unable to do the one thing they love most in the world: perform…
Frances had once dreamed of becoming a dancer and she had pursued her ambitions and thought that the world was hers for the taking – until she fell in love and found herself abandoned by her lover. Heartbroken and in possession of a secret that could have life-changing consequences, Frances does not know which way to turn or how she is going to be able to keep a roof over her head. Will her lover’s return from a tour in America be the answer to all of her problems? Or the beginning of even more heartache? Frances is not the only one with secrets as Variety Girl Ginny has her own skeletons in the closet. Ginny is keeping her fingers crossed and hoping for the best. But is hope enough when everything seems so hopeless and desperate?
Will the Variety Girls find the strength to keep forging on during these uncertain times? Or will their secrets end up tearing them apart?
Hopes and Dreams for the Variety Girls is an enjoyable heart-warmer perfect for curling up with. Tracy Baines is a talented storyteller with a great gift for bringing to life the joys, sorrows and frustrations of life in wartime England. Hopes and Dreams for the Variety Girls is full of strong women who find themselves tested like never before doing their utmost to keep one foot in front of the other.
Written straight from the heart, Hopes and Dreams for the Variety Girls is a delightful wartime saga from Tracy Baines and I cannot wait to read the next installments in what promises to be a brilliant new series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 14, 2022
This heartwarming book, had me flying through the pages and cheering for the beautiful Variety girls. A beautifully written storyline, it is heartbreaking, funny, enjoyable and I read it with a big smile on my face. The characters are so loveable. I highly recommend reading this beauty of a book.
My rating 5/5
Hopes and Dreams for the Variety Girls
As war is declared can The Variety Girls keep smiling through…
Cleethorpes – September 1939
Struggling to keep their spirits up as the reality of war hits home and theatres are closed, friends Jessie Delaney and Frances O’Leary search for work to see them through until they can sing and dance again.
Frances, once upon a time followed her dreams of becoming a dancer but soon found herself with a broken heart and a precious secret when her lover abandoned her. Keeping her secret from her friends grows more difficult as time passes and their friendship grows..
But with her lover returning to England from a successful tour of America, how long will it be before the truth comes to light?
Secrets aren’t good for anyone and Frances isn’t the only one hiding things from her friends. Ginny Thomspon, another Variety Girl is hoping for the best. But is hope enough?
Can the Variety Girls pull together to help each other through the tough times or will their secrets tear them apart?
Thank you netgalley and boldwood for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. #netgalley #hopesanddrramsforthevarietygirls
My rating 5/5
Hopes and Dreams for the Variety Girls
As war is declared can The Variety Girls keep smiling through…
Cleethorpes – September 1939
Struggling to keep their spirits up as the reality of war hits home and theatres are closed, friends Jessie Delaney and Frances O’Leary search for work to see them through until they can sing and dance again.
Frances, once upon a time followed her dreams of becoming a dancer but soon found herself with a broken heart and a precious secret when her lover abandoned her. Keeping her secret from her friends grows more difficult as time passes and their friendship grows..
But with her lover returning to England from a successful tour of America, how long will it be before the truth comes to light?
Secrets aren’t good for anyone and Frances isn’t the only one hiding things from her friends. Ginny Thomspon, another Variety Girl is hoping for the best. But is hope enough?
Can the Variety Girls pull together to help each other through the tough times or will their secrets tear them apart?
Thank you netgalley and boldwood for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. #netgalley #hopesanddrramsforthevarietygirls
August 10, 2022
I received this ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I was so happy to be approved to read this ARC as I’d read the first book in this series and I loved it so much! Historical Sagas have a special place in my heart.
This story focuses on another Variety Girl Frances, I had a few thoughts and feelings about her when I read the first book so I was intrigued to find out if I was right or not. ( Don’t worry you get enough background to read this book as a stand-alone).
This begins immediately after the previous book ends so you don’t miss a single thing!. Jessie and her family got a happy ending tinged with sadness and rumours of the War being declared at any moment are on everyone’s minds.
I absolutely adore this series and was happy that it was Frances story this time as her story is a story that everyone can relate to as the same kind of things happen in all walks of life and in every era.
I loved how we still got everyone else’s story too so we got to keep up and no one was forgotten about.
The dramas and sorrows that everyone had to endure was just heartbreaking to read and the author really makes you feel like your living though it with everyone in Cleethorpes as she writes so beautifully.
I was so happy to be approved to read this ARC as I’d read the first book in this series and I loved it so much! Historical Sagas have a special place in my heart.
