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

This is the second book in the series and having enjoyed the first looked forward to this new one.
Must admit that I felt the story was rather drawn out with loads and loads of explanatory and detailed paragraph after paragraph! Interesting regarding the detailed information but lots of what was written could have been passed and given more thought to the actual story.
Was a little disappointed with this new book and can only give it 3 stars.
Many thanx to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for allowing me to read and review this book.

A wonderful family saga with fishing at the heart of the story
Very good read.
Thanks to netgalley for this opportunity to read

Trouble at Fishers Wharf by Tracy Baines

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.

A really interesting and different read from the usual historical war genre .

I hadn't really thought about the fishing trade during the wars years and the perils of going out to see to bring in the catch for the nation.
A brilliant story with great characters to bring the era alive.

At the beginning of the book l discovered what fishermen and their families had to endure. There was sadness when people were lost at sea. Then we found out how the wealthy helped the families. The book was about the war as well and how men went to defend the country by clearing mines and fighting in the trenches. The main characters were interesting and were described sympathetically with all their troubles. Although the book ended with sadness l did enjoy it.

Firstly thank you Netgalley for this Arc

Another brilliant book by this author

Family saga based in wartime absolutely brilliant

Heartwarming historical drama giving an insight into how war affected the fishing fleets. Great characters and interactions,good storyline,with more to come.

historical-novel, historical-places-events, historical-research, history-and-culture, new-series, inner-strength, WW1, friendship, family, fishing, 1912, seaside, England, grieving, family-expectations, community, poverty, class-consciousness, unpleasant-in-laws*****

As The Great War looms, fishing fleets, their ships and men, the town and families at home are suffering in worsening poverty with few left untouched. The women in the town have one thing in common. Perseverance. Excellent exploration of the timeless values of strength and community with strong women who make a difference in one way or another. Very moving.
I requested and received an EARC from Boldwood Books via NetGalley. Thank you!

I’ve been looking forward to this book, the 2nd in the series and it didn’t disappoint. The book focuses on Letty and her struggles to win her overbearing mother in law Dorcas round, and Ruth trying to find her way in life while her aunt Helen is determined to run her life. Life is changing for everyone now the war is happening and lots of changes are happening not all good. A great story, sometimes happy and often sad it had me hooked from the first few pages.

Ruth Evans and Letty Hardy may be separated by class but they run side by side for determination.
Ruth is expected to marry Arthur Marshall whose family business would help boost the Evans Excel one. However, Ruth may have other thoughts on this, aided by her brother Henry.
Letty is settling into life with her husband Alec, although this isn’t always easy when Alec is away with the fishing and she is left with mother-in-law Dorcas. Dorcas is used to having the last word, she didn’t count on Letty’ s spirit.
When the war comes Alec is away with the boats that have been requisitioned by the ministry leaving Letty to find a way to make ends meet.
Henry decides that maybe the war is his opportunity to get away from the life expected of him..
Loved the strong characters, could feel myself getting annoyed at Aunt Helen. I actually had tears running down my face, so vivid was the ending.