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The Seaside Girls #3
A New Year for The Seaside Girls
Can the Seaside Girls embrace the new year with courage...Cleethorpes – 1940
As the new year dawns the show at the Empire comes to an end and it’s time for the girls to move on.
Years of struggle are over for Frances O’Leary when Johnny Randolph returns to make things right for her and their daughter. Do they have a chance of happiness? Of being a family after so long?
But their good fortune is fraught with complications when sister Ruby Randolph decides to have her last hurrah, leaving a trail of devastation in her wake.
Jessie Delaney is afraid to follow her dreams and leave those she loves behind – can she really have it all?
All the seaside girls have their own battles to fight. And while they figure things out it’s time for them to do their bit for the war and keep Britain smiling.
A gritty and heart-warming saga perfect for readers of Elaine Everest, Nancy Revell and Pam Howes.
As the new year dawns the show at the Empire comes to an end and it’s time for the girls to move on.
Years of struggle are over for Frances O’Leary when Johnny Randolph returns to make things right for her and their daughter. Do they have a chance of happiness? Of being a family after so long?
But their good fortune is fraught with complications when sister Ruby Randolph decides to have her last hurrah, leaving a trail of devastation in her wake.
Jessie Delaney is afraid to follow her dreams and leave those she loves behind – can she really have it all?
All the seaside girls have their own battles to fight. And while they figure things out it’s time for them to do their bit for the war and keep Britain smiling.
A gritty and heart-warming saga perfect for readers of Elaine Everest, Nancy Revell and Pam Howes.
306 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 14, 2023
149 people are currently reading
88 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 - 23 of 23 reviews
April 11, 2023
I received this ARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is book 3 in The Seaside Girls Series (previously called The Variety Girls) and I’ve read and enjoyed the previous 2 so I just knew this third book would be just as good!.
Can The Seaside Girls all truly find happiness in the New Year?, I can’t wait to find out what 1940 brings for everyone in this fantastic series.
Reading this story was just like returning to old friends, it’s been a while since I read the last book but the story refers to previous events so you feel all caught up and able to enjoy the story without feeling like your missing something .
I was engrossed in the story and stayed up until 2am to finish it, all the Girls get a new beginning of sorts including Ruby, I can’t give too much away as it will spoil the book but it was so emotional in parts and brought a tear to my eye. All the characters are one big blended family and I adore them all.
With so many stories left to be told I hope we get another book and because I need more of “Mr Brown” he was amazing.
This is book 3 in The Seaside Girls Series (previously called The Variety Girls) and I’ve read and enjoyed the previous 2 so I just knew this third book would be just as good!.
Can The Seaside Girls all truly find happiness in the New Year?, I can’t wait to find out what 1940 brings for everyone in this fantastic series.
Reading this story was just like returning to old friends, it’s been a while since I read the last book but the story refers to previous events so you feel all caught up and able to enjoy the story without feeling like your missing something .
I was engrossed in the story and stayed up until 2am to finish it, all the Girls get a new beginning of sorts including Ruby, I can’t give too much away as it will spoil the book but it was so emotional in parts and brought a tear to my eye. All the characters are one big blended family and I adore them all.
With so many stories left to be told I hope we get another book and because I need more of “Mr Brown” he was amazing.
April 6, 2023
The third in the Seaside Girls series, A NEW YEAR FOR THE SEASIDE GIRLS sees many changes...one of which being its name. Previously titled the Variety Girls, this series follows Jessie, Frances and Ginny who star in a selection of variety shows at the Empire theatre in Cleethorpes at the onset of war.
A year since joining the troup, Jessie Delaney has found love and happiness in friends and doing what she loves...as well as becoming recently engaged to Harry Newman, who is off earning his wings as an RAF pilot. Settled in Geraldine's boarding house on Barkhouse Lane, her mum Grace and brother Eddie have joined her and are making a life for themselves. Grace as a seamstress for the troup and Eddie as an apprentice mechanic. Life is good for the Delaneys.
