Trouble at Fishers Wharf

Fishers Wharf #2

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.

Ruth Evans awaits the safe return of her father’s last trawler carrying her wayward brother Henry, the future of the family business. But unbeknown to their father, Henry sees war as a chance to break free from the constraints of his privileged background and follow his heart.

Much is expected of Ruth. Her marriage to Arthur Marshall will help realise her father’s dream uniting two of the largest trawler companies in Grimsby. But will Ruth choose the path of duty or destiny?

Ruth’s friendship with hardworking Letty Hardy sustains her. Separated by class, they are united through their work for the Fishermen’s Mission as Letty battles to keep her business and family afloat while husband Alec serves on the minesweepers.

Can they navigate the treacherous waters ahead – or will they be caught by hidden dangers?

Praise for Tracy

‘A charming, heart-warming saga about ambition, hard work and courage in the cut and thrust of a world often driven by jealousy and spite’ Rosie Clarke

‘Immerse yourself in the exciting, evocative world of Wartime musical theatre. I highly recommend this book’ Fenella Miller

'An absorbing and poignant saga. I loved it from the very beginning and would highly recommend it' Elaine Roberts

'Terrific - beautifully written. The book twinkles. A well-crafted and satisfying story' Maisie Thomas

‘A pleasure from start to finish’ Glenda Young

‘You will have to read this well-researched song and dance of a novel in great gulps as I did’ Annie Clark

‘I just loved this book! Molly Walton

'The Variety Girls is terrific - beautifully written and with an unusual background. The stage costumes twinkle with sequins and the book twinkles with tiny details of theatre life that add depth and atmosphere to this well-crafted and satisfying story' Maisie Thomas

‘A pleasure from start to finish’ Glenda Young

‘You will have to read this well-researched song and dance of a novel in great gulps as I did’ Milly Adams

‘An evocative, busy, entertaining read, which has well balanced touches of humour, vying with angst, and of course, more than a dollop of tension’ Margaret Graham, Frost Magazine

‘Characterisation is one of the book’s strong points – the individual characters stay in your mind long after you finish the story’ Barbara Dynes, The Voice

Genres: Historical Fiction, British Literature, World War I

330 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 9, 2023

About the author

Tracy Baines writes about friendship, family, and finding your inner strength when life gets tough. Her stories celebrate strong women and the importance of community spirit. Tracy’s bestselling historical sagas are inspired by her love of the seaside and its contrast with the gritty industrial fishing ports on the east coast of England where she was born.

Her debut novel The Variety Girls (now The Seaside Girls) was shortlisted for the RNA Saga Award 2020.

Her grandmother’s stories and her own family heritage are the inspiration behind the Fishers Wharf series which follows the Hardy and the Evans families and the friendship that grows between two women from opposite sides of the class divide.

Tracy lives in Dorset with her husband, and dogs Harry and Betsy. Her children and grandchildren live close enough for babysitting duties.

When she’s not writing Tracy is either gardening, rummaging in antique shops or finding a host of other lovely ways to procrastinate. Coffee and cake are usually involved.

Reviews

[Sheila Samuelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 5 Stars!!
Review:
Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources for sending me this FREE EBook to Promote and Review for Tracy as part of The Blog Tour this week.

This was my first time reading a Historical Fiction Novel by Tracy so i wasnt sure what to expect but i have to say i really enjoyed this one especially loved learning about the history of Fisher's Wharf.

The Characters were fun and enjoyable to read about. It was hard to pick a favorite since i seemed to enjoy all the characters.

The Setting was beautifully described which made me feel like i was actually in the book while reading, especially when the scenery was described.

Overall a Good Historical Fiction Novel about Fishing during WW2. Can't wait to read more by Tracy in the future!!

[Connie Donnelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

England is at war with Hitler and the Royal Navy is commandeering most of the towns trawlers. They are being refitted as mine sweepers and the fishermen patrol the seas seeking and destroying the mines. But sometimes the mines find them first and the loss of life and the trawlers is devastating for the town.
This is a story of the age old fight for survival. The loss of loved ones, and livelihood draws some together and provides opportunity for others to take advantage. This is one of the books that deserves a 3 1/2.

[StinaStaffymum · Rating 4 out of 5]

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/.

[Leona · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Eunice Chin · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Rachel Branson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful book by Tracy Baines. Having a great grandfather who was a skipper in the RNR like Alec Hardy in WW1 and who also lived with his family in Park Street for a while, this book really helps me to envisage what the war was like for both him and the family he left at home. I can imagine my ancestors walking the same streets as Letty and sailing the same sea as Alec. Tracy’s books will be enjoyed wherever the reader is from, but as a Grimbarian, it’s a great joy to me that she is writing such brilliant stories about the people of Grimsby and Cleethorpes. I hope there are many more to come.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Jillean Ansley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this era of stories, cant get enough. This second book in the series is another goodie. Although I felt the ending didnt quite wrap the story up, seems room for a third book. I have read both books, really enjoyed them both, real page turning cant put down books. Bring on more.

[brenda mullan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trouble for the dockside girls

I really enjoyed this book, the second in the series. Story of fishing fleets and their families during the first world war. Strong female characters, coping the best way they can.

[Katherine Neille · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely book based around being kind. A young girl’s maturing emotions and learning the difference between infatuation and true love and the importance of kindness in life. Loved it. Keep the tissues handy.

[mrs m mc gilligan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second instalment of Dockyard Girls

The characters in this sequel are fantastic, I was so engrossed in each one but especially Letty, I truly hope there will be another follow up book so we can see how Ruth gets on and also how the come through the war.
Loved this book

[Sian · Rating 3 out of 5]

.5


My review of Trouble at Fishers Wharf can be found on my blog...

https://quirkybookreads.wordpress.com...

[Josie · Rating 5 out of 5]

So sad

Oh wow I have just cried buckets at the end. Poor Ruth.
Such a brilliant book but oh what an ending.
Hope there will be more to this series

[Booklover BEV]

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.

[Lily · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.