The Irish Boarding House: Completely heart-warming Irish historical fiction

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I loved this novel so much, even though it’s probably the most heart-breaking story I’ve read all year…it will totally absorb you and capture your heart.” That Thing She Reads Merrion Square. The house stands empty, the old stone steps overgrown with thorny rose bushes. But Mary Kate feels a deep connection to the neglected, silent rooms. Could this be the place to help her heal?
Dublin 1952. When Mary Kate Ryan receives a surprise inheritance from the woman who abandoned her as a tiny baby, she’s stunned. All her life, she has longed to know why her mother disappeared, and now she’s devastated to realise that every lonely night she spent without a home or family of her own, her mother knew exactly where she was.
Mary Kate is about to refuse the money when she sees a beautiful, deserted house for sale and something sparks in her heart. She will reawaken it, as the Dublin Boarding House for Single Ladies, and provide a shelter for others as lost and alone as her. Can she help the two young girls left at the local orphanage, desperate for a home of their own? Or the pregnant teenager on the run, who only wants to keep her baby safe?
The boarding house brings Mary Kate love and friendships she never dreamed of, but just as her heart is about to burst with joy, a new guest arrives. The stern older woman won’t speak about her past, but when Mary Kate uncovers her story, it reveals a devastating secret about her mother. With her life in turmoil once more, can Mary Kate draw on the strength of the women in the house to help her face her past, or will the tragedy she uncovers spell disaster for them all…?
A heart-wrenching story full of family secrets. Perfect for fans of Jean Grainger, Lisa Wingate and Diney Costeloe. Sandy Taylor is a new-to-me author but now that I have read The Irish Boarding House I will certainly be looking for other books she has written. This story has wonderful characters I could believe in with a lot of twists and turns that were completely believable. Set mostly around 1951so this is a historical novel, taking place in Dublin. Brought me to tears numerous times with its emotive words and insightful views on life and love. The writing was simply breathtaking, it was witty and beautiful in the same measure and it has quite frankly stolen my heart.' Stacy is Reading, 5 stars

The Irish Boarding House: Completely heart-warming Irish The Irish Boarding House: Completely heart-warming Irish

I attempted to leave a review on this books many months ago when I finished reading it but had technical issues. My review will be less complete since so much time has passed since finishing it. Heartwarming, but also extremely heartbreaking … I don’t think it really matters who you are, almost anyone would find something they enjoy about THE GIRLS FROM SEESAW LANE.” The Reading Head

Dublin 1952. When Mary Kate Ryan receives a surprise inheritance from the woman who abandoned her as a tiny baby, she's stunned. All her life, she has longed to know why her mother disappeared, and now she's devastated to realise that every lonely night she spent without a home or family of her own, her mother knew exactly where she was. What a beautiful story. I couldn't put it down I felt I knew all the characters and couldn't wait to find out about them all. A really feel good story, no violence just a lovely story. This review was written voluntarily and my rating was in no way influenced by the fact that I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel from Bookouture via NetGalley. That being said - I still liked it? It's weird, I don't know what to tell you. If you're looking for something that is super low stakes and just fills your heart with gooey hope and joy, this is that book. Truly. And there were times that I LOVED that. But also there were times that I was like "Yes, yes, I know, you've mentioned this before!" and wanted a bit more *oomph*.

The Irish Boarding House by Sandy Taylor, Aoife McMahon The Irish Boarding House by Sandy Taylor, Aoife McMahon

I read a lot of heavy historical fiction, so sweet and saccharine every now and then is a nice change. This sounds like another story full of help and good hearted people. Great review, Lynne. It’s heart-wrenching storyline will totally absorbed. Will totally capture your heart. Eagerly awaiting the next installment.” Good Reads Reviewer Oh my word what a story, I loved this book; witty, enchanting, that will definitely pull at your heartstrings as you read.’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 starsRarely do I find a book that can double me over with laughter and break my heart with tears... This book delivers and then some!' Netgalley Reviewer, 5 stars Abandoned by her mother Mary Kate was raised by her grandparents. When her grandparents pass away she is left to make a way for herself in the world. I loved this book – I lost my whole day reading – just couldn’t bear to put it down! ’ Goodreads reviewer I absolutely adore this author. She has a way of transporting you to the world of her stories and the lives of her characters – books like hers are why I read. This was a beautiful book – I was invested in the lives of the characters, I lived out their dramas and came away changed… Loved it!” Renita D’Silva, 5 stars

Member Reviews | NetGalley

Wow… deserves more than 5 stars. It is a heart-warming as well as a heartbreaking story all at the same time. I absolutely loved this book. Warning: keep the tissues handy!’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 starsSandy’s eighth novel, THE IRISH BOARDING HOUSE, was published by Bookouture on 1 September 2022 reaching #1 in the British and Irish Historical Literature category within six days of publication. A lovely, feel-good, comforting read - I didn't feel up to any hard concentration today so it was just what I wanted. Mary Kate has had some very difficult times but her life changes for the better when she inherits a large sum of money. She spends a lot of it helping others anonymously. WOW!!!!! An unforgettable journey of hope, love, heartbreak… I fell in love with the characters right away.” A Book With Review, 5 stars

Sandy Taylor - KHLA Sandy Taylor - KHLA

Mary Kate is about to refuse the money when she sees a beautiful, deserted house for sale and something sparks in her heart. She will reawaken it, as the Dublin Boarding House for Single Ladies, and provide a shelter for others as lost and alone as her. Can she help the two young girls left at the local orphanage, desperate for a home of their own? Or the pregnant teenager on the run, who only wants to keep her baby safe? Mary Kate Ryan had it tough, as someone who was abandoned by her mother when she was a baby. She was happily brought up by her grandparents, but when they died, her life took a perilous turn. Suddenly, she inherits a large sum of money, which changes her life and a lot of other people besides. Climax: The cunning Mrs. Mooney demands to talk to her lodger Mr. Doran after observing his covert fling with her daughter Polly.Beautiful... heart-warming, and heartbreaking all at the same time... 5/5 stars.' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars Mrs. Mooney’s 19-year-old daughter, who does housework around the boarding house. A “very lively” young woman, she flirts with all the resident young men. She seems to be the driving force behind her relationship… Disclaimer: all items are bought personally unless otherwise stated. Posts that have been commissioned will be labelled as sponsored or collaborative based on the brand’s preference. Thank you Bookoutre for a copy of The Irish Boarding house by Sandy Taylor. This is another beautifully written and heart-warming tale set in Dublin in 1952. I have all the authors books and she never disappoint.