A brilliant read from Carmel. This gripped me from the start and featured some very strong female characters in Eliza, Kate and Saoirse. The descriptions of everything from the boat journey to the USA and what happens afterward are superb. It also has made me want to put Bermuda on my bucket list.

A mixed bag for me - some bits I enjoyed and others not so. It didn't help that I didn't connect or feel warm towards Saoirse. At times I found her annoying and wanted to give her a good shake and tell her to get her act together!

I also found the names Esme and Eliza too close and was confused to start with who Esme was. Perhaps a name starting with a different letter would have been good!

The story at the start of the war in Ireland and on board the ship to Canada was brilliant and I thoroughly enjoyed how it was described and played out.

Parts of the book I also found a bit far fetched like Davey suddenly turning up in Bermuda and how the characters could afford to just jump on a plane to/from Canada to Bermuda and do it in 48 hours for a 9 hour flight each way!

All in all it was a pleasant enough read that I'm sure others will enjoy. I will look up the author and see if she has written anything else I may enjoy.

Aaaah, I loved this book, another superb book by the fabulous Carmel Harrington. It made me laugh and made me cry. The three leading ladies were fantastic. 5 stars from me

When The Girl from Donegal, the brilliant new book from one of my favourite authors Carmel Harrington, came through the door several weeks ago, I only left it a few short days before picking it up to read. Boy, was I glad I chose not to let it lay in my tbr pile because once I started reading I could not stop. Carmel has such a way with words that instantly I was drawn into the unfolding story.

This book is a just one more chapter kind of book and before you know it you glance up from the different worlds inhabited by Eliza and Saoirse and you find that you have read more than half the book and several hours have passed by unnoticed. I read this in two sittings and would have inhaled it all in one go with work being the only reason I had to pause and take some time away from what was a wonderful, gripping and very well plotted story. It’s an unforgettable love story following two women decades apart who are torn between their first and last loves. The transition between the past and the present were seamless and I was so caught up in both strands of the story that I could have continued to read about both of them for many more pages as I was enjoying everything so much.

The story moves back and forth between the present day and the early days of World War Two and does so without ever seeming jarring as we learn of an incredible love story from the past which will hopefully help the character of Saoirse in the present. Saoirse arrives in Bermuda to visit her Aunts Kate and Esme. They are not strictly her Aunts but they have such a close relationship she views them as being relatives. As she lands in the exotic paradise she remembers the time nine years ago she arrived as her marriage had broken up. She is with Finn now but she feels a sense of foreboding and throughout I felt that Saoirse had such a restlessness and unease about her. That she wasn’t fully comfortable and happy in her own skin and with the life she was now leading back in Ireland. Yes, she loved her work in Ballymastocker Bay in Donegal where she runs a horse riding stables but to me she was exuding vibes of not having put past ghosts to rest. That there was a lot left unsaid and not dealt with when it came to her previous marriage and until she had confronted these demons she wouldn’t be able to move forward with her life. She loved Finn and initially it frustrated me that she kept secrets from him and wasn’t open and honest and not to herself either.

I loved how Carmel chose such a beautiful setting for the present day timeline of the story and how in time the setting connected back to the past. I’d never read about Bermuda in a fiction book before and through such wonderful writing and such glorious descriptions of pink sandy beaches, palm trees, mangroves, the hibiscus, the poinsettias and the small but comfortable house that Esme and Kate inhabit I truly did feel as if I was transported to a warm place from away from the dreary winters day that was ongoing outside as I sat and thoroughly enjoyed every blissful moment I spent reading this stunning read. As Saoirse settles into the rhythm of island life, Kate now in her 90’s slowly starts to reveal her story to Saoirse. I think she did this because she knew at her age that time is precious and she wanted to share her experiences and how they had moulded her and taught her many life lessons.

Kate’s story is incredible and it could have been an entire book itself and I think in the future Carmel should go for it and write a book completely in the historical fiction genre as this aspect of the story was so brilliantly executed. That’s not to say I didn’t enjoy the modern-day timeline, I did of course but for me just ever so slightly Kate’s retelling of Eliza’s story had me transfixed from beginning to end. Through sharing her life, I felt Kate, was trying to help Saoirse make some important decisions which she couldn’t avoid for much longer. If she didn’t only pain, hurt, anger and distress would ensue. Deep down Saoirse knows she needs to confront her hidden pain in order to try and move on and fully embrace the relationship she now has with Finn. Will hearing Kate’s story help or hinder with the choices she has to make?

The story of the past follows Eliza Lavery in 1939, she lives in Ballymastocker Bay and is a journalist for the Rathmullan Gazette. She is all alone as her family died in a house fire and fiancée Davey was arrested and killed during the War of Independence. She resides above the newspaper offices and lives a quiet life of routine but the effects of the terrible heartbreak she has suffered linger on. She feels that she has no purpose.That she just meanders along without any real goal in life now that those she loved the most have been taken from her. The years stretch out in front of her and she has allowed her life to become very small and solitary. The ambition and fire she once had is gone and the newspaper owner Larry and his wife Eimear have become like surrogate parents to her but still that is not enough. What do you do when all you want is the people who meant everything to you just to come back but that is impossible?

As Eliza stands overlooking the bay with nothing only her memories for company, she meets Matthew. He is in the Royal Navy and as the world stands on the cusp of another World War he is just about to be shipped out to Bermuda to form a Royal Navy station on the island. The pair share dinner together and Eliza comes to realise that she has let her world become too small and it's time to make some changes and become adventurous. Well she certainly takes this advice to heart and even though she vowed she would never love again as her heart can’t take any more pain, she accepts a proposal from Matthew. This all seemed very sudden and I don’t think Eliza loved Matthew as much as she had Davey. They were more or less virtual strangers but I think Eliza wanted to take what he was offering her, a new life in Bermuda and to see where the wind would take her so to speak. It was a rash and somewhat impulsive decision but she hopes she will grow to love him. But little does she expect the incredible and frightening journey that she is about to unfold taking her from the wilds of Donegal to the heat of Bermuda.

I couldn’t get enough of the chapters set on board the Athenia, the ship that Eliza embarks upon to begin her journey across the Atlantic. The writing and imagery powerful and vivid. Not knowing the history of the Athenia everything that occurred was a complete surprise for me and I really felt as if I was there with Eliza and the wonderful Mrs.Montague whom she shares a cabin with as the worst befalls them. It was epic stuff with endless action and drama and I was completely enthralled. What occurs on the Athenia sets in motion a whole turn of events that has such an impact on Eliza. She grows and matures on that journey in ways she could never have imagined. She becomes a leader and also undertakes a role that she would never have dreamt of. If she had never had that chance encounter with Matthew at the bay Eliza would have continued to lead her small little ordinary life and be wracked with pain and guilt. Instead, what unfolds is an astounding story which will leave you on the edge of your seat and have you questioning just what you would do if placed in the same predicament? Will the heart or mind win out?

The Girl from Donegal is a complete triumph for Carmel Harrington. I adored her previous book, A Mother’s Heart and didn’t think she could top it but she has. The two books are vastly different in style but you can tell just how much she is enjoying writing and she is giving her readers both old and new, fantastic stories that really get you thinking and whisk you away from the everyday troubles that occupy us on a daily basis. That’s what books should do and I find myself always looking forward to a new book from this talented author. Everything was very well researched and so carefully plotted and you couldn’t guess as to what the specific ending would be especially considering both of the main female characters experience so many ups and downs in their respective journeys.

Just when you think a conclusion has possibly been reached, Carmel throws in another curveball. Not so that things go off on a tangent or become far fetched and not in line with the way the majority of the story had developed. No, said curveballs and unexpected twists and turns slotted perfectly into the plot and off you go again on another eventful strand and I just soaked up and enjoyed every minute of it. The Girl from Donegal, is a scintillating read that blends imagination with historical fact and I loved every minute of it. It’s heart-breaking and painful in equal measure but also a beautiful read which you will be sure to devour in short order.

Thank you to #Netgalley and #HarperCollins for my copy of #TheGirlFromDonegal by #CarmelHarrington
Saoirse O’Donnell Is engaged and should be looking forward to her wedding, instead she has flown to Bermuda to be with her aunts while she tries to decide what her heart really wants.
80 years earlier had the same choice to make and the story moves easily between the two while they wrestle with their thoughts.
A lovely read set on the beautiful pink beaches of Bermuda

A truly stunning book from Carmel her books get better and better. It beautifully written with lovely descriptions. Highly recommend.

I've read a few books by Carmel Harrington and I have enjoyed them all so far. This book is a dual timeline book, some of it set during WW2, which is a period of time which I enjoy reading about.
I really enjoyed reading this book, it was very interesting and engaging but also very emotional. I definitely recommend this book.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for my ARC.

📚📖 Book Review 📖📚

📖 Book - The girl From Donegal
✍️ Author - Carmel Harrington @happymrsh
📕 Publisher - @harpercollinsuk
🗓 Publication Date - 16th March 2023

. Let me start by saying … this book made me cry … very rarely has that happened to me! This book will stay with me always. I’m not even sure why …. Apart from the fantastic writing from this author. I actually felt like I was there! I could imagine myself from Donegal to Bermuda. Loved the characters and find it hard to pick a favourite, from the 3 main ladies in this book. Absolutely no pressure for your next book Carmel😂! I can tell you now - this book is going to be a number one! I remember I said that to Gillian McAllister about her book ‘wrong place, wrong time’ when I reviewed it. I’m all for gut feelings when reading books 🤣. Enjoy the read ❤️💖
#reading #readinglist #readingtime #readings #readingissexy #readingisfun #readingisfundamental #readingpa #readingnook #readingbooks #readingislife #readingforfun #readingaddict #ReadingWeek #readinglove #readingbook #readingcorner #readingroom #readingchallenge #readinglife #readingiscool #readingnow #readingrainbow #readingGlasses #readingfestival #ReadingGirl #readingabook #readingmaterial #readingterminalmarket #readinginbed

CARMEL HARRINGTON - THE GIRL FROM DONEGAL

I’m a big fan of Carmel Harrington’s writing. Her books are always completely unique and original.

The Girl From Donegal, is a dual timeline story.

In 1939, we meet Eliza. She is a woman who has suffered more heartache in one lifetime than anyone should, but she remains strong and after a whirlwind encounter, she makes a life changing decision.
As world war two is looming, Eliza boards the Athenia, with the intention of sailing into her new life.
Disaster strikes the ship, and Eliza’s life is changed forever.

In the present day, Saoirse (pronounced Ser-Sha) heads to Bermuda to celebrate her aunt Kate’s 90th birthday.
Saoirse has a fiancée and a future that she is unsure of. And a past that she needs closure from.

Kate’s story spans the two timelines. She has had a good life, but it hasn’t been without its heartache. Even as she turns 90, life has some surprises in store for Kate.

The Girl From Donegal, is a family saga that spans over eighty years.
It’s full of feisty women who all have their own story to tell.

I particularly loved Eliza’s story. This could honestly have been a book in itself.
Her journey was heartbreaking in so many ways, but ultimately uplifting.

The settings in the book are breathtaking. From wild and wonderful Donegal, to the sublime sunshine and pink sands of Bermuda with the rugged beauty of Canada thrown in too. I felt like I’d been on holiday by the end of the book and I’d love a few cocktails in the Rum Bum Bar!

As always, Carmel Harrington’s writing is a joy to read. Her use of language is beautiful and flows through the pages with effortless ease.

The Girl From Donegal is an epic read. It’s
heartbreaking, harrowing, charming, uplifting, positive and downright gorgeous.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

With grateful thanks to Netgalley and Harper Collins Uk for a digital arc of this title.

Excellent book. I really got lost in this beautiful story. I felt I was in Bermuda watching everything unfold with the characters. Some twists and turns to keep you turning the pages . This is Carmel Harrington first historical fiction novel and it was simply beautiful. Reminded me very much of lucinda Riley. Do yourself a favour and pick this beautiful story up.

Once again a fabulous thought provoking tale unfolds, took me a while to get into this book but a very enjoyable read it was.

The Girl from Donegal, it is an interesting story especially due to it location.

A woman of Irish origin in the Bermudas, had a very vacation feel to it with the characters slowly opening up themselves emotionally and telling their stories.

I love Carmel Harrington's books so was very excited to get this. It took a little while to get into it but once I got used to who was who and when, I was totally immersed and barely took my head out of it. It's a really engaging story and while the plot keeps you reading, it's the characters who make it. Eliza is a very strong main character and a really decent person without ever becoming too good to be true. I think my favourites are Esme and Mrs Montague but all characters were very real and you want the best out come for them. Well, most of them. It's a book I was sad to finish. And it had me googling Bermuda with a longing to go and visit it!

I’m only an occasional reader of historical fiction but as I’ve loved Carmel Harrington’s previous books I thought it was worth giving this a go, I have to admit it took me a while to get into this as it briefly focussed on Saoirse’s story in current times before a good chunk of the story was about Eliza back in 1939 and for me I think I’d have liked more of a switch between the two. That said I was fascinated to learn about the SS Athenia and the story was very well written. I liked the character of Eliza much more than Saoirse as I felt she had a much stronger story but it was interesting to see the impact she had on Saoirse and this was a very heartfelt read.

Firstly thank you Netgalley for this Arc

What a lovely romantic book from Ireland to Bermuda. Lovely chill out book so enjoyable