I have read a few different books by AnneMarie Brear but The Waterfront Lass is hands down my favourite. A entertaining historical fiction saga that had me mesmerised from beginning to end. Meg is the eldest of her siblings and they live in the slums but with her Mam sick and her Da away working, it's left to her to take care of the family. Then she meets the well off Christian Henderson. Will Meg ever have a easier life? I really enjoyed reading about what life was like at this time in history and I think the author has done a great job of describing it. From how siblings had to share a bed, with lice and how filling a bucket with water to bathe in. Meg is a determined and strong but kind character who I admire. The Waterfront Lass is the best kind of book it's entertaining and informative.

Thank you for the chance to read this ARC in return for my honest opinion.

Meg was the eldest of 8 children, one of whom and their mother was sickly with heart issues, their father was often away on their narrowboat. Poverty was a real problem as was their fathers duplicity. Then fate intervenes and Meg meets a man from another station in life - should she stay with what she knows and struggles with or should she act on her heart and follow the man she loves. This too is fraught as his family as are hers, are far from happy with this turn of events.

Once again this was an excellent book by AnneMarie Brear. It was well researched and it was obvious that she knew the area of Wakefield about which she was writing.
It carefully wove between the hardship, tragedy and poverty that Meg fought against on a daily basis, to the duplicity of her father (to say more would be a major spoiler) to the ways of life of the upper classes. These also had their traumas with spitefulness and sheer nastiness.
It kept me captivated throughout and showed how life could change for those on the Waterfront even though it might not be easy.
Like many books of this genre the last few chapters seemed a little rushed - and I suppose there was an element of 'alls well that ends well' with loose ends well tightened up. Even if at the end there was parts that brought a tear however predictable they were

However for those that love historical fiction then this is one to read and enjoy.

Meg struggled to make a good life for her family. But how long could she do it all? Her father is missing. Her mother very ill. Overdue Rent. Not enough food to feed her family. But through it all she remained as strong as she can be.

As time goes on, her hope was fading. Then she meets a man from a different station than hers. Can it be possible that they could have a future together?

I loved the story. But I was ever so upset with how some people treated Meg due to her circumstances especially Christian's family. Meg handled the situation with grace and dignity. She may be a waterfront lass but she was quite a lady.

Will she save her family...or follow her heart?

If you like Catherine Cookson or Dilly Court, then you will love AnneMarie Brear. Her Victorian era saga tells of a rags to riches story and though it has been done many times before, she is still able to put a unique spin on it that is all her own. THE WATERFRONT LASS has very little to do with the waterfront and more to do with the woman referred to as such, having grown up in the working class streets of Wakefield in Yorkshire, the daughter of a man who works the canals on his narrowboat.

Meg Taylor, christened Margaret May, is the eldest of eight children and as such her role is to take care of of her ailing mother and her growing siblings whilst keeping house, cooking, cleaning and working to pay the rent and put food on the table. This is not the life she saw for herself but, as a working class lass, it's the life that she was inevitably born for.

But even the challenges she faces can test her limits. Up at dawn pumping water at the end of the street on wash day as well as scrubbing the floors and trying to stretch the meagre rations she has left to feed her family, it is all she can do to keep her head when her fifteen year old sister moans constantly about having to pull her weight and help out more. When does Meg get free time to pass the time of day with anyone? She doesn't. She's always caring for their mother and siblings while her father and two brothers work the narrowboat for weeks at a time.

But even though she was born working class and poor, her mother came from middle class and was determined her children would have the same benefits she did as a child in the form of reading, writing and learning to speak well. But to what gain? The working class had no need for reading or writing in the eyes of the upper classes. And yet, their mother wanted them afforded that benefit...should the opportunity ever arise where they could better themselves.

And then her world is shaken by a tragedy only to be overshadowed by another shocking revelation that forces her to question everything she thought she knew. But not before she made the dearest of friends in Lorrie Chambers and Fliss Atkins, as well as catching the eye of Christian Henderson, a gentleman no less. What would a gentleman be wanting with the a waterfront lass? Nothing good, is what the gossips say, as there is a distinct difference between the two classes...and they cannot be crossed.

But the heart knows what the heart wants...but is it enough?

THE WATERFRONT LASS is a delightfully heartwarming tale I devoured in one sitting, despite fighting sleep I was soon lost within the pages and the Victorian era and could not put the book down until I swiped the last page. I was sad to leave Meg and Christian, and her family and I note that the Author's Note promises Lorrie and Fliss' stories are to come in which Meg will make her appearance. I must admit, I am dying to know Fliss' stories. Those bruises she is constantly sporting are not due to clumsiness as she purports. Something is amiss there and I cannot wait to find out what her story is.

The friendship between the three women was refreshing and heartfelt in such hard times. Meg needed that reprieve from the demands her family placed on her. And then when the offer of something more from Christian came, could Meg cross those class lines and better herself? Just as her mother wanted?

Oooh the hellcat has her claws out, which was to be expected, hateful duo that they are. But how to deal with them? And how would Meg's family react to the change in circumstances should it happen? So much heartbreak and yet still they find happiness in the small things. Such snobbery and rudeness means the upper echelons are never content.

I thoroughly loved THE WATERFRONT LASS and eagerly await the follow-up tales of Lorrie and Fliss and their respective stories. I have only read one other AnneMarie Brear novel "The Girl in the Peacock Shawl" and that was a five star read for me...as is this one, easily.

Perfect for fans of Catherine Cookson and Dilly Court.

I would like to thank #AnneMarieBrear, #Netgalley, #BoldwoodBooks and #RachelsRandomResources for an ARC of #TheWaterfrontLass in exchange for an honest review.

This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.

The Waterfront Lass is now one of my all-time favourites by AnneMarie Brear. I was gripped by this memorable, heartbreaking and uplifting story. It is beautifully and lovingly told. The hours just rolled by unnoticed as I was lost in the world of Meg Taylor. How I admire this engaging heroine! Her strength shines through as she tries to help her siblings rise above the poor living conditions.

Meg is a bar maid— a hard worker, determined to beat poverty and faithfully brings money in to help pay the rent. Her good disposition sees her through many trials but there are moments when even she is tested beyond her limits. It is heartbreaking to see the load she carries as the eldest, caring for the children because her Mam is too sick to get out of bed and her father is absent working on a canal boat. Her mother is a positive voice, though, in the home and even while her health rapidly deteriorates, she continues to pass on good advice and encouragement. She offers her children the benefits she gained as child: education. She makes sure her children speak well and can read. This is a result of her own upbringing as her father was a teacher and his father was a barrister. In that respect, her daughter Meg is half upper class. But sadly, the lower class is where they live and these two worlds war within her. She desires to move upwards and to see her dreams fulfilled. But she is not deluded in how difficult this could be. And when she meets Christian Henderson, a businessman who is attracted to her and her to him, she dares to consider what her life might be like in his world. And how she can save her family, too.

This novel is set in Wakefield, England in 1870. A large portion of the plot takes place on the waterfront (hence the title). AnneMarie draws a clear picture of the waterfront dweller’s existence and how hard it must have been. Little or poor food supply, run down dwellings and rampant disease were part of everyday life. But one thing her character Meg has demonstrated, is that being poor doesn’t mean you cannot keep a clean home, learn to read or show manners.

The vast gap between the working class and the upper class is clearly visible in The Waterfront Lass. AnneMarie has based her story on available historical references. We also learn in the Author’s Note, this novel was inspired in part by AnneMarie’s family history. Her parents were born in Wakefield but also some of her ancestors lived in the poor areas of this town. This likely inspired her to explore the area’s history and imagine what it might have been like to live there during those difficult times. To visualise the extreme opposites for the poor and well-to do. And she shows what happened if/when the two classes collided or mixed. The opposition would have been just has heated as what we see in this novel.

The Waterfront Lass also explores friendship and Meg has wonderful friends that support her when she needs it most. There are some harrowing events she must endure and issues to resolve. Loss is very much a part of this story, but there are happy moments, too. And transcending love. The love shared between Christian and Meg is special but his family are quite another matter. The hatred exhibited by his mother and sister toward Meg would have been a likely response. In their eyes, someone of lower class was not good enough for their son or brother. But for Christian who tires of the snobbery and greed of the rich, the honesty and courage of Meg is refreshing.

All in all, this is a magnificent portrayal of love that defies class and dares one to dream. It is a beautiful story that carries a heart of sincerity. I loved it from the first page to the last. The characters are well drawn and the plot is moving and mesmerising. I did not want the story to end. And in some ways it has not. At least we know that AnneMarie will be visiting this family and setting again. I highly recommend The Waterfront Lass and give it 5 Blazing Stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for my review copy.

Anyone who is familiar with the Victorian era sad stories knows that Anne Marie Breer it’s one of the better authors in that genre instead of making everyone rich mean and everyone poor kind she writes it as a real story with the real plot and The Waterfront Lass is a great example of her talent. In it we meet Meg who lives in council housing with her sick mom her older brothers and her little sisters and baby brother she works at a local tavern and it seems all the hard work is left for her to do. She wishes she could give her family a better life but she doesn’t think falling for the rich Christian is a viaable way to do that she has too much pride and will not act like the submissive debutantes he knows but act like Meg the girl she is in the one her mom raised her to be. I love this book I love the stories and although this is only my second book by this author I will definitely be looking for more she is a great writer and has an abundance of talent and I am so glad I found her and highly recommend this book. I wish I could’ve done a better summary but the main point of the review is a tell someone if the book was good or bad which this book was great and that you should read it and the answer is yes yes yes! I received this book from NetGalley and Boldwood Books but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

I just love Annemarie’s books, I so enjoyed this book and the story of Meg and her large family. The ups and downs the sadness and happiness. I am so pleased to know more stories to come that will give more news of Meg and Lorrie and Fliss. What’s the old saying “ love will conquer all “
My thanks as always to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the early read.

