Hello Lovely Readers!

This is the fabulous cover of my next novel, Finding Friend On Beamer Street, which is out on 16th November, and the way this year has flown, it won't be long now.

 

A GIVEAWAY. YAY!!!!

 Hello Lovely Readers!

Well, it looks like Winter arrived on a drumroll this weekend. On Friday and Saturday we had howling, violent, destructive wind, rain, and today we have snow and even a flash of lightening - I kid you not! And while the snow looks delightful as it sails down from the heavens, my thoughts do turn to those less fortunate than ourselves, and pray that they find shelter and a warm place to stay this Winter. 

Weather features prominently in some of my sagas, The Mersey Mistress sees Anna Cassidy take over her mother's role after an accident. But when events take a tragic turn, when a their home is set alight. Anna is taken in by a feisty business woman with a heart of gold, and her brother Sam is sent to Canada as part of the child migration scheme. This is the first of the Mersey Dockside series.

The second novel is The Mersey Angels and see's Anna and her best friend train as nurses at the beginning of the first world war. Ruby opens Ashland Hall up as a hospital for returning soldiers injured in the war. And Anna's true love, Ned, goes to sea to do his bit. Will they ever meet again?

I have also been busy writing the third in my Reckoner's Row trilogy, but, having completed the third, The Mersey Mothers, (out on 1st March,) more new characters have popped up, whom I would like to explore. So who knows, we may go back some day.

I am also doing a Christmas giveaway. Yay! All I want you to do is tell me what kind of character and decade you like most in a family saga. They can be anybody you want them to be, and if your suggestion is chosen, not only will your character be included in a novel - but the lucky winner will receive a signed copy of The Mersey Mistress and The Mersey Angels, along with some other goodies.

I look forward to seeing your suggestions.

 Until next time, stay safe and warm. 

Big Hugs, Sheila xx

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Hello, Lovelies! Come in, let's chat...

Hello, Lovely Readers! Come in, let's chat... 

I wanted to show you these fabulous fridge magnets of The Mersey Mistress and The Mersey Angels. Two of my novels published this year that are currently in the best-selling category of Historical Sagas on Amazon, which I am thrilled about. I am also working on the idea of a third novel in this series, so watch this space.

Also, drum roll please, you will be pleased to hear, the long awaited third novel of the Reckoner's Row series, The Mersey Mothers, will be out in Spring 2022, where we catch up with all our favourite characters in 1953. Not only is it the year of The Queen's Coronation but also the residents of the Liverpool dockside row are looking forward to the forthcoming wedding of Evie Kilgaren and Danny Harris. But the road to happy matrimony is bumpy and not everything is as it seems. Will Evie make it down the aisle?

I'm looking forward to bringing you more news soon, and also, I am going to be sending out a few giveaways. So keep your eyes peeled. I would love to hear which of my books you liked best, but until then... Happy Reading, Lovelies!

Love and best wishes, 💖

Sheila xx 

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A Brand New Gritty Series

 Hello, Lovelies!

I just want to say thank you to all my fabulous readers who have written to me to tell me how much they enjoyed my latest novel, The Mersey Mistress, which was published in April 2021 and tells the story of a Liverpool dockside community in the years leading up to WW1 and 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.

I am also thrilled to tell you that The Mersey Mistress is currently riding high at number five in the Amazon Kindle Saga charts (at time of writing) and I thought I would let you know all about this new release.

The next novel in the series is The Mersey Angels, to be published in August 2021, but more about that later, and I will keep you posted.

Happy reading!

Praise for The Mersey Mistress.

'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.

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

Vivid, compelling, and full of heart. Sheila is a natural-born storyteller.' Kate Thompson.

Amazon.co.uk Best Sellers: The most popular items in Women's Sagas

The Mersey Mistress: The start of a brand new gritty series for 2021 eBook: Riley, Sheila: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store

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As the nights draw in...

 Hello, Lovelies!

