I’m really excited to be able to post my review for The Girls Of Mersey Square by Pam Howes. Thanks to Myrto from Bookouture for allowing me to be a part of this tour and the copy of the book.
Mersey Square, Stockport, 1959. Jane Wilson’s parents met during the war in the north of England, but Jane is more interested in listening to the new rock music than hearing stories about the Blitz. When she meets handsome drummer Eddie Mellor, with his sparkling blue eyes and cool black leather jacket, she knows her life is about to start.
But Jane’s parents think Eddie’s rebellious ways will lead their beloved daughter into trouble. They forbid her from seeing Eddie, telling Jane to get a proper job as a nurse. But Jane cannot stand the idea of life without the boy she loves and secretly continues to see Eddie. The day she finds out that Eddie has betrayed her, she is utterly distraught. Were her parents right all along?
Jane is desperate to rebuild her life. Her friends rally round to support her and she gets a job at the local music shop she loves, when to her shock, Eddie invites her to his family home and begs her to reconsider. Just as Jane is feeling tempted, someone pounds on the door of the house bringing shocking news that will change both of their lives forever…Can Jane find happiness with Eddie? And if she does, will her family ever forgive her?
This book was previously published as That’ll Be The Day.
I love a historical saga, and when it’s set quite close to me, it has to be a must-read! This is a novel that’s been re-released under a different title. I have to say, it’s the first time I have read it, so I dived in with fresh eyes.
Set in Stockport during 1959, this is a tale of three 14 year old girls. Jane, Sammy, and Pat who all pair up with the members of a group who they discover singing in the local coffee shop. Jane finds herself actually falling in love with her boyfriend, Eddie. As they all grow closer, it seems there are some obstacles in the way and not small ones either.
This is an emotional and uplifting historical saga. The era that it’s set in has been researched so well, as is the setting. Stockport just made me feel I was at home, all be it in the 1950s and 1960s. I know so much about this time from my mum and Pam Howes writing, just mirrored what my mum had said. I love everything about the 1960s, and I spent the entire time revelling in what was known as the swinging sixties.
I was so happy to know the second book was released as well, and I knew I could carry on with this rich, detailed, and such immersive tale. Pam Howes has done it again. I thought that this was a solid and well written start to the series!
Author Bio
Pam Howes is a retired interior designer, mum to three daughters, grandma to seven assorted grandchildren and roadie to her musician partner. The inspiration for Pam’s first novel came from her teenage years, working in a record store, and hanging around with musicians who frequented the business. The first novel evolved into a series about a fictional band, The Raiders. She is a fan of sixties music and it’s this love that compelled her to begin writing
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