It’s been a while since I last shared a book review here, and what better way to return than with a story set in one of my favourite locations – Liverpool. Today, I’m diving into Echoes Across the Mersey by Anne Baker, a saga novel that blends family, love, hardship, and the shadows of war.

Anne Baker was one of the first authors I ever read in this genre, part of a trio of writers who helped me fall in love with books in the way I do now. Somehow this one slipped through the net, and I’ve only just finished it. But as soon as I picked it up, I remembered exactly why her writing feels so timeless and why I’m always drawn to novels rooted in Liverpool life.

The Blurb

Here’s the official blurb for Echoes Across the Mersey:

It’s August 1914, and the threat of war weighs heavily on the people of Liverpool, but not on Sarah Hoxton. For Toby Percival, the son of her employer, is in love with her. Her mother fears they’ll both lose their jobs when Toby’s father finds out, but Sarah’s prepared to risk everything for Toby’s love. Maurice Percival is furious when he discovers his son is involved with a factory girl. Determined to defy his father, Toby joins the army. Sarah is left facing what seems to be insurmountable obstacles, but with the help of her friends, family and strength she never knew she possessed, she discovers there is a light at the end of the tunnel, though it shines from a different direction to the one she expected.

I always like to share the blurb upfront – I think it sets the scene and gives you a flavour of the story before I dive into my own thoughts.

First Impressions

From the very first pages, I was struck by the sheer detail in the descriptions. Anne Baker paints Liverpool so vividly that you can almost see the cobbled streets, hear the hum of the docks, and feel the atmosphere of the time.

The book doesn’t shy away from showing how tough life was, but it also captures the incredible resourcefulness of people back then. What I really loved was how Baker shows the subtle differences even within the working class – how some families managed slightly better while others truly had nothing. And then of course, the stark contrast between rich and poor, worker and employer, threads through the whole novel.

Characters That Stay With You

Then Toby appears, and everything shifts.

By today’s standards, you might call him immature or selfish – someone who believes everything has a price and that what he wants should simply be his. But the way Anne Baker writes him, it’s more nuanced than that. His journey is layered, and his eventual realisations are powerful.

What stood out most to me were the women in this story. Their resilience, their quiet but unshakable strength. When Sarah takes over the running of the factory, I half-expected backlash from the workers. Instead, you see acceptance – not because of gender politics, but because people were simply grateful for the stability of work. It’s a reminder that strength takes many forms, and perhaps the women of that time had to carry a kind of strength that feels different to what we think of today.

A Powerful Depiction of War

The novel also delves into the First World War, and Baker handles it with great care. What I admired was how she shows both sides:

• Those serving at the front, facing unimaginable hardships.
• Those at home, continuing with life but always carrying the heavy worry for loved ones.

Unlike the Second World War, where the impact on daily civilian life was all-encompassing, WW1 often felt distant to those back home – aside from rationing and anxiety. Baker captures that nuance beautifully.

What stuck me most was her portrayal of the harsher truths – something rarely discussed today. Soldiers being shot for desertion, for example. It’s a part of history often brushed aside, but here it’s presented with sensitivity and respect.

The letters woven into the narrative were a highlight for me. They offered a window into trench life – the rhythm of four days on the front line, four days in support, and then rest. It gave insight without being overwhelming or graphic. Instead, it felt authentic and deeply moving.

The Ending That Stays With You

Without giving too much away, the ending is both heartbreaking and fitting. Hearing from Toby and experiencing his final thoughts was incredibly moving. It really drove home how difficult the war was, not just for men but for boys who were barely grown.

Anne Baker managed to close the story in a way that felt respectful, poignant, and deeply human. It left me reflecting long after I’d turned the last page.

Final Thoughts

Echoes Across the Mersey reminded me exactly why I adore Liverpool sagas and why Anne Baker is such a cherished writer in this genre. She balanced rich historical detail with characters who feel real, flawed, and unfortgettable.

For me, it wasn’t just a story about war or hardship. It was about resilience, strength, and the ways ordinary people navigated extraordinary times. It’s also a reminder of how important it is to keep telling these stories – not just for entertainment, but to preserve the memory of how people truly lived.

If you’re a fan of family sagas, historical fiction or novels set in Liverpool, I’d absolutely recommend this book. It’s not just a story; it’s an experience, one that lingers in your mind long after the final chapter.

I’m so glad I finally picked this one up, even if it did “slip through the net” the first time around. Sometimes the best reads come at exactly the right moment.

Check out my other book reviews:

Outcast Child By Kitty Neale

Bicycles and Blackberries by Sheila Newberry

The September Girls By Maureen Lee