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An Invitation to the Kennedys
Kathleen 'Kick' Kennedy, recently arrived from Boston, is already a huge hit in 1930s London society. As the daughter of the US ambassador, she is at the centre of the most elite social circles. But when she falls for a duke-in-waiting, she realises there are plenty of people who think she doesn't belong.
Lady Brigid Guinness has no interest in love, marriage or society connections. But her brother-in-law Chips Channon has other ideas - and seems intent on pushing her towards a match with a dull German prince.
When Chips invites the Kennedys and a select group of friends and family to Kelvedon Hall, his country estate, Brigid and Kick discover that beneath the brittle facade of politeness, marriages are on the rocks, political intrigue abounds and nothing is really as it seems - all while the war in Europe grows closer by the day.
By the time their week in Essex has ended, both Kick and Brigid realise that their world is changing rapidly, and their hopes and plans for the future may have to change too . . .
Inspired by true-life events, An Invitation to the Kennedys is a spell-binding page-turner from the bestselling author of the Guinness Girls series.
Lady Brigid Guinness has no interest in love, marriage or society connections. But her brother-in-law Chips Channon has other ideas - and seems intent on pushing her towards a match with a dull German prince.
When Chips invites the Kennedys and a select group of friends and family to Kelvedon Hall, his country estate, Brigid and Kick discover that beneath the brittle facade of politeness, marriages are on the rocks, political intrigue abounds and nothing is really as it seems - all while the war in Europe grows closer by the day.
By the time their week in Essex has ended, both Kick and Brigid realise that their world is changing rapidly, and their hopes and plans for the future may have to change too . . .
Inspired by true-life events, An Invitation to the Kennedys is a spell-binding page-turner from the bestselling author of the Guinness Girls series.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
430 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 14, 2023
137 people are currently reading
525 people want to read
About the author
Emily Hourican
15 books90 followersEmily Hourican is a journalist and author. She has written features for the Sunday Independent for fifteen years, as well as Image magazine, Condé Nast Traveler and Woman and Home. She was also editor of The Dubliner Magazine.
Emily's first book, a memoir titled How To (Really) Be A Mother was published in 2013. She is also the author of novels The Privileged, White Villa, The Outsider and The Blamed, as well as two bestselling novels about the Guinness sisters: The Glorious Guinness Girls and The Guinness Girls: A Hint of Scandal.
She lives in Dublin with her family.
source: Amazon
Emily's first book, a memoir titled How To (Really) Be A Mother was published in 2013. She is also the author of novels The Privileged, White Villa, The Outsider and The Blamed, as well as two bestselling novels about the Guinness sisters: The Glorious Guinness Girls and The Guinness Girls: A Hint of Scandal.
She lives in Dublin with her family.
source: Amazon
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
September 4, 2023
Kathleen “Kick” Kennedy moves to London in 1938 and her father Joseph P. Sr. is appointed as America’s 44th Ambassador to the United Kingdom. Kick is a bit of a tomboy, she likes to play football with her brothers, swim and go sailing.
Kick is very different to her English peers, because of her father’s position she’s invited to social events, here she meets William ‘Billy’ Cavendish, the future Duke of Devonshire and his parents wouldn’t approve of Kick being a suitable match for their son and heir.
Lady Brigid Guinness has seen her older sisters marry and have children and she’s not in a hurry to join them. Her brother-in-law Henry ‘Chips Channon’ is married to her older sister Honor, he thinks he’s found her the perfect man for Brigid and he’s a German prince.
Chips invites the Kennedy’s, friends Maureen and Basil ‘Duff’ Blackwood, his sister-in-law Brigid Guinness and Prince Fredrick of Prussia to Kelvedon Hall in Essex, his newly renovated country estate and some uninvited people turn up! Brigid and Kick discover that beneath the facade of politeness, most marriages and the couples are unhappy, the women aren’t prepared for being wives and mothers, children are raised by nannies, men are often unfaithful and have mistresses.
