Trouble for The Dockyard Girls

Trouble for The Dockyard Girls
Author: Tracy Baines
Publisher: Boldwood Books Ltd
Total Pages: 337
Release: 2023-11-09
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 1804265365

The winds of war bring uncertainty but also opportunity... With the outbreak of War, the fishing fleet is confined to port, bringing hardship to the families and businesses of Fishers Wharf. Ruth Evans awaits the safe return of her father’s last trawler carrying her wayward brother Henry, the future of the family business. But unbeknown to their father, Henry sees war as a chance to break free from the constraints of his privileged background and follow his heart. Much is expected of Ruth. Her marriage to Arthur Marshall will help realise her father’s dream uniting two of the largest trawler companies in Grimsby. But will Ruth choose the path of duty or destiny? Ruth’s friendship with hardworking Letty Hardy sustains her. Separated by class, they are united through their work for the Fishermen’s Mission as Letty battles to keep her business and family afloat while husband Alec serves on the minesweepers. Can they navigate the treacherous waters ahead – or will they be caught by hidden dangers? Praise for Tracy Baines: ‘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 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 and 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 ‘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’ 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 ‘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

The Dockyard Girls

The Dockyard Girls
Author: Tracy Baines
Publisher: Boldwood Books Ltd
Total Pages: 335
Release: 2022-10-17
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 1804265241

Can you leave the past behind and embrace the future? - A brand new series from Tracy Baines. 'A new saga author has arrived. The Women of Fisher’s Wharf is a joy to read' - AnneMarie Brear Great Grimsby, 1912 Newlywed fisherman Alec Hardy decides to make a fresh start with his young wife Letty and move to the thriving fishing port of Grimsby in search of a brighter future. Letty is from farming stock and knows nothing of the hard life as a fishermen’s wife but is willing to embrace the challenge with Alec. But where Alec goes, so does his widowed mother, Dorcas and she has trouble coming to terms with taking second place in her son’s life. With Alec at sea for weeks on end, the two women clash and Letty seeks escape from her bitter mother-in-law amongst the streets of Fish Dock Wharf. Can Letty help them break free from the shadows of the past or will she be bound by Dorcas’ insistence that they cling to the old ways? Praise for Tracy Baines: ‘A saga about ambition, hard work, courage ...and spite’. Rosie Clarke I highly recommend this book.’ Fenella Miller ‘An emotional, entertaining read that had me gripped!’ Sheila Riley 'An absorbing saga. I loved it from the very beginning and would highly recommend it...' Elaine Roberts 'Terrific - beautifully written. A well-crafted and satisfying story' Maisie Thomas ‘A pleasure from start to finish.’ Glenda Young ‘an evocative, busy, entertaining read vying with angst, and of course, more than a dollop of tension.’ Margaret Graham, Frost Magazine ‘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‘I just loved this book! Molly Walton

The Seaside Girls Under Fire

The Seaside Girls Under Fire
Author: Tracy Baines
Publisher: Boldwood Books Ltd
Total Pages: 343
Release: 2024-09-22
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 1804265470

Preorder the brand New instalment in the Seaside Girls Series from Tracy Baines - is it all over for the Seaside Girls? Will the war put a stop to the Seaside Girls? Cleethorpes, September 1940 It’s all change for the Seaside Girls... Singer Jessie Delaney has finally got her big break in London’s West End and is determined to make the most of her golden opportunity, even with the start of the Blitz. Lonely, and lacking the guidance of friends and family, Jessie hopes that seasoned performer Adele Bailey will help her find her feet. But, when fame beckons friendships are tested and loyalties are divided. Ginny Thompson returns home to Sheffield to care for her sick but abusive father. Will she survive the wrath of her father and the blitz and return to her passion of entertaining the troops on the stage? Meanwhile, back in Cleethorpes Frances Randolph is busy running the Palace Theatre whilst her husband serves his King and Country wondering if her life in the spotlight is over forever. Will Jessie make the right choices as she navigates her way to the top – and can Ginny and Frances find their way back to the limelight? A gritty and heart-warming saga perfect for readers of Elaine Everest, Nancy Revell and Pam Howes. If you love the Seaside Girls - try Tracy's other series The Dockyard Girls Praise for Tracy Baines: 'Brilliant brilliant a brilliant read I really enjoyed it from start to finish I caring wait for the next one Tracey Baines you are one amazing storyteller. Thank you for this great series' - Reader Review '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!' - Reader Review ‘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 'Brilliant and gripping storyline. Couldn't put the books down. Cant wait to read more of Tracy Baines, and hopefully more stories like these'- Reader Review 'Brilliant book. Great story , can’t wait to continue reading next one, few sad bits but you know it’s going to come good' - Reader Review ‘Immerse yourself in the exciting, evocative world of Wartime theatre. I highly recommend this book.’ - Fenella J 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

