Book Review: Hunter and the Grape by Eoin C. Macken.

Eighteen-year-old Cat is on a mission to find Sophie Durango, a girl who has stolen his heart (and his virginity). Fleeing his hometown in Albuquerque, with a few dollars and no real plan, he heads for Los Angeles and finds himself with an infuriating travelling partner, the quirky Star. The pair form an unlikely bond when their bus breaks down in the middle of the desert and they are forced to accept help from an old man and his sullen friend. Re-naming themselves Hunter and Grape they begin a journey of self-awareness, facing up to the past and discovering what true friendship means.

This is the second YA novel from author, actor and screenwriter, Eoin Macken. Like his debut, Kingdom of Scars, this is a contemporary look at a young male's coming of age. Set along the dusty roads of New Mexico, the novel is brought to life with descriptive detail and memorable characters. The dialogue is simple and extremely effective, almost like a play divided into numerous Acts: Act One: A roadside encounter where the two main characters encounter each other for the first time; the initial bus journey and the development of a tentative relationship forming. Act Two: An isolated cabin where the teenagers witness the grief of a stranger. Act Three: Another dusty roadside, further character development and background stories. Act Four: A new friendship with a homeless man and his dog and a trip to Las Vegas. Act Five: An unscheduled trip to Los Angeles and the search for Cat's dream girl; a stolen bike, a new friendship with a lonely french man and a dip in the ocean. The scenery is minimal, as both Hunter and Grape are the main attraction. Their individual stories are all the audience needs. 

These teenagers are both victims of their upbringing  and their circumstances. They are two lost souls who have found each other during their lowest moments. Without each other they may have travelled different paths, but together they complement each other and makes their pilgrimage one of adventure with semi-security. They need each other, despite their initial resistance. Damaged by their pasts, they need to face the realities of the present and learn to wade-into the future.

This is YA fiction, but with a leaning toward drama. A little slow to start, it builds up as the Acts progress and the characters reveal some of their back-stories. Hunter is struggling to be the alpha-male (lots of fist fights and hard-ons) and Grape uses her feminine charms far to much for my liking (including kissing random men to avoid confrontation). There is a sexist undertone throughout the novel which, as an adult reader, I found uncomfortable. I hope that young adult readers will realise that this is not the way gender should be categorised. However, Hunter is a genuinely nice guy, with a good heart, and matures as he travels on his journey. 

A charming, road-trip novel which takes two damaged teenagers on an unlikely adventure through the blistering heat of New Mexico and on to the more capable landscape of Los Angeles. Hunter and the Grape is refreshingly different to other YA novels, with an edgy and arty feel, which would be magnificent on stage or screen. Ideal for older teenagers and young adults alike.

*We received a copy of this title, from the publishers, in return for an honest review.

Hunter and the Grape is published by Ward River Press and is available in TBP and ebook format. You can order your copy with Free Worldwide Postage HERE. The ebook can be ordered via amazon link below:

The Other Side Of The Wall by Andrea Mara - Review and Giveaway

Thanks to the author, I have two signed copies of The Other Side Of The Wall to giveaway. To be in with a chance of winning, just enter via rafflecopter link below. Open INT and closes 28th August. Good Luck!

My Review

Sylvia sits feeding her baby in the early hours of the morning. Exhausted, she nods off and wakes with a jolt. The dog is barking. Placing her son in his cot, she looks out the window to see why. She is horrified to see a child, floating face-down in her neighbour's pond. When she rushes into the garden, there is no sign of the child and no answer from next-door, despite her incessant knocking.  The incident unnerves her, but she puts it down to lack of sleep and the news that a local child is missing. But she just cannot shift the uneasy feeling that she did not imagine what she saw...

A string of odd happenings lead Sylvia to distrust her new neighbour, Sam. His wife and children are away for the summer and, while he is friendly and a hit with her own husband, she just cannot shake her unease. She struggles to make her husband believe that there are strange things happening and begins to doubt herself. Is there really something going on on the other side of the wall, or is she imagining things?

Andrea Mara opens up her debut with a bang. The night-time exhaustion and dim light add uncertainty to Sylvia's sighting of the child in the garden, but then more unusual events lead to unexplained happenings on the quite suburban road. Told from multiple viewpoints (Sylvia's, Sam's, Kate, an un-named woman) and over different time spans, the layered story reveals itself, one page at a time.  Sylvia's voice is one we all know: juggling work and home-life; trying to please everyone, forgetting about yourself; avoiding interaction with neighbours for fear of judgment; questioning your own parenting skills or even your own sanity, at times. Kate and Sam are going through a difficult time and we learn why they spent so little time together and why Kate is rarely seen. The tension builds, the questions becoming more frequent and the turns jarring the reader from their sense of comfort. 

All is not what it seems and not everyone is telling the truth. At just under 400 pages, this is a psychological thriller to test your trust in its narration. The changing timelines and characters do take a while to get used to, but this is a fine debut that you will struggle to put down. 

The Other Side Of The Wall is available in PB and ebook format. You can order your copy, with Free Worldwide Postage, HERE. The ebook can be ordered via amazon link below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Review: All At Sea by Pauline Lawless.

A Caribbean cruise is fairly high up on everyone's wish-list, right? Escaping from the Irish weather; the daily commute; the housework and the sameness of everyday life. Three sets of Irish passengers board the Liberté in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, not realising the impact the trip could have on their individual lives.

The McElroys are led by their matriarch, Bunny, who gathers her flock with distinctive style. Herself and husband, Richard, have treated their grown children to the luxury cruise and the vision of an ideal family trip is not shaping up as they imagined. 

The Jordans are on on their 'second honeymoon', yet Cassie is unaware that Declan's bit-on-the-side is also embarking.  Alix is determined to get her man, no matter who gets hurt along the way.

