Will she save her family...or follow her heart?

If you Catherine Cookson or Dilly Court, then you will love AnneMarie Brear. Her Victorian era saga tells of a rags to riches story and though it has been done many times before, she is still able to put a unique spin on it that is all her own. THE WATERFRONT LASS has very little to do with the waterfront and more to do with the woman referred to as such, having grown up in the working class streets of Wakefield in Yorkshire, the daughter of a man who works the canals on his narrowboat.

Meg Taylor, christened Margaret May, is the eldest of eight children and as such her role is to take care of of her ailing mother and her growing siblings whilst keeping house, cooking, cleaning and working to pay the rent and put food on the table. This is not the life she saw for herself but, as a working class lass, it's the life that she was inevitably born for.

But even the challenges she faces can test her limits. Up at dawn pumping water at the end of the street on wash day as well as scrubbing the floors and trying to stretch the meagre rations she has left to feed her family, it is all she can do to keep her head when her fifteen year old sister moans constantly about having to pull her weight and help out more. When does Meg get free time to pass the time of day with anyone? She doesn't. She's always caring for their mother and siblings while her father and two brothers work the narrowboat for weeks at a time.

But even though she was born working class and poor, her mother came from middle class and was determined her children would have the same benefits she did as a child in the form of reading, writing and learning to speak well. But to what gain? The working class had no need for reading or writing in the eyes of the upper classes. And yet, their mother wanted them afforded that benefit...should the opportunity ever arise where they could better themselves.

And then her world is shaken by a tragedy only to be overshadowed by another shocking revelation that forces her to question everything she thought she knew. But not before she made the dearest of friends in Lorrie Chambers and Fliss Atkins, as well as catching the eye of Christian Henderson, a gentleman no less. What would a gentleman be wanting with the a waterfront lass? Nothing good, is what the gossips say, as there is a distinct difference between the two classes...and they cannot be crossed.

But the heart knows what the heart wants...but is it enough?

THE WATERFRONT LASS is a delightfully heartwarming tale I devoured in one sitting, despite fighting sleep I was soon lost within the pages and the Victorian era and could not put the book down until I swiped the last page. I was sad to leave Meg and Christian, and her family and I note that the Author's Note promises Lorrie and Fliss' stories are to come in which Meg will make her appearance. I must admit, I am dying to know Fliss' stories. Those bruises she is constantly sporting are not due to clumsiness as she purports. Something is amiss there and I cannot wait to find out what her story is.

The friendship between the three women was refreshing and heartfelt in such hard times. Meg needed that reprieve from the demands her family placed on her. And then when the offer of something more from Christian came, could Meg cross those class lines and better herself? Just as her mother wanted?

Oooh the hellcat has her claws out, which was to be expected, hateful duo that they are. But how to deal with them? And how would Meg's family react to the change in circumstances should it happen? So much heartbreak and yet still they find happiness in the small things. Such snobbery and rudeness means the upper echelons are never content.

I thoroughly loved THE WATERFRONT LASS and eagerly await the follow-up tales of Lorrie and Fliss and their respective stories. I have only read one other AnneMarie Brear novel "The Girl in the Peacock Shawl" and that was a five star read for me...as is this one, easily.

Perfect for fans of Catherine Cookson and Dilly Court.

I would to thank #AnneMarieBrear, #Netgalley, #BoldwoodBooks and #RachelsRandomResources for an ARC of #TheWaterfrontLass in exchange for an honest review.

This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.2023 annemarie-brear blog-tours ...more2 s Janalyn Prude3,294 93

Anyone who is familiar with the Victorian era sad stories knows that Anne Marie Breer it’s one of the better authors in that genre instead of making everyone rich mean and everyone poor kind she writes it as a real story with the real plot and The Waterfront Lass is a great example of her talent. In it we meet Meg who lives in council housing with her sick mom her older brothers and her little sisters and baby brother she works at a local tavern and it seems all the hard work is left for her to do. She wishes she could give her family a better life but she doesn’t think falling for the rich Christian is a viaable way to do that she has too much pride and will not act the submissive debutantes he knows but act Meg the girl she is in the one her mom raised her to be. I love this book I love the stories and although this is only my second book by this author I will definitely be looking for more she is a great writer and has an abundance of talent and I am so glad I found her and highly recommend this book. I wish I could’ve done a better summary but the main point of the review is a tell someone if the book was good or bad which this book was great and that you should read it and the answer is yes yes yes! I received this book from NetGalley and Boldwood Books but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.i-cannot-wait-to-start-this-book net-gally2 s Pat K772 12

