Outstanding! Not only a brilliant story but the book taught me lots I didn't know about Home Rule and the political situation in Belfast. Having visited Dublin I had some previous knowledge on the Easter Rising and the situation in the South but knew little about the feelings and reactions to the proposed Home Rule in Belfast. Having visited Belfast once I now have a desire to go back to the city to learn more. Growing up in the 80's I am well aware of the political divisions in the city and Mary's book has helped me to understand more about the background to these.

The story itself is brilliant. You can't help but to love Nan Rose and Bridie from the star, in fact the whole family seemed warm and kind. I won't spoil it for others but there is sadness in parts and you hope at the end some happiness will follow. Being a Yorkshire lass I enjoyed the Sheffield side to the storyline (especially as my in-laws family came over from Ireland to Sheffield so this has made me want to look more into why they chose Sheffield).

I hope Mary Marken writes more books of this nature. In fact I'd love some follow up titles to this book as it would be good to know Nan's future and how the changing political divide in Ireland affected the family.

I'd highly recommend the title to others who enjoy historical fiction. Thank you to the publishers, NetGalley and of course the author for writing such a brilliant book and allowing me to read an Arc copy.