Pauline McLynn

Really enjoyed reading this book told through a range of characters. The story unfolds initially through Charlie, who runs Finn's pub in Kilbrody when a woman arrives in his pub off a bus with no idea of how she got there or who she is. She's been on the Dublin bus and it isn't until the wicked bus driver returns back on the route a few days later that all is revealed. We also meet a range of characters who tell their story such as Joyce and Tom Long as well as their daughter Cathy who form show more a big part of the narrative. Ozzy O'Reilly keeps a watchful eye on the community through his binoculars and we find out the goings on through him. Eventually we find out everything about the woman on the bus and a wonderful story continually unfolds as she settles into the Kilbrody community. A lovely read and I can see why the blurb refers to Marian Keyes and Maeve Binchy. Overall, a funny yet moving love story set amongst some wonderful scenery. show less

Lucy White can't quite believe what's happened to her happy, ordinary life. Ending up homeless - not to mention husbandless - has come as an almighty shock. All she wants to do is lie low for a while, but when she arrives in a quiet street in South London she's in for a surprise.

This is the first work I have read by this author. The characters are interesting and well drawn. Their personal stories are treated sympathetically – especially Helen, who has retreated into herself after the show more tragic death of her two sons. At times, I felt like taking Lucy by the scruff of the neck and giving her a good shake. Colin, the mincing queer, is a bit over the top. And the ending was a bit predictable and saccharine. But I was still drawn into this story and the lives of the close-knit and odd-ball community of Farewell Square.

The back cover blurb likens this to Armistead Maupin’s ‘Tales of the City’ – one of my all time favourites. While there are some similarities, it’s not up there. It is nonetheless a light and amusing read and filled an afternoon pleasantly. show less

A young woman from the city, overcome by the joint effects of a bum-romance and more than one too many drinks, wakes to find herself adopted by the locals. A funny, contemporary novel set in the Irish countryside that also manages to deal intelligently with the themes of alcoholism and bereavement. A nice companion to McLynn’s excellent Leo Street mystery series.

An enjoyable read about a woman who is trying to find out her true feelings about love and life. She finds herself in a small rural community where everyone living there has their own demons that they need to lay to rest. The author brings the many characters personalities to life - an enjoyable, light hearted read.