Set in Ireland during the turbulent early 20th century, Patricia Falvey''s sweeping novel explores an unlikely friendship between two girls of vastly different backgrounds, as each tries to overcome the barriers set by class and birthright...
On a June morning in 1900, Rosie Killeen crosses the road that divides her family''s County Mayo farm from the estate of Lord and Lady Ennis, and makes her way to the "big house" for the first time. Barely eight years old, Rosie joins the throng of servants preparing for the arrival of Queen Victoria. But while the royal visit is a coup for Ennismore, a chance meeting on the grounds proves even more momentous for Rosie.
Victoria Bell, Lord and Lady Ennis''s young daughter, is desperately lonely. Though the children of the gentry seldom fraternize with locals, Lord Ennis arranges for Rosie to join in Victoria''s school lessons. For Rosie, the opportunity is exhilarating yet isolating. Victoria''s governess and aunt, Lady Louisa, objects to teaching a peasant girl. The other servants resent Rosie''s escape from the drudgery of life below stairs. Bright, strong-willed Rosie finds herself caught between her own people and the rarefied air of Ennismore--especially as she grows closer to Victoria''s older brother, Valentine.
As they near womanhood, the girls'' friendship is interrupted. Victoria is bound for a coming out season in Dublin, and Rosie must find a way to support her family. But Ireland is changing too. The country''s struggle for Home Rule, the outbreak of the Great War, and a looming Easter rebellion in Dublin all herald a new era. Not even Ennismore can escape unscathed. And for Rosie, family loyalty, love, friendship and patriotism will collide in life-changing ways, leading her through heartbreak and loss in search of her own triumphant independence.
Praise for the novels of Patricia Falvey
THE LINEN QUEEN
"A novel that deftly rides the line between a fervently romantic love story and a heartfelt love letter to Northern Ireland." --Publishers Weekly
"A lively read for fans of historical fiction." --Booklist
"Sheila McGee, the feisty young ''Linen Queen,'' will touch your heart as she grows from a girl who values herself only for her good looks into a compassionate woman who discovers inner reserves of strength. A dramatic story told against the backdrop of World War II in Northern Ireland." --Mary Pat Kelly, author of Galway Bay
"The Linen Queen is an emotionally powerful book, and a joy to read. Falvey has a gift for creating realistic and very believable characters. By saying it''s a gift, I don''t mean it''s easy to do this. It is the result of much hard work." --Frank West, Irish American News
THE YELLOW HOUSE
"The Yellow House was extremely interesting from an educational perspective. It brings to life the struggles of individuals and communities seeking freedom." --The Washington Times
"Falvey tells a good story along the way. A host of interesting characters, surprising but plausible plot developments, and deftly incorporated details of the Irish struggle for independence add up to a debut novel sure to please fans of historical romance." --Library Journal
"It is rare for a first-time novelist to tackle historical events in as refreshing a manner as Patricia Falvey does in The Yellow House....Falvey controls the story....Take your time reading The Yellow House, you''ll be sad to see the last page." --Irish America
This novel delivers the best of both worlds: secrets, intrigue and surprising twists will keep readers flipping the pages, while Falvey''s insight and poetic writing tugs at the heartstrings of the most cynical audiences." --Publishers Weekly