Several months ago, Frances O'Leary's world turned upside down when the father of her illegitimate daughter Imogen walked into the theatre to speak to their director. She had met Johnny Randolph in London four years before when she was an understudy for his sister Ruby in their world reknowned act The Randolphs. But their mother had other plans for Johnny and Ruby which didn't include Frances and so they set off for America leaving her behind, and intercepting their letters to one another so that each would never receive them.
But now, he's back. And he's not letting Frances go again. Even when Ruby takes herself off to the park and walks fully clothed into the lake intent on taking her life. He rescues her and wraps her up warm, leaving her in the capable hands of his housekeeper Mrs Frame who nurses Ruby as best she can. And Johnny returns to the love of his life where he meets his daughter for the first time. And he knows now what's important. Life, love and family. And he is not letting them go again.
This third installment is a little different in that Ruby finds difficultly in moving past the mistakes she has made and hurt she has inflicted on her brother, Frances and little Imogen. She collapses out of sheer exhaustion and is admitted to a hospital for rest and recuperation. But even upon her release she finds it hard to transition back into life outside four walls...and even harder to face those who she has wronged.
A NEW YEAR FOR THE SEASIDE GIRLS is a story of forgiveness and moving forward. There is kindness, compassion and love as friendships continue to grow and move on as the season ends and the Empire has been requisitioned for army use.
A nice light read to while away the hours, the highlight of the story is Mr Brown who is so endearing to even the hardest of hearts. And as Mr Brown finds himself a new home he shows love and loyalty too. I can't wait to meet up with him again!
I would like to thank #TracyBaines, #Netgalley, #BoldwoodBooks and #RachelsRandomResources for an ARC of #ANewYearForTheSeasideGirls in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
A year since joining the troup, Jessie Delaney has found love and happiness in friends and doing what she loves...as well as becoming recently engaged to Harry Newman, who is off earning his wings as an RAF pilot. Settled in Geraldine's boarding house on Barkhouse Lane, her mum Grace and brother Eddie have joined her and are making a life for themselves. Grace as a seamstress for the troup and Eddie as an apprentice mechanic. Life is good for the Delaneys.
Several months ago, Frances O'Leary's world turned upside down when the father of her illegitimate daughter Imogen walked into the theatre to speak to their director. She had met Johnny Randolph in London four years before when she was an understudy for his sister Ruby in their world reknowned act The Randolphs. But their mother had other plans for Johnny and Ruby which didn't include Frances and so they set off for America leaving her behind, and intercepting their letters to one another so that each would never receive them.
But now, he's back. And he's not letting Frances go again. Even when Ruby takes herself off to the park and walks fully clothed into the lake intent on taking her life. He rescues her and wraps her up warm, leaving her in the capable hands of his housekeeper Mrs Frame who nurses Ruby as best she can. And Johnny returns to the love of his life where he meets his daughter for the first time. And he knows now what's important. Life, love and family. And he is not letting them go again.
This third installment is a little different in that Ruby finds difficultly in moving past the mistakes she has made and hurt she has inflicted on her brother, Frances and little Imogen. She collapses out of sheer exhaustion and is admitted to a hospital for rest and recuperation. But even upon her release she finds it hard to transition back into life outside four walls...and even harder to face those who she has wronged.
A NEW YEAR FOR THE SEASIDE GIRLS is a story of forgiveness and moving forward. There is kindness, compassion and love as friendships continue to grow and move on as the season ends and the Empire has been requisitioned for army use.
A nice light read to while away the hours, the highlight of the story is Mr Brown who is so endearing to even the hardest of hearts. And as Mr Brown finds himself a new home he shows love and loyalty too. I can't wait to meet up with him again!