The Seaside Girls

The Seaside Girls
Author: Tracy Baines
Publisher: Boldwood Books Ltd
Total Pages: 347
Release: 2022-06-30
Genre: Family & Relationships
ISBN: 1804264970

A brand new series full of friendship, singing and laughter as war looms... 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. Praise for Tracy Baines: ‘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’ 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 ‘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

The Variety Girls

The Variety Girls
Author: Tracy Baines
Publisher: Random House
Total Pages: 333
Release: 2020-02-20
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 1473566754

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? A gritty and heartwarming saga perfect for readers of Elaine Everest and Daisy Styles.

Hopes and Dreams for The Seaside Girls

Hopes and Dreams for The Seaside Girls
Author: Tracy Baines
Publisher: Boldwood Books Ltd
Total Pages: 343
Release: 2022-08-11
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 1804265071

As war is declared can The Seaside 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 Seaside Girl is hoping for the best. But is hope enough? Can the Seaside 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 Baines: ‘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 J. 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 ‘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’ 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 ‘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

A New Year for The Seaside Girls

A New Year for The Seaside Girls
Author: Tracy Baines
Publisher: Boldwood Books Ltd
Total Pages: 310
Release: 2023-04-14
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 1804265349

A wonderful new book from Tracy Baines's entertianing Seaside Girls series - prepare to laugh and cry... 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, 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? Their good fortune is caught short 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. If you love the Seaside Girls, have you tried Tracy's Dockyard Girls series? Praise for Tracy Baines: 'Absolutely beautiful book so heartwarming and so true to life excellent story would strongly recommend to anyone to read the same' - Reader Review 'Brilliant brilliant a brilliant read I really enjoyed it from start to finish I caring wait for the next one Tracey Baines you are one amazing storyteller. Thank you for this great series' - Reader Review '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!' - Reader Review ‘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 'Brilliant and gripping storyline. Couldn't put the books down. Cant wait to read more of Tracy Baines, and hopefully more stories like these'- Reader Review 'Brilliant book. Great story , can’t wait to continue reading next one, few sad bits but you know it’s going to come good' - Reader Review ‘Immerse yourself in the exciting, evocative world of Wartime theatre. I highly recommend this book.’ - Fenella J 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

Maritime Portsmouth

Maritime Portsmouth
Author: Paul Brown
Publisher: The History Press
Total Pages: 242
Release: 2016-03-10
Genre: History
ISBN: 0750968710

For three centuries Portsmouth has been the leading base of the Royal Navy but the naval heritage of its port can be traced back to the Roman invasion of Britain. From the Roman walls of Portchester to the best-preserved Georgian dockyard in the world and the illustrious HMS Victory, Portsmouth is amongst the most important naval sites in the world.This fascinating book, in its new and fully revised edition, focuses on the history and present status of Portsmouth Historic Dockyard as well as the magnificent ships Victory, Warrior and Mary Rose that have been preserved and are now on display at Portsmouth. Drawing on impressive original research and illustrated by a host of colourful photographs, author Paul Brown has created a concise and helpful guide to the key maritime attractions in Portsmouth and Gosport, including the Submarine Museum, the sea forts, the Gunwharf and the commercial port.

Secrets of the Shipyard Girls

Secrets of the Shipyard Girls
Author: Nancy Revell
Publisher: Random House
Total Pages: 498
Release: 2017-09-21
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 1473536766

THE THIRD SHIPYARD GIRLS NOVEL FROM SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR, NANCY REVELL. ‘Nancy Revell knows how to stir the passions and soothe the heart!’ Northern Echo *********** Sunderland, 1941 As the world war continues the shipyard girls face hardships at home, but work and friendship give them strength to carry on. Gloria is smitten with her newly arrived bundle of joy, but baby Hope’s first weeks are bittersweet. Hope's father is missing at sea, and with their future as a family so uncertain, Gloria must lean on her girls for support. Meanwhile, head welder Rosie has turned her back on love to keep her double life secret. But her persistent beau is determined to find out the truth and if he does, it could ruin her. And there is finally a glimmer of hope for Polly and her family when Bel and Joe fall in love. But it isn’t long before a scandalous revelation threatens to pull them all apart. Praise for The Shipyard Girls series: ‘This author is one to watch!’ Sun ‘A brilliant read’ Take a Break ‘Well-drawn, believable characters combined with a storyline to keep you turning the pages’ Woman