(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)

Their lives were mapped out ahead of them. But love and war will change everything…
West Cork, Ireland, 1900. The year marks the start of a new century, and the birth of three very different women: Kitty Deverill, the flame-haired Anglo-Irish daughter of the castle, Bridie Doyle, the daughter of the Irish cook and Celia Deverill, Kitty's flamboyant English cousin.
Together they grow up in the dreamy grounds of the family's grand estate, Castle Deverill. Yet their peaceful way of life is threatened when Ireland's struggle for independence reaches their isolated part of the country.
A bastion of British supremacy, the castle itself is in danger of destruction as the war closes in around it, and Kitty, in love with the rebel Jack O'Leary and enflamed by her own sense of patriotism, is torn between loyalty to her Anglo-Irish family and her deep love of Ireland and Jack.
Wrenched apart by betrayal, their world turned to ash, the girls' friendship seems all but lost as they are swept to different parts of the globe. Yet, they have one thing in common: a fierce and unwavering longing for Castle Deverill and all the memories contained within it.

Historical fiction - you either love it or you hate it. When done well, it can be a very rewarding genre to get immersed in - at its worst, well, you can imagine...

For some reason, this fell right into the middle for me. And I don't particularly know why. There was its fair share of good and bad throughout, and I just can't seem to find words to adequately describe it...

Highlights - great characters will always make for great stories. So, check! A short timeframe (about 15-20 years) is fantastic as it keeps the narrative tighter than a big time span.

Negatives: too long - I felt that 150 pages less would have made a terrific book. Especially considering this is just Book 1...the other downside was the pacing. Although the characters did their best, nothing of any real substance seemed to happen. Which was a shame.

Will I read any more of this series? The next two books are a bit shorter so I may just do that...


Paul
ARH