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

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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. And here's some quotes for you (the first one being in response to the MC's question to her grandfather - "Why should I keep a diary?"): 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?

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*.First Jessie and Abby arrived from the convent to help Mary Kate. Gradually the boarding house filled up with the young and not so young and it wasn't long before the peace and tranquility of the beautiful home seemed to them all like family. Polly and Orla now worked at the exclusive department store in the city, while Mrs Lamb and Eliza did the cooking. Colleen and Rosa couldn't have been happier - but there were secrets behind each person's closed doors. And would the new guest - one that puzzled Mary Kate - uncover more secrets or just be passing through?

Rarely 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

I loved this book – I lost my whole day reading – just couldn’t bear to put it down!’ Goodreads reviewer An emotional, addictive read that I am certain will stay with me for a long time. Sandy’s writing is flawless… For hours, I was completely lost in the world that she had created. This book had me smiling then crying and sometimes doing both at the same time.” A Haven for Book Lovers, 5 stars It was so easy to slip into this uplifting story and get carried away by the drama that surrounds the life of Mary Kate. She is such an admirable person and I found myself constantly cheering her on and smiling when things turned around for her. Life, at the start, was not easy for this woman. She grew up in poverty after being abandoned by her mother as a baby. But she was not without love. Her special grandparents raised and taught her the things of most importance in life. And although she missed a mother-daughter relationship, she blossomed into a wonderful nurturing person who went on to help many hardship persons who came her way. One might say her previous suffering shaped her heart in ways that proved immensely useful when she inherited a large sum of money. There is so much to love about this novel and I highly recommend it to all who crave heartfelt, touching stories that sweep you away to a gentler, kinder place. A story where loving and helping your neighbour is number one. How many would do the wonderful things this woman has done with what she was given? Are her motives pure? Yes, the only satisfaction she seeks is to see another person happy. The Irish Boarding House is truly a refreshing reading experience. Without question, a 5 Star inspirational story. When her circumstances changed due to an unexpected inheritance, Mary Kate could have chosen to keep it all to herself. Instead, she reaches out to the less fortunate. Living in abhorrent conditions herself, Mary Kate knows all about the horrors of low-income living. Using the inheritance she buys a beautiful Georgian home and extends a hand up to those in similar situations she herself experienced. A large portion of the book is devoted to those who come to stay at 24 Merrion Square ~ The Irish Boarding House. Your heart will be warmed and you’ll be inspired to pay it forward ~ share a little kindness. If the past 2 years have taught us anything, it’s that we all need each other’s support to survive.

A beautifully written tale of friendship, family, loyalty and betrayal. It is in turn both heart-warming and tragic.” The Welsh Librarian 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 stars 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 stars Top Five Tuesday: 5 books that I’m thankful for in 2023 #Top5Tuesday #TuesdayBookBlog @MeeghanReads#TopFiveTuesday November 21, 2023

Member Reviews

Beautiful… heart-warming, and heartbreaking all at the same time… 5/5 stars.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars This novel was heart-warming and filled with delightful, likeable characters. Set in Dublin in the 1950s, it was peopled with mostly Catholic women – women who had faced adversity of one kind or another. 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. To keep account of your life, Mary Kate, to mark your red-letter days, to gain wisdom from your failures and take pride in your successes. Never throw them away, but read them now and again, for they will remind you of how far you've come."