The Mersey Mistress

The start of a new gripping family saga series from Liverpool's very own bestselling author, Sheila Riley.

Everyone needs a good samaritan, especially on Christmas Eve...

Liverpool Docks, 1910

Ruby Swift is a hard-working, straight-talking woman of substance who does not suffer fools gladly.

But when tragedy strikes on a bitter Christmas Eve, Ruby and her beloved husband Archie take matters into their own hands when a trusted employee’s house is mysteriously engulfed by flames and lives are lost.

Orphaned by the fire, Ruby welcomes heartbroken sixteen-year-old Anna Cassidy, into her home but is unable to save Anna's twelve-year-old brother Sam, who is sent by the Church to Canada as a Homeboy.

Can Ruby help mend a broken heart and can these two children ever be reunited or is there another higher game in play?

Mersey Mistress takes you on a journey to another time, another place. From the banks of the River Mersey to the frozen waters of the Canadian Saint Laurence River.

Perfect for fans of Chrissie Walsh, Katie Flynn and Dilly Court.

If you love Mersey Mistress, you'll love Reckoners Row and the Dockside Saga series Catch the epic next book Mersey Angels, available now.

Praise for Sheila Riley:

‘This author knows the Liverpool she writes about; masterly storytelling from a true Mersey Mistress.’ - Lizzie Lane

‘A thoroughly enjoyable, powerful novel’ - Lyn Andrews

'Loved it. Love all of Sheila Reillys books, good down to earth stories about real people, can't wait to read the next book in the series.' - Reader Review

‘An enchanting, warm and deeply touching story’ - Cathy Sharp

'Liked this book very much, interesting right from the beginning which l like. Kept me wanting to read more very day. Can't wait for the next book in the saga.' - Reader Review

'What a great read from this amazing author You don't want to put this book down thouroly enjoyed it from start to finish' - Reader Review

A powerful and totally absorbing family saga that is not to be missed. I turned the pages almost faster than I could read.’ - Carol Rivers

'This book was everything I love in a read. Historical drama at its best. Set in Liverpool depicting the tasking way of life around the set of WW1. '- Reader Review

‘A fabulous story of twists and turns - a totally unputdownable, page turner that had me cheering on the characters. I loved it!’ - Rosie Hendry