The Kennys are escaping the exhausting family routine of Christmas and think a cruise is an ideal way to avoid stress and strife. While their young adult children make the most of their surroundings, Ann and Tony drift further and further apart. A lonesome passenger becomes Ann's ally, while Tony creates his own fun.

Pauline Lawless had hit the summer blockbuster market with a bang. The story is full of sun, sea, sex and scandal. The younger passengers are not the only ones making the most of the all-inclusive drinks and on-board entertainment. The over-powering Bunny is outrageously overbearing and her youngest daughter, Sarah is a self-centered, spoiled brat who needs to be given a good life-lesson. Recently separated Jess is not much better and completes the family tradition of frightful women. Declan is the atypical mid-life-crisis kind of man; full of a newly discovered sex-drive and a veritable briefcase full of lies. His wife Cassie is naive and taken for granted. A similar tale is told via Tony and Ann Kenny. Another middle-aged man; another downtrodden wife. Their two kids are bland and wholesome, yet manage to find their perfect matches. The overall tone does not portray women in a particularly good light. It implies that all men can be 'controlled' by a bit of forward planning and making them think they are actually the boss:

"Jess couldn't but admire her mother's scheming mind. She certainly knew how to manipulate her husband. Women who could do that always seemed to get what they wanted. Jess took note."

While two wives suddenly discover they don't need their husbands to survive, both seem to have only noticed this after said husbands had been caught cheating. I think us women deserve more credit for knowing what makes us happy, and what doesn't. 

This is a novel that is destined for holiday carry-on luggage as it is a complete package of escapism. It is like an episode of The Love Boat mixed up with the story lines of Dallas and Dynasty; all with Irish characters. Not for everyone, but sure to delight many. 

All At Sea is published by Poolbeg and is available in paperback and ebook format. 

Book Review - Reinventing Susannah by Joan Brady.

Susannah is in her fifties. Her children have grown up and her life is mostly filled with housework, cooking meals for herself and husband Rob and prepping for her monthly bookclub. However, when Rob announces that he is off on a year-long trip of self-discovery, and she is not invited, things begin to change. It is time for Susannah to do some reinvention of herself...

Susannah is atypical of many 'women of a certain age' (a phrase I personally hate, but it serves a purpose in this case). She has devoted the latter part of her life to raising a family and ensuring the smooth running of the household. Rob, a banker, has always supported his wife and twin daughters but now feels he has missed out on something and has secretly been planning his escape for years. Downtrodden Susannah is pushed into moving on and (conveniently) lands a job as a newspaper columnist. Suddenly she is flying first class to cover a Mind, Body and Soul conference in London and being wooed (badly) by a famous self-help guru. A whole new set of opportunities are opening up when she least expected them.  Her love of writing comes back to her and she even begins to notice men 'of a certain age' (why do we never hear this phrase when referring to men?).

Joan Brady has a knack of bringing her characters to life. Susannah may be a little mousy, but she is balanced by her new boss (the young and determined Katie) and despite their differences, the two women work well together. Rob is a piece of work. Within two pages he shows his true colours and you can see how Susannah managed to blend into the background of their marriage. I suspect there are many, many women who find themselves stunned with their situations when their children move out. Not all of them will land their dream jobs so easily, or find themselves moving on without financial strain. But, perhaps fictional stories like Susannah's will inspire some to take a chance. Brady uses her writing skills to bring a mature lady to life. Reinventing Susannah is a warm, charming and easy read, ideal for enjoying on a summer holiday or on the patio with a glass of whatever tickles your fancy. Especially if your children have left you with no more 'Mom's Taxi' duties. A feel-good read, ideal for fans of  Cathy Kelly and Carmel Harrington.

Reinventing Susannah is published by Poolbeg and is available in TPB and ebook format. You can pick your copy up from all good booksellers, or via the amazon link below:

Book Review - 'On Sackville Street' by A. O'Connor.

Dublin 1869, and Sackville Street is one of the most prestigious places to live.  When young widow, Milandra Carter moves in, she shakes up the conservative society, with her bright clothes, her 'forward' attitude and her disregard for traditional etiquette.  But behind her beauty lies a woman of purpose.  She will do anything to get what she wants and she will take down anyone who gets in her way.

Constance Staffordshire is engaged to marry one of Dublin's most eligible bachelors, Nicholas Fontenoy, and is on the cusp of a bright future with the man she loves.  But when Milandra sets her eyes on Nicholas, this future becomes uncertain.  Constance has her suspicions about this glamorous, wealthy widow but no one else seems to agree with her.  Is she imagining it?

Dublin 1916 and Milandra finds herself taken hostage by a group of rebels who are fighting for Ireland's Independence.  As Sackville Street is crumbling under fire and the body count rises, she remains stoic and determined.  The past catches up on her and the memories of long hidden secrets come seeping out.

Drama, subterfuge and secrets. All the ingredients of a novel you can escape into.  From the very first page the reader is enveloped into the crazy world of Milandra Carter and her zany side-kick and  cook, Flancy.  A wicked pair, they land with aplomb on the stunning Sackville Street, surrounded by the elite of Dublin society and its genteel residents.  Ignoring all advice to keep a low profile after her husbands death, Milandra immediately gets to work on becoming the most talked about lady in Dublin.  Poor Constance doesn't stand a chance, as this femme-fatal inserts herself into the Fontenoy fold and takes control of Nicolas' future.  The games begin and the reader is witness to the determined actions of Milandra and Flancy.  The novel switches forward to 1916, where Milandra remains on Sackville Street, now in her old age, and is trapped in a volatile situation with a group of young and fearful rebels.  She refuses to bow to their commands and in usual Milandra style, cooks up a storm.  

