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Pennington's #4
A Shop Girl At Sea
Bath, 1912.
Amelia Wakefield loves working at Pennington's, Bath's finest department store. An escape from her traumatic past, it saved her life. So when Miss Pennington sets her a task to set sail on the Titanic and study the department stores of New York, she couldn't be more excited – or determined!
Frustrated with his life at home, Samuel Murphy longs for a few weeks of freedom and adventure. Meeting Amelia on board the Titanic , Samuel can't help wonder what painful history has made the beauty so reserved. But he already has too many responsibilities for love.
Ruby Taylor has always kept her Pennington co-workers at a distance. Making sure her little brother is safe has always been her priority. But when that means accepting Victoria Lark's offer of sanctuary, more than one of Ruby's secrets is under threat of being revealed...
A riveting and uplifting saga, perfect for fans of Elaine Everest and Fiona Ford.
Amelia Wakefield loves working at Pennington's, Bath's finest department store. An escape from her traumatic past, it saved her life. So when Miss Pennington sets her a task to set sail on the Titanic and study the department stores of New York, she couldn't be more excited – or determined!
Frustrated with his life at home, Samuel Murphy longs for a few weeks of freedom and adventure. Meeting Amelia on board the Titanic , Samuel can't help wonder what painful history has made the beauty so reserved. But he already has too many responsibilities for love.
Ruby Taylor has always kept her Pennington co-workers at a distance. Making sure her little brother is safe has always been her priority. But when that means accepting Victoria Lark's offer of sanctuary, more than one of Ruby's secrets is under threat of being revealed...
A riveting and uplifting saga, perfect for fans of Elaine Everest and Fiona Ford.
338 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 9, 2020
153 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Brimble
51 books999 followersRachel Brimble is the author of multiple Amazon bestselling books, including her latest series, The Home Front Nurses set in Bath during WWII. Book 4 of the series releases Feb 2026.
When she's not writing, you’ll find Rachel with her head in a book or walking the beautiful English countryside with her family. And in the evening, a period or crime drama on the TV while she completes her latest 1500 piece jigsaw puzzle!
Rachel is a member of the Female Entrepeneur Association and has an Etsy shop, The Writer Printable Co, providing resources she has created to help new authors achieve their writing dreams.
When she's not writing, you’ll find Rachel with her head in a book or walking the beautiful English countryside with her family. And in the evening, a period or crime drama on the TV while she completes her latest 1500 piece jigsaw puzzle!
Rachel is a member of the Female Entrepeneur Association and has an Etsy shop, The Writer Printable Co, providing resources she has created to help new authors achieve their writing dreams.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
March 15, 2020
First of all thank you to netgalley for this digital arc in exchange for an honest review. First of all this is book number 4 in The series so I Would recommend you Read The whole series. I could say that this is a sweet lovestory and be be done with that, but it is so Much more. It is about rising from The ashes like a Phoenix. It is about a tragedy that never Will be forgotten. It is about surviving The awful and horrible things people can Do to you. It is about living your life and not Brother what everybody Else think about it. It is about loving Even though people look down at you. Do yourself a favor and Read The whole series
April 17, 2020
Amelia's American adventure takes the reader away from Pennington's glamourous ethos. A popular subject for historical fiction, the Titanic tragedy gets a new perspective in this story.
Amelia and Samuel's lives are irrevocably changed when they get to opportunity to visit America on the luxury liner. Amelia is damaged, by a terrible past crime. Sam is drowning in unwanted responsibility. The chance to escape even for a short time is too good to miss. The romance is gentle but full of angst. Well researched and sensitive writing emphasises the terrible loss, and courage of those on board the ship.
Ruby' story highlights domestic abuse and society's prejudice to single-sex couples.
This is an engaging romantic saga. It has a perfect balance of vivid characters, historical detail and poignant events. The complex protagonists are easy to empathise, the historical setting vibrantly brought to life by the easy to read writing style.
I received a copy of this book from Head of Zeus via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Amelia and Samuel's lives are irrevocably changed when they get to opportunity to visit America on the luxury liner. Amelia is damaged, by a terrible past crime. Sam is drowning in unwanted responsibility. The chance to escape even for a short time is too good to miss. The romance is gentle but full of angst. Well researched and sensitive writing emphasises the terrible loss, and courage of those on board the ship.
Ruby' story highlights domestic abuse and society's prejudice to single-sex couples.
This is an engaging romantic saga. It has a perfect balance of vivid characters, historical detail and poignant events. The complex protagonists are easy to empathise, the historical setting vibrantly brought to life by the easy to read writing style.
I received a copy of this book from Head of Zeus via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
August 16, 2020
I'm giving this book three stars for the descriptive writing. The story was alright.
Amelia was too good to be true and it annoys me when characters do a volte face every couple of pages and continue to do it. There was also too much introspection and not enough action.
Character stories seem to be left unfinished or the outcome was a bit too unbelievable.
Maybe I suffered from not reading the previous books. I see from reviews it is a popular book and for anyone who likes these stories it's worth a read but it just wasn't for me.
Amelia was too good to be true and it annoys me when characters do a volte face every couple of pages and continue to do it. There was also too much introspection and not enough action.
Character stories seem to be left unfinished or the outcome was a bit too unbelievable.
Maybe I suffered from not reading the previous books. I see from reviews it is a popular book and for anyone who likes these stories it's worth a read but it just wasn't for me.
April 13, 2020
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This was a great story – I do love a good historical fiction read and this was excellent!!
I love this author’s writing style and she has a brilliant way with words – I was very happy to let her transport me back in time and it was the perfect read to escape the current news – an excellent distraction for me!
I really enjoyed reading this, I thought that it had a great plot, I thought that the story was well developed and the pace for the story was great, I loved part of the book being set on the Titanic – that was a great touch, although you did guess what would happen!
The author really brought the location to life and period to life for me. The book was one that I could relax with reading and I loved every page – this is part of a series but this one is fine to be read as a stand-alone if you don’t want to read the rest.
It is 5 stars from me for this one, I thought it was really well written and well developed and it was a thoroughly enjoyable read, the author really brought the book to life for me – it is another brilliant story from Rachel Brimble!
This was a great story – I do love a good historical fiction read and this was excellent!!
I love this author’s writing style and she has a brilliant way with words – I was very happy to let her transport me back in time and it was the perfect read to escape the current news – an excellent distraction for me!
I really enjoyed reading this, I thought that it had a great plot, I thought that the story was well developed and the pace for the story was great, I loved part of the book being set on the Titanic – that was a great touch, although you did guess what would happen!
The author really brought the location to life and period to life for me. The book was one that I could relax with reading and I loved every page – this is part of a series but this one is fine to be read as a stand-alone if you don’t want to read the rest.
It is 5 stars from me for this one, I thought it was really well written and well developed and it was a thoroughly enjoyable read, the author really brought the book to life for me – it is another brilliant story from Rachel Brimble!
May 10, 2020
A Shop Girl At Sea is the 4th book in the Penningtons series by Rachel Brimble. It can easily be read as a stand-alone book but I have read each book in the series and believe that I have enjoyed this book more having read them beforehand.
To begin with, I was worried about reading this book. I am not keen on books that I KNOW will make me cry. With some of this story set on board the Titanic, I had more than an inkling that it would get to me. BUT I love the Penningtons series, and I just knew that it would be worthwhile for me to take the chance and read this.
Amelia works as a window dresser at the fabulous Penningtons Department store in Bath. Her friend and boss, Elizabeth Pennington, has given her the chance of a lifetime. She is to cross to New York on the Titanic's maiden voyage and report back on the differences between the hugely popular department stores over there. She's to get ideas and hopefully return to Bath where they could implement some of them in the store there. She hasn't had an easy life with one of the worst things to happen to her being raped by the master of the house when she was a servant. She feels dirty and keeps what happened a secret. She enjoys her job at Penningtons but has no trust in men and her biggest fear is that what happens to her becomes common knowledge. She definitely has no self-confidence and isn't even sure that she is the one that should be going to New York even with an older gent from the store being sent to accompany her.
Samuel works on ships in the dockyard and he is being suffocated by his mother and two sisters who are his responsibility since his father died. They do nothing to help themselves and only keep the house tidy or a meal prepared if he constantly nags them. It is all getting on top of him so he jumps at the opportunity to work aboard the Titanic. He needs the wages, the experience, and perhaps the opportunity to stay in America if possible.
He and Amelia meet when he greets the passengers and helps them to find their cabins. He is awestruck from the first moment he sees her. She may not be travelling first class, but she could very easily fit in there. She is beautiful, she is classy and he is smitten. He shouldn't fraternise with the passengers, but he certainly won't keep his distance if fate allows.
