I really enjoyed this book because it gave the reader a variety of romance elements to enjoy.

Although I have not read the previous book, I had no trouble adjusting to the characters and the plot. Personally, I adored all the characters, whether it be Grace, Evie, Danny, Bruce, Lucy, Meggie or Henry. However, I thought Susie was the best character of them all! Yes, she is the villain but she lights up the story with her immaturity. Watching Evie and Susie argue felt like watching Nelly and Laura in LHOTP. I loved the way they bickered with each other.

The author writes romance very well, and her range is seen in the characters. On one hand, we have the tragic whirlwind romance between Grace and Bruce. On the other hand, we have the cute and fluffy budding romance between Evie and Danny. Personally, I loved both stories and wanted to know how they would turn out. The author also manages to add in multiple story-lines on top of this, like Grace’s news that could change her life, and Meggie’s secrets that would impact Danny. The author balances all the elements in a beautiful manner, and makes you invested in the plot.

My only minor criticism is that the story was a bit lengthy at times. Few of the passages felt repetitive, especially when Grace ponders on what happened to Bruce. Also, I really liked Clifford as a negative role, and wish he has been more prominent in the story.

Apart from that, this was an endearing tale about family, trust, and opening your heart.

A great book that I thoroughly enjoyed. 

Set in the 1950's Liverpool it follows the stories of the residents of Reckoners row. Singing on the cruise ship Marine spirit singer Grace is engaged to entertainments manager Clifford. The ship is due to dock in Liverpool and Grace's family will meet Clifford.
Meanwhile, Evie Kilgaren has been left to bring up her brother and sister after the death of her mother and her father being put in an asylum for her murder. Evie has managed to go to night school and gain her qualification for bookkeeping. Even though she has a good job it is too far away from home, so when she is offered the manager's job at Skinner and sons haulage for better money she jumps at it.  The only fly in the ointment is lazy Susie Blackthorn who also has worked there for a while and resents Evie being taken on as manager instead of her.

This is such a great book that carries you through the ups and downs of everyday life.. I'm really glad I read it.
Thank you, NetGalley for the opportunity xx

Sheila Riley always delivers a brilliant story. This one was no different. It's the second one in the series. Equally as good as the first one. I would highly recommend it.

Set in Liverpool in the aftermath of the Second World War, you see the inhabitants beginning to adjust to life in post war Britain. The story centres around two women. Evie is capable, hardworking and well- meaning and she sets about her new job as office manager with a determination and belief in her own worth, Grace has led a glamorous life on board a luxury cruise liner but has returned to Liverpool with a secret. Their lives are intertwined. There is plenty to enjoy in the story and some surprises in store.

There is plenty of period detail in the story as 1950 dawns. Times are hard for most and it is a struggle for some to make ends meet. You also see some family values, with both good and poor parenting on show. I found Danny and Evie's story the more relatable. You feel that hard work is going to bring success for them. In all, this is a satisfying read.

In short: 1950's Liverpool
Thanks to the author for a copy of the book.

Put the kettle on, switch off your phone and get ready to lose yourself in a gritty, atmospheric and compulsively readable new Liverpool saga by fast rising star Sheila Riley: The Mersey Girls.

Evie Kilgarten has just taken over the back office of haulage yard Skinner and Son’s, but her new job is hardly a cause for celebration as her new workplace is a hotbed for blackmail, chicanery, secrets and lies. Poor Evie does not know just what she has let herself into – although when she spots her childhood nemesis Susie Blackthorn in her new place of work, she knows that her new job is not going to be a walk in the park. Still, Evie vows to knuckle down and to not let anything or anyone distract her from her work – even if that soon proves easier said than done.

Susie is incandescent with rage that Evie Kilgarten has joined Skinner and Son’s and proceeded to ruin her life! Not only has she been demoted, but having Evie lording it over her is hardly conducive to a harmonious working environment. Susie, however, has bigger fish to fry. Her career might have hit the skids, but she is adamant to ensure that her personal life does not follow a similar fate. Susie is determined to secure the affections of local heart-throb Danny Harris – and nobody is going to stand in her way.