I would like to thank #TracyBaines, #Netgalley, #BoldwoodBooks and #RachelsRandomResources for an ARC of #ANewYearForTheSeasideGirls in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
April 18, 2023
I’m late to the party on the Seaside Girls trilogy, so before I say anything else, please know: while reading the first two books would likely be helpful, A New Year for the Seaside Girls works just fine as a stand-alone novel. There was enough backstory, both explicit and in context, that the continuing elements were easy to follow, the the events specific to this novel were interesting and well written.
As a former theater kid, I always love stories that are set backstage and in the wings of performance spaces, and this novel is a perfect example of that. Set in 1940, against the early days of World War II, this book looks at what happens to working performers when theaters go dark, but bills still have to be paid, and life must continue. While this is, at heart, a family story with a hearty splash of romance, author Tracy Baines did not shy away from the gritty reality that comes with the theatrical life. Sometimes, accommodations can be sketchy. Sometimes gigs can be slightly unsavory. This book doesn’t soft-pedal those things, but it also isn’t a tragedy, and it does soften the edges somewhat to serve the story.
Frances, former lover of Johnny (and mother of his unknown-to-him child) and Ruby, Johnny’s sister and stage-partner, are the real stars of this novel, and it is their stories we follow. Both women are strong, capable, and determined, but they handle challenges in different ways. Where Frances builds a network of other performers, including a dancer who took care of her daughter for a long while, Ruby is the type to retreat. She comes out of her emotional hibernation when necessary, but her first reaction is to shield herself, and there is nothing wrong with that. What I liked about both characters is that they are loving and giving, each in her way, and they are never pitted as adversaries, just different personalities with different needs.
Johnny is the male lead, and he’s forced to be “the man” of both the performing family he has with his sister, and their parents (who are off-stage in many ways) and of the family he has formed and is rediscovering with Frances. What I liked about him was that he didn’t rush into his lover’s life and dictate changes. Instead, he supported her choices, even when his own desires were delayed.
Author Baines handles all the characters deftly, letting us see what teach is thinking and feeling while balancing plot and exposition.
Overall, this novel is a satisfying conclusion to a series that was clearly written with both love and expertise. It’s an historical family saga that mixes drama, romance, filial love, and “that business we call show,” into a meaty, satisfying story that should entertain any reader.
Goes well with: hot chocolate spiked with a splash of rum.
As a former theater kid, I always love stories that are set backstage and in the wings of performance spaces, and this novel is a perfect example of that. Set in 1940, against the early days of World War II, this book looks at what happens to working performers when theaters go dark, but bills still have to be paid, and life must continue. While this is, at heart, a family story with a hearty splash of romance, author Tracy Baines did not shy away from the gritty reality that comes with the theatrical life. Sometimes, accommodations can be sketchy. Sometimes gigs can be slightly unsavory. This book doesn’t soft-pedal those things, but it also isn’t a tragedy, and it does soften the edges somewhat to serve the story.
Frances, former lover of Johnny (and mother of his unknown-to-him child) and Ruby, Johnny’s sister and stage-partner, are the real stars of this novel, and it is their stories we follow. Both women are strong, capable, and determined, but they handle challenges in different ways. Where Frances builds a network of other performers, including a dancer who took care of her daughter for a long while, Ruby is the type to retreat. She comes out of her emotional hibernation when necessary, but her first reaction is to shield herself, and there is nothing wrong with that. What I liked about both characters is that they are loving and giving, each in her way, and they are never pitted as adversaries, just different personalities with different needs.
Johnny is the male lead, and he’s forced to be “the man” of both the performing family he has with his sister, and their parents (who are off-stage in many ways) and of the family he has formed and is rediscovering with Frances. What I liked about him was that he didn’t rush into his lover’s life and dictate changes. Instead, he supported her choices, even when his own desires were delayed.
Author Baines handles all the characters deftly, letting us see what teach is thinking and feeling while balancing plot and exposition.
Overall, this novel is a satisfying conclusion to a series that was clearly written with both love and expertise. It’s an historical family saga that mixes drama, romance, filial love, and “that business we call show,” into a meaty, satisfying story that should entertain any reader.
