** Blog Tour ** The Pick-Pocket Orphans- Lindsey Hutchinson

I’m delighted to be one of todays stops on the penultimate day of the blog tour for ‘The Pick-Pocket Orphans.’

Thirteen-year-old Alice Truelove can’t take another day of her father’s cruelty.

Better a life on the streets than being constantly blamed for her mother’s sad death, or that’s what Alice thinks as she packs up her meagre possessions. But fending for herself in the Black Country town of Wednesbury is not as easy as she expected, and it soon hits her that without help she will quickly be hungry and cold.

Bertram Jordan, or BJ to his friends, became an orphan much too young after his parents were stolen away by influenza. Growing up on the streets has not been easy, but BJ has learnt to survive, and when he meets Alice, alone and desperate, he’s happy to take her under his wing.

As Alice learns the tricks of the pick-pocketer, the best ways to charm the stallholders on the market and the skills to get by, the two children become firm friends. So, when BJ makes a fatal mistake, Alice can’t bear the thought that she might lose her only friend – forever…

The Queen of Black Country sagas is back with a heart-breaking tale of friendship, families and survival against the odds. Perfect for all fans of Katie Flynn, Val Wood and Lyn Andrews.

Purchase Link – https://mybook.to/pickpocketsocial

Author Bio –

Lindsey Hutchinson was born and raised in West Midlands and now lives in the Shropshire countryside. The Pick-Pocket Orphans is out on 21st March 2024 and is the first in a trilogy

Social Media Links –  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100031928935691

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LHutchAuthor

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/LindseyHutchinsonNews

Review-

This is the second book of Lindsey Hutchinson’s books I’ve read having previously reviewed ‘The Bad Penny’. It’s easy to see why she has been dubbed the Queen of Black Country sagas, such is the quality of the writing and the authenticity of the setting which comes alive in the pages.

I loved both Alice and BJ’s characters and how, despite being so different, they learned so much from each other and came to support each other when they first met. It’s hard to believe at times how young they are when you consider their resourcefulness and tenacity in the toughest of circumstances.

The writing style makes this an incredibly easy read and it’s impossible not to get drawn into the depiction of the Victorian era, which is full of historical detail, including references to the Workhouse and the penal system where convicted criminals were deported to Australia, regardless of age.

As this is the first of a trilogy, there are inevitably some questions left unanswered and I’m already eagerly awaiting the release of the next instalment.

With thanks to the author, Rachel at Random Resources and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to participate in the tour.

Earlier and final stops can be found here:

** Blog Tour ** The Dock Girl’s Shame- Annemarie Brear

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 –

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annemariebrear

Twitter: https://twitter.com/annemariebrear

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annemariebrear/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@annemariebrearauthor?lang=en

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/AnneMarieBrearNews

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/annemarie-brear

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:

** Blog Tour ** Victoria & Violet- Rachel Brimble

I’m thrilled to be one of today’s stops on the opening day of the blog tour for ‘Victoria & Violet.’

It should be a dream come true to serve the Queen of England…

When Violet Parker is told she will be Queen Victoria’s personal housemaid, she cannot believe her good fortune. She finally has the chance to escape her overbearing mother, a servant to the Duchess
of Kent.

Violet hopes to explore who she is and what the world has to offer without her mother’s schemes overshadowing her every thought and action.

Then she meets James Greene, assistant to the queen’s chief political adviser, Lord Melbourne. From entirely different backgrounds and social class, Violet and James should have neither need nor desire
to speak to one another, yet through their service, their paths cross and their lives merge—as do their feelings.

Only Victoria’s court is not always the place for romance, but rather secrets, scandals, and conspiracies…

Purchase Links

UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Victoria-Violet-Royal-Maids-Book-ebook/dp/B0B6T47ZX5

US – https://www.amazon.com/Victoria-Violet-Royal-Maids-Book-ebook/dp/B0B6T47ZX5

Author Bio –

Rachel lives in a small town near Bath, England. She is the author of 29 published novels including the Ladies of Carson Street trilogy, the Shop Girl series (Aria Fiction) and the Templeton Cove Stories (Harlequin).