He and Amelia might just find a romance blossoming between them, but as you know, the Titanic sinks, so will death come between them before they have a chance of a future together?
Back in Penningtons Ruby has taken on Amelia's job designing and setting up the fabulous window displays that the store is famous for. She lives with her younger brother and her mother. The latter is a nasty drunk who Ruby and her brother live in fear of. All Ruby wants to do is save enough money to leave home and take her brother too. She doesn't let anybody know how life at home is and thinks she has to do everything on her own. Little does she realise that if she was to share her story help would be forthcoming from the most unexpected source. As for Ruby's love life, she doesn't have one. She does have a romantic interest in this story, but I'm not going to say anything about it because I don't want to give too much of the story away. Let's just say she has a person she would love to spend her life with but with whom it just isn't a possibility. Or is it?
As I have mentioned already, I have read all the books in this series and this one might just be my second favourite. The first being my favourite. The author has such a fabulous writing style that draws you into the lives of the characters and their romances. I love the behind the scenes action in Penningtons where we see how everything runs. The window dressing scenes are fabulous and I could just picture myself among the crowds outside waiting for the curtains to be drawn to get their first glimpse at the display! The author really does make you feel as if you have travelled back in time.
I am also very glad to say that the scenes in the book involving the Titanic sinking were done beautifully. The description of the ship, the people on it, and what happened once the iceberg was hit was very well done. Yes, it was very emotional especially because we know it happened in real life, but the scenes afterwards, in New York were more optimistic and helped dry the tears. Back in Bath at Penningtons, there was a mix of sadness but hope too. It was a perfect balance and I am so glad I didn't let the chance of tears put me off reading this book.
I cannot recommend this book and this series enough!
To begin with, I was worried about reading this book. I am not keen on books that I KNOW will make me cry. With some of this story set on board the Titanic, I had more than an inkling that it would get to me. BUT I love the Penningtons series, and I just knew that it would be worthwhile for me to take the chance and read this.
Amelia works as a window dresser at the fabulous Penningtons Department store in Bath. Her friend and boss, Elizabeth Pennington, has given her the chance of a lifetime. She is to cross to New York on the Titanic's maiden voyage and report back on the differences between the hugely popular department stores over there. She's to get ideas and hopefully return to Bath where they could implement some of them in the store there. She hasn't had an easy life with one of the worst things to happen to her being raped by the master of the house when she was a servant. She feels dirty and keeps what happened a secret. She enjoys her job at Penningtons but has no trust in men and her biggest fear is that what happens to her becomes common knowledge. She definitely has no self-confidence and isn't even sure that she is the one that should be going to New York even with an older gent from the store being sent to accompany her.
Samuel works on ships in the dockyard and he is being suffocated by his mother and two sisters who are his responsibility since his father died. They do nothing to help themselves and only keep the house tidy or a meal prepared if he constantly nags them. It is all getting on top of him so he jumps at the opportunity to work aboard the Titanic. He needs the wages, the experience, and perhaps the opportunity to stay in America if possible.
He and Amelia meet when he greets the passengers and helps them to find their cabins. He is awestruck from the first moment he sees her. She may not be travelling first class, but she could very easily fit in there. She is beautiful, she is classy and he is smitten. He shouldn't fraternise with the passengers, but he certainly won't keep his distance if fate allows.
He and Amelia might just find a romance blossoming between them, but as you know, the Titanic sinks, so will death come between them before they have a chance of a future together?
Back in Penningtons Ruby has taken on Amelia's job designing and setting up the fabulous window displays that the store is famous for. She lives with her younger brother and her mother. The latter is a nasty drunk who Ruby and her brother live in fear of. All Ruby wants to do is save enough money to leave home and take her brother too. She doesn't let anybody know how life at home is and thinks she has to do everything on her own. Little does she realise that if she was to share her story help would be forthcoming from the most unexpected source. As for Ruby's love life, she doesn't have one. She does have a romantic interest in this story, but I'm not going to say anything about it because I don't want to give too much of the story away. Let's just say she has a person she would love to spend her life with but with whom it just isn't a possibility. Or is it?
As I have mentioned already, I have read all the books in this series and this one might just be my second favourite. The first being my favourite. The author has such a fabulous writing style that draws you into the lives of the characters and their romances. I love the behind the scenes action in Penningtons where we see how everything runs. The window dressing scenes are fabulous and I could just picture myself among the crowds outside waiting for the curtains to be drawn to get their first glimpse at the display! The author really does make you feel as if you have travelled back in time.
I am also very glad to say that the scenes in the book involving the Titanic sinking were done beautifully. The description of the ship, the people on it, and what happened once the iceberg was hit was very well done. Yes, it was very emotional especially because we know it happened in real life, but the scenes afterwards, in New York were more optimistic and helped dry the tears. Back in Bath at Penningtons, there was a mix of sadness but hope too. It was a perfect balance and I am so glad I didn't let the chance of tears put me off reading this book.
I cannot recommend this book and this series enough!
May 2, 2020
Pennington's, the finest department store in Bath, and getting a reputation that's spreading through Britain, is still going strong. Changes are coming to the lives of some of the staff, though. Esther Culford is on maternity leave, about to give birth to her first child. Amelia Wakefield is stepping up to act as the window designer rather than the window designer's assistant, and Ruby Taylor is acting as her assistant.
But the RMS Titanic is about to set sail for New York, and Elizabeth Pennington has a plan. She's sending Mr. Weir, the head of the men's department, and Amelia Wakefield, to New York City, to check out the department stores of America's greatest city for ideas and inspiration. It's an exciting adventure for Amelia, a sign Miss Pennington and Mr. Carter have growing confidence in her, and a chance to continue to better herself.
Ruby is also getting a chance to prove herself, taking a responsibility for Pennington's windows she hadn't imagined yet.
Meanwhile, hardworking seaman Samuel Murphy has signed on to the Titanic with his own dreams of possibly staying in America, escaping a life completely bounded by his widowed mother and two sisters, whom he has been completely responsible for since his father died suddenly in a dockside accident. They are demanding and dependent, and his mother won't hear of either of the sisters getting a job. She's absolutely insistent that it's his job to support them and he has no business wanting a family of his own. He's seriously considering not returning, and just sending them regular money from America.
But Samuel is haunted by guilt at his desire not to do what he feels his father would expect. Amelia has a secret that has haunted her with guilt and fear for years. And Ruby has an abusive mother, a younger brother who needs her protection, and feelings for a Pennington's coworker, the widowed Victoria Lark, that she's been taught all her life are wrong and shameful.
Can any of these three ambitious young people who have so much ability and drive overcome the ghosts that haunt them?
Ruby discovers that her new opportunity at Pennington's comes with a nasty, envious gossip determined to wreck everything for her.
Amelia is enjoying the trip on the Titanic, even with Mr. Weir being, with best intentions, a little over-protective. She and Samuel meet when he's assigned to spend part of every shift being friendly and helpful to the second class passengers, and with his help she learns a lot about not just the second class, but also the first and third class, passengers' tastes and choices in all the things that Pennington's might sell them. And they are attracted to each other.
But this is the Titanic, and the reader can't avoid knowing that they have a major challenge to their survival heading for them.
And back in Bath, neither Mrs. Taylor, nor the malicious coworker, want anything good for Ruby.
They all face major obstacles, both from others and from themselves, to achieving their dreams.
As always, the characters are very well drawn, and Brimble very sensitively portrays both the reality of class differences, and the essential equality that Miss Pennington and Mr. Carter believe in and embrace, and which is starting to assert itself in the first part of the 20th century.
I've been really enjoying these stories and the characters we meet.
Recommended.
I received an electronic galley of this book from the publisher, and am reviewing it voluntarily.
But the RMS Titanic is about to set sail for New York, and Elizabeth Pennington has a plan. She's sending Mr. Weir, the head of the men's department, and Amelia Wakefield, to New York City, to check out the department stores of America's greatest city for ideas and inspiration. It's an exciting adventure for Amelia, a sign Miss Pennington and Mr. Carter have growing confidence in her, and a chance to continue to better herself.
Ruby is also getting a chance to prove herself, taking a responsibility for Pennington's windows she hadn't imagined yet.
Meanwhile, hardworking seaman Samuel Murphy has signed on to the Titanic with his own dreams of possibly staying in America, escaping a life completely bounded by his widowed mother and two sisters, whom he has been completely responsible for since his father died suddenly in a dockside accident. They are demanding and dependent, and his mother won't hear of either of the sisters getting a job. She's absolutely insistent that it's his job to support them and he has no business wanting a family of his own. He's seriously considering not returning, and just sending them regular money from America.