This is a racy, pacy piece of historical fiction.  Full of drama and decadence. It flies along with a steady pace and the characters immediately come to life.  It may be just over 500 pages long but can be devoured in a few sittings.  You will not be bogged down with historical facts, just the bare essentials to help the reader place Sackville Street in relation to the 1916 rising.  If you enjoyed Downton Abbey, RTÉ's Rebellion and BBC's The Paradise, then this is for you.  Improbable, addictive storylines which unfold gloriously as you turn the pages.  Light and fun, not to be taken too seriously, this is pure escapism. Another enjoyable historical drama from A.O'Connor.

On Sackville Street is available in TPB and ebook format.  You can order your copy (currently half price as part of Black Friday promotion from Poolbeg Books) HERE.  The ebook can be ordered via amazon link below:

Book Review: The Ghosts of Magnificent Children by Caroline Busher.

Reviewed by Mia Madden, age 13.

This is an incredulous debut novel about four unique children.  It's 1848 and twelve-year-old twins Archie and Millie live luxuriously.  One night a circus comes and the twins go to it without permission.  They get captured because of their abilities; they can read each others thoughts and Millie can turn into a fox and stick on to walls.  In the same year, fourteen-year-old Theo and thirteen- year-old Ginny wander the streets with a nefarious pick-pocketing gang.  Ginny gets briefly adopted after attempting to rob a finely dressed woman, but gets handed over to the circus. Theo gets caught as well and is also turned in.  The circus wants these two because Ginny has a bird living inside of her and Theo can see your worst secret and how you die.

These four kids band together and stay alive and become known as The Magnificent Children.  But while touring Ireland, strange things happen that will mess with their minds forever.  100 years later, the children wake again to discover that they are dead.  They meet an islander named Rua who wants to help them with their troubles.  The children don't exactly trust Rua, as his father wants to destroy the children once and for all.  Will Rua save the children or die at his ruthless father's hands?

I find this book was sort of like Ransom Rigg's Ms. Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children and I like it.  After all, no book can be 100% unique.  But, The Ghosts of Magnificent Children was better in my opinion as it was unpredictable, funny, mysterious and tragic at the same time.  An absolutely super debut by Busher and I long for a follow-up title.  Hopefully the author will write plenty of books to keep us entertained.

I recommend this for ages 9+.

The Ghosts of Magnificent Children is published by Poolbeg books and is available in PB and ebook format.

Book Review - 'The Memory of Music' by Olive Collins.

Ireland 2016 and Isabel is approaching her 100th Birthday.  Born during the Easter Rising, she has lived through some of the country's most turbulent times.  The daughter of a spirited woman and gifted violin-maker, the memories come to life when she hears the music of her past.  

Dublin 1916 and Betty is about to give birth, alone.  Irish rebels are taking over the city and she fears for her husband's safety.  Huddled in a tenement building, close to the GPO, she vows to improve her circumstances, with or without her husband's consent.  

Ireland's battle for Independence has been the subject of many novels in  recent months.  The brave men and women of our nation have been re-worked into some fine narratives and every child in the country celebrated this years centenary.  Olive Collins has added on something extra by bringing the story forward.  From the Rebellion, subsequent executions and treaty negotiations through to the end of civil war and its bitter aftermath.  She uses Betty, Isabel and their extended family to show how determination can sometimes lead to despair.  Betty's husband Seamus is a gifted man, full of musical talent and is an unparalleled creator of  exquisite violins. However, his Republican values outweigh his love of his personal life and he becomes increasingly distant from his family.  Late night visits, hidden arms and secret societies become the norm and Betty fears for her future.  Her hardened determination results in her own secrets.  As the years slip by,  the female descendants of Betty are unaware of the murky details of their matriarch's early years, until the discovery of some hidden letters...

Historical fiction can sometimes be weighed down by the authors research and the characters can become victims of their historical relevance.  This is not so with The Memory of Music.  While it is obvious that the author has an intensive knowledge of 20thC Irish History, especially the years surrounding our desire to break from English rule, she does not drown the reader with facts.  Rather, she gives enough detail to relate the characters to their situations and leaves the reader with a taster that may result in further research, if desired.  A teaser, if you like.  The writing is fluid and clear, with the novel split into three parts; the first part centered around the events of 1916, the second on Treaty negotiations and the War of Independence, whilst the final part leads the novel towards current times.  There are a gaggle of female, cross-generational characters in part three and I found myself struggling to retain their relevance to Seamus and Betty's story.  The idea of discovered letters is nothing new, but add in some torn photos and antique violins and furniture and it ups the game.  This is a great read, ideal for fans of Marita Conlon-McKenna's Rebel Sisters or RTÉ's recent TV drama, Rebellion.  A very worthy debut, ideally timed for the 1916 centenary celebrations and the upcoming anniversary of the War of Independence.  

The Memory of Music is published by Poolbeg Press and is available in TPB and ebook format.  You can order your copy, with 30% discount, HERE. The ebook can be ordered via amazon link below:

Book Review - 'They All Fall Down' by Cat Hogan.

I received a copy of this title, from the publisher, in return for an honest review...

A small fishing village in Ireland is the setting for an unusual set of circumstances.  Jen has inherited a house with a lodger and is slowly falling for his charms.  Andy is a widowed fisherman, gentle of spirit and he awakens something within Jen.  Their chemistry is obvious but she is afraid to act on it.  Scott is the fisherman's sinister friend, determined to keep the pair apart.  But why?

Single Mum, Jen, has uneasy feelings toward Scott from the get-go.  He is a dark shadow that seems to appear at the worst possible times and is the complete opposite of his best friend.  Rich, suave and a complete snob, he steps over people to get what he wants in life.  These includs Jen, her friends and anyone else he sees as a threat.  Tense dinner parties, subtle threats and many, many secrets all become part of Scott's larger plan.

