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Divided Loyalties
One explosive family reunion!
Shauna and Greg’s marriage is under pressure. She wants another baby but he doesn’t. She also has to endure her obnoxious in-laws, The Freeloaders: Della, Eddie, and their spoiled kids. Shauna’s glad to be moving abroad—but three thousand miles won’t stop the determined Della.
Meanwhile Carrie, Shauna’s sister, can’t help feeling put upon. The burden of looking after their elderly father rests on her now and she’s fed up. Even though she loves her siblings, resentment builds. Will Carrie put her foot down and stand up for herself?
The last Christmas the family got together was a disaster. Now, as another get-together approaches, can they final turn things around and put the past behind them?
Shauna and Greg’s marriage is under pressure. She wants another baby but he doesn’t. She also has to endure her obnoxious in-laws, The Freeloaders: Della, Eddie, and their spoiled kids. Shauna’s glad to be moving abroad—but three thousand miles won’t stop the determined Della.
Meanwhile Carrie, Shauna’s sister, can’t help feeling put upon. The burden of looking after their elderly father rests on her now and she’s fed up. Even though she loves her siblings, resentment builds. Will Carrie put her foot down and stand up for herself?
The last Christmas the family got together was a disaster. Now, as another get-together approaches, can they final turn things around and put the past behind them?
Paperback
First published July 3, 2006
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About the author
Patricia Scanlan
71 books402 followersPatricia Scanlan was born in Dublin, where she still lives. Her #1 bestsellers include Apartment 3B; Finishing Touches; Foreign Affairs; Promises, Promises; Mirror, Mirror; City Girl; City Woman; City Lives; and Francesca’s Party. She has sold millions of books worldwide and is translated into many languages. Patricia is the series editor and a contributing author to the award winning Open Door literacy series, which she developed for adult literacy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
June 10, 2024
This book has sat on my shelves for a long time. I considered picking it up a few times but was always a bit intimidated by the title.
After all, I think divided loyalties is a pretty universal theme in most families. No surprise that the GoodReads rating is so high.
We join an Irish family that has become dysfunctional following the death of the mother. As is typical with my beloved Maeve Binchy and again with Patricia Scanlan, religion and its destructive qualities is at the heart of a lot of what is wrong. This is the God of my early years sitting in judgment on the errors of us mortals.
Thankfully, the whole family are given the opportunity to resolve their differences and move on and this makes fantastic reading. A must if you want that warm glow of a feel good factor in the classic sense!
After all, I think divided loyalties is a pretty universal theme in most families. No surprise that the GoodReads rating is so high.
We join an Irish family that has become dysfunctional following the death of the mother. As is typical with my beloved Maeve Binchy and again with Patricia Scanlan, religion and its destructive qualities is at the heart of a lot of what is wrong. This is the God of my early years sitting in judgment on the errors of us mortals.
Thankfully, the whole family are given the opportunity to resolve their differences and move on and this makes fantastic reading. A must if you want that warm glow of a feel good factor in the classic sense!
May 16, 2017
So often a book like this with over 700 pages leaves me thinking that over half it should be ripped out and it might actually be an ok read,it's filled with mindless drivel just to fill it up. But thankfully I do not need to say that about this book. Over 700 pages and it kept me riveted the whole way through and not once was I bored or losing interest or wishing it would hurry up and finish. It was such an easy read as well,each chapter was filled with different family members and there was always something going on.
It's not often that I equally like the main characters but I did like all 3 siblings, Shauna, Carrie and Bobby. I even grew to eventually like their dad Noel as he slowly began to mellow. There was always some drama to be had among them.
I loathed Shauna's in laws,christened the 'freeloaders' such selfish,deluded, vile people,they really were living in their own bubble.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and devoured it in every sitting. I've read Patricia Scanlan books in the past but I've obviously forgotten how excellent they can be so I def will be looking a few more of them up.
It's not often that I equally like the main characters but I did like all 3 siblings, Shauna, Carrie and Bobby. I even grew to eventually like their dad Noel as he slowly began to mellow. There was always some drama to be had among them.