With war clouds quickly gathering in Europe, Joseph Kennedy Sr. has been sent to England and to prevent another World War from starting, his antiwar stance doesn’t go down well and with the next generation of Englishmen who are prepared to fight.
During the week at Kelvedon Hall, Kick and Brigid become friends, Kick swims laps of the pool, plays tennis and she want's to win and she’s a ball of energy. Kick and Brigid notice the atmosphere at Kelvedon Hall is tense, everyone is jumpy, is it because of their marital problems, differences in political sides and the threat of another war?
I received a digital copy of An Invitation to the Kennedys by Emily Hourican from Hachette Ireland and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The author was inspired by true events and real people to write her latest novel and it includes some fictional characters. Ms. Hourican has thoroughly done her research and she includes the growing anti-Jewish sentiment in Germany in her narrative.
The Kennedy’s are a large Irish-American Catholic family, they have nine children, it's an issue with the people they're mixing with and most are members of the Church of England. I didn’t know a lot a Kathleen Kennedy and she sounded so full of life, fun and effervescent. I admired her mother Rose, she was steadfast in her faith, she wanted to raise her children to make a difference in the world and they did. My favourite quote from the book is "bad deeds begin with vicious thoughts and foolish words and it’s so true." Five stars from me, I find the Kennedy family fascinating and I'm keen to read, The Guniess Girls series by Ms. Hourican.
Kick is very different to her English peers, because of her father’s position she’s invited to social events, here she meets William ‘Billy’ Cavendish, the future Duke of Devonshire and his parents wouldn’t approve of Kick being a suitable match for their son and heir.
Lady Brigid Guinness has seen her older sisters marry and have children and she’s not in a hurry to join them. Her brother-in-law Henry ‘Chips Channon’ is married to her older sister Honor, he thinks he’s found her the perfect man for Brigid and he’s a German prince.
Chips invites the Kennedy’s, friends Maureen and Basil ‘Duff’ Blackwood, his sister-in-law Brigid Guinness and Prince Fredrick of Prussia to Kelvedon Hall in Essex, his newly renovated country estate and some uninvited people turn up! Brigid and Kick discover that beneath the facade of politeness, most marriages and the couples are unhappy, the women aren’t prepared for being wives and mothers, children are raised by nannies, men are often unfaithful and have mistresses.
With war clouds quickly gathering in Europe, Joseph Kennedy Sr. has been sent to England and to prevent another World War from starting, his antiwar stance doesn’t go down well and with the next generation of Englishmen who are prepared to fight.
During the week at Kelvedon Hall, Kick and Brigid become friends, Kick swims laps of the pool, plays tennis and she want's to win and she’s a ball of energy. Kick and Brigid notice the atmosphere at Kelvedon Hall is tense, everyone is jumpy, is it because of their marital problems, differences in political sides and the threat of another war?
I received a digital copy of An Invitation to the Kennedys by Emily Hourican from Hachette Ireland and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The author was inspired by true events and real people to write her latest novel and it includes some fictional characters. Ms. Hourican has thoroughly done her research and she includes the growing anti-Jewish sentiment in Germany in her narrative.
The Kennedy’s are a large Irish-American Catholic family, they have nine children, it's an issue with the people they're mixing with and most are members of the Church of England. I didn’t know a lot a Kathleen Kennedy and she sounded so full of life, fun and effervescent. I admired her mother Rose, she was steadfast in her faith, she wanted to raise her children to make a difference in the world and they did. My favourite quote from the book is "bad deeds begin with vicious thoughts and foolish words and it’s so true." Five stars from me, I find the Kennedy family fascinating and I'm keen to read, The Guniess Girls series by Ms. Hourican.
October 18, 2023
I have enjoyed The Guinness books by Hourican. This one has Lady Brigid Guinness who is not wanting to marry and have children like her older sisters. Her old sister Honor is married to Henry “Chips Channon” and he has found the perfect man for Brigid, a German prince.
Chip has a huge party as is newly renovated estate. He has invited the Kennedy's, Brigid and prince Frederick of Prussia long with others. As the couples are interacting, Brigid and Kick realize not everyone is happy or prepared to be a wife and mother. A lot of the men have mistresses.