But Samuel is haunted by guilt at his desire not to do what he feels his father would expect. Amelia has a secret that has haunted her with guilt and fear for years. And Ruby has an abusive mother, a younger brother who needs her protection, and feelings for a Pennington's coworker, the widowed Victoria Lark, that she's been taught all her life are wrong and shameful.
Can any of these three ambitious young people who have so much ability and drive overcome the ghosts that haunt them?
Ruby discovers that her new opportunity at Pennington's comes with a nasty, envious gossip determined to wreck everything for her.
Amelia is enjoying the trip on the Titanic, even with Mr. Weir being, with best intentions, a little over-protective. She and Samuel meet when he's assigned to spend part of every shift being friendly and helpful to the second class passengers, and with his help she learns a lot about not just the second class, but also the first and third class, passengers' tastes and choices in all the things that Pennington's might sell them. And they are attracted to each other.
But this is the Titanic, and the reader can't avoid knowing that they have a major challenge to their survival heading for them.
And back in Bath, neither Mrs. Taylor, nor the malicious coworker, want anything good for Ruby.
They all face major obstacles, both from others and from themselves, to achieving their dreams.
As always, the characters are very well drawn, and Brimble very sensitively portrays both the reality of class differences, and the essential equality that Miss Pennington and Mr. Carter believe in and embrace, and which is starting to assert itself in the first part of the 20th century.
I've been really enjoying these stories and the characters we meet.
Recommended.
I received an electronic galley of this book from the publisher, and am reviewing it voluntarily.
April 21, 2020
A Shop Girl at Sea by Rachel Brimble has Amelia Wakefield traveling to America aboard the luxurious Titanic for Pennington’s. Elizabeth Pennington has charged Amelia with studying the department stores in New York and bringing back the information to help Pennington’s. Samuel Murphy longs for freedom and adventure, but he is responsible for his mother and two sisters. He is hoping that this trip will be his chance to break free. He does not count of meeting the lovely Amelia. Ruby Taylor holds herself aloof from her co-workers. She is afraid of letting people get close to her because of her family situation. Ruby needs to keep her brother safe. Victoria Lark, a co-worker, learns of the problem and offers them a sanctuary. Ruby is grateful for the opportunity, but she does not like the gossip that is circulating around the store. Her secret could be exposed, and Ruby’s life forever changed. A Shop Girl at Sea is the 4th novel in the Pennington’s series. It can be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading this charming series in order. While each book features different characters, the characters from the previous books appear (so she can see how they are doing). I thought the book was well-written that moved along at a steady pace. The story contains strong, flawed characters that are realistic. This is more than a historical love story. It is about people overcoming their pasts, embracing their potential and moving forward with their lives. Amelia suffered a terrible tragedy at the hands of her employer, Samuel has been responsible for his mother and two sisters since he was nineteen years old (and the sisters are pieces of work), and Ruby has an alcoholic mother who is abusive (violent). These individuals are given a chance to change their lives. They just need the courage to make the leap. I like how the author handled the Titanic tragedy. She managed to mix the truth with her fiction beautifully. I always love reading about Pennington’s and the wonderful merchandise they carry. It was a delight to “see” R. H. Macy & Co. (as it was called then) through Amelia’s eyes. There are wonderful historical details that capture the time period. A Shop Girl at Sea is an appealing historical novel with a terrible tragedy, fabulous fashions, wonderful widows, and joyful journeys.
April 13, 2020
I've been enjoying all the stories in this series and, although they have many characters in common with the previous three books, I believe you could easily read and enjoy this one without having read the others - but they are all well worth reading IMHO. This story is set in 1912 and centres around Pennington's, a prestigious department store in Bath, and the people who work there -and the Titanic.
This story has two very different romances as well as involving characters travelling on the ill fated Titanic, so for much of this story I admit I was awaiting reading the fate of the characters who were sailing on it. Life on board the Titanic is brought to life through vivid descriptions, the different classes, decks and people are all included as the tragic journey progresses.
It was a real page turner, an emotional, adventure packed read. There are some moving family dramas, with a mix of characters you'll love and others you definitely won't! It has some heartbreaking scenes and lots of love, too, all making this a delightful, entrancing story about resilience and resolve, overcoming your past and daring to follow your dreams and your heart.
I requested and was gifted a copy of this book and this is my honest review after choosing to read it and being totally absorbed in it so much that I had to stay up to finish it, I just couldn't put it down! I highly recommend travelling back in time to 1912 with this book and escaping your current reality!
This story has two very different romances as well as involving characters travelling on the ill fated Titanic, so for much of this story I admit I was awaiting reading the fate of the characters who were sailing on it. Life on board the Titanic is brought to life through vivid descriptions, the different classes, decks and people are all included as the tragic journey progresses.
It was a real page turner, an emotional, adventure packed read. There are some moving family dramas, with a mix of characters you'll love and others you definitely won't! It has some heartbreaking scenes and lots of love, too, all making this a delightful, entrancing story about resilience and resolve, overcoming your past and daring to follow your dreams and your heart.
I requested and was gifted a copy of this book and this is my honest review after choosing to read it and being totally absorbed in it so much that I had to stay up to finish it, I just couldn't put it down! I highly recommend travelling back in time to 1912 with this book and escaping your current reality!
April 14, 2020
The latest in the Pennington's series continues to bring you historical accuracy, period details, some astute social commentary, some familiar characters and not one but two romances. It is what you could call, good value as a read! The pre-war period is described through the daily life in the Department Store as it continues to change with the times. It is an ingenious idea to weave storylines based in Bath with the famous and ill-fated maiden voyage of the Titanic.The class system in place on the ship is fascinating. Women's lives and the power they often do not feel they have over their own destiny are explored through Ruby and Amelia's stories.
Both Ruby and Amelia are determined and ambitious young women with some harsh parts of their home lives which they want to break free from. There are aspects of their lives which they have to come to terms with. The contrast between the established English life in Bath and the new, up and coming pioneers of the United States is a clever one. There is plenty to enjoy in the fourth in the series and it benefits from part of the story being away from Bath. Not all the characters are likeable but they all have a part to play in the story and you learn a lot about Ruby, Amelia and Samuel's characters by how they react towards them.
In short: Edwardian society at all levels meets at Pennington's.
Thanks to the publishers for a copy of the book.
Both Ruby and Amelia are determined and ambitious young women with some harsh parts of their home lives which they want to break free from. There are aspects of their lives which they have to come to terms with. The contrast between the established English life in Bath and the new, up and coming pioneers of the United States is a clever one. There is plenty to enjoy in the fourth in the series and it benefits from part of the story being away from Bath. Not all the characters are likeable but they all have a part to play in the story and you learn a lot about Ruby, Amelia and Samuel's characters by how they react towards them.
In short: Edwardian society at all levels meets at Pennington's.
Thanks to the publishers for a copy of the book.
May 7, 2020
This isn't the first novel of Rachel Brimble that I have read, since I read the previous books in this series, so I was excited when I saw hat there as another Pennington's book.
It was as amazing as the previous stories, maintaining the same fantastic flow in the storytelling and the brilliant descriptions that transported us to that time and moment, we characters that felt human and real.
The amazing thing about Rachel Brimble's stories, this one included, is that she talks about certain topics that are still very relevant in our present. She does it in a way that we get to connect with the characters and understand them, their past, future, dreams and nightmares, and their actions through out the book.
In this book we get to follow Amelia, Samuel and Ruby. Each one with their own demons their own struggles and their own moments of strength and connection with the reader. At least that's what I felt, since it as like going on an emotional rollercoaster. The interactions helped with that, by giving us opportunities to really know all the characters as well as their circumstances, as well as the setting of the story.
Overall, I loved it. It was such a good story, thought provoking and engaging. It had a good balance despite all the emotions I could feel by being transported to the story. Plus, it had a good rhythm and I ended up reading page after page without even caring about the late hour.
[I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and Rachel Brimble for the eCopy of this book, and for allowing me to join in the fun and being a part of the blog tour with my honest review of the book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.]
It was as amazing as the previous stories, maintaining the same fantastic flow in the storytelling and the brilliant descriptions that transported us to that time and moment, we characters that felt human and real.
The amazing thing about Rachel Brimble's stories, this one included, is that she talks about certain topics that are still very relevant in our present. She does it in a way that we get to connect with the characters and understand them, their past, future, dreams and nightmares, and their actions through out the book.
