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The Irish Escape #1
The Crumbly Old Castle
Three best friends. Two crumbling estates. And one trip that changes everything.
When three barn besties escape for a girls’ trip to Ireland, they expect a lot of fun. They don’t expect to want to stay… forever.
Natalie was always the responsible one, the organized one, the together one. But when she inadvertently leaves one day early for their vacation and comes home pink-cheeked with embarrassment, the last thing she expects to find is her husband. . .in their bed with another woman. Luckily, they don’t notice her, and she takes the trip as a time-out to figure out what to do.
Samantha’s marriage has never been full of fireworks and trips to Cabo, but they were making it work. At least, she thought they were. When an unreasonable ultimatum sends her into a tailspin just before the trip, she takes the time to reevaluate what matters and what she wants out of life and love.
Vanessa’s husband passed a few years before, and she’s been soldiering on. Moments away from her job and responsibilities as a mother of three have been rare, but she has no plans of uprooting their life in Colorado. At least, not until someone she trusts betrays her in a big way. That wound makes her question everything about her own value and her family’s future.
Can these three friends help each other find firm ground in a world that seems to be unsafe, unsteady, and unhappy? And can found family really be what they all need when the going gets tough?
When three barn besties escape for a girls’ trip to Ireland, they expect a lot of fun. They don’t expect to want to stay… forever.
Natalie was always the responsible one, the organized one, the together one. But when she inadvertently leaves one day early for their vacation and comes home pink-cheeked with embarrassment, the last thing she expects to find is her husband. . .in their bed with another woman. Luckily, they don’t notice her, and she takes the trip as a time-out to figure out what to do.
Samantha’s marriage has never been full of fireworks and trips to Cabo, but they were making it work. At least, she thought they were. When an unreasonable ultimatum sends her into a tailspin just before the trip, she takes the time to reevaluate what matters and what she wants out of life and love.
Vanessa’s husband passed a few years before, and she’s been soldiering on. Moments away from her job and responsibilities as a mother of three have been rare, but she has no plans of uprooting their life in Colorado. At least, not until someone she trusts betrays her in a big way. That wound makes her question everything about her own value and her family’s future.
Can these three friends help each other find firm ground in a world that seems to be unsafe, unsteady, and unhappy? And can found family really be what they all need when the going gets tough?
282 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 15, 2025
181 people are currently reading
152 people want to read
About the author
B.E. Baker
47 books158 followersBridget loves her husband (every day) and all five of her kids (most days).
She’s a lawyer but does as little legal work as possible. She has three quarter horse geldings, a Holsteiner (jumping) horse, and she spends too much time riding and not enough time writing. (Or too much time writing and not enough time riding, depending on your perspective!)
B.E. Baker is the romance/women's fiction penname for Bridget E. Baker, who also writes fantasy, end of the world, and dystopian books that add a little magic to the world.
Please sign up for Bridget's fantasy or romance newsletters on her website at www.BridgetEBakerWrites.com or click Follow on her bio above to get notices and updates when she releases new books!
She’s a lawyer but does as little legal work as possible. She has three quarter horse geldings, a Holsteiner (jumping) horse, and she spends too much time riding and not enough time writing. (Or too much time writing and not enough time riding, depending on your perspective!)
B.E. Baker is the romance/women's fiction penname for Bridget E. Baker, who also writes fantasy, end of the world, and dystopian books that add a little magic to the world.
Please sign up for Bridget's fantasy or romance newsletters on her website at www.BridgetEBakerWrites.com or click Follow on her bio above to get notices and updates when she releases new books!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
February 24, 2025
I've really enjoyed all of B.E. Baker's women's fiction, so of course I was excited to read this new series, and of course I ended up loving this book! All three of the women in this book were so likable and relatable in many ways. I have to say that I feel like I identify most with Vanessa's personality. The thing I appreciated most about this book is the way the three women supported and helped each other through the hard times and changes they were each going through. It had me thinking about my bestie often and the many ways she's been helpful and supportive in my life. I hope that I've been just as supportive of her.
"People aren't objects, and that means we're all in a constant state of flux. We all know it, but then we act terribly surprised when other people change."