Goes well with: hot chocolate spiked with a splash of rum.
April 1, 2023
A New Year For The Seaside Girls by Tracy Baines is a compelling historical novel that entertained me for a few hours.
The novel is set in Cleethorpes in 1940, as a group of variety performers adjust to the start of the war. Some are called up, some sign up for ENSA and others stay behind to boost morale. Friendships formed on the variety scene run deep.
Lives open up as secrets are unearthed. Selfish actions in the past need forgiveness. Failure to do so, risks drowning in bitterness.
We see lives that focus on others are met with kindness and compassion. In contrast, a life that looks inward threatens to drown in a pity party. The love and kindness of a four year old reaches the lost and the hurting. Her life, light and love innocently wrap around the lost and hurting who find themselves blossoming under her purity of emotions.
The ability to rescue the hurting even extends to a stray dog! As Mr Brown finds himself with a new home, he shows loyalty too. He even made himself at home in my heart!
Tracy Baines has captured the fear of the air raids but we witness the indomitable bulldog spirit that refuses to be broken.
I thoroughly enjoyed A New Year For The Seaside Girls. The characters extended a warm welcome to all as we witness lives encompassing and encouraging those around them. I look forward to subsequent books in the series.
I received a free copy via Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
The novel is set in Cleethorpes in 1940, as a group of variety performers adjust to the start of the war. Some are called up, some sign up for ENSA and others stay behind to boost morale. Friendships formed on the variety scene run deep.
Lives open up as secrets are unearthed. Selfish actions in the past need forgiveness. Failure to do so, risks drowning in bitterness.
We see lives that focus on others are met with kindness and compassion. In contrast, a life that looks inward threatens to drown in a pity party. The love and kindness of a four year old reaches the lost and the hurting. Her life, light and love innocently wrap around the lost and hurting who find themselves blossoming under her purity of emotions.
The ability to rescue the hurting even extends to a stray dog! As Mr Brown finds himself with a new home, he shows loyalty too. He even made himself at home in my heart!
Tracy Baines has captured the fear of the air raids but we witness the indomitable bulldog spirit that refuses to be broken.
I thoroughly enjoyed A New Year For The Seaside Girls. The characters extended a warm welcome to all as we witness lives encompassing and encouraging those around them. I look forward to subsequent books in the series.
I received a free copy via Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
April 15, 2023
Travel back to Cleethorpes in 1940
To this holiday resort, by the sea.
There the war is changing lives
As new ways are needed to survive.
Variety performers have new roles to play,
Keeping others’ spirits up day by day.
It doesn’t matter if they’re at home or with the troops
The war is certainly throwing their lives into loops.
Secrets from the past are shockingly revealed
Letters written but then hidden and replies concealed.
A daughter comes as a huge surprise
Maybe through her their future lies?
Sometimes rescuing come from a surprising source
Helping put away feelings of depression and remorse.
There’s even a stray dog to help hearts to heal
As air raids make worries harder to conceal.
A historical novel with great characters who
Share the war time experiences they’re going through.
There’s theatrical performers, including some who dance,
And some who need forgiveness and another chance....
For my complementary copy, I say a huge thank you,
As I share with you this, my honest review.
To this holiday resort, by the sea.
There the war is changing lives
As new ways are needed to survive.
Variety performers have new roles to play,
Keeping others’ spirits up day by day.
It doesn’t matter if they’re at home or with the troops
The war is certainly throwing their lives into loops.
Secrets from the past are shockingly revealed
Letters written but then hidden and replies concealed.
A daughter comes as a huge surprise
Maybe through her their future lies?
Sometimes rescuing come from a surprising source
Helping put away feelings of depression and remorse.
There’s even a stray dog to help hearts to heal
As air raids make worries harder to conceal.
A historical novel with great characters who
Share the war time experiences they’re going through.