This story focuses on another Variety Girl Frances, I had a few thoughts and feelings about her when I read the first book so I was intrigued to find out if I was right or not. ( Don’t worry you get enough background to read this book as a stand-alone).
This begins immediately after the previous book ends so you don’t miss a single thing!. Jessie and her family got a happy ending tinged with sadness and rumours of the War being declared at any moment are on everyone’s minds.
I absolutely adore this series and was happy that it was Frances story this time as her story is a story that everyone can relate to as the same kind of things happen in all walks of life and in every era.
I loved how we still got everyone else’s story too so we got to keep up and no one was forgotten about.
The dramas and sorrows that everyone had to endure was just heartbreaking to read and the author really makes you feel like your living though it with everyone in Cleethorpes as she writes so beautifully.
August 15, 2022
Book two in the variety girls series. The first book was my first book by Tracy and I couldn’t wait for this next book. We read all about Jessie and her family in the first book. This book carries on from the last one but it concentrates on Frances one of the other variety girls. We are just at the start of World War Two in this book and things are in a mess as nobody knows what’s going to happen and at first the theatres all shut down. Just like the first book you get drawn into the characters lives right from page one. There are lots of ups and downs for the girls in this book. Exactly like book one Tracy leaves you wanting more. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for the variety girls in the future.
August 30, 2022
This is the 2nd book in the series. This begins on Sunday 3rd September 1939. To quote the famous phrase of the time 'The day war broke out' We follow Jessie and Frances through various troubles. The secrets that had been kept begin to unfold, but I am not saying what or who, you will have to read the book to find out. We also meet new girls and entertainers.
When war was first declared all theatres had to close, so there was problems with that. The girls got themselves jobs.
I can recommend this book and have no hesitation in the 5*
When war was first declared all theatres had to close, so there was problems with that. The girls got themselves jobs.
I can recommend this book and have no hesitation in the 5*
August 17, 2022
This was an absolute delight to read and I enjoyed every minute of it!
A beautifully written, highly evocative, heartwarming drama set in the world of wartime musical theatre.
With a credible cast characters that soon felt like old friends. I love the friendships built, their camaraderie and spirits were never dampened even though war had just broken out.
I'm looking forward to the next in the series already.
Many thanks to Rachel's Random Resources for my tour spot.
Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐
A beautifully written, highly evocative, heartwarming drama set in the world of wartime musical theatre.
With a credible cast characters that soon felt like old friends. I love the friendships built, their camaraderie and spirits were never dampened even though war had just broken out.
I'm looking forward to the next in the series already.
Many thanks to Rachel's Random Resources for my tour spot.
Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Read
August 1, 2022This was a quick read for me. As a lover of historical fiction, especially WWII stories, I thought this was different in the way it revolved around the theatre. I liked the friendships between the girls, and got sucked in like I was there! Thank you Netgalley for the chance to read this arc. Now I will go back and read the first book in the series. I would recommend!
August 31, 2023
A bit nondescript! The war itself is usually a supporting character in books of this genre, but here it takes a back seat am lost to the point of obscurity. There is still little character depth & I finished this second book of the series with very little understanding of or feeling for the majority of them. It was fine, but it certainly wasn’t good or great.
July 1, 2023
Good book/series
These books have been wonderful so full of love and passion and anything is possible when you have that a good friend and family. Looking forward to the other books from Tracy. I recommend this series, pick it up today you will not be disappointed.
These books have been wonderful so full of love and passion and anything is possible when you have that a good friend and family. Looking forward to the other books from Tracy. I recommend this series, pick it up today you will not be disappointed.
September 12, 2023
Another Excellent Wartime Read From Tracy Baines
Well written wartime book following on from the first book in this series.
It details the lives of the girls during the phoney war period prior to the blitz
Well written wartime book following on from the first book in this series.
It details the lives of the girls during the phoney war period prior to the blitz
August 25, 2025
bit of a tear jerker for good and bad
So glad I continued this series, it is brilliant, really took me into its arms to forget all about the upheaval of moving house, Thankyou again 💝💝
So glad I continued this series, it is brilliant, really took me into its arms to forget all about the upheaval of moving house, Thankyou again 💝💝
August 18, 2022
My review of Hope and Dreams for the Variety Girls can be found on my blog...
https://quirkybookreads.wordpress.com...
https://quirkybookreads.wordpress.com...