I love that quote. It's so true. We often view the people around us as always staying the same, even though they don't. Sometimes that change is for the better and some times it isn't. It can be hard when it isn't, and that's what happens in this book.
I really liked the Irish setting in this book. I've never been to Ireland, but I felt like I was there visiting along with these characters. The author did a lot of research for this book, especially about the locations that are visited in it, and I particularly liked the photos of the real places that were included in the book. I also enjoyed the different people the ladies meet in the book, particularly a few of the men. There isn't really any romance in this book, as it wouldn't have made sense for there to be at this point in the series. However, there is some set up in it for future relationships that I'm looking forward to exploring in the rest of the series.
If you've never read anything by this author, I think this book would be a good place to start, or her Birch Creek Ranch series.
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"People aren't objects, and that means we're all in a constant state of flux. We all know it, but then we act terribly surprised when other people change."
I love that quote. It's so true. We often view the people around us as always staying the same, even though they don't. Sometimes that change is for the better and some times it isn't. It can be hard when it isn't, and that's what happens in this book.
I really liked the Irish setting in this book. I've never been to Ireland, but I felt like I was there visiting along with these characters. The author did a lot of research for this book, especially about the locations that are visited in it, and I particularly liked the photos of the real places that were included in the book. I also enjoyed the different people the ladies meet in the book, particularly a few of the men. There isn't really any romance in this book, as it wouldn't have made sense for there to be at this point in the series. However, there is some set up in it for future relationships that I'm looking forward to exploring in the rest of the series.
If you've never read anything by this author, I think this book would be a good place to start, or her Birch Creek Ranch series.
Follow me at:
Recordings of a Reader on Youtube
Writings of a Reader at Blogspot
Writings of a Reader on Facebook
February 16, 2025
To say that this was an emotional ride would be an understatement. I was so emotionally invested in the journey of Samantha, Vanessa and Natalie to the point I felt like I was there too. Make sure you have a box of tissues because this one had me in tears a few times. I felt like I was a friend listening right alongside them. When Natalie found her husband cheating and she runs out, shocked I was angry for her. I wanted to give her husband a piece of my mind. Samantha is a gem and deserved so much more from her husband and towards the end of the book I was livid with the man that was supposed to be her husband a protector. But no, he was a destroyer. And Vanessa, I feel for her. My husband had a stroke at age 39 so Vanessa being a widow broke my heart and made me cherish my husband and marriage just a little more. Vanessa is so kind and caring that when her brother-in-law treated her other than the amazing person she is, I again was angry for her. I absolutely loved watching their journeys and watching the three come together for one another. Also, on a lighter note I want to go make some apple cake. Bridget really immersed you into the Irish culture and now I want to visit Ireland like something fierce. Bridget knows how to suck you in and I loved getting to know these three women and their families. I can't wait for book two. I want to see where life takes these three. This journey is just beginning. If you love this book go check out Bridget's Birchcreek Ranch series because it has the same feel and the same heart. ❤️ ❤️
February 16, 2025
Three best friends, 1 yearly get away and definitely a year to remember. Natalie, Samantha and Vanessa, besties from a young age, spend one week a year together on a girly catch up away from their families and a chance to recharge. This year is different though as each faces different family issues worse than before. A cheating husband, a crumbling facade of a marriage and a huge betrayal from a family member, makes this a trip to remember as each are afraid to admit their lives are falling down around them. With incredibly beautiful and descriptive world building as we follow these ladies around Ireland and not only experience it through their eyes but also experience their extraordinary bond as they support each other through hard times and also enjoy each others company and make the best of their situations. It’s an incredible read, emotional and once started you could not stop reading. It made me laugh, it made me cry and it definitely made me want more.
February 15, 2025
What a wonderful start to this new series. I've enjoyed getting to know the main characters along with glimpses into both their pasts and their futures. The book captures the spirit of the Irish and introduces you to several popular tourist attractions. I am already counting down to book two!
April 11, 2025
A book about friends for life!
This book was a sheer delight to read except that I hadn't noticed it was book 1 and book 2 won't be available till November.