This is Cat Hogan's debut novel and the title refers to an old playground song, Ring-a-ring-o' Roses.  Although there is no real connection to this rhyming tune, the house of cards that Scott is trying to control does require a lot of balancing.  The novel opens with a short, sinister prelude, on a cliff edge.  The story begins with an introduction to Jen and her son, Danny, and how they have ended up in their little cottage with Andy as a lodger.  There is then a strong chapter which gives the reader a glimpse into the dark and seedy mind of Scott, who obviously has more than a bit of the Norman Bates about him.  The novel then heads off in a different direction, with many characters (mostly friends of Jens) appearing and lots of name-repeating in each sentence of the dialogue.  The second half picks up a little pace as Scott's obsession becomes irrational and Jen seems to be the only one who can see it.  The story then shifts up a notch and sprints towards its ending.  

Cat Hogan obviously has a love of the sea, its lighthouses, its beaches and its overall atmosphere.  There are moments when you can almost feel the breeze and taste the salt air on the tip of your tongue.  I would have liked to have more visuals of the village, the pub, the local shop etc, to add a little more to the story.  The ongoing mention of characters names, within dialogue, can be jarring for a reader but that is a personal issue that not everyone notices.  This is a clever debut, with a despicable bad guy balancing out the fair and sweet protagonist.  Andy is a dream lodger, for any fresh-blooded female and one can definitely see how Jen would fall for him.  I'm just not sure he would ever be friends with Scott or fall for his continuous lies.  I look forward to see what direction Cat Hogan will lead us in with book two.  She is not afraid of the dark side of a story, which a great thriller really needs, and I hope she delves even further into the murky minds of some fictional characters in the future.

They All fall Down is published by Poolbeg and is available in TPB and ebook format.

Book Review - 'One Monday Morning' by Jennifer Burke.

I received a copy of this title, from the publishers, in return for an honest review...

Every year a group of friends meet on a hillside to remember their friend, Gerry.  His death was shocking and his loss is still felt.  Trish, Ciara and Stephen have all moved on, yet still manage to keep their own secrets close to their chests. 

Trish is now Cabin Crew with an International airline and enjoys the solitude it brings.  Ciara is working toward her Olympic dream but is sacrificing another part of her life.  Stephen is coming to terms with his recent redundancy but it has cast a new shadow between himself and his partner.  The friends have no idea they are all suffering under the weight of their secrets.  When the news breaks of an untimely death in London the threads of the secrets begin to unravel...

The blurb on the back of this title give no indication of the strong stories inside.  From the outset we are introduced to the ongoing abortion debate in Ireland, with pro-life pitted against pro-choice.  Each side has their firm beliefs and Trish is caught in the middle.  Her sister carried a baby, suffering with Edward's Syndrome, to term despite knowing he may only have lived a few hours.  The baby is in need of 24 hour care and in constant pain.  The medical expenses mean never-ending fund raising and eternal debates on the Irish constitution.  

Meanwhile, Ciara is part of another debate.  Herself and her wife seem to have differing views on the idea of motherhood.  Ciara is determined to run in Rio and is not keen to start a family, while Nikki sees no reason to wait.  The tension becomes intense when Ciara discovers text messages on Nikki's phone.

Stephen is also hiding something.  Being out of work has unleashed a darkness within his relationship. 

Contemporary Ireland is the backdrop for Jennifer Burke's third novel and its timing is perfect.  The whole country is once again embroiled in the debate surrounding abortion and the out-dated constitution that gives the State more rights over a woman's body than the women themselves.  The author does not preach or instill her own personal views, but lays out the facts and lets the reader decide what they believe is the right answer.  There are other topical subjects; gay marriage and their rights to become parents; unemployment; domestic violence; familial divisions and fractured friendships.  All of the characters have an element which could be representative of many of Ireland's younger residents.  This is, after all, a country still bound by its past governments and religious presence within its schools, but also one that is leading the way for more accepting generations.   Burke has hit the nail on the head, with perfect timing.  It is a novel of substance, written with clarity and concern.  The cover is fairly generic and the blurb very vague.  Don't be fooled by the packaging.  The contents are deeper.  This was a one-sitting read for me.  The stories are tightly linked and are completely believable.  This is a small group of friends, not on each others doorsteps but there when needed.  Ireland is moving forward and Jennifer Burke shows how the younger generation are now dealing with the shift.  A great read.  

One Monday Morning is published by Poolbeg and is available in TPB and ebook format.  You can get your copy, with Free Worldwide Postage and 15% discount, HERE.  The ebook can be ordered via amazon link below:

Book Review - "Rescued" by Maria Murphy. Guest review from Kelly Spillane.

Huge thanks to Kelly Spillane for her guest review of Rescued by Maria Murphy.

We received a copy of this title, from the publishers, in return for an honest review...

Kelly's Review

It's 1889, in West Cork. A well off young man, named Blake washes up on a beach after crashing his boat in a bad storm.  He washes up on the Mizen peninsula, where he is found by a fisherman's daughter, called Ellen.  Ellen is a healer and is able to take the pain away from Blake, therefore saving his life.  However, when she meets Blake and realises that there is an attraction between them, she remembers a warning that she was given by her Grandmother when she was a little girl.  Ellen decides that in order to protect herself, the way she promised her Grandmother, she would have to remove Blake from her home and never allow him to come back.  Blake finds that he has fallen head over heels in love with Ellen and sets out to find her.  On their third meeting, the realise that they are made for each other and decide to be together.  But the course of true love never does run smooth and it's not long before Blake and Ellen are facing many obstacles in order to be together.

I loved that this book was set in Cork. Being from Cork myself, I liked being able to read about areas that I am familiar with.  I also loved how this was a classic love story that could have been set in any place in the world in any era and it still would have been the same story being told.  I was pleasantly surprised to find that it touched on topics such a same sex marriage and abortions, both of which are still something of a taboo subject for many people today, let alone nearly 130 years ago.  In my opinion, the nicest thing about this book is how the relationships of the characters are so well developed.  It is clear to see how much the characters care about each other from the very start of this novel until the very last page. I love that the cover falls in perfectly with the story line.  It is extremely eye catching and would doubtlessly make me pick it and have a look at it if I came across it in a book shop. 

Recently, I have discovered the magic that is Historical Fiction and I can’t seem to get enough of this genre lately.  However, this book wasn't exactly my cup of tea.  I felt nothing for the characters and found that I didn’t really care what happened to them at any point throughout the book.  I found 'Rescued' to be a very hard read, and I got through it very slowly.  If it wasn't for the fact that the characters have to travel everywhere in a pony and cart, I would never have believed that this novel was set back in the 1880's.  For me, it lacked the detail that makes a Historical novel sparkle.  It didn’t describe the era enough and I would have very much liked to discover something new about this time frame, as it is one that I know very little about.  I also felt that there were way too many characters that were vital to the story in order to make it work.  I know that it centered on two characters mainly, but I found it very hard to remember who was who of the background characters.  I found myself picking this up and putting it down a lot, reading only one or two chapters at a time.  I just could not get into this book and even as the story developed more and became a little more interesting, 'Rescued' still failed to grab my attention for long periods of time.

I'm still not sure how I feel about this particular read.  I found it to be a very slow burner and it took me much longer than usual to finish it.  That being said, I am known to give up on books that I don't like, and I saw this one out to the end.  It's not a bad book and it actually has a lovely story once you get into it.  For me, the main problem was that it could have been set in present day as well as in the past.  It didn’t delve into the era well enough, containing too little description about the 1880's for my liking. It lacked depth and left me feeling cold when I finished it. This book would be perfect for people who love the classics and I'm sure that fans of Historical Fiction would find this to be a great read, it just wasn't for me.  If we all had the same tastes the world would be a very boring place.

Rescued is published by Poolbeg Press and is available in TPB and ebook format.  You can order your copy, with Free Worldwide Postage and 15% discount, HERE.  The ebook can be ordered via amazon link below:

Book Review - "A Letter From America" by Geraldine O'Neill.

We received a copy of this title, from the publishers, in return for an honest review.  Many thanks to my new guest reviewer, Martina, for her insightful review...

Guest review from Martina O'Connor.

The Tracey family are like any Irish family living in 1960s Ireland. Seán and Nance Tracey are the parents of three girls, Fiona, Angela and Bridget. Fiona lives at home and helps out in the family run shop and public house while Angela lives independently in Dublin and Bridget is on course to become a nun while living at a convent in Athlone. Throughout the book, we get an insight into the Tracey family through the perspectives of Fiona, Angela and Bridget.

            Geraldine kicks off by introducing Fiona, the eldest daughter, who receives a letter from America from her friend Elizabeth, who informs her that she has been successful in getting a nanny position with a family in New York. Looking forward to her new adventure in America, Fiona helps her parents during the busy Christmas period in the shop and the pub until she leaves for New York in the New Year.

            When the reader is introduced to Angela, they also get introduced to an independent young woman who has suffered from polio, which affected her leg, from a young age. Angela has not let this hold her back as she manages to get around. She lives amongst people who suffer from the same disability as her so she feels comfortable in her surroundings. Throughout the book, you feel the tensions Angela feels towards her mother, as she doesn’t feel close to her parent as much as Fiona would.

            Bridget, the third daughter, is living in a convent with the hope of becoming a nun. Bridget also has her independence but is set on completing her vocation as she has strong religious beliefs.

            Like every family, tragedy strikes when you least expect it to. When a tragedy strikes the Tracey family each of the girls deal with this event in their own way and Fiona is forced to postpone her trip to New York. She does this so that she can help her mother run both the shop and the pub but when her mother falls ill, Fiona has no choice but to cancel her trip altogether and look after her mother at home. Fiona soon finds herself yearning for the independence her sisters have. Bridget has her religion to help her through the tragedy and Angela is busy with work in Dublin so both are away from home and Fiona is left to take on the responsibilities of two businesses and looking after their mother by herself. This aspect of the book made me feel sorry for Fiona as she had her hopes and dreams for the future taken away from her. Fiona feels like she is left looking after things at home on her own as her sisters are unable to return home from their own responsibilities. I also get the idea that Angela is reluctant to return home, which is unfair on Fiona who is left to look after their mother on her own.

Soon, the story gives hope to the reader that Fiona can find happiness again, when a handsome American books into one of the rooms above the pub. Fiona immediately finds herself attracted to the American tourist, Michael O’Sullivan, and a romance blossoms. Could things work out for Fiona? Only one way to find out.  

Geraldine O’Neill’s writing is extraordinary. She finds a way to draw the reader in with her dialogues and depiction of family life in Ireland at this time. Throughout the book, we get a sense that there are family secrets and tensions when we are introduced to Nance’s relationship with her sister Catherine. Fiona, Angela and Bridget don’t understand the tension between Nance and their aunt and this tension keeps the reader turning the page to find out what is the reason behind this fallout. The girls get caught in the crossfire as all three sisters hear something that could change the family for good. What is the secret that has caused this tension in the Tracey family? Geraldine O’Neill keeps the reader hooked from start to finish in order to find out.

Throughout the book, many characters are introduced. While most characters are likable, there are one or two characters that the reader would find less appealing. For me, Fiona is the most likable as she is a strong character. She shows great strength in the way she runs the family businesses while looking after her sick mother. People would be able to relate to her after she had to sacrifice her trip to America to look after things at home.

On the other hand, a character I disliked, to some degree, was Nance Tracey. She started off as a strong character with a happy marriage and three beautiful daughters. However, when she fell ill, she didn’t show the strength that she portrayed at the beginning of the book and showed no interest in getting better which affected Fiona the most. In my opinion, Nance holds Fiona back from following her dreams and holds her back from gaining real independence, which she aches for. Also, when she pushes her only sister away because of the fallout they had, it just doesn’t give a good insight to the character.

There are many twists and turns throughout the course of this book that are exquisite. Geraldine O’Neill has a talent for bringing up plot twists at just the right moment. Each character in the book is dealt with a challenge that throws their future plans in the balance. Angela finds out what the Tracey secret is at a moment when her relationship with her mother is looking up. Fiona is unsure what her future holds and doesn’t know whether her dreams for America will happen and what that means for her relationship with Michael O’Sullivan. Another incident puts Bridget’s vocation in jeopardy. Nance also reaches a new low with her illness that threatens her life. Will the Tracey family be able to overcome these challenges in order to find true happiness for themselves?  My advice, read “A Letter from America” to unfold all the secrets, sadness and happiness that the Tracey girls become subject to in Geraldine O’Neill’s magnificent story about family, grievance, romance and new opportunities. 

A Letter from America is published by Poolbeg Books and is available in TPB and ebook format.  At the time of posting, Poolbeg are running a 50% sale on all their fiction titles. You can check out their range here.  The ebook can be ordered via amazon link below: 

"The Fallout" by Margaret Scott.

In the Celtic Tiger Era, Dublin's International Financial Services Centre is the place to be.  Lavish parties balance the long hours, corporate junkets are the norm and a hard shell is required.  But for the staff at DKB, times are about to get tougher.  The bubble has burst and expectations have soared.  To top it all, one of their top-ranked staff members has quit in an unprecedented way and questions are being asked.  Just what is the fallout for these hard-working bankers?  

The recession is not a new topic in fiction, by any means.  We have read stories of all classes, all walks of life and all with different endings.  But this novel, from Kildare author, Margaret Scott, shows how women were treated during this difficult time.  As the pressure built to boiling point, throughout the country, just who was expected to deal with all the extra hours?  Women, nationwide, fought to balance their careers with their family lives and often something had to give.  Sure, there were men sitting in darkened office blocks, trying to balance books, but did they worry about bath time for their children?  Wonder what time the supermarket closed at?  Drop everything to collect a sick child from childcare?   Yet, we supposedly live in a modern world, where women are afforded equal rights.  This is a novel that shows this is not always the case.  

Kate is returning to work after a long break and is as nervous as hell.  Even getting the Luas gives her the shivers.  She is replacing Olivia, who recently walked out on her hard-earned job, without notice.  Why?  Mary is a forty something singleton who cannot understand why she is not appreciated more, in her work, her love life or by her sister.  Just because she has no kids does not make her a walkover, right?  Leona is the proverbial Queen Bee.  Top of her game, hard as nails and determined to be the best in her field.  But what must she sacrifice to maintain this?  Along with their male colleagues, these ladies all have one thing in common; a level of frustration, well hidden from each other.  

  Short, sharp chapters, told from different character perspectives and broken up by investigative reports, make for an easy read.  A few too many characters at the beginning, but this settles as soon as you get to know each one.   Margaret Scott uses her relaxed writing style, injected with humour, to bring these ladies to life.  Yes, they are working women, but they are walking on the fine tightrope that is a largely female problem.  Despite our brave declarations of our feminist independence, we still rely heavily on our partners, families and friends when it comes to the great balancing act.  This book shows that it's ok to have a dire day, a miserable week or indeed just throw the towel in altogether.  There are only so many hours in the day, afterall...

The Fallout is published by Poolbeg and is available in paperback and ebook format.

Book Review - "Classic Irish Myths, Legends and Heroes" by Ann Carroll and Derry Dillon

We received a copy of this title, for review purposes, from Poolbeg Books...

Growing up in Ireland, Irish Myths and Legends are a big part of our lives.  From brave warriers to mystical Queens, we are taught of the heroic characters linked to Ireland and that have shaped our heritage, place-names and even our family names.  The Salmon of Knowledge, The Children of Lír and Fionn MacCumhaill are the tales we can recite from memory and that have influenced many a scholar or hurler throughout the centuries.  Stories of St. Patrick, Newgrange and The Giant's Causeway are all factually based, with physical examples still in existence today, making the re-telling of these legends all the more powerful.  However,  for the purposes of this review, I thought I would ask a non-Irish resident for their un-biased opinion.  Librarian, Raquel Ruiz Cecconello, kindly offered to read this title and here are her thoughts:

Guest Review from Raquel Ruiz Cecconello

"What happened to the Children of Lir? How Cúchulainn got his name? Why St. Patrick is the saint of Ireland? What happened in Newgrange? Ireland is full of heroes and myths. Every piece of land tells a story. Learn how they became heroes and how the legends were born.

Six short stories about the most popular heroes, myths and legends of Ireland. Some of the stories are well narrated, others are a little simplistic. The illustrations by Derry Dillon support effectively the narration of the legends."

Ideal for read-aloud sessions with children, or for early readers, this book is sure to be a firm favourite in any household.  Also perfect for the school library or for visiting grandchildren.  I am sure there are plenty of Niamhs, Grainnes and Finns who would be delighted to read about their namesakes...

Classic Irish Myths, Legends and Heroes is published by Poolbeg Books and is available in paperback.  

You can order your copy, with Free Worldwide Postage, here.  The title can also be ordered via amazon link below:

"The Fallout" by Margaret Scott. Exclusive cover reveal and Giveaway.