This week I am chatting with the lovely Arabella Sheen on her blog about The Mersey Girls and some things writerly, so if you fancy having a gander just follow the link http://arabellasheen.blogspot.com/  

I love this time of year when the nights are drawing in, and you can snuggle down and listen to or read a wonderful book. Being a curious person, I love to delve into an autobiography. Just lately I have been reading Paul O'Grady's fabulous book Open The Cage Murphy, which is both hilarious and heartbreaking in equal measure. His voice just sings off the page.

Also, I love to listen to books and podcasts as I go about my daily deeds and, depending on what mood I'm in, I am never disappointed. This week I've been listening to This Sceptered Isle, which is a history of 20th century Britain, which I've been listening to mainly for research. 

Also, I've been exploring the wonderful Frenchman's Creek by Daphne du Maurier, narrated by John Castle, whose rich expressive voice sets the perfect tone, and transports me to the rugged Cornwall coast during the reign of Charles II. I am thoroughly enjoying the story of a love affair between the impulsive Lady St. Columb and a French Pirate. Fab! 

But it's not all relaxing and reading in my little bubble, I still have editing to do. 

I hope you all have a wonderful and healthy week. 

Tara for now.

Sheila :) x 

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Publication Day!

 Hello Lovelies! Welcome.

Today is publication day of The Mersey Girls! 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B086669T5J?pf_rd_r=0WJBTDRQQ5ZBY5GA7EQB&pf_rd_p=e632fea2-678f-4848-9a97-bcecda59cb4e

https://www.amazon.co.uk/photos/share/wSV5SW4wfQwa2v07y7m6Hiex9E3H17X6x82lBgECXb3

I have had a wonderful day so far, with lots of fabulous good wishes from readers, fellow authors, industry experts, friends and of course my wonderful publishers at Boldwood Books! And the day is not yet over, so I will be back to keep you updated.

Bye for now, I will be back soon!

Sheila :) xx

A SENSE OF PLACE...

Isn't this picture wonderful! Taken around the turn of the 20th century near the Mersey Docks, it was the inspiration for Reckoner's Row, the fictional street in The Mersey Orphan, published by Boldwood Books. The stone steps descended from the bridge overlooking the canal to the fictional Tram Tavern and the same steps, which residents raced up, to get a glimpse of something tragic.

There have been many times when a picture has set my imagination on fire, and although this scene was recorded a good few years before the birth of The Mersey Orphan, I think it tells us that Reckoner's Row has many more stories yet to tell...

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Living - and reading - in strange times!

Hello, Lovelies!

I hope you are safe and well, perhaps taking advantage of the glorious weather we have been enjoying, and trust you have had time to bask and read lots of lovely books over the last few strange months. 

It was my intention to read a lot between finishing The Mersey Girls, out in August, and starting my next novel, The Mersey Matriarch, but as is my weakness, the moment I read for pleasure rather than for research, a plot forms and will not settle until I have written a rough draft of my plotline.  

Hence, my to-be-read pile is on the verge of toppling, because although I have not settled to read the fabulous books yet,  it does not stop me from buying more. I am like a child in a sweet shop when I enter a bookshop or library - I want them all!

Oh, before I go, I want to tell you about my newsletter, which will give you the latest news on my books. It will also give you a chance to enter competitions and be the first to know all my latest book news. So if you want to keep up to date with what is going on, just add your name to my newsletter list and I will make sure you are one of the first to know.

Take care, lovely readers, and happy reading!

Sheila :) xx

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Hello Lovelies!
I've been procrastinating, (lovely word). Bimbling through social media and being generally nosey, as you do on a Saturday morning.

  However, something positive came out of it and added a bit of sparkle to my day when I found myself browsing through Netgalley. As you do.

There, I found a host of five star reviews for my forthcoming saga, The Orphan Daughter, which is out on 5th Sept.

To give you a flavour of what readers are saying, pre-publication release, skip over to:

https://www.netgalley.co.uk/book/170190/reviews

  I am both thrilled and humbled to read these fabulous reviews, which make all those months of uncertainty disappear. Thank you dear readers. I appreciate every one of your five stars.