There’s theatrical performers, including some who dance,
And some who need forgiveness and another chance....
For my complementary copy, I say a huge thank you,
As I share with you this, my honest review.
October 6, 2023
A New Year for The Seaside Girls is set in Cleethorpes in 1940. It follows a group of variety performers who are adjusting to the start of the war and where deep friendships are formed. Most of this book centres around Ruby Randolph but also follows the lives of Frances and Jessie and their everyday struggles and successes.
At times this was quite emotional to read as it is written so well. The descriptions are brilliant and the author makes you feel as though you are living there with all the wonderful characters back in the 1940s.
This is a wonderful historical saga that reduces you to tears at times and then huge smiles at other times. It was a really heartwarming read and I felt totally compelled to read to the end. I really enjoy reading Saga books and I wasn’t disappointed with this one. A New Year for the Seaside Girls was an absolute joy to read and I hope to read more of Tracy Baines’ sagas. Highly recommended 😊
April 7, 2023
Cleethorpes 1940,
The Seaside Girls Frances O'Leary and Jessie Delaney, holding on the Empire Theatre and the old years are about to roll into the new.
Johnny Randolph is back on leave, and gets to meet his three years old daughter Imogen, his and Frances love child, who has missed out on so much not knowing her father, thanks to his now deceased mother and sister Ruby, it's a new start, his sister suffers deep troubles as we learn more in this book about her will she ever find happiness?
Book three I got straight into after the first two in this wonderful series, you feel you are there with all the wonderful characters that show through by the author.
Some are emotional chapters that put a tears in your eyes as you read and also bring you big smiles, I could not fault anything about this just sorry to see the end.
The Seaside Girls Frances O'Leary and Jessie Delaney, holding on the Empire Theatre and the old years are about to roll into the new.
Johnny Randolph is back on leave, and gets to meet his three years old daughter Imogen, his and Frances love child, who has missed out on so much not knowing her father, thanks to his now deceased mother and sister Ruby, it's a new start, his sister suffers deep troubles as we learn more in this book about her will she ever find happiness?
Book three I got straight into after the first two in this wonderful series, you feel you are there with all the wonderful characters that show through by the author.
Some are emotional chapters that put a tears in your eyes as you read and also bring you big smiles, I could not fault anything about this just sorry to see the end.
April 8, 2023
This is the third book in the Seaside Girls series and just like the previous books this is another excellent read. A lot of this book centres around Ruby Randolph and her battles with life. This was at times quite an emotional read at times and I loved every page. The author has written this book so well and with brilliant descriptions that I actually felt that I was back there in the 1940’s living their lives. This book can easily be read as a standalone but I do highly recommend the previous books in this series as they are also superb reads.
April 13, 2023
Johnny returns to make things right with Frances and finds out that he has a young daughter. All is not so easy for Johnny and Frances as Johnny's sister Ruby is really struggling. A fantastic heartwarming historical story that felt like coming home to old friends. Mr Brown was a favourite character and I am looking forward to reading more of him as he is so generous and kind. I felt all the emotions alongside the girls from heartache and tears, joy and love to fear and the unknown. The thing I felt most of all was community and friendship. A great book to take you away to another world.
April 15, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A New Year for The Seaside Girls sees us return to North Lincolnshire where the girls are living. I love reading books based in Lincolnshire being a proper yellow belly myself. Strong character Frances, learning to trust again and fabulous storytelling in how mental health issues were dealt with in the early years of the second world war along with the everyday lives of the women combine into a great book.
#boldwoodbloggers #netgalley #booklover #lovereading #bookstagram #booksofinsta #bookreviewer #lovereading #lovebooks #instabooks #instabookreviewer #bookstagram
#boldwoodbloggers #netgalley #booklover #lovereading #bookstagram #booksofinsta #bookreviewer #lovereading #lovebooks #instabooks #instabookreviewer #bookstagram
June 27, 2024
Another of those not my regular read but enjoyed!
