This was a heartwarming story of hope and second chances, set in Dublin of the 1950s. I picked this up because I was passing through Ireland on a trip and wanted a novel set in the country. This didn’t disappoint.

Mary Kate was abandoned by her mother and raised in extreme poverty by her loving grandparents. Nevertheless, her childhood was a happy one and she was fortunate enough to have grown up not understanding how poor they really were. When her grandparents die, Mary Kate is evicted from their cottage and moves to Dublin where she takes up a series of poor-paying jobs, living in depressing boarding houses headed by mean-spirited women.

Just as she ponders ending it all, she receives a letter and her fortunes change overnight. The mother who abandoned her years earlier has died and left her a substantial fortune. With her newfound wealth, Mary Kate purchases an impressive property in Dublin and opens a boarding house for single ladies. She attracts a series of women and girls facing their own challenges, and the story gives a fun glimpse into how friendship, acceptance and a sense of belonging touches upon so many lives. A fun and uplifting read.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy - all thoughts are my own.

Second book I have read by this talented author and It did not disappoint. Based on Mary Kate who was abandoned by her mother and receives her unexpected inheritance which she uses initially to buy a property and turns it into a boarding house. I loved the way Mary Kate’s. character grew and rather than feeling sorry for herself she helped others through troubled times and these people became her own family. A lovely story of relationships life’s ups and downs told with humour and sadness. At times I laughed out loud with the characters. Loved this book and would highly recommend.

A lovely book of love, loss, life and second chances. I read this in one sitting and was completely invested in the characters and their stories
An absolutely delightful read

I liked this book. I really liked this book. I am not sure I would reach for it in a library, but I am thankful that the publisher sent me the electronic copy for review...Netgalley thanks also...The protagonist is a likable, warm, giving character...it reads like real life...the setting is Ireland...but the book is more character-driven than setting...it could happen anywhere at any time...I liked this book...Awww...I have said that already...If I could give it more than five stars, I would. This is a talented and gifted author who makes me want to read more about the people in this book...yes, that is what they are...people more than characters...although there are tons of them, it was not difficult keeping track because of the way the author wrote the story. From a baby to adults...from poor to rich...I hope there is a sequel to this book. Don't miss it. Curl up in on a comfy sofa...grab a warm blanket...a cup of steaming herbal tea...scones...and enjoy an afternoon with this group of characters.

This is a lovely story.It transported me from my reading chair to Ireland to the boarding house during the war.The writing the characters the setting made this a wonderful read.#netgalley #bookoutture.

Loved Mary Kate’s character! This book was a thrilling ride from the beginning. The author’s style places the reader in the book in each scene for an entertaining journey. I felt like I was in the boardinghouse. Awe-inspiring . . . The characters are so well drawn and the plot so well paced, I couldn’t put it down.

Firstly thank you Netgalley for this ARC

Loved this book based in Ireland but in the world war. Felt like I was staying in the boarding house

This was a sweet story about making your own family and trying to make amends. I had not read anything by this author before, but found this an easy, well-written book with happy endings for the group of women who are at its core. It’s not profound but isn’t trying to be, and the characters are well-rounded, with their own stories intersecting with the others’.

The Irish Boarding House by Sandy Taylor is a great post WWII historical fiction set in Ireland that I really enjoyed.

This was such a unique book in that it takes place within the 1950s Ireland and I honestly feel that there are not enough books that better explore this decade within the UK.

I really enjoyed the surprising complexity of this book. There is mystery, history, extensive character development, surprises…and much more. The basic questions that arrise in regards to how much our past and our family define who we are, our place in life, and who we are to become are fundamental in this narrative. How much the misgivings of those within our lives we should allow to affect our present and future is something that we all can identify with.

Our main female character, Mary Kate Ryan, has to wrestle with all of this and more when she is confronted by the secrets, mysteries, and questions involving her own past, the mother which she did not get to grow up with, and her own hopes and goals with purchasing the home and trying to help others that also need a helping hand.

I really enjoyed following along.

4/5 stars

Thank you NG and Bookouture for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 9/1/22.