 Sometimes, procrastination does bring rewards

Happy reading
Sheila :) xx

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Orphan-Daughter-gripping-bestselling-Reckoners-ebook/dp/B07T6DQVYF/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1FNCR2KV3A4VF&keywords=the+orphan+daughter+sheila+riley&qid=1564836018&s=gateway&sprefix=The+orphan+daughter%2Caps%2C157&sr=8-2

Hello Lovelies!

What a rollercoaster ride last week turned out to be! The weekend kicked off with the glorious wedding of my gorgeous niece, and the sun gods were finally smiling after a soggy few weeks here in the North West!


Now, I've never shed a tear at weddings, but this one was so romantic -and the bride and groom so obviously in love, there wasn't a dry eye in the fabulous country house hotel, and a wonderful time was had by all.


Then, on Saturday and Sunday there was the much-anticipated Romantic Novelists Association conference at Lancaster university, which unfortunately I could not attend. I was so bitterly disappointed not to be able to meet up with my fellow authors, and catch up on all the latest literary happenings.


However, I did manage to travel down to London on Monday, and had a superb meeting with my publishers to talk all things book-related. Afterwards, I took a cab across London to attend my agents delightful summer party, and met some wonderful authors and illustrators!


All fabulous events, but my poor bones begged for mercy. I will have to start training immediately, if I want to include all of these fabulous occasions next year.


Although, the excitement wasn't quite over. On Wednesday I was Boldwood Books Author Of The Day, and that was when the stunning cover picture of The Orphan Daughter was released.


I think the ice blue background is so apt, and is one of my favourite colours!


So, even though I was beyond thrilled to share the details of my new novel with all my lovely readers, I will be having some quiet time this week to continue writing the next novel in the Reckoner's Row series.

My wonderful assortment of colourful characters in dockside Liverpool must think I have deserted them.

Until next time, happy reading!



Love to all :)
Sheila x

https://www.boldwoodbooks.com/contributor/sheila-riley/

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Orphan-Daughter-gripping-family-Reckoners-ebook/dp/B07T6DQVYF/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=The+orphan+daughter&qid=1563533012&s=gateway&sr=8-2

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Cover Reveal: The Orphan Daughter

Hello Lovelies!

So excited to send you details of the Orphan Daughter, the first of three in my Reckoner' s Row series. 

It is due out on the 5th September, and I'm thrilled to let you know you can pre-order it from my publisher, Boldwood Books or from Amazon. 

(Links at the bottom of the page)

I do hope you fall in love with the characters as much as I have...

WINTER, LIVERPOOL 1947. 

Evie Kilgaren is a fighter. Abandoned by her mother and with her father long gone, she is left to raise her siblings in dockside Liverpool, as they battle against the coldest winter on record. But she is determined to make a life for herself and create a happy home for what’s left of her family.

Desperate for work, Evie takes a job at the Tram Tavern under the kindly watch of pub landlady, and pillar of the community, Connie Sharp. But Connie has problems of her own when her quiet life of spinsterhood is upturned with the arrival of a mysterious undercover detective from out of town.

When melting ice reveals a body in the canal, things take a turn for the worst for the residents of Reckoner’s Row. Who could be responsible for such a brutal attack? And can Evie keep her family safe before they strike again?

A gritty, historical family drama full of laughter and tears from the author of Annie Groves’ bestsellers including Child of the Mersey and Christmas on the Mersey. Perfect for fans of Lyn Andrews, Katie Flynn and Nadine Dorries.Ok

Happy reading!

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Orphan-Daughter-gripping-family-Reckoners-ebook

https://www.boldwoodbooks.com/contributor/sheila-riley/

Thrilling news to share...

Hi, welcome to my author blog.

It has been a long time since I wrote my blog, and since I started it many moons ago I have written four #1 bestselling novels under the  Annie Groves pseudonym for Harper Collins.

