As the potato blight and famine move through Ireland, Nell's position as scullery maid at the English Lord's castle is all that stands between her family and starvation. There is an heir about Nell's age who pays attention to her. Johnny, over his uncle's strenuous objections, is sympathetic to the plight of the tenants and attempts to help stave off starvation but is punished by his uncle for his attempts. Though cautioned against becoming attached to Johnny, Nell can't help herself.

Then, Nell's father, along with other tenants makes a daring grab of food stores from the earl. Disaster follows and Nell again places her trust in Johnny to help the family.

While the romance was a bit of a stretch, historical events in the book were true to facts. Young adults would find this work a good introduction to that time period in history and some causes of the Irish migration to America, though they might be disappointed that the romance isn't more fully developed. Narrator/actor Sophie Jo Wasson believably voices Nell as a young Irish woman.

Recommended for libraries serving young adults.

A beautiful and teen-friendly story for tentative first love set against the Irish potato famine. The author balances history and politics with the personal story of a young woman finding her way in brutal circumstances

This new release from Sarah Crossan transports the reader to Ireland in 1846 when the potato blight was making its mark. Our main character Nell is just sixteen and starting a job 'up the hill' at the owner's mansion. When his heir takes note of her, they are both unexpectedly drawn to each other. Then life really starts to get complicated.

Written in verse, Nell's story and that of her family will grab your attention and you will feel like you are back in that desolate time in history. Will Nell, brother Owen, and parents finally have success on their plot of land? Or should they emigrate to America? So many tough decisions. A riveting and emotional read.

Thank you to HarperAudio and NetGally for a DRC in exchange for an honest review. The audio is a delight to listen to, but I also loved having a DRC from Green Willow Books and Edelweiss+ to view the verse on the page.