In this book we get to follow Amelia, Samuel and Ruby. Each one with their own demons their own struggles and their own moments of strength and connection with the reader. At least that's what I felt, since it as like going on an emotional rollercoaster. The interactions helped with that, by giving us opportunities to really know all the characters as well as their circumstances, as well as the setting of the story.
Overall, I loved it. It was such a good story, thought provoking and engaging. It had a good balance despite all the emotions I could feel by being transported to the story. Plus, it had a good rhythm and I ended up reading page after page without even caring about the late hour.
[I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and Rachel Brimble for the eCopy of this book, and for allowing me to join in the fun and being a part of the blog tour with my honest review of the book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.]
April 8, 2020
4.5 Stars
It’s 1912 & Amelia Wakefield loves working at Pennington's, Bath's finest department store. An escape from her traumatic past, it saved her life. So when Elizabeth Pennington asks her to set sail on the Titanic and study the department stores of New York, she couldn't be more excited – or determined! Frustrated with his life at home, Samuel Murphy longs for a few weeks of freedom and adventure & jumps at the chance of working on the Titanic. Meeting Amelia on board the ship, Samuel can't help wonder what painful history has made the beauty so reserved. Ruby Taylor has always kept her Pennington co-workers at a distance. Making sure her little brother Tommy is safe has always been her priority. But when that means accepting Victoria Lark's offer of sanctuary, more than one of Ruby's secrets is under threat of being revealed.
Two romances for the price of one! Another well written page turning emotional read. This is the fourth book in the series & whilst it could easily be read on its own, I’d recommend reading the whole of this lovely series. Strong characters & a well paced story had me engrossed. Parts of the story had tears streaming down my face, it was so heartbreaking reading about the Titanic sinking. It could be read as two couples finding love but it's so much more, it's about conquering adversity & rising from the ashes to lead better, happier lives. An enthralling read
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
It’s 1912 & Amelia Wakefield loves working at Pennington's, Bath's finest department store. An escape from her traumatic past, it saved her life. So when Elizabeth Pennington asks her to set sail on the Titanic and study the department stores of New York, she couldn't be more excited – or determined! Frustrated with his life at home, Samuel Murphy longs for a few weeks of freedom and adventure & jumps at the chance of working on the Titanic. Meeting Amelia on board the ship, Samuel can't help wonder what painful history has made the beauty so reserved. Ruby Taylor has always kept her Pennington co-workers at a distance. Making sure her little brother Tommy is safe has always been her priority. But when that means accepting Victoria Lark's offer of sanctuary, more than one of Ruby's secrets is under threat of being revealed.
Two romances for the price of one! Another well written page turning emotional read. This is the fourth book in the series & whilst it could easily be read on its own, I’d recommend reading the whole of this lovely series. Strong characters & a well paced story had me engrossed. Parts of the story had tears streaming down my face, it was so heartbreaking reading about the Titanic sinking. It could be read as two couples finding love but it's so much more, it's about conquering adversity & rising from the ashes to lead better, happier lives. An enthralling read
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
March 15, 2020
Thank you to NetGalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. When I realized this was a fourth book in a series I nearly panicked. I hate reading out of order. However it was clear from the start that this book was not dependent upon the other books. Amelia is a window dresser for Pennington's department store. She has had a rough past. Now she is finally making her way in her career and her boss tasks her with a special job. Go to America aboard the new luxury liner, The Titanic. Travel the famous New York departments stores and see how they compare to Penningtons. Samuel Murphy is tired of supporting his mother and two sisters, none of whom work but should be capable, since his father's death. When he takes a opportunity to work about the Titanic, he hopes it will allow him some freedom from the family and a new beginning for himself personally. (There is also a secondary 'back at Pennington's plot line about Ruby trying to get herself and her younger brother away from their drunkard mother, while fighting her attraction to a female co-worker. Yeah for representation but boo for being a sub-par plot that just wasn't as interesting as the main one). Samuel and Amelia meet on the doomed voyage and it was interesting to read about the specific sights and events on that trip. Their relationship was sweet as well. I have to touch briefly on the big tragedy. Readers know how this will ultimately play out. I think the book did a good job with what it had to work with. This isn't the type of story that will dig into the depth of the horror of that night. I understood that from the get go. However, I did feel like their reactions once saved were very downplayed. Maybe it was the time period and the book is very accurate to that, but they seemed to get along with everything in their lives much easier than I'd have expected. Still I liked this book quite a lot. I flew through it in a day which is unusual for me. Part of me wants to read the first three books in the series now but I hope they aren't all as mild as the Ruby plot was in this book..
May 11, 2020
A Shop Girl at Sea is Book 4 in the Pennington's series and although each book is focused on a different character I would highly recommend reading the books in order to gain the full reading experience and enjoyment. The Pennington's series is fast becoming one of my favourite historical fiction series. The books in order are:
A Shop Girl in Bath (Previously published as The Mistress of Pennington's)
A Shop Girl Gets the Vote (Previously published as A Rebel at Pennington's)
A Shop Girl's Christmas (Previously published as Christmas at Pennington's)
A Shop Girl at Sea
This instalment focuses on Amelia Wakefield who has been working at the prestigious department store in Bath for a little while. Amelia has been given a new assignment with one of her colleagues; a chance to visit New York to analyse the large department stores and it's customers in the city of dreams. Amelia and Mr Weir will be travelling to New York on the maiden voyage of the Titanic ship.
The world of industry, commerce, tourism and the public alike are a buzz with this new ship that can carry thousands of people across the seas in a luxury that many can only dream about.
Including such a pivotal moment in the history of the world in a fictional story in a way leaves the reader with a little spoiler. We all know the fate of this maiden voyage by such an iconic ship and as I was reading the story I was waiting for the moment but I was so engrossed in the storyline surrounding the characters I was as surprised as the passengers on the ship. I felt the intensity of the situation and I was anxious for all on the ship.
This is a story of excitement and trepidation visiting new lands of opportunity that soon take a turn of tragic events. It's also a story of two young people trying to escape their pasts to start afresh. Away from the drama at sea there's anther story taking place back home in Bath when another young lady working at the store is battling with a darkness of her own. Ruby has been hiding her home life struggles for a long time but it's reached a point of no return but she is so afraid of the conflicting emotions in her head and heart.
A Shop Girl at Sea is another wonderful instalment in this historical romance series; it's a story of love overcoming stigmas, finding the strength to grasp new hope and opportunities.
A Shop Girl in Bath (Previously published as The Mistress of Pennington's)
A Shop Girl Gets the Vote (Previously published as A Rebel at Pennington's)
A Shop Girl's Christmas (Previously published as Christmas at Pennington's)
A Shop Girl at Sea
This instalment focuses on Amelia Wakefield who has been working at the prestigious department store in Bath for a little while. Amelia has been given a new assignment with one of her colleagues; a chance to visit New York to analyse the large department stores and it's customers in the city of dreams. Amelia and Mr Weir will be travelling to New York on the maiden voyage of the Titanic ship.
The world of industry, commerce, tourism and the public alike are a buzz with this new ship that can carry thousands of people across the seas in a luxury that many can only dream about.
Including such a pivotal moment in the history of the world in a fictional story in a way leaves the reader with a little spoiler. We all know the fate of this maiden voyage by such an iconic ship and as I was reading the story I was waiting for the moment but I was so engrossed in the storyline surrounding the characters I was as surprised as the passengers on the ship. I felt the intensity of the situation and I was anxious for all on the ship.
This is a story of excitement and trepidation visiting new lands of opportunity that soon take a turn of tragic events. It's also a story of two young people trying to escape their pasts to start afresh. Away from the drama at sea there's anther story taking place back home in Bath when another young lady working at the store is battling with a darkness of her own. Ruby has been hiding her home life struggles for a long time but it's reached a point of no return but she is so afraid of the conflicting emotions in her head and heart.
A Shop Girl at Sea is another wonderful instalment in this historical romance series; it's a story of love overcoming stigmas, finding the strength to grasp new hope and opportunities.
April 15, 2020
As you will be aware, I have followed the Pennington's series ever since the first book was released. With the release of A Shop Girl at Sea today, the whole series has had a facelift, and each book has been given a new title.
A Shop Girl at Sea is the fourth book in the wonderful Pennington's series, a series based around the Pennington's department store in Bath. Pennington's is a true rival to big department stores in the city of London, and Elizabeth Pennington dreams that she can make her store rival even the huge stores on New York. In her quest to make Pennington's an international name amongst department stores, she enlists her employee and friend, Amelia Wakefield, to make the historic trip to New York aboard the Titanic to explore shopping trends of the major New York stores and their shoppers.
Samuel Murphy is a man weighed down by his responsibilities. His mother and two sisters are entirely dependent on him following the tragic death of his father, and he sees his own dreams slip out of reach as it becomes clear that they are unwilling to let him go. When an opportunity arises to work on the Titanic for its maiden voyage, he grasps it with both hands knowing that this is a once in a lifetime chance that could really further his prospects. When he unexpectedly meets Amelia onboard, he finds himself hoping for a future that he thought out of reach.
This is the first novel in the Pennington's series which is actually set predominantly outside of the department store. Amelia's time on the Titanic is beautifully described, you really feel as though you are there with her experiencing the decadence and luxury of the ship deemed to be 'unsinkable'. Of course, we all know the story of Titanic; its hard not to. But it was lovely to read a novel that focussed on the passengers and how they felt about being on such a historic journey, rather than on the tragedy that followed. Naturally, the tragic sinking cannot and is not ignored, but it was nice to see that it wasn't the sole focus of this novel. Instead it was focussed on the characters who had each suffered in their own way, and how that fateful journey changed them both. It changed their outlooks on life, and rather than being victims it was nice to watch them both emerge stronger than ever.
I hope to learn more about Ruby Taylor in future novels, as I felt there was more to say about her past, present and future. I really enjoyed the brief look at her life though, and the hardships she faces going forward at a time when people were certainly not open-minded or welcoming to anyone that was deemed to be different.
This really is a lovely novel, and an excellent addition to the Pennington's series. Whilst it can definitely be read as a standalone, I highly recommend getting all four novels. They will provide you with the perfect escapism during this period of uncertainty and lockdown. Stay home!
A Shop Girl at Sea is the fourth book in the wonderful Pennington's series, a series based around the Pennington's department store in Bath. Pennington's is a true rival to big department stores in the city of London, and Elizabeth Pennington dreams that she can make her store rival even the huge stores on New York. In her quest to make Pennington's an international name amongst department stores, she enlists her employee and friend, Amelia Wakefield, to make the historic trip to New York aboard the Titanic to explore shopping trends of the major New York stores and their shoppers.
Samuel Murphy is a man weighed down by his responsibilities. His mother and two sisters are entirely dependent on him following the tragic death of his father, and he sees his own dreams slip out of reach as it becomes clear that they are unwilling to let him go. When an opportunity arises to work on the Titanic for its maiden voyage, he grasps it with both hands knowing that this is a once in a lifetime chance that could really further his prospects. When he unexpectedly meets Amelia onboard, he finds himself hoping for a future that he thought out of reach.
This is the first novel in the Pennington's series which is actually set predominantly outside of the department store. Amelia's time on the Titanic is beautifully described, you really feel as though you are there with her experiencing the decadence and luxury of the ship deemed to be 'unsinkable'. Of course, we all know the story of Titanic; its hard not to. But it was lovely to read a novel that focussed on the passengers and how they felt about being on such a historic journey, rather than on the tragedy that followed. Naturally, the tragic sinking cannot and is not ignored, but it was nice to see that it wasn't the sole focus of this novel. Instead it was focussed on the characters who had each suffered in their own way, and how that fateful journey changed them both. It changed their outlooks on life, and rather than being victims it was nice to watch them both emerge stronger than ever.
I hope to learn more about Ruby Taylor in future novels, as I felt there was more to say about her past, present and future. I really enjoyed the brief look at her life though, and the hardships she faces going forward at a time when people were certainly not open-minded or welcoming to anyone that was deemed to be different.
This really is a lovely novel, and an excellent addition to the Pennington's series. Whilst it can definitely be read as a standalone, I highly recommend getting all four novels. They will provide you with the perfect escapism during this period of uncertainty and lockdown. Stay home!
May 26, 2020
Amelia loves her job at Pennington’s and is over the moon when Miss Pennington sends her off on a mission on the Titanic, with Mr Weir, to check out American department stores. Having suffered a trauma in her past, Amelia puts her job at the forefront of everything she does and wants to make Miss Pennington proud. But she doesn’t expect to meet Samuel on the Titanic; a sailor with too many responsibilities at home who has set off on his own adventure. But when the inevitable happens, will they survive the sinking of the ship? And if so, will they finish what they’d set out to do or will the experience change their views and dreams forever?
Meanwhile, Ruby is back at Pennington’s and enjoying taking on more responsibility at work in Amelia’s absence. However, she has struggles at home, looking after her little brother and trying to keep him safe from their mother. In addition, there is gossip being spread around Pennington’s about her friendship with Mrs Lark, and when she offers a safe haven for Ruby, it only makes things worse. Will Ruby’s secrets, she’s been trying so hard to keep, unravel?
Tackling a historically important and tragic event such as the Titanic is never going to be an easy job; but Brimble is sensitive and covers the tragedy well. She takes into account the thoughts of those onboard, as well as the impact the sinking of the ship has on the world and those who lost someone. And it is so emotional. Being with Amelia, Mr Weir and Samuel when the ship hits the iceberg and the realisation that it’s going down, was enough to make me well up; let alone what followed…..
In terms of the characters, Amelia is a strong woman who has suffered her own traumas in the past. Still trying to overcome them, she is somewhat dismayed to start developing a friendship with, and feelings for, Samuel – something she hadn’t anticipated or wanted. At times she is quite standoffish (understandably) but is determined and set in her ways, wanting to do what she had promised. Samuel is a darling! An absolute gem, he just wants to escape the responsibilities that he had inherited and live a bit. He’s so thoughtful and caring (most of the time) and I adored him! Ruby is extremely standoffish, and I would imagine can come across particularly rude. Having made a point of not making many friends, other than Mrs Lark, she keeps herself to herself, but for valid reasons. I wasn’t sure about her at first, but it’s lovely to see her character grow – and with it Brimble covers another sensitive subject well.
Brimble does a fantastic job of setting the scenes so you can imagine the luxury of the Titanic, and the scenes as it’s going down. Maybe helped by the many Titanic films I’ve watched, it was very easy for this story to play out in my mind. Her description of Pennington’s and the American department stores, are also vivid and I could imagine the characters there.
Overall, this was a beautiful, heart wrenching story. I adore Brimble’s writing style and absolutely love being taken back to the early 20th century. A Shop Girl at Sea had me full of hope, sadness, despair, joy and excitement. Although Book 4 in the Pennington’s series, you can read this as a standalone, but if you’re a fan of historical fiction and romance, then I’d highly recommend checking out all the books in the series. And if you’re interested in the Titanic, then this is for you.
Meanwhile, Ruby is back at Pennington’s and enjoying taking on more responsibility at work in Amelia’s absence. However, she has struggles at home, looking after her little brother and trying to keep him safe from their mother. In addition, there is gossip being spread around Pennington’s about her friendship with Mrs Lark, and when she offers a safe haven for Ruby, it only makes things worse. Will Ruby’s secrets, she’s been trying so hard to keep, unravel?
Tackling a historically important and tragic event such as the Titanic is never going to be an easy job; but Brimble is sensitive and covers the tragedy well. She takes into account the thoughts of those onboard, as well as the impact the sinking of the ship has on the world and those who lost someone. And it is so emotional. Being with Amelia, Mr Weir and Samuel when the ship hits the iceberg and the realisation that it’s going down, was enough to make me well up; let alone what followed…..
In terms of the characters, Amelia is a strong woman who has suffered her own traumas in the past. Still trying to overcome them, she is somewhat dismayed to start developing a friendship with, and feelings for, Samuel – something she hadn’t anticipated or wanted. At times she is quite standoffish (understandably) but is determined and set in her ways, wanting to do what she had promised. Samuel is a darling! An absolute gem, he just wants to escape the responsibilities that he had inherited and live a bit. He’s so thoughtful and caring (most of the time) and I adored him! Ruby is extremely standoffish, and I would imagine can come across particularly rude. Having made a point of not making many friends, other than Mrs Lark, she keeps herself to herself, but for valid reasons. I wasn’t sure about her at first, but it’s lovely to see her character grow – and with it Brimble covers another sensitive subject well.
Brimble does a fantastic job of setting the scenes so you can imagine the luxury of the Titanic, and the scenes as it’s going down. Maybe helped by the many Titanic films I’ve watched, it was very easy for this story to play out in my mind. Her description of Pennington’s and the American department stores, are also vivid and I could imagine the characters there.
