Life was incredibly hard and community was everything - it kept you afloat. I have nothing but admiration for the life fishermen led at sea and for their wives and mothers who held everything together while the men were away. Terrific - beautifully written. The book twinkles. A well-crafted and satisfying story' Maisie Thomas

She said she considers Grimsby and Cleethorpes to have a "warmth and welcome" that is very special, along with residents who are kind and helpful. Spiteful Aunt Iris soon has Jessie dreaming of a life filled with colour and excitement that she knows the theatre can offer. How can Jessie escape the drudgery, support her family and pursue her dreams? Through her father’s connections, Jessie finds work as a Variety Girl in a new show at the Empire in Cleethorpes, a small seaside theatre on the east coast. But taking the job means flying solo and leaving her family and her sweetheart, Harry behind.Destitute after the tragic death of her father, Jessie Delaney finds work as a Variety Girl in a new show at the Empire – a small seaside theatre on the east coast. But taking the job means flying solo and leaving her family and her sweetheart, Harry behind.

We have to celebrate the amazing achievements of the past as well as looking forward to the future. It’s important that the young people of the area feel proud of where they come from and want to make it even better. I only remember how kind and helpful people are, how friendly and hard working. There’s a warmth and a welcome here that I find very special. All the seaside girls have their own battles to fight. And while they figure things out it’s time for them to do their bit for the war and keep Britain smiling. Read more: Crowdfunder launched to repair historic trawler which played a key role in Grimsby's fishing industry - and it could soon return Immerse yourself in the exciting, evocative world of Wartime musical theatre. I highly recommend this book.' Fenella Milleryou will have to read this well-researched song and dance of a novel in great gulps as I did’ Milly Adams The theatres are closed and friends Jessie Delaney and Frances O’Leary search for alternative work.