September 4, 2022
Another visit to Cleethorpes with the Variety Girls, this book centres on Frances rather than Jessie, and another great story.
November 10, 2022
Fabulous read
Another great read and would recommend it to anyone who likes good endings. Would have read it quicker but things got in the way but it did not spoil it in any way.
Another great read and would recommend it to anyone who likes good endings. Would have read it quicker but things got in the way but it did not spoil it in any way.
Read
December 7, 2022I really enjoyed this book. It definitely put me in a Christmas mood!
June 18, 2023
Slow goer
It took me a while to get into it . Then I loved it,I am a slow reader ,only read at night before sleep
It took me a while to get into it . Then I loved it,I am a slow reader ,only read at night before sleep
July 26, 2023
Engrossing !
I couldn’t put this down, every page held you right to the end. Didn’t want the book to end. I wanted to keep going with this story!
I couldn’t put this down, every page held you right to the end. Didn’t want the book to end. I wanted to keep going with this story!
June 3, 2025
Great story telling
A great read which I couldn't put down. There are plenty of twists and secrets exposed as the book goes on. Excellent read.
A great read which I couldn't put down. There are plenty of twists and secrets exposed as the book goes on. Excellent read.
September 3, 2022
Another enjoyable read of the Variety Girls stories.
April 30, 2022
Will Christmas bring an unexpected reunion?
Frances O'Leary has always dreamed of being a dancer. But after war is declared and the theatres begin to close, Frances and the variety girls must search for work elsewhere.
However, Frances is hiding a secret. As far as her best friend Jessie knows, Frances is a young aunt who adores her niece, Imogen - but what she doesn't know is that their relationship runs much deeper. Now, with the sweetheart who cruelly abandoned her returning to England, will her secret finally be revealed?...
Cleethorpes Pier is a pleasure pier in the town of Cleethorpes,North East Lincolnshire,England.It opened in 1873 on August Bank Holiday. A section of the pier was cut out during WWII to impede its use in any German invasion attempt. When the war first broke out, the government closed a large number of theatres,sports grounds,dance halls and cinemas for fear that they would be hit by the bombings.But, within weeks, many reopened. Entertainment during WWII provided civilians with a form of escape from the hardships of wartime life.It was equally important to those serving in the forces,both in Britain and overseas.Flexibility and compromise became key. To minimise the impact of air raids, the tradition of dinner and a show gave way to matinees and early evening performances. And there was a campaign to relax rules on Sunday openings to bring them in line with cinemas.There were radical changes in the cultural landscape instigated during the war. There was a state intervention in the arts, with a particular focus on the demands put on theatre and its role in society in relation to propaganda, nation-building,and education.
Postwar,competing with the technical refinements of motion pictures,radio,and television (all of which were offering drama),the live theatre had to rediscover what value it could provide to society that the mass media couldn't. Postwar, thanks to prewar experiments, sought to more radically then ever, challenge the audience, breaking down the barriers between spectators and performers.
Frances O'Leary has always dreamed of being a dancer. But after war is declared and the theatres begin to close, Frances and the variety girls must search for work elsewhere.
However, Frances is hiding a secret. As far as her best friend Jessie knows, Frances is a young aunt who adores her niece, Imogen - but what she doesn't know is that their relationship runs much deeper. Now, with the sweetheart who cruelly abandoned her returning to England, will her secret finally be revealed?...
Cleethorpes Pier is a pleasure pier in the town of Cleethorpes,North East Lincolnshire,England.It opened in 1873 on August Bank Holiday. A section of the pier was cut out during WWII to impede its use in any German invasion attempt. When the war first broke out, the government closed a large number of theatres,sports grounds,dance halls and cinemas for fear that they would be hit by the bombings.But, within weeks, many reopened. Entertainment during WWII provided civilians with a form of escape from the hardships of wartime life.It was equally important to those serving in the forces,both in Britain and overseas.Flexibility and compromise became key. To minimise the impact of air raids, the tradition of dinner and a show gave way to matinees and early evening performances. And there was a campaign to relax rules on Sunday openings to bring them in line with cinemas.There were radical changes in the cultural landscape instigated during the war. There was a state intervention in the arts, with a particular focus on the demands put on theatre and its role in society in relation to propaganda, nation-building,and education.
Postwar,competing with the technical refinements of motion pictures,radio,and television (all of which were offering drama),the live theatre had to rediscover what value it could provide to society that the mass media couldn't. Postwar, thanks to prewar experiments, sought to more radically then ever, challenge the audience, breaking down the barriers between spectators and performers.
