REVIEW
Where do I start? Ann O’Loughlin’s stories always make me cry but this one turned me into a river of tears as it is such a heart breaking story. So, a box of tissues was my constant companion. I have loved all of Ann’s stories but Escape to the Irish Village is the most moving yet! I fell so deeply into the lives of Judith, Jack, Emma, Miles, Marsha and Hetty that I did not want to say goodbye to them. I did not want this story to end!
I adored and admired flamboyant Judith McCarthy, owner of Killcawley Estate in Ireland. A woman in her seventies with a giant spirit who maintains a youthful outlook and deals with life’s challenges with such fervour and passion – it is infectious. She makes you want to jump into the story and give her a hand! Her vivacious personality colours the pages with such bright and happy hues, you find yourself loudly cheering her on when the trials strike. And sadly, they do strike just when everything seems to come together. The plot’s tension increases so dramatically, I feel as taut as an overly tight bowstring! And when certain sad news surfaces, my heart sinks like a stone to the bottom of that swan-graced pond in the setting. But Judith soldiers on. Her love, kindness and ability to see good in others is an inspiration to everyone around her. She lives life to the max and expresses herself in her designer fashioned clothes, which often mask her delicate emotions. But she is still very much a force to be reckoned with like a wild storm on a vibrant Irish bay.
Although this story is mostly focused on Emma Wilson, who flees a dreadful abusive husband in England and heads to Ireland to escape his wrath, Judith becomes a big part of Emma’s life. She offers Emma a job, without any questions. Emma holds her secrets close and lives in fear of her husband finding her and dragging her back to England. But here at Killcawley Estate, Emma finds acceptance and peace working as Judith’s assistant, making TikTok videos and a scrumptious jam that becomes popular. For a while she relaxes a little and puts her terrible past behind her as much as possible. But, of course, just when she lets down her guard, trouble erupts. And Emma’s life and that of her friends at the Manor, become endangered.
Miles, a lawyer, Judith’s son, lives in New York. He is a grumpy, sharp tongued overly protective man who becomes a real thorn in Emma’s side. He is not happy about her place at the Manor and in his mother’s life. He distrusts her intentions and believes she is getting his mother involved in activities that are too much for her. But as we soon see, nobody makes Judith do anything she does not want. She considers Emma a dear friend and is confident in her skills and advice. And makes it clear to her son that Emma is staying and he cannot run her out of their home.
Marsha and Hetty are two other women who play important roles in the story and in Judith’s life. I quite enjoyed the banter between them and their loyalty when the chips are down.
Besides Emma’s husband, there is another threat in the novel: one that could affect the village, some homes and Killcawley Estate. Judith and Emma’s TikTok work, plus local newspapers and news channels, try to save what could be lost. This is where the value of true friendship and community spirit shines. A common concern weaves together so many people to do good for their neighbours while fighting a corporate nightmare plan. Initially Miles wants his mother to sell the property but once he arrives home, the magic of the estate and his good memories draw him around. And his thoughts of Emma begin to change.
This is a powerful story that touches on some very heavy topics such as cancer, death and abuse. But it also expresses eternal love, selfless sacrifice and a lasting legacy. Charm, joy, family and freedom fill its pages, too. And so much more. (Even the fun of sky walking: something I did a lot as a child and teen!) I have only touched lightly on the splendour therein because I want everyone to read it. But be prepared—it will squeeze your heart fiercely. Escape to the Irish Village is a beautiful tribute to life and living it fully with no regrets. It will also make you look at the importance of family and friends and to cherish what time you have with them. 5 Tear Filled Stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for my review copy.
