The Variety Girls: The start of a wonderful historical saga series from Tracy Baines for 2022

In the midst of war, Jessie Delaney, a young singer, finds work as a Variety Girl in a new show at the Empire in Cleethorpes. She must leave her family and sweetheart behind, but friendships are forged and the glamour of show business may lose its shine.

Format: Hardback
Length: 286 pages
Publication date: 30 June 2022
Publisher: Boldwood Books Ltd

Cleethorpes, 1939. As the nation braces itself for war, uncertainty looms over everyone's lives. Tragically, after the loss of her father, aspiring singer Jessie Delaney and her family find themselves in a desperate situation, forced to rely on the charity of relatives to provide shelter. Their bitter Aunt Iris, driven by jealousy, plants seeds of longing in Jessie's mind, envisioning a life filled with color and excitement that the theatre can offer. Determined to break free from the monotony and support her family, Jessie embarks on a journey to pursue her dreams. Through her father's connections, she lands a job as a Variety Girl in a new show at the Empire in Cleethorpes, a small seaside theatre on the east coast. However, this means leaving her family and her sweetheart, Harry, behind.

In the world of show business, friendships are formed, but can the glamour truly shine without the presence of those she loves? Jessie navigates the challenges of her new role, facing the cutthroat nature of the industry and the envy that often accompanies success. Through hard work and determination, she proves herself as a talented performer, captivating audiences with her voice and charm.

As the war draws closer, the stakes become higher, and Jessie must make difficult choices that will impact her future and the lives of those around her. The novel explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the pursuit of dreams against the backdrop of a tumultuous time in history. With its gritty and heart-warming narrative, "Variety Girl" is a captivating saga that will resonate with readers who enjoy historical fiction with a touch of musical magic.

Tracy Baines, the author, has crafted a tale that is both poignant and entertaining, drawing the reader into the world of Wartime musical theatre. The characters are well-developed, with their strengths, flaws, and motivations clearly defined. The writing is vivid and evocative, transporting the reader to the era of the Second World War.

Praise for "Variety Girl" has been pouring in from critics and readers alike. Rosie Clarke praised the book for its charming and heart-warming saga, describing it as a "charming, heart-warming saga about ambition, hard work, and courage in the cut and thrust of a world often driven by jealousy and spite." Fenella Miller highly recommended the book, stating, "Immers yourself in the exciting, evocative world of Wartime musical theatre. I highly recommend this book." Sheila Riley expressed her enjoyment of the novel, calling it an "emotional, entertaining read that had me gripped!" Glenda Young described the book as a "pleasure from start to finish," and Annie Clar praised it as a "well-researched song and dance of a novel in great gulps as I did."

In conclusion, "Variety Girl" is a must-read for anyone who loves historical fiction with a touch of musical magic. With its captivating characters, heart-warming narrative, and vivid portrayal of a bygone era, this novel will leave you feeling inspired and uplifted. Don't miss out on this unforgettable journey of love, sacrifice, and the pursuit of dreams.

Weight: 578g
Dimension: 159 x 236 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781804264997