Her latest novel, Victoria & Violet is the first book in her new Royal Maids series with the Wild Rose Press.

Rachel is a member of the Romantic Novelists Association as well as the Historical Novel Society and has thousands of social media followers all over the world.

Social Media Links –

Website: https://bit.ly/3wH7HQs

Twitter: https://bit.ly/3AQvK0A

Facebook: https://bit.ly/3i49GZ3

Instagram: https://bit.ly/3lTQZbF

Review-

As a huge fan of the author’s previous Ladies of Carson Street trilogy, I was eagerly anticipating reading this latest offering.

A young Queen Victoria being the main subject piqued my interest, along with the blurb indicating the story would contain plenty of elements of court life and scandal.

One thing you are guaranteed with a Rachel Brimble historical novel is authentic characters, historical accuracy and a narrative that puts the reader firmly at the heart of the story through its vivid descriptions of tradition and society at that time.

This is all achieved through an engaging storyline which you can read with ease. The interactions and blossoming romance between Violet and James are a highlight as is the depiction of the young Victoria’s desire to have people around her close to her in age and who she can trust.

Fans of historical fiction should definitely be adding this to their ‘to be read’ lists!

With thanks to the author and Rachel at Random Resources for the opportunity to participate in the tour.

Further stops can be found here:

** Blog Tour ** A Very Modern Marriage- Rachel Brimble

I’m really pleased to be one of today’s stops on the final day of the blog tour for ‘A Very Modern Marriage’.

He needs a wife…
Manchester industrialist William Rose was a poor lad from the slums who pulled himself up by his bootstraps, but in order to achieve his greatest ambitions he must become the epitome of Victorian respectability: a family man.

She has a plan…
But the only woman who’s caught his eye is sophisticated beauty Octavia Marshall, one of the notorious ladies of Carson Street. Though she was once born to great wealth and privilege, she’s hardly respectable, but she’s determined to invest her hard-earned fortune in Mr Rose’s mills and forge a new life as an entirely proper businesswoman.

They strike a deal that promises them both what they desire the most, but William’s a fool if he thinks Octavia will be a conventional married woman, and she’s very much mistaken if she thinks the lives they once led won’t follow them wherever they go.

In the third instalment of Rachel Brimble’s exciting Victorian saga series, The Ladies of Carson Street will open the doors on a thoroughly modern marriage – and William is about to get a lot more than he bargained for…

Author Bio –

Rachel lives in a small town near Bath, England. She is the author of over 25 published novels including the Ladies of Carson Street series, the Shop Girl series (Aria Fiction) and the Templeton Cove Stories (Harlequin).

Rachel is a member of the Romantic Novelists Association as well as the Historical Novel Society and has thousands of social media followers all over the world.

To sign up for her newsletter (a guaranteed giveaway every month!), click here: https://bit.ly/3zyH7dt

Social Media Links –

Website: https://rachelbrimble.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RachelBrimble

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rachelbrimbleauthor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelbrimbleauthor/?hl=en

Review-

This is the third novel in the Ladies of Carson Street series and is equally as engaging a read as the previous two. It can be read as a standalone, although I’d heartily recommend reading the others if you haven’t already simply because they are that good!

In ‘A Very Modern Marriage’ the narrative centres around Octavia and her desire to distance herself from her life as a prostitute and set up her own business. Having seen close friends Louisa and Nancy forge a new path for themselves, it only serves to bolster her own resolve to do the same.

She enlists the help and support of William Rose, a mill owner from Manchester and it soon becomes apparent that both of them have feelings for each other which stretch beyond their business arrangement.

As always, author Rachel Brimble captures the essence of the Victorian era perfectly and in this novel, we once more discover the sights and sounds of Bath, but also the contrast of industrial Manchester.

Brimble writes in an easy style with engaging characters that the reader can’t help but root for. The dynamics and interactions between the main characters add depth to the plot and we get a real insight into Octavia’s personality and how previous struggles and family trauma have impacted on the way she deals with her current situation.

A highly recommended read!

With thanks to the author, Rachel at Random Resources, NetGalley and Head of Zeus/ Aria Fiction for the opportunity to participate in the tour. Further stops can be found here:

Giveaway to Win £15/$15 Amazon Gift Certificate (Open INT)

*Terms and Conditions –Worldwide entries welcome.  Please enter using the Rafflecopter link below.  The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.  Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data.  I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/33c69494473/?

My reviews of Rachel’s previous books in the saga can be found here:

** Blog Tour** The Widow’s Vow- Rachel Brimble

**Blog Tour** Trouble for the Leading Lady- Rachel Brimble

**Blog Tour** Trouble for the Leading Lady- Rachel Brimble

I’m delighted to be taking part in today’s first blog tour stop for this latest novel by Rachel Brimble.

Bath, 1852.

As a girl, Nancy Bloom would go to Bath’s Theatre Royal, sit on the hard wooden benches and stare in awe at the actresses playing men as much as the women dressed in finery. She longed to be a part of it all and when a man promised her parents he could find a role for Nancy in the theatre, they believed him.

His lie and betrayal led to her ruin.

Francis Carlyle is a theatre manager, an ambitious man always looking for the next big thing to take the country by storm. A self-made man, Francis has finally shed the skin of his painful past and is now rich, successful and in need of a new female star. Never in a million years did he think he’d find her standing on a table in one of Bath’s bawdiest pubs.

Nancy vowed never to trust a man again. Francis will do anything to make her his star. As they engage in a battle of wits and wills, can either survive with their hearts intact?

The second in Rachel Brimble’s thrilling new Victorian saga series, Trouble for the Leading Lady will whisk you away to the riotous, thriving underbelly of Victorian Bath.

Author Bio –

Rachel lives in a small town near Bath, England. She is the author of over 20 published novels including the Shop Girl series (Aria Fiction) and the Templeton Cove Stories (Harlequin).

In 2019 she signed a new three book contract with Aria Fiction for a Victorian trilogy set in a Bath brothel. The first book, A Widow’s Vow was released in September 2020 followed by book 2 Trouble For The Leading Lady in March 2021 – it is expected that the final instalment will be released in the Autumn 2021.

Rachel is a member of the Romantic Novelists Association and has thousands of social media followers all over the world.

To sign up for her newsletter (a guaranteed giveaway every month!), click here:

https://us12.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=ab0dc0484a3855f2bc769984f&id=bd3173973a

Social Media Links –

Website: https://rachelbrimble.com/

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelbrimbleauthor/?hl=en

Review-

This is the second book in the author’s Victorian Saga series, set in Bath in 1852. While the history of the main characters from the first novel, ‘A Widow’s Vow’ is useful in understanding the dynamics of their relationships with each other, this can equally be read as a standalone story.

What is particularly striking about this tale is the underlying theme of past history, buried memories and society’s perceptions of the different classes within the Victorian era. All of these combine perfectly within the different characters, but none more so than Nancy and Francis who battle with their demons and past experiences throughout as they struggle to reconcile their heads with their hearts.

The backdrop to the narrative is the appalling conditions for children within the workhouse at that time and, while this is a dark theme throughout, the reader becomes compelled to empathise with Francis’ struggle in his efforts to bring about significant change for their benefit. This for me, was the most interesting aspect of the story and I hope that it is revisited in the next novel.

If you are a fan of historical fiction, this is definitely worth adding to your reading list. I’m already looking forward to getting my hands on the final book of the trilogy!

With thanks to the author, Aria Fiction and @rararesources for the opportunity to participate in the tour.

Further stops can be found here: