Book Review: The Daughters of Ireland

Happy Solar Eclipse Monday, My Lovelies!  Recently I read Santa Montefiore's The Daughters of Ireland, the sequel to The Girl in the Castle.  You can read my glowing review of The Girl in the Castle HERE. For some reason these books have been repackaged and retitled in the UK and here in the States:  The Girl in the Castle is now Songs of Love and War in the UK and The Irish Girl in the US.  Also, Book 2 in the series is entitled Daughters of Castle Deverill in the UK, and here in the US it's The Daughters of Ireland. Book 3 is already out in the UK, The Last Secret of the Deverils  (I have no idea what the title will be once it's released here).  I'm concerned about the publisher's shenanigans because I really don't want all the title changes to discourage readers; this is an excellent series. The story is so much better than Downton Abbey.  I don't know if the series has been optioned yet, but it would make an incredible miniseries.

Also, I must disclose that I really enjoy Santa Montefiore's books. I've also reviewed The Beekeeper's Daughter and The French Gardener  here on my blog.

About The Daughters of Ireland

• Paperback: 576 pages
• Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks (August 15, 2017)

Ireland. 1925. The war is over. But life will never be the same... "Everything Santa Montefiore writes, she writes from the heart,” says JOJO MOYES. See why in this unforgettable story of love, loss, and life, perfect for fans of DOWNTON ABBEY and KATE MORTON.

In the green hills of West Cork, Ireland, Castle Deverill has burned to the ground. But young Celia Deverill is determined to see her ruined ancestral home restored to its former glory — to the years when Celia ran through its vast halls with her cousin Kitty and their childhood friend Bridie Doyle. Kitty herself is raising a young family, but she longs for Jack O’Leary — the long-ago sweetheart she cannot have. And soon Kitty must make a heartbreaking decision, one that could destroy everything she holds dear. Bridie, once a cook's daugher in Castle Deverill, is now a well-heeled New York City socialite. Yet her celebrity can't erase a past act that haunts her still. Nor can it keep her from seeking revenge upon the woman who wronged her all those years ago. As these three daughters of Ireland seek to make their way in a world once again beset by dark forces, Santa Montefiore shows us once more why she is one of the best-loved storytellers at work today.

 

Purchase Links

HarperCollins | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

About Santa Montefiore

Santa Montefiore was born in England. She went to Sherborne School for Girls in Dorset and studied Spanish and Italian at Exeter University. She has written sixteen bestselling novels, which have been translated into thirty different languages and have sold more than two million copies worldwide. Find out more about Santa at her website, and connect with her Facebook. You can also join the Facebook group dedicated to her books.



My Review:

First of all I want to emphasize that this is not a standalone novel.  If you are looking for a series, then you've come to the right place:  I highly recommend it!  This family drama is entertaining, and I love the County Cork setting. Plus, this book is set just after the Irish War of Independence during the Roaring Twenties and ensuing Great Depression.  There are some very surprising plot twists: This is not a formulaic historical romance or chick lit book at all. It's gritty, and Montefiore doesn't shy away from violence in this novel just like she didn't in the first.

This installment is a little slow to develop, but once I reached page 75, I couldn't put it down until I finished.  Kitty takes a backseat to Celia and Bridie in Book 2.  Bridie spends most of her time in The Hamptons (so reminiscent of The Great Gatsby's setting) partying and trying to forget her many losses.  Celia travels around the world to restore her family's name.  Both Celia and Bridie develop into much more likable women, especially Celia who morphs from silly and vapid to conscientious and courageous.  She is my new literary hero; Celia has a strength of will and determination I admire. Unfortunately the same can't be said for Jack O'Leary; he's lost his moral compass and his mind, apparently.

If you enjoy family dramas, novels set in Ireland, strong female characters, and a little bit of the paranormal thrown into the mix (there are ghosts), then you will love this series.  I can't wait for Book 3!


Disclosure:  I received an ARC from the publisher via TLC Book Tours in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Until next time...

Happy reading!
Ricki Jill