As Ireland enters the twentieth century, two girls—close friends yet from different worlds—navigate their journeys into womanhood in this sweeping novel.On a June morning in 1900, Rosie Killeen crosses the road that divides her family’s County Mayo farm from the estate of Lord and Lady Ennis. Barely eight years old, Rosie joins the throng of servants who maintain the “big house.” But even more … house.” But even more momentous for Rosie ins her chance meeting with the Ennis’s lonely young daughter, Victoria Bell.
Though the children of the gentry seldom fraternize with locals, Lord Ennis arranges for Rosie to join in Victoria’s school lessons. For Rosie, the opportunity is exhilarating yet isolating. Victoria’s governess objects to teaching a peasant girl, while the other servants resent Rosie’s escape from life below stairs. To complicate matters further, Rosie finds herself growing closer to Victoria’s older brother, Valentine.
The girls’ friendship is interrupted when Victoria is sent to Dublin for the coming season. But Ireland is changing too. The country’s struggle for Home Rule, the outbreak of the Great War, and a looming Easter rebellion all herald a new era. And for Rosie, family loyalty, love, friendship and patriotism will all collide in life-changing ways, leading her through heartbreak and loss in search of her own triumphant independence.
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I felt like the story needed more detail. It felt forced. The setting and the time period kept it interesting. A decent way to spend an afternoon.
Good for fans of Downtown Abbey
Love the time period of this book! Looking forward to reading more by this author.
Loved the book, the writing and the characters.
An excellent book, will look for more books by this author
Well written story line involving the relationships and lefchsnging events of two young girls.
Cared about the characters from the beginning. Thoroughly enjoyed the way the story was put together.
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Relaxing read.
I liked this book because of the of the way the “haves” and the “have knots interact.
I enjoyed every page of it
Loved this book couldn’t wait to get back to reading when life called me away
1900’s early Ireland. Probably unknown to most of us. That makes for interesting and haunting reading.
this was one of my all time favorites it had everything, romance history and a great story line hope to read more of this author
Loved it. Read in one day. I will read again.
Relevant culture change in Irish / English history.
Loved this book. Much like Dalton abbey. The characters were so lifelike.
very good historic fiction…learned about struggles between England and Ireland, and the collapse of the old orders of WWI era society
A wonderful look at the age of decline for country English great houses.