Meet Me at the Pier Head

by Ruth Hamilton

To save a child, they would sacrifice everything . . . Comfortably settled into his expatriate life in post-war Britain, Headmaster Theodore's secrets are set to remain deeply buried. Until she breezes in. Tia vivacious, intriguing, a nuisance. Tia cuts through his reserve and, for the first time in years, Theodore finds himself able to confront his past and reveal the events carved into his heart and seared into his soul. Together, they form a strong bond with the residents of the Lady Streets, closely befriending Maggie Stone and her granddaughter, Rosie. But Rosie's mother has issues of her own and Tia and Theodore soon realize that little Rosie might be in danger. Unable to protect the child, they decide to take drastic action . . .

Genres: Historical Fiction

483 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 2015

About the author

Ruth Hamilton was one of North West England's most popular writers. She was the bestselling author of twenty-five novels, including Spinning Jenny, The Bells of Scotland Road, Mulligan's Yard, Mersey View and That Liverpool Girl. She was born in Bolton, which is the setting for many of her novels, and spent most of her life in Lancashire.

(source: http://www.panmacmillan.com/author/ru...)

Reviews

[Colleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

All’s well that ends well. An interesting story, interesting yet flat characters and a tied with a bow ending.

A holiday read, not much thinking required. The three Shakespeare sisters—Portia, Cordelia and Juliet, Tia and Theo a happy sappy couple, Rosie the troubled child, a vast supply of supporting characters kept me happily reading on a long car ride. Not much depth to the whole novel and I rolled my eyes multiple times at the coincidence of it all. But I enjoyed a nice, easy happy novel.

[Karen Wilson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Took me an age to read this book. It started off fine and rather promising but it seemed that the author 'lost her writing style' about a third of the way through. It became a bit like treading through treacle. I can't say that I shall be rushing out to buy another book by this author. Perhaps the storyline was not thought through properly - or maybe too many characters introduced needlessly. Shame really because it began quite well

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

My first Ruth Hamilton book and I will probably try another one or two. Set in Liverpool in the late 1950s. Rosie, a 5 year old is suffering untold treatment at the hands of her mother and supposed step-father. She is rescued by the inspired headteacher of the primary school Rosie is due to start at with the beginning of the school year. Events continue dramatically from thereon, with all human emotions involved.

[Patricia Halladay and rebecca halladay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the story and twists but disappointed how it jumped. I felt I missed some enjoyable fun with his the characters developed I could have read at least two more books before the ending.

[Psammead · Rating 4 out of 5]

Started out good for a couple of chapters and was funny at times but as it went on got harder to read and keep track of. Then along comes a murder that made it more confusing.... I struggled hoping it would get better to half way through the book and had to give up. Sad that such a good story teller should drag out this confusing hard to read book. I don't enjoy this style of writing. Hope she doesn't write another like this. Shame as I have liked all of her other books that I have read.

[Ruth · Rating 2 out of 5]

Really good characters, but an annoying style of writing (for me) - the point of view kept changing, jumping into what people were thinking from the story which I found distracting, and it just felt a little ham fisted at times. Some parts were great, then others were very stilted. It was a good story behind it, but the style distracted me too much.