Set in that on the cusp of war era, Jessie delaney comes from a showbiz background.
When her father dies her mum, brother and her end up living with a distant cousin, iris is a complete bully and her hubby is a complete doormat!
Jessie decides to follow her dreams and take a job in cleethorpes in a show, her mum and brother are left behind until her mother becomes ill.
They do live happy ever after and there's another book which will follow the next part of the story on.
Set in that on the cusp of war era, Jessie delaney comes from a showbiz background.
When her father dies her mum, brother and her end up living with a distant cousin, iris is a complete bully and her hubby is a complete doormat!
Jessie decides to follow her dreams and take a job in cleethorpes in a show, her mum and brother are left behind until her mother becomes ill.
They do live happy ever after and there's another book which will follow the next part of the story on.
April 25, 2023
This is the 3rd book in the series and I was looking forward to it as I really enjoyed the 1st 2 books. I will point out I think it is best to read the first 2 books as It will make more sense. This book seems to be mainly about Ruby, it irritated me as it was more Ruby and less of the girls. Quite a good read, others will perhaps enjoy more than I did.
July 4, 2023
Great book series
These are wonderful books, such love and compassion. The only different thing I saw in this book and the last was they refered to Norman as Grace's cousin instead of brother.??? These books are suberb and these characters "just get on with it" no matter what. I highly recommend these books.
These are wonderful books, such love and compassion. The only different thing I saw in this book and the last was they refered to Norman as Grace's cousin instead of brother.??? These books are suberb and these characters "just get on with it" no matter what. I highly recommend these books.
August 22, 2023
I really struggled with this one. I have read this author before, but not this whole series. I made it about 20% through and gave up. I like her style, but just didn't care much about the characters. While it wasn't for me, other readers might like it. Thanks to Netgalley for the chance to read the ARC.
April 25, 2023
This is book 3 and loved it so much. I hope there is more to come as the story was kinda left open…. And I want to know what happens next.
If you enjoy family saga’s about the war, then this book is for you
If you enjoy family saga’s about the war, then this book is for you
September 15, 2023
Another Wonderful Book by Tracy Baines
This series gives you an insight to life on the home front during WW2 through the eyes of three girls, their friends and families
This book in particular covers the run up to the blitz.
An excellent read
This series gives you an insight to life on the home front during WW2 through the eyes of three girls, their friends and families
This book in particular covers the run up to the blitz.
An excellent read
May 9, 2023
A warming story
I couldn't put these three books down. A really nice lifting feeling for me, a great three books that you don't want to end.
I couldn't put these three books down. A really nice lifting feeling for me, a great three books that you don't want to end.
July 13, 2023
Seaside girls.
Congratulations Tracy Baines on a series of the seaside girls I couldn't put down! Looking forward to reading more of your books. Thank you. 😆
Congratulations Tracy Baines on a series of the seaside girls I couldn't put down! Looking forward to reading more of your books. Thank you. 😆
August 27, 2023
Good reading
Quite a sentimental book of renewed love and forgiveness. The setting in a smaa seaside town most unusual but goof
Quite a sentimental book of renewed love and forgiveness. The setting in a smaa seaside town most unusual but goof
September 10, 2023
brilliant book
Absolutely beautiful book so heartwarming and so true to life excellent story would strongly recommend to anyone to read the same
Absolutely beautiful book so heartwarming and so true to life excellent story would strongly recommend to anyone to read the same
Read
May 4, 2024Was very good. Could not put it down
April 23, 2025
A good read from start to finish. Anxious to read next one now
April 13, 2023
It was good to catch up with the girls again. There’s been a lot happening for Jessie, Frances and little Imogen. Even Grace now she’s better is busy with her sewing and also the WVS. It was also nice to look closer at Ruby Randolph and to understand how she was like she was. Little did she realise that the little girl she tried to keep secret was going to be the one to her the most. If you are a lover of historical sagas then I can highly recommend this series.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews