Alison Walsh – författare

''A powerful story ... Walsh shows an innate understanding of people''s lives, and the emotional truths that underpin them'' Kathleen MacMahonIt hadn''t been Rosie''s idea - a ''quaint'' wedding at her childhood home in the Irish countryside. Nevertheless she finds herself back in Monasterard after a decade away, with her American fiancé on her arm and a smile fixed to her face.As expected, the welcome from her siblings isn''t exactly warm. Mary-Pat, the one who practically raised Rosie, is avoiding her. June is preoccupied with maintaining the illusion of her perfect family. And Pius, who still counts the years since their mother left, is hiding from the world. Each of them is struggling with the weight of things unsaid.In the end, it''s their father who, on the day of Rosie''s wedding, exposes what has remained hidden for so long. And as the O''Connor siblings piece together the secrets at the heart of their family, they begin to forgive the woman who abandoned them all those years ago.

The House on Seaview Road is a story about first love, growing up and about the enduring bonds of sisterhood. Perfect reading for fans of Joanna Trollope and Maggie O''Farrell.Marie Stephenson has decided that it''s her last summer in Seaview - just a few months left before she can break free of her suburban home, go out into the world and make her mark. If only it weren''t for the promise she made to her dying mother. This promise, to look after her younger sister, is one she has always kept, even though Marie sometimes feels that the cosseted Grainne doesn''t deserve it.But then the sudden appearance of intense, rebellious Con on Seaview Beach one afternoon changes everything.As her innocence comes to a sudden and shocking end, Marie must make some choices about her future.But will she find the courage to become the woman she was meant to be?

As children, Emmett and Daisy were inseparable. Until Daisy announced that she''d seen her mum kissing Emmett''s dad. They haven''t seen each other since, but Emmett often thinks about her -- where she is, what she''s doing, and if she ever thinks about him.Now almost thirty, Emmett has just begun a fresh chapter in London so he can spend weekends with his seven-year-old daughter, whose existence he only recently discovered. Things are off to a bumpy start -- he''s not quite sure he''s the father Misty expected -- but they''re finding their way.And then, one day, in a dusty local bookshop, he sees her -- Daisy -- and the spark that never died brightens. But it''s not long before the situation becomes very complex indeed and Emmett is torn between telling the truth and risking a blossoming new relationship -- or two...The Weekend Dad is a heartwarming story of friendship, parenthood, love and what it is to be good enough.

''Walsh writes with a warmth and humour about the disparate lives of four new mothers over one summer in Dublin. This is a touching, enjoyable tale of friendship in all of its complexities.'' Anne GriffinA long, hot summer has just begun. Three new mothers gather in the park, in the shade of the trees, forming a tight circle. They keep each other close, sharing gossip, parenting wisdom and deep secrets. Gracie appears to have adapted to motherhood with ease, but secretly she wonders if the cost - to her job and her relationship - is too high. Free-spirited Lina is a single parent by choice, but finds that her decisions have consequences, for her daughter and for herself? And shy Jane is facing the battle of her life, against the man who should be her rock, and with the echoes of a painful decision she made years before.When a lonely new mum asks to join them, the circle opens to let her in. But Elise''s arrival provokes mixed emotions amongst the other mothers, as each is forced to confront her true self and the fact that life will never be the same again.