I’m so thrilled to bring my review to the blog for Finding Friends On Beamer Street by Sheila Riley. Thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources and Boldwood Books for my invitation to the tour and the ARC of the book.
The start of a brand new series from Sheila Riley, bestselling author of the Reckoner’s Row saga series!
Liverpool 1921
Pregnant, Mary Jane Starlings secret wedding to Paddy Redfern ends in disaster when her fiancé is murdered on the way to the church. Paddy’s wayward twin ‘Red’ intercepts Mary Jane and warns that they must flee Ireland for fear of reprisals from her family, never to return.
Too young and terrified to question Red’s motives, Mary Jane, is hurriedly escorted to Liverpool where she quickly discovers Red’s good Samaritan act is a sham when he abandons her homeless and destitute.
However, strength, fortitude and good luck save her when she catches the eye of reclusive Cal Everdine and is befriended by Molly Hayward’s lovable family.
But Mary Jane still has to live with the overbearing guilt of the secrets she holds.
Will she ever be able to follow her dreams and reconcile her past?
Finding Friends On Beamer Street is the first book in Sheila Riley’s brand new historical fiction saga. I knew I would enjoy this story as I have enjoyed every book I have read from this author.
Set in 1921, Liverpool. We meet Mary Jane, who arrives in Liverpool, unmarried and pregnant. Her fiancee was killed in what was meant to be their wedding day. His twin brother brings her to Liverpool where she is left to fend for herself and her baby. Will she be able to survive in a strange city?
Mary Jane is a woman after my own heart, strong and determined. She arrives in Beamer Street and has Red, her fiancee’s twin to contend with. She isn’t one to shy away from issues. I loved how she fought to get over everything she was faced with. Sheila Riley had again brought characters that you can take to your heart and be invested in.
Her friendship with Molly was a lovely one to see grow as the story unfolded. The residents of Beamer Street too, they aren’t well off and still pulled together to help and offer support whenever needed. This just warmed my heart and reminded me of times gone that will never return.
As always Sheila Riley transported me back to the post first world War years. I always love feeling like I have time traveled back to a time when things were totally different. The community spirit alone was phenomenal. Even though the War hadn’t been long ended, and everyone had lost someone. They all have the strength of character to see positives and carry on with their lives. Then there is Mary Jane, who holds on to her dreams and keeps hold of them no matter what holds her back. I was in awe of this woman and so wanted her to succeed. I was right by her side throughout, willing her on.
I loved my time with everyone from Beamer Street and hope it doesn’t take too long until I can return to catch up. Such an uplifting and heartwarming beginning to the series.
Purchase Link – https://amzn.to/3SYON2t
Author Bio
Sheila Riley wrote four #1 bestselling novels under the pseudonym Annie Groves and is now writing a saga for Boldwood under her own name. She has set it around the River Mersey and its docklands near to where she spent her early years.
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