This was a relaxing, historical audiobook. Set in the late 1800s in York, England, Meg Taylor keeps her household running despite a sick mother and absent father.
There’s no great surprise at the end, the story of unfolded just as i expected it to. But that was no impediment to enjoying the story. I’ll read more by this author.
Very good narrator. audiobook british historical-fiction ...more1 Cindy Spear383 20

The Waterfront Lass is now one of my all-time favourites by AnneMarie Brear. I was gripped by this memorable, heartbreaking and uplifting story. It is beautifully and lovingly told. The hours just rolled by unnoticed as I was lost in the world of Meg Taylor. How I admire this engaging heroine! Her strength shines through as she tries to help her siblings rise above the poor living conditions.

Meg is a bar maid— a hard worker, determined to beat poverty and faithfully brings money in to help pay the rent. Her good disposition sees her through many trials but there are moments when even she is tested beyond her limits. It is heartbreaking to see the load she carries as the eldest, caring for the children because her Mam is too sick to get out of bed and her father is absent working on a canal boat. Her mother is a positive voice, though, in the home and even while her health rapidly deteriorates, she continues to pass on good advice and encouragement. She offers her children the benefits she gained as child: education. She makes sure her children speak well and can read. This is a result of her own upbringing as her father was a teacher and his father was a barrister. In that respect, her daughter Meg is half upper class. But sadly, the lower class is where they live and these two worlds war within her. She desires to move upwards and to see her dreams fulfilled. But she is not deluded in how difficult this could be. And when she meets Christian Henderson, a businessman who is attracted to her and her to him, she dares to consider what her life might be in his world. And how she can save her family, too.

This novel is set in Wakefield, England in 1870. A large portion of the plot takes place on the waterfront (hence the title). AnneMarie draws a clear picture of the waterfront dweller’s existence and how hard it must have been. Little or poor food supply, run down dwellings and rampant disease were part of everyday life. But one thing her character Meg has demonstrated, is that being poor doesn’t mean you cannot keep a clean home, learn to read or show manners.

The vast gap between the working class and the upper class is clearly visible in The Waterfront Lass. AnneMarie has based her story on available historical references. We also learn in the Author’s Note, this novel was inspired in part by AnneMarie’s family history. Her parents were born in Wakefield but also some of her ancestors lived in the poor areas of this town. This ly inspired her to explore the area’s history and imagine what it might have been to live there during those difficult times. To visualise the extreme opposites for the poor and well-to do. And she shows what happened if/when the two classes collided or mixed. The opposition would have been just has heated as what we see in this novel.

The Waterfront Lass also explores friendship and Meg has wonderful friends that support her when she needs it most. There are some harrowing events she must endure and issues to resolve. Loss is very much a part of this story, but there are happy moments, too. And transcending love. The love shared between Christian and Meg is special but his family are quite another matter. The hatred exhibited by his mother and sister toward Meg would have been a ly response. In their eyes, someone of lower class was not good enough for their son or brother. But for Christian who tires of the snobbery and greed of the rich, the honesty and courage of Meg is refreshing.

All in all, this is a magnificent portrayal of love that defies class and dares one to dream. It is a beautiful story that carries a heart of sincerity. I loved it from the first page to the last. The characters are well drawn and the plot is moving and mesmerising. I did not want the story to end. And in some ways it has not. At least we know that AnneMarie will be visiting this family and setting again. I highly recommend The Waterfront Lass and give it 5 Blazing Stars. ??????????

Thanks to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for my review copy.1 Julie2,316 35

The Waterfront Lass is a dramatic, powerful and emotional saga from master storyteller AnneMarie Brear.

Wakefield 1870 and Meg Taylor’s life is full of strife and struggle as she tends to her sick mother and younger siblings while her father works on the canals as a boatman. The slums they live in are rife with poverty and disease and Meg dreams of a better life far from the crushing despair and anguish of her existence. However, Meg could never abandon her family and with her father stubbornly refusing to give up working on the canals, the future looks bleak and uncertain until a chance encounter with wealthy Christian Henderson gives her a glimmer of hope and a chance at making all of her dreams come true, even if it means having to give up the people who mean the world to her…

Christian despairs of his family’s greed and avarice. Looking at all the poverty around him, Christian would love nothing more than to use his wealth and privilege to help these proud people he meets and from the second he cross paths with Meg, he is immediately captivated by her spirit, generosity and her heart. The two of them begin to grow closer, however, Meg knows that a wealthy man Christian could never possibly contemplate a future with somebody her.

Does their love stand any chance of surviving when the odds are stacked against them? Can Meg and Christian ever be together? Or are they both destined for heartache and disappointment?

Gritty, poignant and captivating, The Waterfront Lass is a superb saga from AnneMarie Brear perfect for Rosie Goodwin and Anna Jacobs fans. In Meg, AnneMarie Brear has created a strong and resolute heroine who fights for what she believes in readers will root for; while Christian is an intelligent, charismatic and truly noble hero who finds himself torn between duty and desire.

A spellbinding Victorian saga from a very gifted writer, The Waterfront Lass by AnneMarie Brear is a heart-wrenching tale of courage, hope and love I struggled to put down.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. mommy_and_books1,008 18

I couldn't watch the head of the family behave. The guy should go to the quarries and work an ox there. I felt so sorry for Meg, her siblings and their mother. Meg works hard to bring the whole family together. She pays the rent and uses the rest of her money to buy the cheapest, often stale food. She is a very sensible girl. Too bad Frank (father) doesn't appreciate her.
Meg's brother Freddie is almost 19-year-old and found a job.
As usual, his father didn't it. I'm in shock. This father should be fired. He wants his children to treat him with respect, and he treats them worse than rubbish. Respect has to be earned. Respect doesn't come automatically. Unfortunately, that was the case at the time.

 Frank treats his children slaves. It hurt me a lot.

 Interesting book. I was drawn to this story. I was curious how it would all work out. Will there be love and mutual respect in this family? What will happen when a certain rich man appears on the horizon, whose heart is set on one of the five sisters?

 I forgot to add that our Meg has seven siblings. It was a large family. They lived in poverty, but she cared deeply for her mother and her sisters and brothers.

 The time and place of action are the 1870s in Wakefield Waterfront in England.

 I didn't the ending of the book because I cried a lot. I still can't understand what happened there. This should never happen. I regret that very much.

 Of course, the whole story made a huge impression on me. I would love to know more about Meg and her family. I hope the author will surprise me this time.

 If you fiction, I encourage you to read this story. The author captured those hard times perfectly.

 Through this book, you will find out what the ladies of the upper class thought of the ladies of the lower class. You will see what hatred can lead to.

 I recommend the latest book by AnneMarie Brear called "The Waterfront lass".
2023 mommy_and_books przeczytane Julia2,695 82

The Waterfront Lass by AnneMarie Brear is a fabulous historical novel which I really enjoyed.
The action is set in Wakefield in 1870. The reader drops into both the homes of the working classes and the drawing rooms of the upper class. We see that for some, there is no distinction but for others, clear class lines are drawn.
What makes someone a lady or a gentleman? It is not wealth or status but manners that makes a person. We witness the dreadful snobbery of some, in contrast to the kind hearts of others.
Philanthropy is practiced as purse strings are opened to those in need. We see the generous hearts of those who have little sharing with those who have nothing. Budgeting is important, whether you have much or little.
Friendships are beautiful to see. There are some very heart-warming alliances within the book. I loved dropping in on the conversations with the gardener and also the new ladies maid.
Within the working classes we see the males exerting their dominance. There are some with dreadfully loose morals. It is always the women who suffer and are left to pick up the pieces. Equality between the sexes is still a long way off.
True love buds and blossoms where it will. It is beautiful to witness.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Waterfront Lass. It was an epic tale of the existence of hand to mouth of the working classes that contrasted with the riches of the upper classes.
I received a free copy from Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
AnnMarie1,212 34

I thoroughly enjoyed this story because it made me laugh, cry, and want to yell at the injustices of the world that Meg Taylor lived in. I absolutely ran the whole gamut of emotions.

Meg's mother was very ill, bedridden most of the time. Her father and eldest brother worked away most of the time on the family's narrow boat. Meg was left to look after her younger siblings, hold down a job and try to keep food on the table and the rent paid. She was exhausted most of the time and she went without whatever was necessary if it meant her mother or siblings were alright. Her strength was remarkable but all she wanted to do was to be able to not have to be strong now and then.

When she has the chance of a better life she desperately wants to take it, but her family has to come first. They won't survive without her. Knowing that made me wonder how the author could possibly give Meg a happy ending that was believable as well. I am very pleased to say that she managed it and I was left with a smile on my face. I thought it would have been nice to have an epilogue but then I read that Meg will have a part in future books in the series, ones that focus on the friends that she made in this book. I look forward to their stories but especially look forward to catching up with Meg and hopefully seeing that she is loving her life and living it to the full.

This was a wonderful start to what I am sure is going to be a wonderful series and I will definitely be reading each new book!