Vanessa, Nathalie, and Samantha have been friends since early childhood, drawn together as horse lovers. Eventually, they marry and go their own ways, but each year, they take a girls trip to go somewhere and renew their friendship. This year they are off to Ireland, but each of them faces a crisis just before they leave, a husband cheating, another husband saying unforgivable things, a child getting involved with drugs after the death of his father and a shoulder injury that halts his ability to play football.
A week away, and the discovery that life is painful for each one, allows them to use the time to think things through, knowing that they have each other's backs.
During their stay they visit several Irish tourist spots that I have had the pleasure of visiting, so it brought back wonderful memories for me. I've never had close friendships like these that led to trips together, and I'm sorry about that. They truly became each other's family by choice.
As the week goes on, they each have to make decisions about what they will do next. Perhaps they could make Ireland their home?
I loved that the author included some colour pictures of where they were staying and a nearby castle.
The story ended very abruptly, leaving several threads unfinished, which was a mite disappointing. I guess I'll be waiting till November for what comes next.
This book was a sheer delight to read except that I hadn't noticed it was book 1 and book 2 won't be available till November.
Vanessa, Nathalie, and Samantha have been friends since early childhood, drawn together as horse lovers. Eventually, they marry and go their own ways, but each year, they take a girls trip to go somewhere and renew their friendship. This year they are off to Ireland, but each of them faces a crisis just before they leave, a husband cheating, another husband saying unforgivable things, a child getting involved with drugs after the death of his father and a shoulder injury that halts his ability to play football.
A week away, and the discovery that life is painful for each one, allows them to use the time to think things through, knowing that they have each other's backs.
During their stay they visit several Irish tourist spots that I have had the pleasure of visiting, so it brought back wonderful memories for me. I've never had close friendships like these that led to trips together, and I'm sorry about that. They truly became each other's family by choice.
As the week goes on, they each have to make decisions about what they will do next. Perhaps they could make Ireland their home?
I loved that the author included some colour pictures of where they were staying and a nearby castle.
The story ended very abruptly, leaving several threads unfinished, which was a mite disappointing. I guess I'll be waiting till November for what comes next.
April 16, 2025
Enjoy Ireland with three friends since childhood!
They met as girls because of riding--horseback, that is. Each year, they take a two week vacation together. This year, it's Ireland. One is widowed, and the other two are headed for divorce. Tag along with them and enjoy their comradery. There are twists in their adventures, including castles, a duke, and interesting men. This was a dream vacation with a grand surprise at the end. Read and enjoy!
They met as girls because of riding--horseback, that is. Each year, they take a two week vacation together. This year, it's Ireland. One is widowed, and the other two are headed for divorce. Tag along with them and enjoy their comradery. There are twists in their adventures, including castles, a duke, and interesting men. This was a dream vacation with a grand surprise at the end. Read and enjoy!
May 31, 2025
unrealistic
There were just too many unbelievable similarities in the stories of the three women. Everyone has marital issues at the same time? All the husbands (one brother-in-law) are swindlers, cheaters, cruel, dishonest? All the women end up exceptionally wealthy by the end? Just no.
The redeeming factor was the setting of Ireland and descriptions of the country.
There were just too many unbelievable similarities in the stories of the three women. Everyone has marital issues at the same time? All the husbands (one brother-in-law) are swindlers, cheaters, cruel, dishonest? All the women end up exceptionally wealthy by the end? Just no.
The redeeming factor was the setting of Ireland and descriptions of the country.
February 22, 2025
What a great start to a new series, I love the way that Bridget is able to capture the true nature of every single one of the characters in her books, and this book is not the exception. With exceptional settings descriptions, and with pictures on this one, so much so that you feel you’re right there in Ireland with Natalie, Samantha and Vanessa, you can feel the research that went into writing this book.
This is a book about confronting your life circumstances, whether those being a cheating husband, a husband that doesn’t see you as an equal partner or a brother in law that steals your money and your dead husband’s business, this book brings forth the empowerment of yourself and the believe that a second chance isn’t life is the best decision.
I loved this book and can’t wait to continue these women’s journey in the crumbly old castle in Ireland.