The Waterfront Lass by AnneMarie Brear is a fabulous historical novel which I really enjoyed.
The action is set in Wakefield in 1870. The reader drops into both the homes of the working classes and the drawing rooms of the upper class. We see that for some, there is no distinction but for others, clear class lines are drawn.
What makes someone a lady or a gentleman? It is not wealth or status but manners that makes a person. We witness the dreadful snobbery of some, in contrast to the kind hearts of others.
Philanthropy is practiced as purse strings are opened to those in need. We see the generous hearts of those who have little sharing with those who have nothing. Budgeting is important, whether you have much or little.
Friendships are beautiful to see. There are some very heart-warming alliances within the book. I loved dropping in on the conversations with the gardener and also the new ladies maid.
Within the working classes we see the males exerting their dominance. There are some with dreadfully loose morals. It is always the women who suffer and are left to pick up the pieces. Equality between the sexes is still a long way off.
True love buds and blossoms where it will. It is beautiful to witness.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Waterfront Lass. It was an epic tale of the existence of hand to mouth of the working classes that contrasted with the riches of the upper classes.
I received a free copy from Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

Can a poor girl living with a houseful of siblings make it wed to a gentleman? Read this charming book and find out

This is a gentle romance with some intrigue mixed in, which I thoroughly enjoyed. The characters are engaging and the plot unfolds easily. I found the ending a little rushed, but it didn't detract from my enjoyment. Definitely worth reading for a few hours of escapism. My thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read it.

A sweet and sentimental story of one woman’s fight to find love and bring her family out of poverty in the middle 19th century. A nice light family romance.

Wakefield Yorkshire 1870.
Margaret May Taylor ( Meg) of 7 Wellington Street the poor area of the waterfront, looking after all her siblings. With a ailing mam Lucy and her father Frank a narrowboat skipper he would be gone for weeks and along with doing a few shifts at the local pub the Bay Horse she has a lot of responsibilities, and wishes she was like her brothers to be free.
Meg's story the waterfront lass on the river Calder in Wakefield is a unique story all on it's own.
A young woman holding all her family together the best she could, heart-breaking and happy moments along the way chapter after chapter.
I shall look forward to continue the journey of Meg, as we follow on to get to know more about the characters in further books by this author.
It's so well worth the read right through.

A lovely family saga telling the tale of a strong heroine Meg who looks after the family whilst her dad is working away and her mum is bedridden. Set on a canal it allows the reader to imagine the harsh life led by this family and the endurance that love brings.

Another great read by Annmarie Brear, The Waterfront Lass is based in Wakefield and coming from that area myself it was a fascinating story picturing all the places she mentions at the time the story is based. I couldn’t put this book down it had me hooked from the first page. Telling he story of Meg and her friendship with Fliss and Lorrie, and her struggle raising her brothers and sisters in the waterfront slums after the death of her parents. Really looking forward to the next book in this great new series ⭐️

The Waterfront Lass by AnnMarie Brear

On the banks of the River Calder, Meg Taylor struggles to care for her younger siblings and sick mother whilst her father is away working as a boatman on the canals. The slums where they live are rife with disease, and Meg longs for a different life, away from the grinding poverty, but she'll never leave her family.
Great characters , and a lovely story to really keep you reading. You can really rely on this author to write a good story , and if you love this genre , you will not be disappointed in this one.

Firstly thank you Netgalley for this Arc

If you love Family saga, you will love this book can’t wait to read more by this author

Read in one sitting

I read this in express time, couldn’t put it down.
The Taylor family live and work on the waterfront. Father Frank is a canal boat man with his two of his sons Freddie and Arthur. Youngest son Nicky lives at home with his five sisters, the eldest Meg is like a mother to them all while her own mother is bed bound. Is this the life Meg wants for a young woman, her chance encounter with a stranger may be about to change her life for ever. Causing her to not only make friends for the first time but show her how the other half live and the possibilities for the future.
Worth all ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

What a fascinating story. I love historical stories and this one was captivating. Meg is a heroine who deserves happiness and Christian who is longing for love is a perfect match. I would have liked to see more drama with Patrice and Susan and Meg standing strong but it was a good story. Looking forward to more stories of Fliss and Lorrie.