Farida Yasser 383 15

A fantastic read!
I loved everything about this book, from the characters to the setting, everything was realistic and so easy to envision, which can't be said on most books in this era.
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The way the author described Meg's daily struggles, what with her stretching every pence and going without eating most of the time, was absolutely wonderful. The scenes where so vivid in my mind, it almost felt watching a movie, which shows the top notch skills of the author.
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The family dynamic was really interesting. I d how each sibling had their own distinctive personality, also, I loved how Meg responded to each incident her siblings put her through. Her reactions and thought process were so realistic and raw, I'm in love with how multilayered her character is.
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Christian was a great character, he wasn't the ultimate swoon worthy love interest, but that was due to the fact that the main focus wasn't the romance per se. Christian's love was a milestone in Meg's journey, and it was refreshing how the main focus was Meg.
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My only problem with the book was the ending. It felt so rushed and abrupt, I was reading on, expecting some kind of epilogue, but there were none. The author tied up all the loose ends, but it was so rushed, it could've been expanded upon.
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Overall, I loved it immensely and will definitely look out for the author's future work.
*I received an ARC of this book through netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review*favorites Jeanette Fallon650 13

Meg struggled to make a good life for her family.  But how long could she do it all?  Her father is missing.  Her mother very ill.  Overdue Rent. Not enough food to feed her family.  But through it all she remained as strong as she can be.

As time goes on, her hope was fading.  Then she meets a man from a different station than hers.  Can it be possible that they could have a future together?

I loved the story.  But I was ever so upset with how some people treated Meg due to her circumstances especially Christian's family. Meg handled the situation with grace and dignity. She may be a waterfront lass but she was quite a lady.

Meg struggled to make a good life for her family.  But how long could she do it all?  Her father is missing.  Her mother very ill.  Overdue Rent. Not enough food to feed her family.  But through it all she remained as strong as she can be.

As time goes on, her hope was fading.  Then she meets a man from a different station than hers.  Can it be possible that they could have a future together?

I loved the story.  But I was ever so upset with how some people treated Meg due to her circumstances especially Christian's family. Meg handled the situation with grace and dignity. She may be a waterfront lass but she was quite a lady. Leona1,216

The Waterfront Lass is set in Wakefield, West Yorkshire in 1870. Meg Taylor lives with her invalid mother, sisters and her young delicate brother. They are as poor as church mice and she is struggling to care for them all. Her father and two older brothers work as boatmen on the canals and are often away for days at a time. When Meg meets wealthy businessman Christian Henderson she develops feeling for him and he is feeling the same about her. In spite of their social differences can they ever be together .

As soon as I finished the first chapter of this book i was utterly captivated by the story and the characters. Whilst it’s an easy read it’s also one that makes you see how different it was to be poor with nothing or wealthy with no money worries whatsoever in these Victorian times. Everything about this book was wonderful from the well developed story to the wonderful characters. The author has written a book that will draw you in right from the start and you will honestly struggle to put this book down. After reading the authors note at the end I was utterly delighted to read this is the first book in a series. I cannot wait to read more . 5 ?? Booklover BEV1,477 23

Wakefield Yorkshire 1870.
Margaret May Taylor ( Meg) of 7 Wellington Street the poor area of the waterfront, looking after all her siblings. With a ailing mam Lucy and her father Frank a narrowboat skipper he would be gone for weeks and along with doing a few shifts at the local pub the Bay Horse she has a lot of responsibilities, and wishes she was her brothers to be free.
Meg's story the waterfront lass on the river Calder in Wakefield is a unique story all on it's own.
A young woman holding all her family together the best she could, heart-breaking and happy moments along the way chapter after chapter.
I shall look forward to continue the journey of Meg, as we follow on to get to know more about the characters in further books by this author.
It's so well worth the read right through. Leanne1,590 22

I have read a few different books by AnneMarie Brear but The Waterfront Lass is hands down my favourite. A entertaining historical fiction saga that had me mesmerised from beginning to end. Meg is the eldest of her siblings and they live in the slums but with her Mam sick and her Da away working, it's left to her to take care of the family. Then she meets the well off Christian Henderson. Will Meg ever have a easier life? I really enjoyed reading about what life was at this time in history and I think the author has done a great job of describing it. From how siblings had to share a bed, with lice and how filling a bucket with water to bathe in. Meg is a determined and strong but kind character who I admire. The Waterfront Lass is the best kind of book it's entertaining and informative. Karen477 4

The Waterfront Lass is the first book in a new series by AnneMarie set in the 1870's and what a great story it is. It tells us about Margaret May otherwise known as Meg who lives in the waterfront slums of Wakefield with her family. Her father is a boatman with his two eldest sons, carrying goods along waterways on his barge. Meg works part time at the local public house as well as long after her siblings and sick mother. When she meets Christian Henderson is becomes smitten but realises nothing can come if it since he is not in her class. He, however, also becomes smitten with Meg and thinks of her all the time - he doesn't care that she is poor and from the slums. I fell a little bit in love with Christian myself so it's not hard to understand why Meg would. The storytelling is fantastic and I could imagine myself living in those times. Highly recommend Emma Watson335 13

This book was amazing I could not put it down. I kept wanting to know what happened next.