The great thing about living in Ireland is getting to know a lot of the amazing authors who reside here.   I have known Kildare based author, Margaret Scott, for a number of years now and we love nothing better than to browse the bookshelves of Independent book stores, chatting books over coffee and occasionally downing a glass of wine (or two).  Her eagerly anticipated second novel is due for release in April and I am thrilled to be the first to share the cover and blurb.
 Margaret has also supplied a fantastic giveaway to celebrate and calls it the "Lunch is for Wimps" pack.  To be in with a chance of winning the prize, just enter via rafflecopter link at the bottom of the page.  Good Luck!

(Photo courtesy of Ger Holland Photography)

So, book lovers, *insert fanfare*, here is the cover of The Fallout...

The Blurb

International Financial Services Centre, Dublin, 2011.

The dust has barely settled on the banking crisis when two letters arrive in the offices of German Commercial Bank DKB.

Kate O’Brien joined the bank one month earlier after a short break to have her children. Kate doesn’t want stress or drama, she just wants to do her job and go home. But Kate might not be the only one with an agenda.

Mary Lawlor has worked at DKB long enough to be able to see that it’s happening again, and this time she won’t stand for it. She is sick of being taken advantage of and it’s got to stop.

Leona Blake has a job to do and is going to do it no matter what the cost. Only now, as her whole world starts to implode does she finally realise that the price just might have been too high.

Olivia Sharpe is finally writing things down. Now is her chance to take control of her life again and get closure for both herself and her children. What happened to her was wrong and someone needs to pay. Don’t they?

Two Letters

Four lives.  

It’s time to take sides.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Margaret Scott lives in Kildare with her husband Keith Darcy, two little girls Isabelle & Emily, one year old Michael and assortment of pets.

An accountant by day, her first book ‘Between You and Me’ was published by Poolbeg Press in 2013 and enjoyed several weeks in the ROI top ten Bestsellers List.

The Fallout is published by Poolbeg Books on 1st April 2016 and will be available in trade paperback and ebook format.

This "Lunch Is For Wimps" prize pack is up for grabs, for one lucky reader. Open INT.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Review - "Return to Tyringham Park" by Rosemary McLoughlin.

I received a copy of this title, from the publishers, in return for an honest review...

A lavish Irish country estate, Tyringham Park is once again full of secrets, lies and tragedy.  When Lochlann returns from his post as a doctor in the Australian Outback, he brings home his wife and daughter.  Unbeknownst to anyone, his daughter is actually not his.  He carries the guilt of his dishonesty daily and finds himself hiding from the people he should love the most.  The young girl grows up in the care of her Grandmother, and oblivious to her true identity, she divides her time between Dublin and Tyringham Park.  

Back at the family seat, there are more secrets to be hidden and the past may catch up with the Blackhurst family yet...

Tyringham Park was one of my guilty pleasure reads (you can read my review here) and I was delighted to hear there was a sequel from Rosemary McLoughlin.  Now that Downton Abbey has finished its TV run, there is some Big House space to be filled.  

The book jumps straight into the continuing story of a missing Nanny, a mysterious drowning and the efforts required to hide some serious secrets.  I found myself getting a little lost, as it is a while since I read the first installment, and I'm not sure if a reader would connect too easily if they hadn't read Tyringham Park.  However, once the back story settles down, the sweeping saga gets right under your skin.  The chapters set in Australia are especially gripping, with the Hogan family coming to life straight away.  Their struggle with their mother's post natal depression is wonderfully written and the descriptions of her husband out walking the outback, searching for her, are very poignant.  Sisterly rivalry is also cleverly addressed and the progression of bitterness gains momentum as the novel progresses.  The story shifts back to Ireland and while the pace has settled, the story has taken over.  Lochlann's guilt has eased and he seems to be finally able to let go of the past.  But for how long? 

The Tyringham Park novels are ideal for fans of Downton Abbey, with all the crazy storylines, historical references and fabulous fashion.  I would recommend reading the first book, before starting Return to Tyringham Park, as there are too many references in the sequel to appreciate it as a stand-alone novel.  Perfect for those missing their weekly fix of historical drama.

Return to Tyringham Park is published by Poolbeg and is available in  trade paperback and ebook format.  You can order your copy, with 15% discount and Free Worldwide Postage, here.  The ebook can be ordered via amazon link below:

'Still You' by Claire Allan. Book Review and Giveaway.

Thanks to the author, I have a fantastic prize pack for one lucky reader.  There is a signed copy of Still You, a beautiful book-lovers necklace, a swanky bookish bar of chocolate and an alzheimers.org.uk charity pin.  Just enter via rafflecopter link below.  Good Luck!

My Review

Georgina is starting a new phase of her life.  Recently separated from her husband, she is learning to be a single mother and adjusting to being a single woman, instead of one half of a couple.  One of her new experiences is becoming a carer to alzheimer's sufferer, Áine Quigley.  The elderly lady has begun to deteriorate and her son has finally accepted that she needs help.  Georgina and Áine take a while to find their rhythm, but pretty soon they bring out the best in each other.  Áine's memories are fleeting and her carer helps her recall them, while all the while remaining cautious of their effects.  The women help each other, without even realising it, and their friendship becomes more important than the disease.  But are the memories safe to rekindle? Should the past be left forgotten?  How much of Áine is still simmering behind the dementia?  Georgina feels that Áine is still there, and is ready to support her, no matter what...

This dual-time story flicks from 1960's UK and Italy, back to the present day.  Áine and her sister, Charlotte are like chalk and cheese, with one escaping the mundane, pre-planned life while the other stays at home to keep the cogs turning at home.  When tragedy strikes, Áine's life takes on new meaning and she sees herself in a very different role.  Family attitudes and expectations are forever hovering on the peripheral, yet she aches to be loved for herself.  

Back in the present day, Georgina can see chinks of what she imagines is the real Áine, through the steady confusion of dementia.  She knows that Áine is a woman of character and has her own distinctive story, but can also see how her past is being gradually eaten away by her disease.  She knows that the job of carer has its limitations, and ignores recommended protocol and employment guidelines, instead focusing on befriending her client.  Her own life is in limbo, so the two women have something different to offer each other.  

Claire Allan has a way of bringing her characters to life, in her own distinctive way.  She avoids over-sentimentality and instead focuses on the narrative.  There is a warmness within her words and an appreciation of the individuality of her character's stories.  Áine is a charming example.  While some would see alzheimer's patients with a broad-stroke view of dismissive indifference, the author added depth to the narrative.  While some writers portray carers as slaves to martyrdom, this novel shows these workers as regular, everyday men and women who just want to earn a living, while helping others who can't help themselves.  Georgina and Áine are an unlikely duo, but they need each other equally.  They bring out the best in each other, while dodging days of confusion and despair, yet through it all, hold their dignity as much as possible.  The extra characters are there to help balance the overall tale and the split time-frame is great.  I did find myself wanting to read more and more about Áine's past and flicked through the book with great gusto.  There are elements for those who love a good  romance, but for me, this was a story of personality.  The one we are born with, carry forward through our teenage years, into our adult lives and which makes us who we are.  This is the story of what happens when that personality starts to lose its grip, and becomes muddled up, out of control.  Will people remember that you are still you?  

An honest, heartfelt read, from one of Ireland's most charming and talented female fiction writers.  Ideal for an evening by the fire, candle lit and the doors shut to the cold of winter...

Still You is published by Poolbeg Books and is available in trade paperback and ebook format.  You can order your copy, with Free Worldwide Postage and 22% discount, here.  

GIVEAWAY

a Rafflecopter giveaway

'My Sister's Child' by Caroline Finnerty.

I received a copy of this title, from the publishers, in return for an honest review...

Sisters, Jo and Isla, are like chalk and cheese.  Jo is the elder of the two.  She is the responsible one.  Always top of the class, ahead in her career, clever with finances and settled in her family life.  Isla is flighty, carefree and unambitious.  However, Jo owes her younger sister some credit for her perfect life.  If it wasn't for Isla her life would be incomplete.  Fourteen years ago, Isla gave her the most precious gift in the world.  The chance to have a baby.  With the help of her donated eggs, Jo and her husband managed to conceive their only child, Realtín.  Their family unit complete, the sisters continue on their well worn paths, albeit in different directions.  All this changes when Isla begins to  dream of becoming a mother herself.  Now she is the one with infertility problems and she needs her older sister to help her out.  Tensions are fraught and the two women each believe they have all the answers.  But do they?

The fourth novel from Irish author, Caroline Finnerty, this is a novel with one big decision at its core.  Does one good favour deserve another?  Is a mother the one who shares the child's DNA or the one who raises her?  Does a child need to know how they were created?  So many questions that have one meaning in legal terms and another in real life.  The author uses two main protagonists as a way of examining this quandary.   Jo is the high-flying, career woman that has devoted her life to being at the top of her game and micro-managing her family.  Losing her mother at a young age, she spent most of her childhood looking out for her younger sister, whether she liked it or not.  She still believes she knows best, and when asked to assist Isla in her fertility journey, she is not ready to compromise.  Isla, on the other hand, has always felt like she was in Jo's shadow.  Not academically gifted, she is more the arty type, and is quite content waiting tables in a local café.  She doesn't see the need for a man in her life, a mortgage or all the other trappings of adulthood.  She does have a longing for a child though, and feels her sister should help her out.  The reader is given both sides of the story and the sister's dilemma becomes more about their past than their present.  There are flashbacks to their difficult childhood and many insights into their opposite worlds.  

Similar to a Jodi Picoult novel, this is a book that will have the reader wondering what they would do if in the same situation.  Unfortunately there is no court case, which could have added some extra-zest, but with Irish law changing recently, this means the book won't date.   Isla's long-term goals are not really an issue for her and most 39 year old women, considering pregnancy, would like to plan how becoming a mother would change their lives. But Isla is free-spirited and I'm sure we all know someone just like her.  While Jo becomes an anti-heroine very quickly, further into the story we discover why she is so regimental and a tad bitter.  Realtín is not the nicest teenager and it seems unlikely that she would not have a friend or two to confide in.  No friends calling to the house, no mention of texts, snapchats or facetime.  There is also a element of unhappiness in Jo's marriage that could be attributed to Jo's superiority complex and her need to control her daughter and their home life.  Her husband, Ryan, never gets a chance to voice his unhappiness.  There are many marriages like this, in the real world, and often the children side with the more 'fun' parent.  The supporting characters are minimal, with Isla having her work colleagues to banter with but no such luck for Jo, who it seems has no adult companionship at all.   This can also be the case for the full-time working mothers out there.  Ryan seems to escape occasionally, but not Jo.  No date nights for the couple either.  All aspects of Jo's world that her daughter may not notice.  Teenagers see what they want to see.  While Isla's world looks like so much more fun than Jo's, looks can be deceiving.

Caroline Finnerty is well able to hold her own among the top female fiction writers, like Cathy Kelly and Sheila O'Flanagan.  She knows how to use ordinary words to create moments of beauty.  The mundane can be magnificent and she can transform the unstructured moments of a day into ripples of stunning sentences.  While the pace is a little slow, there are some poetic moments which carry you through the opposing, yet connected, lives of two very different sisters.  Much like real life...

My Sister's Child is published by Poolbeg and is available in paperback and ebook format.  You can order your copy, with Free Worldwide Postage and 16% discount, here.  The ebook can be ordered via amazon link below: