Melanie Maure

This novel was, in turns, engaging and hard to read. Opening during a World War II air raid that orphans twin sisters Aelish and Isabel, this book covers the subsequent years as the lives of these sisters diverge and then come back together. Taken in by the nuns of a covent, Aelish finds peace in the faith and sisterhood, but Isabel discovers something very different - shame and anger. After being widowed young, Isabel returns to Belfast with her young children (and another on the way) and finds a past she can't help but dig up and force Aelish to reckon with. Overall, a good read highlighting a sad part of Irish history.… (mehr)

Going to be a January and a 2024 favorite!!

A FABULOUS, WONDERFUL READ!!

A bombing that killed their parents in 1941 in Dublin put twins Isabel and Aelish in an orphanage run by nuns.

Isabel was rebellious and Aelish was compliant.

Isabel escapes, but Aelish remains and becomes a nun.

In 1955, Isabel contacts her sister, and Aelish makes the trip to Newfoundland where her sister is suffering from tuberulosis and just had twins. Isabel asks for Aelish's help in caring or her and her twins.

Of course Aelish makes her way across the ocean to see her sister after all these years.

We follow Isabel and Aelish during the war and after the war learning of their lives in alternating chapters.

SISTERS OF BELFAST will pull you in from the very first page.

The writing is detailed and personable, the characters are ones that will have you feeling their every emotion, and the story line will capture your interest and your heart

SISTERS OF BELFAST is a heartbreaking, heartfelt, beautiful book.

You will LOVE the characters and miss them when you turn the last page.

Historical fiction fans, and those who enjoy a moving read won’t want to miss this book. 5/5

Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.… (mehr)

This book starts out during WWII with the evil of Europe bombing and killing twin girls parents, thus they end up in a Catholic orphanage. Should have a good life, right?
Although, this is a fictional read, it is based on fact and makes me cringe, the covered up atrocities. We have Aelish and Isabel McGuire growing up here under such harsh conditions, and we follow their lives separately, one escapes, and the other ends up taking vows.
We are there as they reunite, and follow them as adults and secrets start to fall. Be sure to read the author's notes, so so sad.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Harper Paperback, and was not required to give a positive review.… (mehr)