Another winner from AnneMarie Brear! There has not been a single book of hers I have not thoroughly enjoyed and could not put down once starting. She grabs me every time with her memorable historical characters, atmospheric settings and moving events. We often see women in her stories who are strong, independent, courageous and not happy to accept the norms of the time. These historical women are always faced with monumental challenges but become resourceful overcomers.
And in The Dock Girl’s Shame, AnneMarie delivers such a heroine. From the first intriguing paragraph to the very last past, my heart was tossed about following the path and happenings of Loretta Jane Chambers. She certainly experienced some heart breaking tragedies. Yet managed to overcome her losses and begin again. Lorrie, as she is known by her friends, works in her father’s boat building and repair business. She oversees many aspects of his establishment including accounts, purchases and payroll—to name a few. She is smart, confident and not afraid to speak her mind. But she has a challenge on her hands. When the novel opens, they are at a rough point in the business. No matter how many times she checks and tries to balance the figures, she still comes up short. Her father has taken on a partnership and it appears all it has done has put him in the red. He has more bills and expenses than money to cover them. Although the railways may be taking some of the trade away, Lorrie blames some of this loss on her father’s partner: a man not to be trusted who has sold them out as cheap labour.
Then an attractive Italian lands on her doorstep claiming to be a member of her late mother’s family. He has brought a gift from her late great-grandmother. But her father is not keen on Matteo’s presence. Apparently there is some bad blood between the families and we learn later what caused it: a secret her father has carried that will surprise Lorrie. But before this revelation, she loses her heart to this man. Of course, things certainly do not go as she hopes. He must return to Italy. His family expect him to take over a relative’s vineyard, enter a prearranged marriage and carry on their traditions. Although he is attracted to Lorrie, will he forgo his family’s wishes and marry her instead?
Then another man, a boat builder-designer like her father enters her life. A powerful friendship is made that begins the healing process. I liked this guy very much! Will she be able to break free of the previous affection and start again? He is a man who has also known suffering and loss and becomes a great source of help in Mr Chamber’s business while he tries to heal after an accident. But he also is balm for Lorrie’s heart. How far will this new relationship go?
As for the antagonist of this novel, her father’s business partner, he is a loathsome character of deception! Lorrie is right in her suspicions but even she did not know how bad he can be. Later in the story we discover some wicked truths about this man. And we watch as he plots and plunders and proves to be even worse than anyone thought!
The Dock Girl's Shame is a story filled with secrets, disasters, greed, betrayal and loss. And sorting out your friends and enemies. But there is also hope and healing at the heart of this novel and the ending made my heart sing! Highly recommend. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Boldwood and Netgalley for a review copy.