This one is full of fun scandal and is another fascinating novel by Hourican.
Chip has a huge party as is newly renovated estate. He has invited the Kennedy's, Brigid and prince Frederick of Prussia long with others. As the couples are interacting, Brigid and Kick realize not everyone is happy or prepared to be a wife and mother. A lot of the men have mistresses.
This one is full of fun scandal and is another fascinating novel by Hourican.
September 2, 2023
An Invitation to the Kennedys by Emily Hourican is a great historical fiction that includes one of my most favorite families: The Kennedys.
I have read so much, nonfiction and fiction alike, involving the Kennedys, so of course I had to read this book which involves some of the clan during Mr. Kennedy’s time as ambassador to England.
There is fact, fiction, drama, family, passion, emotion…and I enjoyed every moment of it. This does loosely tie in with her other Glorious Guinness Girls series, but can easily be read independently.
I was really impressed with the author’s research and how hard she worked at making sure the fictional narrative fit into the facts. Her Afterword added a lot more context and how she created that tapestry.
4/5 stars
Thank you NG and Hachette Books Ireland for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 9/14/23.
I have read so much, nonfiction and fiction alike, involving the Kennedys, so of course I had to read this book which involves some of the clan during Mr. Kennedy’s time as ambassador to England.
There is fact, fiction, drama, family, passion, emotion…and I enjoyed every moment of it. This does loosely tie in with her other Glorious Guinness Girls series, but can easily be read independently.
I was really impressed with the author’s research and how hard she worked at making sure the fictional narrative fit into the facts. Her Afterword added a lot more context and how she created that tapestry.
4/5 stars
Thank you NG and Hachette Books Ireland for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 9/14/23.
September 21, 2023
An Invitation to the Kennedys by Emily Hourican published September 14th with Hachette Ireland and is described as ‘a captivating story of high society, forbidden love and a world on the cusp of change’. I love this series which you can see from my reviews of The Glorious Guinness Girls, The Guinness Girls: A Hint of Scandal and The Other Guinness Girl: A Question of Honor.
The previous three books immersed me in the lavish and plush world of the Guinness family as they faced the challenges of life over the years. Now with the world on the cusp of war, Emily Hourican has widened her scope to America, introducing us to Joseph and Rose Kennedy, and their daughter Katherine ‘Kick’ Kennedy. Joe Kennedy was sent to London in 1938 to serve as the United States Ambassador to the United Kingdom. Kick travelled with her father three weeks in advance of her mother on the Queen Mary and on arrival ‘she found the English to be so friendly, their press so interested in everything she had to say. Kick had felt instantly among friends – indeed, had spoken to the newsmen and photographers as if they were friends.’
Kick was a very outgoing young woman who excelled at sporting activities which was very unusual among English society’s young women of the time. She was refreshingly open and the press loved her for it. Her mother, Rose, was a very strict and upstanding woman who very much believed in doing the right thing always by her husband. A mother of nine, she had little time for frivolity and her aim always was to be a good wife and a mother of well-rounded and polite children. At times her attitude was stifling and Kick felt smothered but she did get the opportunity to cross paths with some fascinating characters. The Mitford sisters and Oswald Mosley were part of an extended circle and Kick was quite taken by their behaviour and antics. Kick had great respect for her father, but during her time in London she discovered that the views of her father, which aligned with Chamberlain’s appeasement policy, were very much in opposition with those that feared the forward march of the Nazi regime.
Chips Channon, husband of Honor Guinness, was an American and a social climber who viewed everyone through a glaze of money and status. Chip had ambition for his young sister-in-law, Brigid Guinness, with the intention of playing matchmaker and setting her up with a German prince. Chip believed the German Empire could be strong again and forever looking ahead, he had a plan for a convenient union. Honor was exhausted with Chip’s behaviour and his constant craving for popularity. Honor was happier with a more peaceful existence but now felt like a stranger in her own home. Honor missed her friend Doris who was in Berlin. Doris was her school friend and the one person she could speak in confidence with. But Doris was part of a something bigger and had a life in Berlin that was fraught with danger and suspicion.
Chip excitedly sends out invitations to an elite few to come gather at his newly restored Kelvedon Hall in Essex. Among his guests are the Kennedys, Prince Friedrich, Maureen & Duff (Basil Duff Blackwood, 4th Marquess of Dufferin and Ava) and of course his niece Brigid Guinness. Chip is always on the look out for an opportunity to improve his social standing and relishes nothing more than being surrounded by society’s finest but he soon realises that he may have been over-confident in his expectations as tempers begin to fray amongst his invited guests.
Emily Hourican takes the reader on an extraordinary journey, mixing fact and fiction, bringing the quirks and personalities of all her characters very much to life.
‘The story is mostly invented, but drawing together bits and pieces of real life in a way that I believe fits plausibly with the rest of these characters’ real lives’– Emily Hourican
I knew nothing about the life of Kick Kennedy and of course, on turning the final page, I immediately went in search of more information. The Kennedys were staunch Catholics and this was a fact that was not easily accepted among some in the social circles in the United Kingdom at the time. Kick was different and her attitude and exuberance perplexed many, oftentimes even her own mother.
An Invitation to the Kennedys is another compelling and elegant addition to this wonderfully researched series. Historical fiction is at its best when it is an immersive experience and Emily Hourican succeeds in this every single time. In reading this novel, you are swept up in the drama, the fashion, the politics and the romance of it all. Tying in the Kennedys is a wondrous stroke and I for one would be thrilled if Emily Hourican branched out into a series about this most intriguing of families.
Capturing the tension of the late 1930s, An Invitation to the Kennedys is a very glamorous read but there is also an underlying and palpable dread as society teeters on the verge of chaos, adding a very authentic layer to the storytelling.
The previous three books immersed me in the lavish and plush world of the Guinness family as they faced the challenges of life over the years. Now with the world on the cusp of war, Emily Hourican has widened her scope to America, introducing us to Joseph and Rose Kennedy, and their daughter Katherine ‘Kick’ Kennedy. Joe Kennedy was sent to London in 1938 to serve as the United States Ambassador to the United Kingdom. Kick travelled with her father three weeks in advance of her mother on the Queen Mary and on arrival ‘she found the English to be so friendly, their press so interested in everything she had to say. Kick had felt instantly among friends – indeed, had spoken to the newsmen and photographers as if they were friends.’
Kick was a very outgoing young woman who excelled at sporting activities which was very unusual among English society’s young women of the time. She was refreshingly open and the press loved her for it. Her mother, Rose, was a very strict and upstanding woman who very much believed in doing the right thing always by her husband. A mother of nine, she had little time for frivolity and her aim always was to be a good wife and a mother of well-rounded and polite children. At times her attitude was stifling and Kick felt smothered but she did get the opportunity to cross paths with some fascinating characters. The Mitford sisters and Oswald Mosley were part of an extended circle and Kick was quite taken by their behaviour and antics. Kick had great respect for her father, but during her time in London she discovered that the views of her father, which aligned with Chamberlain’s appeasement policy, were very much in opposition with those that feared the forward march of the Nazi regime.
Chips Channon, husband of Honor Guinness, was an American and a social climber who viewed everyone through a glaze of money and status. Chip had ambition for his young sister-in-law, Brigid Guinness, with the intention of playing matchmaker and setting her up with a German prince. Chip believed the German Empire could be strong again and forever looking ahead, he had a plan for a convenient union. Honor was exhausted with Chip’s behaviour and his constant craving for popularity. Honor was happier with a more peaceful existence but now felt like a stranger in her own home. Honor missed her friend Doris who was in Berlin. Doris was her school friend and the one person she could speak in confidence with. But Doris was part of a something bigger and had a life in Berlin that was fraught with danger and suspicion.
Chip excitedly sends out invitations to an elite few to come gather at his newly restored Kelvedon Hall in Essex. Among his guests are the Kennedys, Prince Friedrich, Maureen & Duff (Basil Duff Blackwood, 4th Marquess of Dufferin and Ava) and of course his niece Brigid Guinness. Chip is always on the look out for an opportunity to improve his social standing and relishes nothing more than being surrounded by society’s finest but he soon realises that he may have been over-confident in his expectations as tempers begin to fray amongst his invited guests.
Emily Hourican takes the reader on an extraordinary journey, mixing fact and fiction, bringing the quirks and personalities of all her characters very much to life.
‘The story is mostly invented, but drawing together bits and pieces of real life in a way that I believe fits plausibly with the rest of these characters’ real lives’– Emily Hourican
I knew nothing about the life of Kick Kennedy and of course, on turning the final page, I immediately went in search of more information. The Kennedys were staunch Catholics and this was a fact that was not easily accepted among some in the social circles in the United Kingdom at the time. Kick was different and her attitude and exuberance perplexed many, oftentimes even her own mother.
An Invitation to the Kennedys is another compelling and elegant addition to this wonderfully researched series. Historical fiction is at its best when it is an immersive experience and Emily Hourican succeeds in this every single time. In reading this novel, you are swept up in the drama, the fashion, the politics and the romance of it all. Tying in the Kennedys is a wondrous stroke and I for one would be thrilled if Emily Hourican branched out into a series about this most intriguing of families.
Capturing the tension of the late 1930s, An Invitation to the Kennedys is a very glamorous read but there is also an underlying and palpable dread as society teeters on the verge of chaos, adding a very authentic layer to the storytelling.
April 23, 2025
Pleasant easy read with insights into prewar life for the upper class in England
December 19, 2024
In this novel of historical fiction Ambassador and Mrs. Kennedy along with their daughter Kathleen, commonly known as Kick, are invited to a house party at the country house of Honor and Henry “Chips” Cannon. In addition to the Kennedys, the guests include Honor’s two sisters, Lady Brigid Guinness and Maureen, Marchioness of Dufferin and Ava along with Maureen’s husband Duff. Also in the party are Doris Coates, Honor’s best friend,, and Elizabeth Ponsonby, a friend who invites herself. Also appearing at various points in time are Deborah Mitford, her sister Diana with her husband the fascist Oswald Mosley, Prince Frederick of Prussia and William “Billy” Cavendish, the heir to the Duke of Devonshire.
Joe Kennedy looks at the weekend as an opportunity to convince members of the British ruling class to stay out of the coming war with Germany. Chips Cannon, a dreadful social climbing snob, is trying to match his siter-in-law Brigid with Prince Frederick, who he thinks will restore the German monarchy when his grandfather dies. Kick is in love with Billy Cavendish, and he seems to return the feeling, but the romance is running into s buzzsaw of opposition by both sets of parents. It all makes for a most awkward visit.
The loathsome predilections of appeasement by the British upper classes and the bullheaded similar opinions of Joe Kennedy are disturbing. Kick, who has always seen her father as invincible and never in the wrong, now begins to see that he isn’t infallible after all and begins to form her own opinions.
The visit ends pretty much in a disaster of hurt feelings and at least one broken marriage. This book gives an accurate snapshot of the state of British society on the cusp of World War II.
Joe Kennedy looks at the weekend as an opportunity to convince members of the British ruling class to stay out of the coming war with Germany. Chips Cannon, a dreadful social climbing snob, is trying to match his siter-in-law Brigid with Prince Frederick, who he thinks will restore the German monarchy when his grandfather dies. Kick is in love with Billy Cavendish, and he seems to return the feeling, but the romance is running into s buzzsaw of opposition by both sets of parents. It all makes for a most awkward visit.
The loathsome predilections of appeasement by the British upper classes and the bullheaded similar opinions of Joe Kennedy are disturbing. Kick, who has always seen her father as invincible and never in the wrong, now begins to see that he isn’t infallible after all and begins to form her own opinions.
The visit ends pretty much in a disaster of hurt feelings and at least one broken marriage. This book gives an accurate snapshot of the state of British society on the cusp of World War II.