November 11, 2020
Thank you for the chance to read this book.
I understood that there had been a previous title in the Variety Girls series but this really did not impact on this book. I could follow the characters but did not feel I missed any of the details at all.
However the book was very slow and plodded along. I was surprised to find that I seemed to have read for a long time but the story had not really moved along or the percentage in the book that I had read.
It started with everyone waiting for the declaration of War in 1939 - and the book ended with Christmas in the same year. It dealt with the closure of the theatres and their subsequent partial reopening and how the staff of the theatre dealt with this, and managed to perform a pantomime of sorts as well.
There was of course love interest for many of the characters, the stigma of illegitimate pregnancy in the 1940s and generally how life was in Grimsby in the early part of the War.
I am not sure that this book would encourage me to read more by this author - I can't say that I didn't like the book but there was nothing to make me want to find out more. As with many books of this genre the ending was rushed - but I find this often happens.
But don't let this review put you off - maybe this book would be for you.
Thank you again to the publisher and the author for the chance to read this book
I understood that there had been a previous title in the Variety Girls series but this really did not impact on this book. I could follow the characters but did not feel I missed any of the details at all.
However the book was very slow and plodded along. I was surprised to find that I seemed to have read for a long time but the story had not really moved along or the percentage in the book that I had read.
It started with everyone waiting for the declaration of War in 1939 - and the book ended with Christmas in the same year. It dealt with the closure of the theatres and their subsequent partial reopening and how the staff of the theatre dealt with this, and managed to perform a pantomime of sorts as well.
There was of course love interest for many of the characters, the stigma of illegitimate pregnancy in the 1940s and generally how life was in Grimsby in the early part of the War.
I am not sure that this book would encourage me to read more by this author - I can't say that I didn't like the book but there was nothing to make me want to find out more. As with many books of this genre the ending was rushed - but I find this often happens.
But don't let this review put you off - maybe this book would be for you.
Thank you again to the publisher and the author for the chance to read this book
January 8, 2021
I’ve never read historical fiction before but I’ve read three in as many months.
I started reading this book and my initial thought was that I really wasn’t going to get on with it. I persevered because I hate to give up on a book and really enjoyed it.
It’s about love life, fear and friendships.
Set at the outbreak of World War II, the fears and closure of the theatre reminded me a lot of what it felt like at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. The girls taking their gas masks with them felt similar to making sure that you have your mask with you.
Characters were likeable and an enjoyable read.
I started reading this book and my initial thought was that I really wasn’t going to get on with it. I persevered because I hate to give up on a book and really enjoyed it.
It’s about love life, fear and friendships.
Set at the outbreak of World War II, the fears and closure of the theatre reminded me a lot of what it felt like at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. The girls taking their gas masks with them felt similar to making sure that you have your mask with you.
Characters were likeable and an enjoyable read.
October 11, 2020
The Variety Girls are back and having just finished a season they await the announcement from London and pray it is not war,but their hopes are dashed.Frances,Jessie,Ginny and Dolly stay together then comes the news all the theatre's are to close what do they do now.Frances has Imogen to think of so has to get a job to earn money,Imogen is her secret but for how long now the country is at war.I have loved reading this book following the girls it is an emotional read and well worth 5* i now look forward to Tracy Baines next book.Excellent read.
October 11, 2020
The Variety Girls are back and having just finished a season they await the announcement from London and pray it is not war,but their hopes are dashed.Frances,Jessie,Ginny and Dolly stay together then comes the news all the theatre's are to close what do they do now.Frances has Imogen to think of so has to get a job to earn money,Imogen is her secret but for how long now the country is at war.I have loved reading this book following the girls it is an emotional read and well worth 5* i now look forward to Tracy Baines next book.Excellent read.
January 3, 2021
I had read the previous book, The Variety Girls, so it was lovely to revisit the characters at a time when the Second World War had started and the 'girls' were adjusting to a different way of life with the theatres closing. There were parallels with what is currently happening in our own lives through Coronavirus, which Tracy alludes to in her acknowledgements in the back of the novel. This is a brilliant book for anyone who likes sagas. Everything feels so authentic, probably because Tracy herself worked in the theatre.
January 20, 2022
Another delightful tale about the Variety Girls. This time the focus is more on Frances and a few new characters it still very enjoyable and I loved how the author drew on the current Covid restrictions with the theatres closed in comparison to wartime. Hope there will be another instalment as you really get to know the characters like friends.
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