Meg lives with her Mother and younger siblings trying to make money so that they can survive. Her Father has a canal boat where he works the canals and her two brothers work with him. Her Mother is sick and is not getting any better while her Father hardly give them money to survive. Meg meets Christian who is a gentlemen and whenever they see each other their attraction gets better.

The characters are very strong and work well together.

I have read a few books from this author and every book I read I think wow what amazing detail and so well written.

Would certainly recommend this book..1 Linda Joan Booth227 2

Absorbing

I this style of storytelling very much. The characters come alive and the sense of time and place is well realised. I did get jolted out of the time slightly a couple of times. Restroom is an unfortunate Americanism. Hassle, on side and uptight were not in use when I was growing up in a 50's, never mind years earlier. But not enough to destroy the sense of time and I look forward to reading more from a talented author! Di Paterson403 13

This is a gentle romance with some intrigue mixed in, which I thoroughly enjoyed. The characters are engaging and the plot unfolds easily. I found the ending a little rushed, but it didn't detract from my enjoyment. Definitely worth reading for a few hours of escapism. My thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read it.netgalley review-copy Sue Sykes94 4

I just love Annemarie’s books, I so enjoyed this book and the story of Meg and her large family. The ups and downs the sadness and happiness. I am so pleased to know more stories to come that will give more news of Meg and Lorrie and Fliss. What’s the old saying “ love will conquer all “
My thanks as always to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the early read. Polly Krize2,095 44

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Meg Taylor, daughter of a boatman on the canals of England, wishes for another life away from poverty. Meeting Christian Henderson, a wealthy man, may open doors for her that remained closed before. Good picture of life on the canals in the late 1800s. joyce mayne1 review

A pleasure to read!

A thoroughly enjoyable book to read - an old fashioned one - with no swearing or detailed sex scenes - where a gentleman falls in love with a good hearted working lass, who looks after her ailing mother and eight brothers and sisters.
A very lighthearted easy read, Nita24

I have never read any of Ms Brear’s books, but, I will look for them in the future! I rarely give 5 stars even though I read daily, but, this was one of the best I have read in a long time. The story was believable and the characters were easy to visualize. Her descriptions were clear but not over done. You loved the people she wanted you to and despised the one bad ones. GREAT READ!!! Kathy E419 1 follower

This book is another exceptional read once again from AnneMarie she never fails to disappoint. I loved the characters of Meg and Christian. My only complaint is that it ended too soon. I would love to see a sequel written to this book.
Bernie Armstrong42

Another great read

The only good thing about a rainy day is that you can sit and read and take yourself to another place. Really enjoyed this and looking forward to the next one. Thus author never disappoints Jan Parkes51 2

Great book

I really enjoyed this book. Meg deserved to have a good life. Growing up in poverty to marrying someone from an upper class background and proving that no matter where you come from class does not count, true love is stronger. Pat Escalante9

Real Life

This held my attention from the start. You learn the hardships many women and men have had to live with just to survive. At the same time, you build hope as you see them keep working to settle their problems and rise above them. Very good book. Margaret Linda5

what a wonderful depiction of West Yorkshire. I live in Dewsbury and Wakefield near the River Calder although I originally come from London. It is so true to life its is uncanny. Storyline is excellent as well shall certainly be reading more of AnneMarie's books. Jacquie Brown13

Great book

Would recommend this if you want an easy read, it’s a book you don’t have to think about too much.You know it’s going to have a good ending and that they are going to live happily ever after Jennifer Fulton24

A Truly Uplifting Story

I enjoyed this book & couldn’t put it down till I read the last page. A good upbringing together with strength of character & a sense of duty, overcame poverty and all obstacles life threw at the heroine of the story. Sharon MierkeAuthor 18 books22

A Wonderful Read

This story is fast-paced and an exciting read from beginning to end! A lot of action and deep feelings. The author did a great job of making you feel you were ‘right there.’ Was so disappointed when it suddenly came to an end. Now must search for Book 2. Sian520 32

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