Overall, this was a beautiful, heart wrenching story. I adore Brimble’s writing style and absolutely love being taken back to the early 20th century. A Shop Girl at Sea had me full of hope, sadness, despair, joy and excitement. Although Book 4 in the Pennington’s series, you can read this as a standalone, but if you’re a fan of historical fiction and romance, then I’d highly recommend checking out all the books in the series. And if you’re interested in the Titanic, then this is for you.
April 15, 2020
Rachel Brimble’s exceptional saga series set in Bath’s finest department store Pennington’s continues with another engrossing and enthralling instalment that takes readers all to sea and on a fateful voyage on the Titanic: A Shop Girl at Sea.
Pennington’s had saved Amelia Wakefield’s life. The girl with the traumatic past had sought refuge in her work and has found the sanctuary which she has been searching for for so long at the famous Bath department store. When her employers entrust her with a special assignment that could see her go all the way to New York, Amelia is thrilled. She is overjoyed to have been given this assignment as it will not only take her all the way to America, but she will also get to travel on a luxurious ship: the Titanic. Amelia cannot wait to set sail, but does she know what she is letting herself into? Determined to give this job her all, is Amelia about to walk headlong into danger and jeopardy on board a ship everyone assures is her is as safe as houses.
Frustrated at the direction his life is going in, Samuel Murphy is yearning for adventure and for a chance to shake free the claustrophic shackles of his existence. A trip on the Titanic seems to be just what the doctor ordered and when he meets Amelia on board, Samuel is absolutely bowled over by her beauty. But Amelia is so reserved, she seems so intent on keeping him at arm’s length. Can he break through her reserve? Why is Amelia so aloof and so keen to keep everyone at bay?
Family has always come first for Ruby Taylor. Keeping her little brother safe is her number one priority and a responsibility she has absolutely no intention of shirking. Ruby is a woman with many a secret in her heart – secrets which she keeps very close to her chest and which she is adamant never to reveal to anyone. When she gets an offer of sanctuary from Victoria Lark, Ruby wonders whether she should accept – as this could be an offer that could lead to her closely guarded secrets being revealed.
Three lives are about to be changed forever as they all go on a journey fraught with danger, risk and jeopardy.
Curling up with one of Rachel Brimble’s engrossing Pennington’s sagas always lifts the spirits and in the latest instalment, A Shop Girl at Sea, readers are once again treated to a heart-warming, engrossing and captivating tale rich in colour, atmosphere and detail which sweeps readers away to another time.
A beautifully written tale of secrets, second chances and the unexpected twists fate weaves, A Shop Girl at Sea is another exquisitely written novel by Rachel Brimble.
Pennington’s had saved Amelia Wakefield’s life. The girl with the traumatic past had sought refuge in her work and has found the sanctuary which she has been searching for for so long at the famous Bath department store. When her employers entrust her with a special assignment that could see her go all the way to New York, Amelia is thrilled. She is overjoyed to have been given this assignment as it will not only take her all the way to America, but she will also get to travel on a luxurious ship: the Titanic. Amelia cannot wait to set sail, but does she know what she is letting herself into? Determined to give this job her all, is Amelia about to walk headlong into danger and jeopardy on board a ship everyone assures is her is as safe as houses.
Frustrated at the direction his life is going in, Samuel Murphy is yearning for adventure and for a chance to shake free the claustrophic shackles of his existence. A trip on the Titanic seems to be just what the doctor ordered and when he meets Amelia on board, Samuel is absolutely bowled over by her beauty. But Amelia is so reserved, she seems so intent on keeping him at arm’s length. Can he break through her reserve? Why is Amelia so aloof and so keen to keep everyone at bay?
Family has always come first for Ruby Taylor. Keeping her little brother safe is her number one priority and a responsibility she has absolutely no intention of shirking. Ruby is a woman with many a secret in her heart – secrets which she keeps very close to her chest and which she is adamant never to reveal to anyone. When she gets an offer of sanctuary from Victoria Lark, Ruby wonders whether she should accept – as this could be an offer that could lead to her closely guarded secrets being revealed.
Three lives are about to be changed forever as they all go on a journey fraught with danger, risk and jeopardy.
Curling up with one of Rachel Brimble’s engrossing Pennington’s sagas always lifts the spirits and in the latest instalment, A Shop Girl at Sea, readers are once again treated to a heart-warming, engrossing and captivating tale rich in colour, atmosphere and detail which sweeps readers away to another time.
A beautifully written tale of secrets, second chances and the unexpected twists fate weaves, A Shop Girl at Sea is another exquisitely written novel by Rachel Brimble.
May 11, 2020
Amelia Wakefield loves her job at Pennington's in Bath, working as acting window designer. When her boss proposes a trip to New York to find out how the departments stores in the city operate, it's both a surprise and an opportunity of a lifetime. Even more, when she and fellow worker Mr Weir are booked to travel on the inaugural sailing of the Titanic. On board, she meets crew member, Samuel Murphy, but as tragedy strikes, Amelia has to decide where her heart and loyalties lie.
Meanwhile back in Bath, window design assistant, Ruby Taylor is trying to escape from her abusive mother. Help comes from another work friend and widow, Mrs Victoria Lark. She offers Ruby and her young brother a safe home. Only, Ruby has a secret which burns deep, as does Victoria.
Seaman Samuel Murphy is a crewman working on the Titanic. New York-bound he hopes the trip to America is a stepping stone to a new future. He meets Amelia, a shop-girl during the Atlantic crossing an unexpected complication. However, when the ship hits an iceberg, the unfolding events seal his fate for the future.
This is another beautifully written novel by Ms Brimble, set in 1912, two plot lines following Pennington's staff; Amelia's adventure to New York and the blossoming friendship between Ruby and Victoria.
The Titanic scenes are adrenalin-fuelled as the two love birds act on what they believe is important as time is rapidly running out for them to try to remain safe. The poignant scene between Amelia and Mr Weir is heart-breaking, highlighting the dilemma faced by those who put other peoples safety before their own.
The close friendship between Ruby and Victoria is dealt with sensitively at a time in history when such a relationship was illegal. The reactions of fellow workers amplify the precarious situation both women are living where gossip and innuendo draw attention to them when they are trying to portray their living arrangements as a practical arrangement for Ruby and her brother.
The theme throughout the novel is one of overcoming hurdles and adversity in life. Amelia, Samuel and Ruby find their strength to follow their hearts, accepting life is too short to not follow your dreams and desires. For anyone looking for historical romances in and around the second decade of twentieth-century England, I highly recommend this and the other novels in the Pennington series.
***arc generously received courtesy of Aria Publishing***
Meanwhile back in Bath, window design assistant, Ruby Taylor is trying to escape from her abusive mother. Help comes from another work friend and widow, Mrs Victoria Lark. She offers Ruby and her young brother a safe home. Only, Ruby has a secret which burns deep, as does Victoria.
Seaman Samuel Murphy is a crewman working on the Titanic. New York-bound he hopes the trip to America is a stepping stone to a new future. He meets Amelia, a shop-girl during the Atlantic crossing an unexpected complication. However, when the ship hits an iceberg, the unfolding events seal his fate for the future.
This is another beautifully written novel by Ms Brimble, set in 1912, two plot lines following Pennington's staff; Amelia's adventure to New York and the blossoming friendship between Ruby and Victoria.
The Titanic scenes are adrenalin-fuelled as the two love birds act on what they believe is important as time is rapidly running out for them to try to remain safe. The poignant scene between Amelia and Mr Weir is heart-breaking, highlighting the dilemma faced by those who put other peoples safety before their own.
The close friendship between Ruby and Victoria is dealt with sensitively at a time in history when such a relationship was illegal. The reactions of fellow workers amplify the precarious situation both women are living where gossip and innuendo draw attention to them when they are trying to portray their living arrangements as a practical arrangement for Ruby and her brother.
The theme throughout the novel is one of overcoming hurdles and adversity in life. Amelia, Samuel and Ruby find their strength to follow their hearts, accepting life is too short to not follow your dreams and desires. For anyone looking for historical romances in and around the second decade of twentieth-century England, I highly recommend this and the other novels in the Pennington series.
***arc generously received courtesy of Aria Publishing***
May 7, 2020
A Shop Girl at Sea, is the fourth book in author Rachel Brimble's Pennington's series, which all revolve around the eponymous store in Bath. To the honest, I haven't read the first three books in this series, so I was a little concerned that I would be at sea. Fortunately, this novel works well as a stand-alone, and I immediately found myself thoroughly engaged with the three stories that are woven together in this story.
