I really enjoy Tracy Baines stories and this is another enjoyable read. told with humour and care. I would certainly recommend it.

Enjoyed this story and hope there is a follow on.

All of Tracy baines books are really, there were quite a few errors in this book, but as it was a advanced copy I am sure it will be sorted before general release

A brilliant book so beautifully written and very emotional. I do enjoy these books very much. They always get me completely caught up in them. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

A great read and well worth it. This is the second in the series and I hope there will be more books to come.. A good family saga. 5 stars

Thanks to Netgalley , author and publisher for this ARC

In another historical fiction novel, Tracy Baines brings readers to a fishing town on the English coast where readers meet Ruth, Letty, Dorcas, and Mary, all of whom face their own struggles as war comes to their town and their lives. Baines brings the many characters, major and minor, to life through the highs and lows of living in a fishing community. Baines also ties in fascinating, compelling narratives that began before the book, adding a level of continuity and depth to the novel. Baines’ characterization of the individuals populating her novel is fascinating, compelling, and multidimensional, and her characters are the heart of the narrative. The stakes of the novel grow throughout the novel, and readers develop an emotional stake in the experiences of the characters. Ruth’s narrative in particular is engaging and immersive with her romantic relationships and her relationships with her brothers and father, while Letty’s growth, both personal and in her relationship with her mother-in-law Dorcas, over the course of the novel is fascinating. Trouble at Fishers Wharf is a great, compelling, historical fiction novel full of fascinating characters and growing crises, and readers will enjoy the lives of a cast of fascinating, independent, and strong women.

A little kindness goes a long way...

This is the second book in the Fishers Wharf series though it can easily be read as a standalone...as the first one can too. While the first one focused on Letty establishing herself a life outside of the fishers wharves whilst bumping heads with her cantankerous mother-in-law Dorcas, this one centres on Ruth Evans who is of a different class to Letty though the two women do become friends in a world where one doesn't cross the great class divide.

Ruth Evans lives a very comfortable life with her father, Richard, and two brothers Henry and Charles. Having lost her mother at a young age, it had been up to her father's sister, Helen Frampton, to help raise her and her brothers whilst steering her towards a suitable match in Arthur Marshall. Unfortunately, the match is one of practicality and not of love for Ruth finds him somewhat dull as dishwater but Arthur's family has one of the three largest trawler companies - her father's being one and Frampton's being the other. This marriage will unite the Evans and the Marshalls to create an even bigger empire. But is it what Ruth really wants? Unfortunately what she wants doesn't come into it.

Her brother Charles has bought a commission as an officer and is in training for battle. Her youngest brother Henry who, at just 19, was to oversee the trawlers so that he can help take on the reigns when their father retires. But Henry has other ideas. He doesn't want to push paper or sit behind a desk. He wants to work with the men, get his hands dirty. But his father believes that is beneath him as an Evans. And then he announces that he wants to join the naval branch of trawlers (name escapes me just now) to which his father throws an apopletic fit. Ruth doesn't want to see either brother lost and would rather they both remain home.

Ruth befriends Letty Hardy much to the annoyance of their counterparts. Ruth is middle class while Letty is working class...and never the twain shall meet. But these two women don't care much or stand on ceremony. Life is too short for such nonsense and with the war raging just across the channel, it is also precious. The two form a friendship whilst working at the Fisherman's mission. Added to her success at Parker's, she opens a cafe which proves just as successful. But alas, she becomes burnt out whilst keeping the home fires burning whilst husband Alec is at sea as a minesweeper. She returns to her family farm in Lowestoft for a break but ends up feeling much worse. Meanwhile Ruth gets stuck in helping out at the mission.

There is so much more to this story but you will just have to check it out yourself. It is a nice easy read but to be honest, I did like the first one better. Though this one was a close second. Even Dorcas, who can be a little cantankerous at times grows on you.

I love the backdrop of WW1 which was a completely different time to that of WW2 and the expectations and life of those at home were a lot different. Another wonderful tale from Tracy Baines and the shores of Lincolnshire (though no Guy Martin in these pages...lol) The ending is a little up in the air but that of course is to pave the way for a third installment for which I can't wait.

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

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

Tracy Baines' latest addition to the Fishers Wharf collection, Trouble at Fishers Wharf, is a captivating novel centred in Grimsby, North Lincolnshire at the beginning of The Great War.

The book primarily follows the lives of women left at home while the fishing trawlers are requisitioned by the government to be minesweepers. The two main characters, Ruth and Letty, come from different backgrounds but share a strong bond of friendship.

Tracy's extensive research on the lives of the fishermen and the women left behind guarantees an authentic representation of the era, making the story even more relatable.

Don't delay, pick up your copy today!