I am now writing a new saga trilogy for Boldwood under my own name and have set it around the River Mersey and its docklands near to where I spent my early years. I still live in Liverpool and cannot imagine living anywhere else. 


Come closer, I have some thrilling news to share... 
My new trilogy for Boldwood Books will begin with The Orphan Daughter, which is out in September 2019. However, you can pre-order it from Amazon and have it delivered on the day of publication. How fab is that! 

I am chuffed with this blurb on the Amazon.co.uk website: 

A gritty, historical family drama, full of laughter and tears from the author of Annie Groves' bestsellers including Child of the Mersey and Christmas on the Mersey. Perfect for fans of Lyn Andrews, Katie Flynn and Nadine Dorries.  The Orphan-Daughter-gripping family saga with a twist.

I won't leave it so long to let you know what I'm up to in future and I hope to have more news soon - along with the cover picture for The Orphan Daughter...
https://www.boldwoodbooks.com/contributor/sheila-riley/
Until next time, lovely readers, toodle-oo!

Wartime Britain.

 

After finding out that my new novel is set before and during the Great War, I received a (quite heavy) parcel in the post from my cousin. (Thanks Brian!)

 It sounds wrong to say I was delighted, considering the circumstances, however, I certainly was very proud when I opened the box and found this bronze memorial plaque (pictured). Over a million of these were issued after World War 1, to the next-of-kin of all British and Empire servicemen who were killed as a result of the war.

 This particular plaque, also called  'Dead Man's Penny' because of the similarity - although a lot bigger - to the penny coin, was presented to my nan after the death of her younger brother, Michael Hughes, who was killed when his Royal Naval ship Anchusa was blown up off the coast of Ireland, just four months before the end of the war. What is also sad is that Michael died with his brother, James, who was also serving on the ship - so a double blow for nan when James' wife informed her.

I can only imagine the sorrow, and the pride, she felt when she saw their names carved in bronze surrounded by the words; 'He died for freedom and honour'... So touching.

 Still on the wartime theme, I have also been reading a lot - lovely!

 Especially books about the Home Front and the years immediately after WW2.

The post war years, and the tribulations of women in those austere days, fascinate me. The war years were certainly hard, and dangerous, but so too the immediate aftermath, methinks. Rationing was a continuing problem, people still had to make do and mend, because everything was needed for the export drive. Finding accommodation was dire, because so many homes had been destroyed or damaged.

 Newly-married couples had nowhere to go except Ma's front room. (My own parents lived in a neighbours parlour until they could find a house, and that was in the fifties - some time after the end of the war!) Even the well-to-do were feeling the pinch, with high taxation and huge crumbling houses in need of repair after six long years of conflict. Not to mention the homecoming of the troops, when both men and women had changed so much.

Must dash, I feel a story coming on...

Toodle-oo for now

Sheila :)

The Heart Will Go On to Albert Dock

This is Albert Dock where I went to research my latest novel, working title The Heart Will Go On. I loved walking through history to get a sense of the life my characters lived in 1910.

 Set in the thriving Liverpool port, the story tells how the lives of sixteen year old Anna Cassidy, and her thirteen year old brother, Sam, are changed forever when tragedy strikes their home on Christmas Eve.

 

 I found this glorious 'house', inside the Liverpool museum. It showed how people once lived - complete with outside privy, the midden and pestiferous rats... Oh dear!

But not all is doom and gloom! Lifelong friendships are forged. Love is only a heartbeat away and Memories are something that cannot be stolen or replaced.

As this story is set in a different era to the Empire Street novels, I will not use the Annie Groves pen name, but I do hope you like it as much.

I will keep you updated on what happens next, as soon as possible. Meanwhile, have a look at the blog (below). I posted it just before Christmas last year, and was written for the North West libraries Time To Read competition, which I won in 2010. Although it is a very shot piece, it got me thinking what if... That is when I came up with the idea for The Heart Will Go On.

Happy reading,
Sheila :) xx

A short story to warm your heart...