Grace Harris is a singer on a transatlantic cruise ship and is coming home to Liverpool. Engaged to be married, Grace should have the world at her feet. But she has a secret. A secret which she daren’t reveal to anyone: not even her fiancé. Grace is in possession of something valuable her fiancé desperately wants back, but will home provide her with the refuge she is seeking? Or will her visit only end up causing her further upheaval and heartache?

Will the Mersey Girls’ dreams ever come true? Or should they just settle for a lifetime of hard work and disappointment?

Sheila Riley is a wonderful storyteller. It’s hard not to get drawn into the world she brings to such vivid life. Liverpool is described which such love and affection, you will feel as if you are in Reckoner’s Row in the 1950s having a catch up with old friends. 

Sheila Riley deftly blends humour, drama, pathos and emotion in an immensely readable saga which is perfect for curling up in and losing oneself in – especially as the nights begin to draw in!

The three Mersey girls whose lives intertwine in this second book in The Reckoners Row series are a feisty bunch, each of them filled with that Liverpool grit which makes this historical saga such a pleasure to read. 

Grace Harris is a talented singer working for the glamorous D’Angelo shipping line and is used to mixing with celebrities and royalty on board the luxury liners where she is the lead cabaret act, but her roots are firmly in Liverpool  with her rambunctious family. Evie Kilgaren has an old head on young shoulders and despite being only twenty-one, she not only looks after her younger brother and sister but has managed to study book keeping so that she can earn a decent wage to keep their  family together. Flighty, Susie Blackthorn is the proverbial thorn in Evie’s side and her spiteful personality and vindictiveness, makes her a difficult character to like but she adds some necessary darkness to this entertaining historical saga.

The story caught my interest from the start and even though I haven’t read the first book in the series I quickly caught up with what had happened in The Mersey Orphan, as the author very cleverly weaves the back story into the narrative, so I never felt like I had missed something vital. I liked how the author gave each of the girls enough time in the spotlight and whilst I was often exasperated by Susie’s peevishness I did look forward to seeing just what she would do next! Grace and Eve’s individual stories are equally as interesting, particularly as Grace’s life seems so glamorous compared with the other girls. 

Setting the book in 1950 we get to see the Liverpool of the post-war years when although a thriving sea faring city, there was much poverty around and rationing was still very much in evidence so poorer families struggled to make ends meet. The author writes well and creates a nice sense of atmosphere and an authentic recreation of the post-war era. I enjoyed meeting the families who call this corner of Liverpool home, their good humoured stoicism and general air of making the best of whatever life throws at you comes across in the author’s fine attention to detail and story telling skill. However, life is about to change forever for some of the residents when long held secrets are about to be exposed.

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed spending time with the families of Reckoners Row and I would hope that the author returns to this vibrant part of Liverpool in future historical sagas. And although I picked up the story easily, as with any book series, it would be much more sensible to start at the beginning with the first book.

The second book in the Reckoner's Row series is another gripping family saga focusing on the women and their lives in 1950s Liverpool. The story has moved on. Evie has an office job with prospects at the haulage yard where she discovers inconsistencies that need solving. Susie resents Evie and is determined to make trouble. Grace has a more glamorous life as a cruise ship singer, but life is about to get complicated.

The characters are believable and draw you into their story. The plot has a touch of mystery, romance and many poignant moments. There is a good sense of place and time, and the historical details bring the story to life.

This is an enthralling saga, which involves the reader in the characters' lives and makes what happens matter to the reader.

I received a copy of this book from Boldwood Books via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

The Mersey Girls by Sheila Riley is the second book in The "Reckoners Row" series.I have not read the first book but I didn't need to worry. I began reading and was enveloped in life in Liverpool in the 1950's. The story revolves around two women, Grace and Evie.Evie is capable and hardworking, she has a new job in an office as a manager, which she sets about with gusto. Grace has been on a luxury liner working as a singer  surrounded by luxury. She returns to Liverpool with a secret. Grace and Evie are yet to discover their lives are connected, entwined with each other.
I thoroughly enjoyed the 1950's period of the book and Sheila created a true representation of the struggles of these times. The family values people held back then, the poverty and the communities are all part of this family saga and I could empathise. I am from a town not to far away from Liverpool with similar struggles and this story tugged at my heartstrings. 
I always love going down memory lane and this book is no exception. A great, gritty family story of 1950's Liverpool.
Thanks to Rachels Random Resources and Netgalley for the copy of the book to give my honest review.

I absolutely love the 1950s and if there is one era I wish I could have lived in, it would be that.  So I jumped at the chance to read this and how glad I am.

Full of drama, secrets and lies it was a page turner, that had you captivated from the beginning. Add some fabulous characters who I just adored. It lived up to my expectations and more.


The story starts off with Grace, a singer working on a prestigious cruise ship. Think along the lines of The Titanic. She got to live the life – travelling the world. Mixing with the rich and meeting some interesting people. I love how Katherine Hepburn, Frank Sinatra and Cary Grant all got a mention as they were on her ship. Just brilliant. I loved this touch that the author added there. It sounded a dream. Not all was rosy for Grace as she had something she was keeping to herself. This bit was really emotional and I truly felt for her. 

Back home in Merseyside you get to meet Grace’s brother, Danny. Who was living with their parents in Liverpool. Where things were a lot harder and rationing being a main factor of daily life. Danny was a great character and a right catch. Charming, hardworking and always looking out for others. How he had to then work with Susie, who was the total opposite. She was a right madam, with a major crush on Danny, which was funny yet highly embarrassing throughout. He was not interested one bit.

Danny worked at his uncle and aunt, Henry and Meggie Skinner hauliers’ yard. You couldn’t help but be drawn to this warm couple. With their own secret, this created unwilling drama, that they both didn’t want.

Then there is Evie. Sweet, adoring, lovable, selfless Evie, who after a tough life, hasn’t let this stop her from being just wonderful. Having the opportunity to take a job where Danny worked, to be closer to her family. I love how her graciousness was tested with Susie, especially as Susie wasn’t best pleased with her working there and didnt hide this fact. Oh how great it was when Susie was put in her place. Team Evie!

I loved how adored she was by all. Her friend Connie – the local hero! Always there for everyone, luckily! They had a really lovely friendship.

The light banter between Evie and Danny was just delightful. With Evie putting her family first not thinking about romance and Danny working hard, it kept me invested in their story line to see where it would go.

I just wish this story didn’t have to end, I could have carried on reading about all these characters and their drama’s. I loved the writing style of this and haven’t read a book set in the 1950s for a long time, I need more! Thank you Sheila for writing such a fabulous book.

I can’t say that I was too overwhelmed by this saga. I have read a fair few books of this genre and I was left feeling that Riley had something missing from this book. It was not as ‘gritty’ as I had expected and thought the plot was a little too obvious.

Firstly, let it be known that I have jumped straight to the second book of the series. I’m not convinced that this could be read as a stand-alone novel because I felt significantly disconnected from the characters. It was like coming along to watch a film when it had already been playing for an hour. Although Riley makes detailed references to each important past, I did not feel like I was truly understanding character backgrounds. Consequently, I felt rather muddled in establishing the identity of each character and how they were connected. If I had read the first book in the series before this one, I may have felt differently.

The plot itself is divided into following Evie, Grace and Susie. I did enjoy Grace’s story the most – even if it was so predictable – and wished that Grace had been given more page-time and that it had been more unexpected. It was clear how each of the women were going to fare in the story and I was even unsurprised by the blackmailing plot. I guess I would consider it a little lack-lustre and, with my attention scattered over trying to trace the characters, my patience towards the plot was thin.

At times I found Riley’s writing to be rather erratic and repetitive. I felt that she jumped around her narrative a lot, rather abruptly, leaving me feeling more confused about characters and plot direction. Secondly, this style also gave way to repetition: I was reading about things I had already read about, this time from a different character’s perspective. I think that if I had been more interested in the plot and characters, I probably would not have found this so irritating.

Would I consider reading the first in the book? Madly, yes! I want to be able to enjoy this story for what it offers and think I made the mistake of reading this one first. There seems to be a lot of background story to these characters and I don’t think Riley’s references were enough to establish a foundation for readers who aren’t aware of these pasts. Maybe once reading the first book, I might find myself recollecting this novel more favourably.

Although I lost interest towards the end of the story and found it dull, I was satisfied with the happy ending. It is clear that there are unsolved issues between characters and Riley has established herself with enough material at the closing to create another story. I enjoyed seeing how Susie comes across as such a bitchy dragon and would be keen to see her take an even more dramatic role next time.

Despite this book not completely satisfying my reading needs, it was a decent example of a saga which should delight plenty of fans out there.

With thanks to Boldwood Books, NetGalley and Rachel’s Random Resources for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Grace is a singer on board the cruise ship Marine Spirit and has just got engaged to Clifford who is head of entertainment, sadly this engagement is short lived after he had been cheating with other women.

Evie looks after her younger siblings following the death of her mother and the institutionalisation of her father to an asylum for the murder of her mother.

Susie follows the crowd, she is Grace's best friend and has her sights set on Danny. She expects the world to pave her way for little in return.

Danny is Grace's older brother who is although young, working hard building an empire and has developed a soft spot for Evie.

The setting is Merseyside in 1950. I pictured it to be just like that of the setting of Call The Midwife. It was an easy read, cute and I felt like I was there on the docks with them. Its filled with love, sadness, joy and plenty of sass.

I just loved it. Thank you @rachelsrandomresources for arranging this tour and to @sheilarileynovelist for a brilliant ⭐⭐⭐⭐ read.

The Mersey Girls' is the second book in Sheila's 'Reckoner Row' series.  The first book in the series called 'The Mersey Orphan' was released on 5th September 2019.  I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in the series so I couldn't wait to get started on the second book.  So without further ado, I grabbed a cup of tea, grabbed my Kindle and started to read.  Oh boy, I thought that 'The Mersey Orphan' was good but 'The Mersey Girls' is even better.  I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'The Mersey Girls' but more about that in a bit.

It took me next to no time to get into this story. In fact as soon as I started to read the book, I felt that I had reunited with old friends as regards certain characters.  For me, 'The Mersey Girls' is a real unputdownable, pageturner of a read.  I immersed myself fully into the story to the extent that I managed to shut out all other distractions and concentrate on the book alone.  Usually I have the attention span of a gnat and I am easily distracted but not in this case.  I became so wrapped up in the lives of the individual characters that I just couldn't stop reading.  I was desperate to find out how the story concluded and the pages turned increasingly quickly.  In fact, I managed to read this book in just under 24 hours, which is good going for me.

'The Mersey Girls' is superbly written but then I thought that 'The Mersey Orphan' was superb too.  The author has one of those writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with.  Sheila grabbed my attention from the synopsis alone and she drew me into the story.  I find that Sheila makes me feel as though I am literally part of the story myself.  In 'The Reckoner's Row' series, Sheila has written a brilliant and compelling story that will appeal to fans of family sagas.  She writes with great compassion and sensitivity towards the people she is writing about.  I think that 'The Reckoner's Row' series is going to continue to go from strength to strength and each new book will be better than the last.

In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'The Mersey Girls' and I definitely recommend that you read it.  I will certainly be reading more of Sheila's work in the future.  Here's hoping that we don't have too long to wait.  The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.

Evie looks after her brother and sister since their father murdered their mother and is now serving time having been classed as insane. She has known Danny since they were small but believes he is stepping out with Suzie, someone known for slacking and gossiping. When Danny very nearly runs over Evie as she slips off a pavement she learns the truth and things change. Not least in that she gets a new job at the haulage firm where Danny works so that she is much nearer home and her family. Danny’s sister Grace is an entertainer on a cruise ship and was engaged to the cast director until she found him “engaged” in other activities. He seemed to care little when she broke things off and she found friendship in Bruce, the son of the ship's owners. This is the second in the series but happily stands alone (I hadn’t read the first one) This is set in the 1950’s- a time of post war austerity and things beginning to get back to normal- perhaps something we can now more relate to after lockdown- nowhere near as traumatic as wartime but that life was majorly disturbed for he whole population. A wonderful read even for those of us who are too young to remember those times. A glimpse of the past, a little history and a good solid plot line. A very enjoyable read.
(rest of links as part of blog tour)

The Mersey Girls by Sheila Riley is an intriguing story of members of a family in lower-class Liverpool and how they shape their lives. It is shortly after World War II and the world is definitely in flux. Grace Harris is a singer on a luxury cruise line, happily engaged to the entertainment director and looking forward to heading home for a visit. Clifford, the fiancé has made promised about getting her career launched through his contacts with the BBC and she is on Cloud 9, until she discovers that he is sleeping with anyone who will aboard the ship. He refuses to take back the engagement ring and commences ignoring her for the remainder of the six-month-long cruise. Her mother, who not doubt has the wedding planned, will be devatated. Meanwhile, her brother Danny is working hard for a hauling company and doing his best to avoid romantic entanglements. Susie has been chasing him for years and she doesn't seem to get the message. She works in the office at his company, but she doesn't actually do much work. 