October 3, 2023
If you love historical dramas, books set in grand country estates and adore Downton Abbey and historical fiction, run don't walk towards An Invitation to the Kennedys by @emilyhourican .
As you know by now if you follow my page, I adore historical fiction and @hachetteireland kindly sent me this book to read and review and I could not wait to jump straight in!
The Blurb:
Kathleen 'Kick' Kennedy, recently arrived from Boston, is already a huge hit in 1930s London society. As the daughter of the US ambassador, she is at the centre of the most elite social circles. But when she falls for a duke-in-waiting, she realises there are plenty of people who think she doesn't belong.
Lady Brigid Guinness has no interest in love, marriage or society connections. But her brother-in-law Chips Channon has other ideas - and seems intent on pushing her towards a match with a dull German prince.
When Chips invites the Kennedys and a select group of friends and family to Kelvedon Hall, his country estate, Brigid and Kick discover that beneath the brittle facade of politeness, marriages are on the rocks, political intrigue abounds and nothing is really as it seems - all while the war in Europe grows closer by the day.
By the time their week in Essex has ended, both Kick and Brigid realise that their world is changing rapidly, and their hopes and plans for the future may have to change too . . .
Wow, this book blew me away. Emily just evokes the period so beautifully through her writing style, characters and story. I felt transported to the upper echelons of London society through the eyes of Kick Kennedy and Lady Brigid, vivacious, strong, spunky and outspoken young ladies. Then you have the numerous opinions and positions held by different members of their families and social circle regarding the War in Europe that is creeping closer and closer. Oh let me tell you, this is the first of Emily's books I've read and I have already had to purchase her back catalogue as I just loved this book. Out in all shops now!
As you know by now if you follow my page, I adore historical fiction and @hachetteireland kindly sent me this book to read and review and I could not wait to jump straight in!
The Blurb:
Kathleen 'Kick' Kennedy, recently arrived from Boston, is already a huge hit in 1930s London society. As the daughter of the US ambassador, she is at the centre of the most elite social circles. But when she falls for a duke-in-waiting, she realises there are plenty of people who think she doesn't belong.
Lady Brigid Guinness has no interest in love, marriage or society connections. But her brother-in-law Chips Channon has other ideas - and seems intent on pushing her towards a match with a dull German prince.
When Chips invites the Kennedys and a select group of friends and family to Kelvedon Hall, his country estate, Brigid and Kick discover that beneath the brittle facade of politeness, marriages are on the rocks, political intrigue abounds and nothing is really as it seems - all while the war in Europe grows closer by the day.
By the time their week in Essex has ended, both Kick and Brigid realise that their world is changing rapidly, and their hopes and plans for the future may have to change too . . .
Wow, this book blew me away. Emily just evokes the period so beautifully through her writing style, characters and story. I felt transported to the upper echelons of London society through the eyes of Kick Kennedy and Lady Brigid, vivacious, strong, spunky and outspoken young ladies. Then you have the numerous opinions and positions held by different members of their families and social circle regarding the War in Europe that is creeping closer and closer. Oh let me tell you, this is the first of Emily's books I've read and I have already had to purchase her back catalogue as I just loved this book. Out in all shops now!
August 11, 2025
An Invitation to the Kennedys is an interesting read on the UK’s tensions and social behavior building up to the war against Hitler. Relationships between wealthy dynasties are explored involving the outspoken US Ambassador Joe Kennedy along with daughter Kick, and the old world of traditional England proper society. Americans being so direct and outspoken while the British, so proper and hidden behind manners. You meet a large cast of characters including the Guinness and Mitford sisters along with a German Prince among others.
Religion between families’ plays a part in the story regardless of the younger generation’s opinion moving past the differences. Hitler and his politics on Democracy and Dictatorship is always behind the scenes creating secrets and tension.
This book covers it all: family dynamics, drama, fashion, politics, societal expectations and romance. I can’t help but think ‘shades of Putin’ while reading.
A bit slow in parts that reminded me of the boring, drawn out dinners the women in the book couldn’t wait to end. But overall an interesting read.
Religion between families’ plays a part in the story regardless of the younger generation’s opinion moving past the differences. Hitler and his politics on Democracy and Dictatorship is always behind the scenes creating secrets and tension.
This book covers it all: family dynamics, drama, fashion, politics, societal expectations and romance. I can’t help but think ‘shades of Putin’ while reading.
A bit slow in parts that reminded me of the boring, drawn out dinners the women in the book couldn’t wait to end. But overall an interesting read.
December 1, 2023
I'm up to date on all the Guinness Girls novels now. While I think number 3 is my favourite, this one is definitely the funniest: mostly thanks to the reintroduction of Elizabeth Ponsonby who provides all the comic relief to the grim backdrop of pre-war Britain as tension rises. The book is really well researched, and the psychology of appeasers is skilfully analysed. I couldn't help drawing comparisons to the era we are living through now: a mounting tension of right wing agitators bolstered by a sense of a loss of control by the establishment.
It is not easy to explain this era without descending into cliché, but Hourican manages a fresh perspective through the eyes of individuals watching as events beyond their control unfold.
It is not easy to explain this era without descending into cliché, but Hourican manages a fresh perspective through the eyes of individuals watching as events beyond their control unfold.
July 19, 2025
I knew I enjoyed historical fiction but didn’t realize how much I enjoyed historical fiction based on true events!
This is the story of Kick Kennedy during WWII. I have read many books about the Kennedy’s but did not know much about Kick. She had previously been to England and fell in love with a non-Catholic man and set her family in a tizzy. This book continues the story as she comes back to England during the War and continues her relationship. We meet her friends and become enmeshed with their relationships and stories as well.
My only complaint would be I feel like the ending was short and I would have liked to have read more!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This is the story of Kick Kennedy during WWII. I have read many books about the Kennedy’s but did not know much about Kick. She had previously been to England and fell in love with a non-Catholic man and set her family in a tizzy. This book continues the story as she comes back to England during the War and continues her relationship. We meet her friends and become enmeshed with their relationships and stories as well.
My only complaint would be I feel like the ending was short and I would have liked to have read more!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
March 19, 2024
"How strange it was, she thought then, when you considered how alike people were same arms and legs and eyes that were blue or brown or green but really all the same sorts of sizes and shapes - how, amongst them all, there was one whose voice you heard more clearly, one whose eyes met yours and seemed to leave something inside you. And how that glance told you more than words could, in a way that you heard more clearly than words."
March 5, 2024
I read a lot of historical fiction and am quite knowledgeable about the period this book covers.
For me this was just so so insofar it was predictable and WAY too long.
The aristocracy's passion for Nazism is something they need to reflect upon and hang their heads in shame ...saying that the English have been anti semitic for centuries.
For me this was just so so insofar it was predictable and WAY too long.
The aristocracy's passion for Nazism is something they need to reflect upon and hang their heads in shame ...saying that the English have been anti semitic for centuries.
July 6, 2024
I love historical fiction but unfortunately this book, despite being very well written, didn't have that special pull for me. It gave very little action, drama or magnificent plots. Some of the characters were described too much were others that could liven the book were merely mentioned. Definitely not for the fans of Bridgeton or Downton Abbey.
November 8, 2024
The Kennedy years in England with Joe Kennedy's ro!e as ambassador to England gives an inside look at the Kennedy's. Joe Kennedy was on cbamberlins side to keep britain out War. Kennedy despised churchill.h .he used his whole family to persuade the English members to go to bat for him.Mrs Kennedy'S is painted. as very cold and uncaring.I recommend this book.
August 11, 2025
I loved the historical part of the book and learning about all the characters, especially the Kennedys and the Guinness cousins. I love a historical drama à la Downton Abbey.
I would have loved a bit more drama and intrigue though, nothing really happens in the book but maybe that is the point.
I really liked Doris and would love to know how and where she ended. I hope she is safe and happy!
I would have loved a bit more drama and intrigue though, nothing really happens in the book but maybe that is the point.
I really liked Doris and would love to know how and where she ended. I hope she is safe and happy!
June 3, 2024
At times the story was like a good English drama but sometimes the author left too much unsaid. And the ending was odd.
July 25, 2024
Interesting prewar story and insightful writing
August 14, 2024
Excellent story. Great background of the times leading up to WW2.
September 3, 2024
Slow read. I struggled with this.
February 6, 2025
The writing was good, but the intrigue went nowhere and it just got tedious.
February 20, 2025
Interesting book about Kick Kennedy and the lead up to WW2
March 15, 2025
Invitation to the Kennedys
Interesting, but I wouldn't consider it a really great WWII historical novel. I did learn a great deal about the Kennedy siblings and Rose Kennedy
Interesting, but I wouldn't consider it a really great WWII historical novel. I did learn a great deal about the Kennedy siblings and Rose Kennedy
March 29, 2025
Did not enjoy this book at all. Found it very boring and struggled to get through it
April 16, 2025
The most brilliant read ever! Couldn't recommend more
December 15, 2023
This was my first read of Emily Hourican and I will definitely be seeking out her other stories. This was a fascinating period of our history, The conflicting opinions regarding Germany, the characters and the lifestyles they led are brought together so well.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me to read An Invitation to the Kennedys.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me to read An Invitation to the Kennedys.
December 8, 2023
Emily Hourican's Guinness Girls series has caught my eye before but An Invitation to the Kennedys, which is book four, is the first I have read. Whilst I think it would have been nice to have the background of the previous three books, I never felt like I'd missed out on anything by starting with this one so it works fine as a standalone novel.
In fact, what drew me to it most of all was the fact that it features Kathleen 'Kick' Kennedy. Best known as one of the Kennedy clan (sister to JFK and Bobby), she's most interesting to me because of her connection to Chatsworth and I've always thought her quite a glamorous addition to the Cavendish family, despite the fact that it seems she was more of a down to earth tomboy.
In this book, Joe Kennedy, Kick's father, is appointed as the US Ambassador to the Court of St James and so some of the family are in Britain which is where she meets Billy Cavendish and some of the Guinness clan. Much of the book takes place at the country seat of Chips Channon and his wife, Honor. Honor's sister, Lady Brigid Guinness, is the same age as Kick and so a friendship naturally ensues. There are all the ups and downs that comes with being in society in the 1930s and the war on the horizon becomes the elephant in the room with political manoeuvres coming into play.
This is a stylish and sophisticated story set in a high-status world. It's a story of the upper classes, two prestigious and well-known families, and what happens when they converge. The complexities of social niceties against the stirring emotions, both politically and romantically, provide quite the backdrop to an interesting time for the characters, Europe and worldwide. Hourican writes engagingly and with confidence about fascinating characters. I thought this was a glittering and evocative read.
In fact, what drew me to it most of all was the fact that it features Kathleen 'Kick' Kennedy. Best known as one of the Kennedy clan (sister to JFK and Bobby), she's most interesting to me because of her connection to Chatsworth and I've always thought her quite a glamorous addition to the Cavendish family, despite the fact that it seems she was more of a down to earth tomboy.
In this book, Joe Kennedy, Kick's father, is appointed as the US Ambassador to the Court of St James and so some of the family are in Britain which is where she meets Billy Cavendish and some of the Guinness clan. Much of the book takes place at the country seat of Chips Channon and his wife, Honor. Honor's sister, Lady Brigid Guinness, is the same age as Kick and so a friendship naturally ensues. There are all the ups and downs that comes with being in society in the 1930s and the war on the horizon becomes the elephant in the room with political manoeuvres coming into play.
This is a stylish and sophisticated story set in a high-status world. It's a story of the upper classes, two prestigious and well-known families, and what happens when they converge. The complexities of social niceties against the stirring emotions, both politically and romantically, provide quite the backdrop to an interesting time for the characters, Europe and worldwide. Hourican writes engagingly and with confidence about fascinating characters. I thought this was a glittering and evocative read.
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