I loathed Shauna's in laws,christened the 'freeloaders' such selfish,deluded, vile people,they really were living in their own bubble.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and devoured it in every sitting. I've read Patricia Scanlan books in the past but I've obviously forgotten how excellent they can be so I def will be looking a few more of them up.
July 4, 2019
It’s been a little while since I last read a Patricia Scanlan book and I’d forgotten how much I enjoyed her writing. Characters with real depth and storylines you can really connect with.
Dividing Loyalties is a realistic account of the ups and downs of family life and the ties that bind us and the siblings that support us on our journey through the years. I loved the characters, and could see myself - or aspects of - in all of them!
Carrie is someone I’d aspire to be that’s for sure - a kind, selfless soul and I could empathise with Shauna’s desire to increase her family. Noel and Bobby’s relationship was dealt with sympathetically and effectively. I even felt sorry for Della towards the end!
Thankyou Patricia ..... I’ll be adding more of your
Books to my reading list/Library that’s for sure and I might even, eventually, book that trip to Ireland I’ve been promising myself for years!
Dividing Loyalties is a realistic account of the ups and downs of family life and the ties that bind us and the siblings that support us on our journey through the years. I loved the characters, and could see myself - or aspects of - in all of them!
Carrie is someone I’d aspire to be that’s for sure - a kind, selfless soul and I could empathise with Shauna’s desire to increase her family. Noel and Bobby’s relationship was dealt with sympathetically and effectively. I even felt sorry for Della towards the end!
Thankyou Patricia ..... I’ll be adding more of your
Books to my reading list/Library that’s for sure and I might even, eventually, book that trip to Ireland I’ve been promising myself for years!
June 18, 2019
Fun and heartwarming
This is another excellent novel from Patricia Scanlan. All families have their problems but Carrie, Shauna and Bobby have a lot to deal with. Old resentments, difficult family relationships freeloading relatives and betrayal of trust. However the sisters and brother have strong bonds and support each other through tough times. The author has characters that you can care about. She writes with great humour as well and there are laugh out loud moments. A super summer read - or anytime really.
This is another excellent novel from Patricia Scanlan. All families have their problems but Carrie, Shauna and Bobby have a lot to deal with. Old resentments, difficult family relationships freeloading relatives and betrayal of trust. However the sisters and brother have strong bonds and support each other through tough times. The author has characters that you can care about. She writes with great humour as well and there are laugh out loud moments. A super summer read - or anytime really.
April 19, 2022
On the surface, Greg and Shauna look like they have it all. They're attractive, wealthy and have everything material that their hearts desire. But Shauna wants to have another baby as company for their only child Chloe. Greg doesn't.
Shauna's sister Carrie is frustrated. Why is she the only one that needs to care for their elderly father Noel? A pious man who thinks he's an invalid, he seems to need her help at any time of the day or night, without considering the toll that he's taking on Carrie and her family.
Carrie and Shauna's young brother Bobby came out years ago and has never been able to resolve this with his father. As a result, he's refusing to go home to Ireland and is missing out on many precious years with his sisters and their families.
What lengths will Greg and Shauna go to? Can Carrie find something else to fulfill her life and give her purpose? Will Bobby and Noel ever resolve their issues with one another?
Throw in some freeloading extended family members, a group of gossipy neighbours, and a move to the Middle East, and you get Divided Loyalties. This book touches upon several familiar domestic issues, yet makes them entertaining and easy to read at the same time. Worth a read!
Shauna's sister Carrie is frustrated. Why is she the only one that needs to care for their elderly father Noel? A pious man who thinks he's an invalid, he seems to need her help at any time of the day or night, without considering the toll that he's taking on Carrie and her family.
Carrie and Shauna's young brother Bobby came out years ago and has never been able to resolve this with his father. As a result, he's refusing to go home to Ireland and is missing out on many precious years with his sisters and their families.
What lengths will Greg and Shauna go to? Can Carrie find something else to fulfill her life and give her purpose? Will Bobby and Noel ever resolve their issues with one another?
Throw in some freeloading extended family members, a group of gossipy neighbours, and a move to the Middle East, and you get Divided Loyalties. This book touches upon several familiar domestic issues, yet makes them entertaining and easy to read at the same time. Worth a read!
February 5, 2020
this book captured the family perfectly. while we can all love each other, we don't all really get along. one child, on purpose or not, is always treated better than the rest. one gets away with anything. one gets all the drama heaped on them. if you have a dysfunctional family, or siblings who cause you grief - this book is a good read.
May 28, 2020
I absolutely loved this book and it truly touched me personally. There were so many aspects of their family life that I found myself relating to, but hands down, my favourite part was when the narcissistic family member finally got what she had coming. One of the main characters finally rid herself of toxic and negative relationships that was sucking the life out of her. My hero.
September 30, 2020
Oh my goodness, what a l o n g book! (686 pages) I'm surprised to see so many people gave it 4 or 5 stars! Most of it was quite boring, day to day life. If it wasn't for the bitch Della and the bastard Greg then it would have been a 1 star for me. I'm glad I've finished it (2 weeks!) and can move on to something with more depth.
March 30, 2018
Never a disappointment
Another great read. I love your books. The text is so rich and the characters come to life. I could feel the breeze off the beach and smell the sea air. Beautifully written.
Another great read. I love your books. The text is so rich and the characters come to life. I could feel the breeze off the beach and smell the sea air. Beautifully written.
August 10, 2019
Brilliant
I loved this book , it has fun ,laughter and tears a plenty ,I loved the characters with the exception of Greg I would have sent him packing . This is a great easy read and I would recommend it .
I loved this book , it has fun ,laughter and tears a plenty ,I loved the characters with the exception of Greg I would have sent him packing . This is a great easy read and I would recommend it .
August 27, 2025
An easy going story about three siblings, their family life and their marriages. Kept my interest to the last paragraph but there were no surprises, no twists and turns, and it was predictable in some areas.
Would read this author again.
Would read this author again.
Read
October 27, 2017Humorous and captivating. A brilliant read.
July 17, 2017
Really fast paced and so Scanlan at the same time. Couldn't put it away. Loved it!
August 21, 2017
I always enjoy reading this author's novels about Irish families and close sister and friend relationships. It is one of her earliest and I read it several years ago but it was worth reading again.
August 23, 2017
Quick read despite the 686 pages !
Very chick lit type book... not really much to get excited about. Full of family, children and people learning lessons.
Very chick lit type book... not really much to get excited about. Full of family, children and people learning lessons.
April 2, 2018
Loved it!! Couldn't put it down!!
September 2, 2018
Quite a good story, but I found the quality of the prose irritating.
July 1, 2019
Great read, interesting characters. I really hope there's a follow-up at a later date.
August 1, 2019
Another wonderful read
I have always enjoyed reading Patrica Scanlan books and this one did not disappoint.
Great story telling. I felt part of the family
I have always enjoyed reading Patrica Scanlan books and this one did not disappoint.
Great story telling. I felt part of the family
May 13, 2020
What a brilliant book - loved it. Will definitely be reading more books by this author and would definitely recommend it.
July 23, 2020
nice easy read - very much in same genre as all of her others
March 26, 2021
Another good book from Patricia Scanlan. I love her family based books.
March 29, 2022
An excellent read a brilliant story line loved it
August 31, 2022
Nearly 700 pages passed in a flash. Easy feel- good read about two sisters and a brother in Ireland,as one sister flits between Ireland and Abu Dhabi due to her husband’s job.
December 2, 2023
Really enjoyed
October 11, 2024
Awful book definitely not my style will pass on this author
October 26, 2024
Predictable
May 3, 2025
I enjoy this author. Easy to read with a good storyline. A nice escapist read when you don't want to use a lot of brain cells :)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews