A very believable story about 2 Irish sisters who emigrate to America and the choices they make. The author's observations about the Catholic church and the immigrant experiences of that time ring true. It is a novel I could not put down.

I have enjoyed J Courtney Sullivan's earlier books, but I found this not only enjoyable but rather unexpected. This is a very serious novel recalling the relationship between siblings and following them from Ireland to America. Nothing about this novel was predictable or expected.

This family saga entwined with the Catholic Church and the changing views on unwed motherhood and the way the mothers were treated. In this case, it explores the lifelong consequences of an unwanted pregnancy.

The siblings take very different paths, with Nora trying to deal with marriage and rearing 4 children, with multiple complications. Theresa turns toward god and spends her life as a cloistered nun. The denouement takes place because of the death of one of the characters. I won't be a spoiler and reveal any more.

Yes, this is an incredible and engaging read, beautifully written which will bring the reader into the world of women in the 1950-60's. o

Gah! The ambiguous ending strikes again. This could have been a five-star read for me, but I just can't get behind an ending that doesn't end. (I don't need my books to be like my life.)

Still, this was wonderful to read; I didn't want to put it down and was pissed every time I really had to. This is definitely one to look out for this summer. Great beach reading!

Thanks to the publisher and to NetGalley for the digital ARC!

Very readable family saga. Patrons looking for a nice story will enjoy this title.

I can't say how much I liked this book. After reading Maine, I couldn't wait to read other books by this author.

Dynamic story of two sisters bounded together by a single lie. Family saga that kept me reading all night.