Wishing you all a very merry Christmas and a fabulous 2015. Here is a little story I wrote a few years ago that might warm your heart.

 

                               **********************************

 

                                              BACK HOME

 Annie Cassidy disembarked quickly from the hospital ship, Gigantic, as a vicious wind whipped up the river Mersey, taking her breath away. Touching terra-firma at Princes Dock, she saw the jostling crowds, eager to catch sight of the great liner bringing England’s heroes home. Annie marvelled at the valiant troops as she struggled to push the terrible images of war from her mind.

    Nursing the heroes at Passchendaele, she had promised to get messages to loved ones; people like these who had come to witness the homecoming of the hospital ship. White against a pewter sky, the red cross of Geneva showed prominently on her hull, decked out in the neutral colours of mercy and compassion, Gigantic signalled the end to hostilities.

   Annie felt a painful surge of all-embracing pride as the slow disembarkation of stretcher cases, urged her to ease her pace and acknowledge these brave men. While the huge crowds desperately waited for the sight of injured loved-ones, she made her way from the dock.

  `Carry yer bag Miss?’

Recognising the keenness of the slightly-built young’un, she noted the too-large cap that hid a lean look of hunger and decided not to take a seat on the overhead railway today.

  `I’ll take a hansom.’ Handing him the valise she sadly noted his bare smacks, slapping the cobbled setts. `It can’t be easy lugging cases on the cobbles, haven’t you got any boots?’ Nodding to his grimy, chilblained feet, she hoped her tone didn’t sound condescending.

   `I’ve got a family to feed, Miss,’ he said stoically pushing back the rim of the outsized flat cap `boots don’t come cheap, y’know, not when empty plates need filling.’

   Annie admired his obligation, knowing of young battalions who would see no more clean plates, and she was heartily glad of the life in him.

   `I’m a mermaid, don’t you know?’ The words, which had been left unsaid for a long time, brought to mind the face of another young lad, much like this one.

    ’Is that so, Miss?’ His lopsided grin showed a healthy scepticism, melting her heart and bringing back memories of days long gone… She slipped a florin into his hand when they reached the hansom cab, and Annie watched him knock back his cap even further, his eyes lighting at the sight of the precious coin.

 `Strike me!’ He flicked it into the freezing air, `it’s not every day you meet a mermaid!’ Slipping the two-bob bit into the pocket of a tattered waistcoat, he then slowly raised his eyes to hers and in a tone thick with gratitude he said solemnly;

 `This is `preciated very much, Miss… My ould man caught the business end of a toffee-apple at the Somme... I’m the bread-winner now...’ Annie silently acknowledged his admission with an understanding nod.
   `I’m sure your mother is relieved she’s still got you. Good on you, Lad.’ She had seen the devastation trench mortar bombs caused a body. She also understood that no more words were necessary as, tipping the cap that had probably belonged to his heroic father, the boy disappeared into the throng to earn another copper or two…

   The rhythmic sway of the carriage lulled her as she travelled the uneven thoroughfare, taking in the familiar landscape of corner shops and ale-houses. Her eyes followed the line of stone-streaked cerulean sky to the warehouses and dockyards hugging the river, once the forbidden playground of her brothers.

   Sighing quietly she watched the first snowflakes of winter begin to fall and dust the back-to-back terraced houses that ribbed the backbone of the dock road and her memories slipped to another time, another place. For certain there were countless heroes, and she knew some would remain nameless forever, taking care of business back home...

© Sheila Riley

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Welcome to my world

Welcome to my world

Hello there,
Welcome to the world of Annie Groves, bestselling saga writer and pen name of Sheila Riley who inherited the pseudonym after the sad death of bestselling author Penny Halsall.

I have just completed two of a four-book series of Merseyside sagas set in one of the most dangerous places to live at that time. Dockside Bootle during World War Two was no place for the faint of heart. It was a place where people lived, loved and balled their fists at the enemy, where courage was the order of the day and a leonine spirit was commonplace.