This second book tells us more about Ruth Evans and her family. The first book mainly focuses on Letty Hardy and her family. It’s interesting to learn more about what the fishermen and their families went through during World War One. Letty’s ambition grows and as well as helping in Parker’s she opens a cafe which turns out to be a great success. Worn out Letty and the children go back to her family in Lowestoft for a short break but with what she hears there Letty ends up feeling worse. Ruth decides to knuckle down and help at the Mission regardless of whether Colin Wilson is about and finds herself enjoying working with his replacement. This book ends leaving unanswered questions so I’m hoping there will be a third book in the series

I am a huge fan of Tracy and her work. I have been a fan of hers for a while now. I have read and loved each and every book that she has released to date. I must admit that I have a particular fondness for her current series set on 'Fishers Wharf'. The second book in the series is called 'Trouble At Fishers Wharf' and it was released on 9th November 2023. It's a cracking read too. I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'Trouble At Fishers Wharf' but more about that in a bit.

As with all of Tracy's books, I was drawn into 'Trouble At Fishers Wharf' from the synopsis alone. As soon as I started reading the story itself, I realised two things - firstly that I was reading something special and secondly that I would struggle to put the book to one side for any length of time. It didn't take me long at all to feel as though I had reunited with old acquaintances in the form of the various characters. Reading 'Trouble At Fishers Wharf' soon proved to be rather addictive to say the least. My copy of the book was well travelled that day because it went everywhere with me. I couldn't bear to miss a single second of the story. Besides I had to keep reading to see if the story was going to pan out in the way in which I thought it would. The more of the book that I read, the more I wanted to read and the quicker the pages turned. All too quickly I reached the end of 'Trouble At Fishers Wharf'. I found 'Trouble At Fishers Wharf' to be an at times emotional and gripping story which certainly kept me guessing.

'Trouble At Fishers Wharf' is superbly written but then I have come to expect nothing less from Tracy Baines. Tracy has an easy going writing style that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. Inf act reading one of her books often feels more like a chat between friends rather than reading a book. I hope that makes sense. Tracy clearly cares about her characters and this shines through in the very vivid and realistic way in which she describes them. She makes her characters seem just as real as you and I. 'Trouble At Fishers Wharf' certainly took me on an emotional journey with all the ups and downs, highs and lows and so on. Tracy has obviously done a lot of research into the time period during which the story takes place and this makes the story seem that bit more authentic. I love the way in which Tracy makes the reader feel as though they are part of the story and at the heart of the action. That's how I felt anyway.

In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'Trouble At Fishers Wharf' and I would definitely recommend this book to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Tracy's work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.

I would recommend the The Fishers Wharf series in order beginning with The Women of Fishers Wharf, as it will help the reader to understand the setting and characters more.

Trouble at Fishers Wharf is a detailed fast paced story.

Baines looks at the difference between the upper and lower classes and how they work together on an equal path as WW1 is declared in Britain. Baines also mentions that the German forces have laid mines in the north sea, the plans the government set out for the fishing companies of the British isles, as well as some of the history of Grimsby. The writing style is easy to follow with a mixture of description and dialogue, yet I did find some points were repetitive.

The character development of Trouble at Fishers Wharf gives the reader a brief background and recap of characters. The characters are relatable and realistic with their own personalities and mannerisms.

Ruth's friendship with Letty has shown Ruth the freedom she longs for. Yet, being of a higher class Ruth's only duty is to marry well... coming in the form of Arthur Marshall, the heir of Marshall Trawler Company, uniting the companies. Ruth is not interested in marriage to Arthur, as she has her heart set on someone else, Colin....she has a big life changing decision to make....

Letty's shares in Parkers Chandlery and family life has been very rewarding. Yet, there is a worry for the future after the outbreak of WW1 as the prosperity of the entire town is linked in some way to fishing. Alec decides to contribute to the war effort by joining the trawler section of the RNR as a minesweeper. Leaving Letty to help those in need in her own way....

Colin's job as a port missioner in a much respected position and responsibility in the fishing community. He has to put aside his feelings of attraction for Ruth, after her aunt takes him to one side, leaving him with no doubt as to what the removal of her support would mean for the mission.

Overall I feel that Trouble at Fishers Wharf has given an interesting insight into the lives of the fisher community and how they were affected by the war. The ending is open ended leaving the opportunity for another installment in the Fishers Wharf series.

I would suggest reading Trouble at Fishers Wharf to people who enjoy reading historical fiction, sagas and women's fiction, as it is a character driven story about family, friendship, hardship and support...

Really enjoyed this second book in this series, I was absorbed into this read right from the start,n love the way the women all bond together to help each other. A really good sériala.

War is a terrible thing. Ruth's two brothers were far away serving their country. She didn't know what to do. She couldn't leave her father. She volunteers at the Fishermen's Mission.

Ruth thought she was there to serve others. But she learns much more about herself.

You can't help liking Ruth. A lot of her decisions are made by her heart. And this has caused some heartbreak.

I think I know who I want her to land up with. I won't tell but I can forsee a future book telling that story.

This is book number 2 in the series. I did really enjoy the relationships in this book. The line between different social classes were weakened. And they supported each other no matter what. I liked the friendly banter. And I really enjoyed the growth in the Main characters.
Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion

The second book in the Fishers Wharf series and it can easily be read as a stand alone. Grimsby 1924, Ruth Evans lives a very comfortable life with her father and two brothers. When she eventually marries Arthur Marshall it will unite two wealthy families but is this really what Ruth wants. When her two brothers go off to fight in the Great War Ruth won’t rest until they are both returned home safely. Letty Hardy is Ruth’s friend but Letty is working class but as far as these two women are concerned class doesn’t matter as they are firm friends. They met whilst working for the Fisherman’s mission and formed a friendship. Letty works hard to help her family whilst her husband Alec is working as a mine sweeper.

Right from the very start I was completely hooked on this book. I just love these historical saga books and this one really struck a chord with me. The strength and courage of these women will really open your eyes as it did mine. These women, most of them with little money work hard to support their families while their husband and other male family members are away fighting in the Great War. Even those with money work hard to help and they are all there for each other in troublesome times.
Another great instalment in this series.

With the ravages of war looming Ruth is waiting for her brother Henry's trawler to return but Ruth and Letty will face so much more. This book took me away to another time and place it was the perfect escape for a few hours. I enjoyed reading about the women's lives and the characterisation has you thinking about them long after you finish reading. There is family drama, love and friendship but I loved the bits that had my heart pumping from the suspense. I cried alot reading this book but I love the strong sense of community and I even came to like Letty's mother in law Dorcas. A beautifully designed and implemented saga that will take you away to life on the wharfs.

Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

Throughout the book we learn about how and in what circumstances the fishermen and their families worked and lived in. Sadness was felt by those that lost their loved ones at sea.

We also read about how those well off helped these families.

The book was about the ongoing war and the men that left to fight.

I recommend this book.

I read the first book in this series and couldn't wait to read this one but when I started it I found it very slow at first., it did give me an insite into what the trawler men and wives went through in WW1..Times were very hard for them as trawler men as ships we requistioned to be mindsweepers. It gave a good insight in to what these poor people went through in WW1.

Great Grimsby 1914 and a little kindness goes a long way.
War is declared and Ruth Evans along with her father and women are waiting for the trawlers to come home and her brother Henry's safe return. Standing at the fish dock she spots the nineteen year old he's home he's safe but for how long? with the ravages of war looming, men will be sent away to play a part for king and country and everyone will become equal.
Ruth leads a comfortable life living at Meadowvale House along with her father and two brothers so what does the coming future hold now for her family, as her father thinks only about his business and been the boss Ruth has led a sheltered life away from all the fish wives but all that is going to change she is all for helping the families in anyway she can in all their troubles and with the war as well.
A beautiful read that I so did enjoy, that has a lot of ups and downs in life, family, friends and love interests playing a big part in this book. I LOVED IT.

Heartwarming tale set during WWI, in Britain. Hardy fishermen with their trawlers turn mindsweeper detectives with their requistioned fishing trawlers give us an idea of what these stalwart folks went through during that time. This historal fiction narrative could be regarded as a brilliant tribute to them all: that is, to the fishermen, their wives and children, and to all those they lost. Romance, mission work, and good hard elbow grease grit helped them live day to day, in my opinion.

I like this down-to-earth book. It is the second book by Tracy Baines about the Fishers Wharf women I've read and equally enjoyed. I believe many will enjoy it too, especially those from fishing villages the world over.

~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger~

November 2023

Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent by NetGalley and the publisher.

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

I had read the first book int series and found it very interesting and enlightening not knowing much about the fishing industry on the East Coast. Now I live on the UK North East Coast I have great empathy for those women in the fish industry - both those that dealt with the fish and those that waited for their menfolk to return.

This book returned to the themes of waiting for the men to return but now time has moved on and its both fishing boats and those requisitioned by the government and converted to minesweepers that everyone waits for during the early days of WW1

I found this book very very slow and little seemed to happen at times - though there were lots of descriptive paragraphs.
I also found the 'blurb' slightly odd - there was interaction between Letty and Ruth - but I would hardly have called it a friendship. They tended to meet at the Mission but not always planned - I suppose Letty did offer Ruth support at times.
Both characters learnt much about themselves during the book and how to get through the times waiting for news of their men - a husband for Letty and brothers for Ruth. Ruth - who had led a protected life with an overbearing aunt - learnt much about herself and men in general.

The end was sad - and brought a tear - though I had expected sadness for at least some of the characters maybe just not where it came in the book.

The ending nicely sets up for the next in the series - if there is to be one.

All in all a well researched and enjoyable read for those that like historical fiction