The Halfpenny Girls - Maggie Mason

 

 

I'm always excited to hear that Maggie Mason has a new book coming out - and to know that it's the first in a new series is even better!

Best friends Alice, Marg and Edith work together at Bradshaw's Biscuit factory and grew up on the same poverty stricken street in Blackpool. It's not just money that the girls have to worry about, each one of them is dealing with family issues, but their friendship is so strong and they know that they can rely on one another during desperate times.

On a rare night out at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom, courtesy of Marg's Uncle Eric, the girls meet someone who has the potential to change their paths in life forever. Will they be brave enough to grab these opportunities and if so, what impact will it have on their families?

This is another fabulous book from Maggie Mason with friendship, family and loyalty at it's very core. Despite the fact that these people have very little, they are always willing to share and help to ease the burdens of others as and when they can, something which I think is sadly lacking in this day and age. As always when I read one of Maggie's book's, the descriptions of Blackpool are so vivid, I can almost smell the sea air for myself. The characters seem so real and it's easy to get immersed into their lives, sharing their highs and lows and wanting only the best for them as if they are genuine friends. I was reluctant to put this book down and get back into the real world and I read it in about three days.

I felt a sense of sadness when I turned the last page, not because of the story, but because I know that I'll now have to wait a little while to find out what comes next for this heart-warming trio of girls. I would highly recommend The Halfpenny Girls and I feel that it's a must read for fans of historical fiction and / or saga's.

With kinds thanks to Francesca Banks at Sphere Books for my review copy.