Lots of plot twists, some realistic, some, not so much, make The Mersey Girls an interesting and thoughtful novel. The siblings have such different lifestyles and their families, with the world in transition, have to adjust as they go along. There are problems, unwed mothers, blackmail, alcoholism, and poor health. All of these things make the story what it is. So much of it is true to life, that it sometimes makes the reader cringe. It is a wonderful book, easy to read and easy to enjoy. I recommend it to clean romance/historical fiction lovers. 

I was invited to read a free ARC of The Mersey Girls by Netgalley. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #themerseygirls

3.5 stars rounded up to 4

Reckoners Row #2

Liverpool 1950: Evie Kilgaren had taken over the running of the back office at Skinner and Sons haulage yard, she had no idea she was walking into a hive of blackmail, secrets and lies. Susie Blackthorn is outraged at being demoted and she's hell bent on securing the affections of the local heartthrob, Danny Harris. Grace Harris is a singer on the prestigious D'Angelo transatlantic ocean liners. She's returning home engaged to be married. But Grace is harbouring her own shocking secrets and something very valuable her fiancé wants back. 

I did not know that this was the second book in this series when I requested it. The  book does read well as a standalone. There's a lot going on in this well written book that's filled with shocks and surprises. I was drawn into this story from the first page.  The characters are well rounded, believable and mostly likeable. I do like these types of historical fiction books. 

I would like to thank NetGalley, Boldworld Books and the author Sheila Riley for my ARC in exchange for an honest review. ,

This is the second book I’ve read by this author and it did not disappoint. I totally loved everything about this book.  A book I hated having to put down as I just wanted to keep reading.   Brilliant story and excellent characters.

Set in post-WWII period, this is a pleasurable story of family, neighbours and friends in Liverpool.

Grace Harris is living the dream; singer on a cruise ship sailing home to introduce her new fiance to her family; but is he all he seems to be? Her brother, Danny Harris, works hard in Skinner's Haulage and has his own dreams - he doesn't want to be a worker all his life and is saving towards owning his own business one of these days. Also working at Skinner's is Susie Blackthorn, Grace's friend, who is absolutely relentless in her pursuit of romance with Danny despite him showing no inclination of ever heading down that path. Whilst Danny excels at his job, Susie makes a poor fist of hers and Evie Kilgaren is brought in as Office Manager to get the yard back on a proper business footing once more. These three are the Mersey Girls.

Full disclosure - I didn't read the first book in this series. I do have it, but just couldn't manage to fit it into my reading list before reaching this one (no matter how hard I tried). However, although I prefer to read series' in their entirety, this is an excellent stand alone. This is a packed novel comprising a family saga, romance, mystery and community. Well-crafted with a fine array of entirely plausible characters, I enjoyed this one and will definitely be on the lookout for more from Sheila Riley. With never a dull moment, this mixes everything together to make a really interesting, period perfect, read. 4.5* and recommended!

My thanks to the publisher for my copy and to Rachel's Random Resources for my spot on this tour; this is - as always - my honest, original and unbiased review.

This is the first book I read by this author and won't surely be the last because I liked.
It's gripping and engrossing, full of twists and turns.
The descriptions of the setting are interesting and the characters are fleshed out.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

wow can I say love this book i was there with them liked the characters but not sussie  you feel for her and very hard working family that stuck together in the good and bad times you was on the boat with grace I love her warm characters i could see her sing ect love her part in the story other characters were fun great plot i enjoyed the writing style  easy to read

Great book with lots of twists and turns. Good style of writing and kept me wanting to read more. Enjoyed the characters and the story flowed well