Amelia's story, of course, is the central one, and in this young woman we are given a heroine for all ages, not just the early twentieth century. She's bright, curious, loyal to those who deserve it and has a healthy amount of ambition. She's also got a dark and difficult past - which makes all of her good qualities seem much more real, and make her fully human. She's flawed, as are we all, but she's working to improve herself.
Then there's Ruby, whose story has an interesting juxtaposition to Amelia/s. Both are Pennington 's shop girls, but Ruby's threat begins with darkness and moves toward the light in a way that is both heartwarming and incredibly bold for the times.
And finally, there's Sam who gets a position on the Titanic to escape from his own troublesome family life.
While Sam and Elizabeth meet on the ill-fated ship, that part of the story is a catalyst and a metaphor. It's a catalyst because experiencing such an event (and Ruby, who does not go on the ship experiences it as well, just not quite so viscerally) changes you, often in ways that take years to truly discover. But it's also a metaphor, because while Sam and Elizabeth are literally at sea for part of the story, all three characters are at sea in their lives, caught between brutal reality and their hopes and dreams.
Author Brimble was wise not to make this another Titanic novel, but rather a novel that has the ship in it, and her talent really shows at the way she uses that oh, so famous incident to serve the story she's really telling, without letting it overpower the tale.
I found the characters to be emotionally truthful representatives of every-day people, the sort we can all relate to, because most of us are not so different. I found this novel to be completely engaging and well worth the read.
Goes well with hot tea and lemon scones.
Amelia's story, of course, is the central one, and in this young woman we are given a heroine for all ages, not just the early twentieth century. She's bright, curious, loyal to those who deserve it and has a healthy amount of ambition. She's also got a dark and difficult past - which makes all of her good qualities seem much more real, and make her fully human. She's flawed, as are we all, but she's working to improve herself.
Then there's Ruby, whose story has an interesting juxtaposition to Amelia/s. Both are Pennington 's shop girls, but Ruby's threat begins with darkness and moves toward the light in a way that is both heartwarming and incredibly bold for the times.
And finally, there's Sam who gets a position on the Titanic to escape from his own troublesome family life.
While Sam and Elizabeth meet on the ill-fated ship, that part of the story is a catalyst and a metaphor. It's a catalyst because experiencing such an event (and Ruby, who does not go on the ship experiences it as well, just not quite so viscerally) changes you, often in ways that take years to truly discover. But it's also a metaphor, because while Sam and Elizabeth are literally at sea for part of the story, all three characters are at sea in their lives, caught between brutal reality and their hopes and dreams.
Author Brimble was wise not to make this another Titanic novel, but rather a novel that has the ship in it, and her talent really shows at the way she uses that oh, so famous incident to serve the story she's really telling, without letting it overpower the tale.
I found the characters to be emotionally truthful representatives of every-day people, the sort we can all relate to, because most of us are not so different. I found this novel to be completely engaging and well worth the read.
Goes well with hot tea and lemon scones.
April 10, 2020
Another excellent addition to this fabulous series! I love how unpredictable this story is . . .
Amelia Wakefield loves her job at Pennington's department store; with her mentor now on maternity leave, she has stepped up in the design department and her confidence is growing daily. When Elizabeth Pennington proposes a trip to America - and on the maiden voyage of the Titanic no less - to find out what the stores do there that is so different, Amelia is at first a bit nervous, then she gets quite excited at the task in front of her. Samuel Murphy is also travelling on the ship, as crew, and his path crosses with Amelia's often and, much as he likes her, he has other responsibilities which stop him seeking romance in his life. Meanwhile, back at Pennington's, Ruby Taylor continues to hide the horrors of her home life from her colleagues, but when her only friend there offers her sanctuary, they find themselves the object of nasty gossip and speculation.
This is a wonderful fourth novel in the Pennington's series; focusing on different characters and rolling out their stories in a very appealing manner. It's all very cleverly written, with all the separate tales beautifully entwined giving the reader plenty to consider. I love that the language reflects the period; there was definitely a stiffer manner of speech at that time and Rachel Brimble reflects that throughout. A grand tale - thoroughly enjoyable and one which stands well on it's own, but is even better when read as part of the series. Absolutely worth all five sparkling stars and definitely recommended by me!
Amelia Wakefield loves her job at Pennington's department store; with her mentor now on maternity leave, she has stepped up in the design department and her confidence is growing daily. When Elizabeth Pennington proposes a trip to America - and on the maiden voyage of the Titanic no less - to find out what the stores do there that is so different, Amelia is at first a bit nervous, then she gets quite excited at the task in front of her. Samuel Murphy is also travelling on the ship, as crew, and his path crosses with Amelia's often and, much as he likes her, he has other responsibilities which stop him seeking romance in his life. Meanwhile, back at Pennington's, Ruby Taylor continues to hide the horrors of her home life from her colleagues, but when her only friend there offers her sanctuary, they find themselves the object of nasty gossip and speculation.
This is a wonderful fourth novel in the Pennington's series; focusing on different characters and rolling out their stories in a very appealing manner. It's all very cleverly written, with all the separate tales beautifully entwined giving the reader plenty to consider. I love that the language reflects the period; there was definitely a stiffer manner of speech at that time and Rachel Brimble reflects that throughout. A grand tale - thoroughly enjoyable and one which stands well on it's own, but is even better when read as part of the series. Absolutely worth all five sparkling stars and definitely recommended by me!
April 15, 2020
Thank you to Aria for providing me with a digital review copy of this book via NetGalley - my thoughts are my own.
This is the first book I've read by Rachel Brimble, so I haven't read the previous 3 books in the Pennington series - however I was still able to enjoy reading this book. I have added the previous books to my wish list though.
The story follows three residents of the city of Bath - Amelia, Ruby and Samuel. Amelia and Ruby work together at the Pennington department store before Amelia travels to New York on a fact finding mission for her employers and meets Samuel on the Titanic.
I enjoyed reading about life in Bath and on the Titanic in 1912. Today is the 108th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic and it has featured in many books and films. I felt that Rachel wrote about the sinking and the aftermath with lots of care and compassion for both the survivors and those who perished.
Ruby doesn't leave Bath but her story is no less compelling - she wants to protect her younger brother from their mother.
I enjoyed this book - great characters, detailed descriptions and a story about the importance of friends and dreams about the future. An enjoyable historical fiction book I'm happy to recommend.
This is the first book I've read by Rachel Brimble, so I haven't read the previous 3 books in the Pennington series - however I was still able to enjoy reading this book. I have added the previous books to my wish list though.
The story follows three residents of the city of Bath - Amelia, Ruby and Samuel. Amelia and Ruby work together at the Pennington department store before Amelia travels to New York on a fact finding mission for her employers and meets Samuel on the Titanic.
I enjoyed reading about life in Bath and on the Titanic in 1912. Today is the 108th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic and it has featured in many books and films. I felt that Rachel wrote about the sinking and the aftermath with lots of care and compassion for both the survivors and those who perished.
Ruby doesn't leave Bath but her story is no less compelling - she wants to protect her younger brother from their mother.
I enjoyed this book - great characters, detailed descriptions and a story about the importance of friends and dreams about the future. An enjoyable historical fiction book I'm happy to recommend.
April 6, 2020
The fourth book in the Pennington series, A Shop Girl at Sea can be read as a stand alone, but the experience will be more enriched by having read the first three. This was also the most emotional of the series, and with part of the story taking place aboard the Titanic, it was unsurprising. The author handled the subject with much respect and fewer details, and I greatly appreciated it. Each character has lots of their own issues to overcome, but the author keeps the story moving and interesting, and it made for a much quicker read than I anticipated.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
March 24, 2020
A good addition to this series I really liked. It's engrossing and entertaining, well written and with a plot that flows.
The characters are well written as usual and I couldn't help rooting for them.
A good read, recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
The characters are well written as usual and I couldn't help rooting for them.
A good read, recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
April 5, 2020
Wonderful historical novel of a shop girl in a London department store who travels on the Titanic to NYC.. The characters were warm and vibrant and you were transported into her world. A pleasure to read from beginning to end. I didn't know this was a series and can't wait to read the balance of her noels.
April 3, 2020
Amelia, who is an ace window dresser for Pennington's department store, is on her way to America- on the Titanic. You know what's going to eventually happen so enjoy getting to know her and Samuel, who is also on the ship. This is a love story more than anything else. No spoilers as to how things end up. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Although it is part of a series, it's really fine as a standalone and a good introduction to Brimble's work.
June 11, 2020
I love these stories! They are so fun and the characters come to life so well.
May 12, 2020
It's a tough ask, writing a love story on the Titanic. Rachel Brimble rises to the challenge with tact and grace. For those who are wondering, of the three POV characters, two become entangled in a romance and the third has a romance of her own as the Titanic sets sail for New York. I do wonder if she could have been given her own book, rather than splitting the focus of this story and receiving equal billing.
I didn't realise until almost halfway through the book that this is actually the fourth book in a series set at Pennington's department store. It is a testament to the strength of the characters and the author's delicate touch that past characters can make an appearance without overpowering the scene with their happy ever after. The characters are well fleshed out and relatable, the antagonists range from perfectly irritating to poisonous, and there's an iceberg on the horizon...
This was a sweet and emotional read about people overcoming past trauma and present circumstances to find love and chase their dreams. I did feel like the last minute fade to black sex felt a little shoehorned in, but it didn't mar my enjoyment of an otherwise good book.
Four and a half stars, rounded up
Disclaimer: I received an ARC from the author via Rachel's Random Resources; all opinions are my own
I didn't realise until almost halfway through the book that this is actually the fourth book in a series set at Pennington's department store. It is a testament to the strength of the characters and the author's delicate touch that past characters can make an appearance without overpowering the scene with their happy ever after. The characters are well fleshed out and relatable, the antagonists range from perfectly irritating to poisonous, and there's an iceberg on the horizon...
This was a sweet and emotional read about people overcoming past trauma and present circumstances to find love and chase their dreams. I did feel like the last minute fade to black sex felt a little shoehorned in, but it didn't mar my enjoyment of an otherwise good book.
Four and a half stars, rounded up
Disclaimer: I received an ARC from the author via Rachel's Random Resources; all opinions are my own
April 20, 2020
A Shop Girl at Sea has Amelia traveling to the USA on a mission to bring back experience and ideas that may give Pennington's Department Store in Bath where she works a new image and new challenges.
Meanwhile, Samuel longs for freedom but has to take care of his family.
I enjoyed the latest from Rachel Brimble and have reviewed others. Gripping plot and writing.
Thanks to Rachel Brimble and Aria for my ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
4 stars
Meanwhile, Samuel longs for freedom but has to take care of his family.
I enjoyed the latest from Rachel Brimble and have reviewed others. Gripping plot and writing.
Thanks to Rachel Brimble and Aria for my ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
4 stars
April 14, 2020
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this. I usually wouldn't pick up a book like this. I really enjoyed the story. I fell in love with the characters.
May 11, 2020
This is Rachel’s fourth book in the Pennington series and each one is a throughly enjoyable read. Each book could be read as a stand-alone by why miss out on all the great adventures of the staff at Bath’s prestigious store. This book is written from a slightly different angle as it ventures across the sea to New York as well. You even get some history from the great tragedy of the sinking of the Titanic. I have loved reading each and every one of the Pennington Series and highly recommend it if you enjoy this genre.
May 16, 2020
Hidden for maybe spoilers. Best to be safe.
A Shop Girl at Sea is the story of Amelia, after she’s invited to go on a once in a lifetime trip to go across the Atlantic on the Titanic. It’s a dream come true, even though she’s not convinced she’s the right person to go, but rapidly, what should be amazing descends into the stuff of nightmares. Can she find some goodness in everything? Or will her life continue to go from bad to worse?
Written in 3rd person, with Amelia as one of our main narrators, this combines three storylines into one, and allows each of the main focal points of those arcs to lead. Through this, the novel tackles incredibly poignant topics, including homosexuality in the early 20th century. The way this book meanders through arcs and narrators builds tension, a wonderful thing to be able to build when there’s a sense of definition within the way the story must progress, at least a little. Add to this the varying, wonderfully diverse, plots, and you have something that’ll keep people turning the page. I read this at a leisurely pace, usually picking it up when I first got up, or was about to go to bed. It’s a lovely, slice of history tale, that never gets too graphic, or raises the blood pressure. If you like what I’d call a clean read, with a sense of maturity, this is a lovely addition to your TBR list. I’m typically a fast paced, grit and grime reader, so this was a slow down for me, but that’s often a lovely thing. I enjoy reads that make me feel good, and this was one of them.
The first thing that drew me to this novel was the setting – 1912, on the Titanic. It’s always been a part of history that’s both fascinated and terrified me. Truth be told, it scares me more than I’d like to admit, but I feel I watched the film too young as a kid. So, seeing when this was set, I instantly gravitated toward it. The interesting, slightly unclimactic part however (for me) is this skipped over the sinking. For the genre, and average audience, that’s perfectly fine, even expected perhaps, but for me, and how monumental that moment was, I wanted more. I did enjoy the scenes before, and the way everything was visualized, but that ‘black screen’ moment took away what I feel was a huge part of why I wanted to read this. Overall, though, I felt the characters were plucked straight from time, all exquisitely suitable for the roles they played, and the lives they led, and the novel was written beautifully to suit the backdrop. This author writes this era incredibly well, and if you’re an early 19th century fan, I think you’ll be very happy with this. To boot, the ‘shop girl’, and the rise of retail, is another hugely interesting point in history, so combining the two was clever, and I enjoyed the way it was utilized. An employer selecting her latest rising star to go scope competition gave a valid, wonderful reason for Amelia to be on the ship, and it worked well.
I also found it very curious, but not in a bad way, that half the novel is after the Titanic. Showing life after, and people trying to continue their lives, was smart, and worked. I only mention is as I feel it should be noted, this is less about the Titanic, and more about a young woman discovering her life must be more, and finding love on the sea. The ship that involves, or even the literal ocean, are irrelevant.
All in all, I greatly enjoyed this read. It’s mellow, sweet, and charming in its innocence. This will be a perfect read as the weather warms up, and we all start spending more time in the garden – what’s better than dreaming of faraway places, and a time not long gone?
A Shop Girl at Sea is the story of Amelia, after she’s invited to go on a once in a lifetime trip to go across the Atlantic on the Titanic. It’s a dream come true, even though she’s not convinced she’s the right person to go, but rapidly, what should be amazing descends into the stuff of nightmares. Can she find some goodness in everything? Or will her life continue to go from bad to worse?
Written in 3rd person, with Amelia as one of our main narrators, this combines three storylines into one, and allows each of the main focal points of those arcs to lead. Through this, the novel tackles incredibly poignant topics, including homosexuality in the early 20th century. The way this book meanders through arcs and narrators builds tension, a wonderful thing to be able to build when there’s a sense of definition within the way the story must progress, at least a little. Add to this the varying, wonderfully diverse, plots, and you have something that’ll keep people turning the page. I read this at a leisurely pace, usually picking it up when I first got up, or was about to go to bed. It’s a lovely, slice of history tale, that never gets too graphic, or raises the blood pressure. If you like what I’d call a clean read, with a sense of maturity, this is a lovely addition to your TBR list. I’m typically a fast paced, grit and grime reader, so this was a slow down for me, but that’s often a lovely thing. I enjoy reads that make me feel good, and this was one of them.
The first thing that drew me to this novel was the setting – 1912, on the Titanic. It’s always been a part of history that’s both fascinated and terrified me. Truth be told, it scares me more than I’d like to admit, but I feel I watched the film too young as a kid. So, seeing when this was set, I instantly gravitated toward it. The interesting, slightly unclimactic part however (for me) is this skipped over the sinking. For the genre, and average audience, that’s perfectly fine, even expected perhaps, but for me, and how monumental that moment was, I wanted more. I did enjoy the scenes before, and the way everything was visualized, but that ‘black screen’ moment took away what I feel was a huge part of why I wanted to read this. Overall, though, I felt the characters were plucked straight from time, all exquisitely suitable for the roles they played, and the lives they led, and the novel was written beautifully to suit the backdrop. This author writes this era incredibly well, and if you’re an early 19th century fan, I think you’ll be very happy with this. To boot, the ‘shop girl’, and the rise of retail, is another hugely interesting point in history, so combining the two was clever, and I enjoyed the way it was utilized. An employer selecting her latest rising star to go scope competition gave a valid, wonderful reason for Amelia to be on the ship, and it worked well.
I also found it very curious, but not in a bad way, that half the novel is after the Titanic. Showing life after, and people trying to continue their lives, was smart, and worked. I only mention is as I feel it should be noted, this is less about the Titanic, and more about a young woman discovering her life must be more, and finding love on the sea. The ship that involves, or even the literal ocean, are irrelevant.
All in all, I greatly enjoyed this read. It’s mellow, sweet, and charming in its innocence. This will be a perfect read as the weather warms up, and we all start spending more time in the garden – what’s better than dreaming of faraway places, and a time not long gone?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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