The first; Child of the Mersey, tells the story of one street, two women and a war that will tear them apart. It is in the shops now and has received very good five star reviews on Amazon, which I am thrilled about as you can imagine.

The second book is entitled Christmas on the Mersey, out in October 2014 and continues with the everyday lives of the Empire Street residents and their struggle to get through the war in one piece. Life is not all doom and gloom and tears, though, there are many laughs along the way and, hopefully, when you reach the end of the story you will be dying to know what happens next... So I must get one and write it.

I hope you enjoy my page and as I progress I will add more detail...
Much love to you all and thanks for reading xx

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Child-of-the-Mersey

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Christmas-Mersey-Annie-Groves

I've had one of those weeks where, no matter what I try to do, the project I need to finish is always a little bit further out of reach than I anticipated. I have been beavering away on my the first book in my new series as well as researching - did I tell you I adore researching? Also I've been trying to find a bit of 'me' time too, however, it is also school holidays and I have grandchildren who love to come and see me - I know, how lucky am I?

The thing is, children, and necessary creative time, do not mix so this week has ran away from me - I did think of telling the mothers - two, that I was going on holiday - I must edit!!!! But when I thought of the angelic little faces and saw the expectant look of excitement on the face of my knight-in-rusty-armour and decided to do my edits in the wee small hours when everybody is sleeping.

I know, I am a martyr to my art and a fool to my grandchildren who can wrap me around their cute little fingers - I draw the line at taking them on holiday though. Brrrrr!!

T.T.F.N
:-)

Forgot to say...

I bet you are all dying to know how my trip to the palace went? Sadly, it didn't. On doctor's advice I had to stay home. Here's what happened, a short while ago I woke up in the middle of the night with a really nasty ache in my shoulder, thinking I'd been in a draught or had twisted it I got up and had a walk around but it didn't work and I had to take pain killers. Anyway, long story short, I put up with the pain for two days but to no avail.

Now, being the level headed type I had a mad panic, and thinking I was having a heart attack, because I couldn't take a deep breath and my arm grew very heavy, the knight-in-rusty-armour drove me to A and E sharpish after I had voiced my worries. They later gave me the news my diaphragm had collapsed on one side and the other side had lodged in my lung - scary. I was kept in hospital for a week with this unusual occurrence and as I wasn't quite strong enough to travel I had to miss out on the trip I had been so looking forward to. However, I have now been given a brand new (although not shiny) ventilator to sleep with - oh the excitement - I look like Mrs Darth Vader! But at least I can breath easier now, which is such a relief.

But, every cloud... I have now been told by my agent that I have been offered a new four-book deal! So I'd better crack on - work to do.
 Toodle-oo

It's turned very dull today - 'be off with you clouds, if you're not going to rain and water my flowers you are no use here. Don't hang around now...Take a hike and allow our sun to shine.'

Oh that's better, had to get that off my chest. All those killjoys who prayed for the sun to cool, appear to have got their own way - again. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not a sun worshipper - I don't follow it around the garden like a lovesick sun groupie - being a red-head with fair skin I don't even sun-bathe but the beam does cheer me up no end. Hey ho, maybe later - or tomorrow.
TTFN

Guess who's off to the palace? Only little me! I've been invited by my publisher, who has their annual summer bash in posh places. The invitation came last week. It is gorgeous and after the event I am going to put it in a frame and hang it on the wall.

Who'd have thought it? Certainly not me. It's like having someone else's dream. Whoop whoop!
There is only one thing that really bothers me though, and that is walking in alone - I've never been anywhere by myself before. Then there is the clothes - what to wear? Do I go posh or casual?

Oh my word! High heels or sandals? Comfy or Hi-design? Shall I get my knight-in-rusty-armour to drop me off at the gate and pick me up afterwards? That sounds like the right thing to do. Yes, I'll do that. Oh the trials and tribulations of being an author.

Wouldn't swap it for the world!
TTFN. xx