This is a lovely story about a group of warm characters.

Set in the 1900's Anna Cassidy lives with her family struggling day to day to survive poverty.
Tragedy sets in when her home is set on fire and she loses her mum and siblings.
Anna and her brother Sam are the only survivors as they were not at home at the time. Anna is desperately ill and is taken into the local hospital, whilst unbeknownst to Anna her beloved Sam is snatched by the church and sent to Canada.

Anna is taken in by local businesswoman Ruby whom her mum worked for before she died and her partner Archie.

This is a story about love and tragedy. A wonderfully charming saga that will at times make you want to cry. I didn't want it to end and couldn't put it down.
Thank you, NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book.

Set in the 1900's this is truly an heartbreaking story. Ruby and Archie live as a married couple, but are not married. They had a child who was adopted. Anna Cassidy and her brother Sam lose everything in a fire. Sam is shipped of to Canada without Anna's knowledge. Anna is looked after by Ruby and Archie. Everything that can go wrong does go wrong.

I enjoyed this book. It's very gritty but there are some lighter moments and it is heartwarming. With a strong female lead this book gives you hope. You will need tissues.

Loved, loved this beautiful and charming book and am pleased it is the beginning of a new series! So much to anticipate. Not only is the writing itself gorgeous with sublime descriptions but the story is simultaneously heartbreaking and heartwarming. From the first page I practically clung to it and read it in one sitting, fully captivated and ignored responsibilities and life for awhile. And that ending!

In 1910s Liverpool, young Anna Cassidy horrifically loses her home and most of her family in a fire and is left with nothing. She and her beloved younger brother Sam are accustomed to living in poverty and dealing with a terrible bully, so the tragedy means layer after layer of unbearable awfulness. Sam is immediately taken by the Church under the guise of care and generosity and shipped off to Canada before Anna is even aware of it. Both of their lives are drastically torn apart. Sam is treated abominably in Canada but Anna is taken in and kindly doted on by Ruby Swift and Archie. We see their lives through their perspectives.

What an astonishing book for any Historical Fiction fans...it's a must read and would be a shame to miss. Can't wait for the next!

My sincere thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this marvelous book! I enjoyed it very much.

I am so pleased I was given the opportunity to read an advanced copy. Didnt want the story to end. Brilliant start to a new series. Family saga world war my ideal book. Roll on the next one

An enjoyable story set in the 1910s of Liverpool. This heart-warming tale has likeable characters, especially Ruby, and an interesting plot which will keep readers turning the page. I recommend it for anyone wanting to escape for a time into another world.

Loved this book. Ruby and Archie are the kind benefactors who give a home to Ned, saving home from a life of crime. Then they rescue Anna who’s family story will tug at the heart strings bringing tears to your eyes. Anna’s brother Sam is a kind boy who is badly treated by the town bully Jerky Woods then supposedly rescued by the priest who has him shipped off to Canada where he is badly treated working on a far,.
This book is crying out to be read. The drawback to this book was that it ended. Recommend it to all ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I loved the characters and the story. I could not stop reading it and l am looking forward to read more in this series .

I have loved reading Ruby and Archies story a journey of life and memories.Ruby is so strong and determined to survive and to suceed.Oh and have tissues handy as you will need them.A truly wonderful book 5*

Liverpool 1910
Ruby Swift and her beloved Archie take in orphan Anna Cassidy after the tragic fire so many lifes are lost.
A broken hearted book that I enjoyed right through. I love Ruby so feisty determined and a hard worker. You will definitely need tissues. Its a journey from the Mersey river to the Canadian saint laurence River.
Just could not put it down right to the lovely ending.

"The Mersey Mistress" by Sheila Riley
Reckoner's Row #3
Publication Date: 4.6.2021

Ruby Swift is a hard worker and honest. She is shocked that her employee's home is set on fire. She offers Anna Cassidy, a sixteen year old girl, into her home, but Anna's twelve year old brother is sent to Canada as a Homeboy by the Church.

Ruby tries to reunite the siblings in Liverpool, 1910.

Cute story. Quick read. I didn't feel completely lost starting this series by reading the third book.

Thank you to @NetGalley for providing me an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

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