It is the late 60’s in Tullamore, County Offaly, and life is full of exciting possibilities for Fiona Tracey, as she prepares to leave Ireland to work for a wealthy family in New York.
Fiona’s parents have the local shop and bar, and her younger sisters are already leading independent lives. Bridget is at a convent school preparing to be a nun and Angela has led a life of her own since she was … since she was hospitalised up in Dublin for years with childhood polio.
Then, sudden tragedy forces Fiona to postpone her departure for New York. As her mother sinks into illness and depression, her responsibilities mount. When help is offered by her aunt and cousin, Fiona is mystified by her mother’s animosity towards them.
As summer approaches, an American architect, Michael O’Sullivan, takes a room above the bar. Within a short time Fiona finds herself involved in an unexpected and passionate affair.
Then, as a surprising incident threatens Bridget’s vocation, Angela uncovers information which explodes old family secrets.
Before Fiona can embark on an independent life again, perhaps in New York, she must find a new understanding of her family – and of herself.
more
Strong characters that grow on you and also show personal growth and maturity
I really enjoyed this book and the way it was written. Didn’t want to put it down, but didn’t want the story to end. I thought the characters were realistic, & I could relate to the 60’s time period. Will read more of her books.
Loved the characters in this book, so well developed. Like the style of the book as well, getting the story from different perspectives. Made me cry and laugh out loud!
Wonderful story of the difficulties or an Irish family.
A very well written story – I was sad when it was done.
would love another book continuing the story
It’s been a long time since I read it…..but I recall that it was not an adventure.
Unexpected twists.
A little slow going to get the story started lots of moving back and forth but overall a good read interesting hearing the different names for certain items.
and it ends with the reader not knowing what happens to the sister the book follows the most. It is good, but resolution for all 3 sisters would have been nice.
I love these characters. I wish them lots and lots of happiness. Right on and believable.
So do slightly interesting
I am not quite sure what to say about the book. I did read it to the end. It was hard to keep my interest in the book because the stories were just touched down and not delved into. It was OK.
A tale of new love and the reality of family obligations and painful old family secrets. Not a comfortable read but depicting very real conflicting emotions.
I liked it so much I would get a sequel.
I loved this story! It was so interesting to see what would happen as it wasn’t obvious. More like real life’s unexpected things, and not a formula for turning out a romance story. I will remember this story for a long while.