I’m delighted to be one of today’s stops on the penultimate day of the blog tour for ‘A Dock Girl’s Shame.’
A broken heart, a shameful secret…
Wakefield, Yorkshire 1871
Loretta Chambers has spent her life working at her father’s boatyard down at the docks. She’s tried hard to keep the business afloat, but with the railways taking trade away every day, Lorrie fears for the worst.
The arrival of handsome Italian, Matteo Falcone brings a brief glimmer of hope and a yearning inside Lorrie for another life, away from the filthy grime of the dockside. But despite her feelings for Matteo, she could never travel to Italy with him, and leave her father alone.
But one reckless, impetuous moment leaves Lorrie with a secret she will struggle to hide. And when tragedy strikes at the boatyard, Lorrie is left feeling more alone than ever before.
Always a dutiful daughter, Lorrie now carries a shame that could ruin her life forever…
Purchase Link – https://mybook.to/dockgirlssocial
Author Bio –
An award winning and Amazon UK best seller, Australian born AnneMarie Brear writes historical novels and modern romances and sometimes the odd short story, too. She has a love of old country houses, travelling, chocolate (except dark chocolate – not a fan), researching historical eras and looking for inspiration for her next book.
Social Media Links –
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Review-
This is the fourth book from AnneMarie Brear I’ve had the pleasure of reviewing, having previously read The Soldier’s Daughter, The Tobacconist’s Wife and The Waterfront Lass, the latter of which is the first book in this Waterfront Lass trilogy.
While The Dock Girl’s Shame references characters from the first book, this can easily be read as a standalone (although I’d highly recommend reading both!) and focuses on the tale of Lorrie, the daughter of a boat yard owner.
Set in Yorkshire in the Victorian era, the author transports you to the heart of Wakefield with her vivid descriptions of the landscape and changing times, making you feel completely immersed in the setting. The customs and traditions of the time are well researched and indicative of the beliefs held by men at that time about a woman’s role in society.
Lorrie is a wonderful main female character who is determined to stand on her own two feet, having run the accounts for the boatyard since she was a teenager and who is respected amongst the workers. She isn’t afraid to take on those such as Oswald Lynch and voice her opinions on the running of the business, even though he believes it is not her place to do so. She certainly faces plenty of challenges in her life but is strong and resilient and I warmed to her immediately.
The storyline is engaging from the outset, particularly with the introduction of Matteo Falcone and I found myself continually wanting to read ‘just one more chapter’ to find out what happened next.
A hugely enjoyable read and now I’m eagerly awaiting the final book of the trilogy!
With thanks to the author, Rachel at Random Resources and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to participate in the tour.
Earlier stops can be found here:
Pickled Thoughts and Pinot 