This is a book about confronting your life circumstances, whether those being a cheating husband, a husband that doesn’t see you as an equal partner or a brother in law that steals your money and your dead husband’s business, this book brings forth the empowerment of yourself and the believe that a second chance isn’t life is the best decision.
I loved this book and can’t wait to continue these women’s journey in the crumbly old castle in Ireland.
February 26, 2025
Superb!
The title might should have been Crumbling Lives. However, the friendship of these three strong women continues to flourish and helps guide them through the difficult situations they unexpectedly have to face. The author seamlessly introduces Irish history and culture and even includes beautiful photographs to make you feel like you’ve had your own Irish adventure. I’m really looking forward to seeing what happens next!
The title might should have been Crumbling Lives. However, the friendship of these three strong women continues to flourish and helps guide them through the difficult situations they unexpectedly have to face. The author seamlessly introduces Irish history and culture and even includes beautiful photographs to make you feel like you’ve had your own Irish adventure. I’m really looking forward to seeing what happens next!
November 4, 2025
Wow! What a great start! Beginning to end, you will fall in love with these three women, their beautiful friendship, and the stunning landscape of Ireland. Each one has a world-shifting problem, and when they go on their annual vacation, they lean on each other for strength. And one of the best parts? It takes place in REAL places (photos included!) that you can look up and even visit. I cannot wait to see how the rest of their tale unfolds!
February 19, 2025
This is a story that will pull you in right when you start. It’s an about three best friends who go on a yearly girls trip. This time they are going to Ireland. But right before or right after the get there, things start to fall apart in their what they thought good lives. They have a blast and finally talk to each other about what’s going. They all have decisions to make and one of them is, can they move to Ireland?
February 16, 2025
There's no doubt that Bridget did it again with this incredible start to a series! Included in the writing are pictures for an actual real estate posting in Ireland that inspired the tale.
When three long-time friends start off their annual girl's trip hesitant to admit to each other that their lives are falling apart, they never expected that trip to absolutely change their world.
Bridget is a master of writing multiple points of view in a book, and she shows it again here. Each of the women tells their parts of the story (including some overlapping moments) in unique ways that make you want to get to know them all better. The research that has gone into the story is also evident because Bridget is a horse girl herself, which is evident, but falconry and other different types of experiences are handled with care and so well. This is one of her best books yet, and this is coming from someone who's genre of choice is NOT romance.
When three long-time friends start off their annual girl's trip hesitant to admit to each other that their lives are falling apart, they never expected that trip to absolutely change their world.
Bridget is a master of writing multiple points of view in a book, and she shows it again here. Each of the women tells their parts of the story (including some overlapping moments) in unique ways that make you want to get to know them all better. The research that has gone into the story is also evident because Bridget is a horse girl herself, which is evident, but falconry and other different types of experiences are handled with care and so well. This is one of her best books yet, and this is coming from someone who's genre of choice is NOT romance.
March 24, 2025
Ireland here we come!
Three women meet in Ireland for their annual holiday week. They've been friends since they were teens growing up together in horse back riding classes. Their past annual vacations have taken to them to destinations which usually included riding through the countryside they visited. Each of them suddenly become aware of significant personal problems at home and find solutions just talking to their life long friends.When they reach the last overnight destination they discover they've been scammed but convince the owner to allow them to stay. The estate is so attractive, they decide to collectively buy it and move their families to southern Ireland. Book is well written, entertaining, and informative of destination spots in Ireland including Waterford factory, a castle, and a cheese factory. It can be classified as Modern Women's fiction at its best.
Three women meet in Ireland for their annual holiday week. They've been friends since they were teens growing up together in horse back riding classes. Their past annual vacations have taken to them to destinations which usually included riding through the countryside they visited. Each of them suddenly become aware of significant personal problems at home and find solutions just talking to their life long friends.When they reach the last overnight destination they discover they've been scammed but convince the owner to allow them to stay. The estate is so attractive, they decide to collectively buy it and move their families to southern Ireland. Book is well written, entertaining, and informative of destination spots in Ireland including Waterford factory, a castle, and a cheese factory. It can be classified as Modern Women's fiction at its best.
February 9, 2025
Life Altering Misery And New Hope
What a wonderful start of a new series! Three friends since childhood with horses and horseback riding as their joint passion, who are now in their forties, going on their yearly trip together. This time Ireland is their goal. Americans on vacation in Europe, in a (mostly) English speaking country and with all the different colloquial to spread confusion. Hilarious! The misery those three women have to go through is definitely not hilarious, but the way they cope is so admirable. This book is full of wisdom and good advice. And as a horse loving person the passages about them are heart warming and so relatable. BEB knows them well and how to write about them.
Highly recommended. <3 <3 <3
What a wonderful start of a new series! Three friends since childhood with horses and horseback riding as their joint passion, who are now in their forties, going on their yearly trip together. This time Ireland is their goal. Americans on vacation in Europe, in a (mostly) English speaking country and with all the different colloquial to spread confusion. Hilarious! The misery those three women have to go through is definitely not hilarious, but the way they cope is so admirable. This book is full of wisdom and good advice. And as a horse loving person the passages about them are heart warming and so relatable. BEB knows them well and how to write about them.
Highly recommended. <3 <3 <3
May 19, 2025
This was a fun women's fiction story about three friends who go on yearly trips together. Just as they're leaving, each of their worlds kind of fall apart underneath them. I enjoyed the three different personalities and life situations and how they still supported each other through it. I'm looking forward to the next book.
I listened to the audiobook. While there are three narrators, I still had a hard time keeping track of the names of each of the three women, even though I could tell by the voice that it was someone different. I finally took to looking at the chapter titles hoping it would stick. Totally my bad.
I listened to the audiobook. While there are three narrators, I still had a hard time keeping track of the names of each of the three women, even though I could tell by the voice that it was someone different. I finally took to looking at the chapter titles hoping it would stick. Totally my bad.
February 15, 2025
I absolutely loved this book. It grabs you from the start (although I wish the author hadn’t put the huge spoiler in the opening comments). You will love these women and the great storyline. Such gut-wrenching emotions. I can feel for the characters and I’m sure everyone reading this will somehow see at least a little part of themselves in one of the ladies’ stories. The pics were a bonus. I can’t wait for the next book to see how their story goes on. I can’t wait to see what comes next for them all. I highly recommend!!!
February 23, 2025
What a great first book in this series! The characters were fabulous. We meet Samantha, Natalie and Vanessa are three friends living in different states that meet yearly for a girls trip. This year all three of them have life changing events that occur and now they have big decisions to make. Two of them have 3 and 5 kids and are on the way to a divorce and the third friend has to deal with a brother in law who cheats her out of their family business. While in Ireland they decide to start over by buying a place in Ireland!
April 28, 2025
The first third of this book left me kind of depressed, and I wasn't sure if I wanted to finish reading it. Thankfully, when I got back to it later, things improved, and it was worth finishing. The writing is excellent- it's just too realistic and I wasn't in the right mood to read about broken marriages and other relationships. I enjoyed reading about Ireland, and I got to the point of wanting to know what happened to the characters. It's not the author's fault that I wasn't in the right mood to read the book at first.
April 18, 2025
This was another great book by B.E. Baker. I loved the setting in Ireland and the dream of moving there. The relationship between the three friends was fabulous. The fact that they make a yearly trip together is great. This trip begins with big drama for each of the three and it is so nice how they support each other and make each other stronger and able to find good times together. I had not realized this was part of a series, but I am looking forward to book two when it comes out.
April 22, 2025
This book met every one of my expectations. The title was intriguing but after seeing who the author was, this book became a must-buy. I love her characters. She doesn't give you the classic beauty that has all her ducks in a row. Oh no. Her characters are just as much of a mess as I am and I love it. I love that she wove so much of Ireland's history, complete with pictures, into this book. The only thing I didn't like about it is that the next book doesn't come out for another six months!
February 6, 2025
After struggling to finish 2 books for the last 2 weeks (I usually read one every few days) , I read this in one day! Absolutely could not put it down. These 3 strong women with a beautiful friendship navigate their struggles with marriage, kids and just everyday adulting in a remarkable way. This was so relatable it's not even funny and I can't wait to see more of their adventures in Ireland!
February 9, 2025
Love this first book in Bridget’s new series. The characters are awesome and make you fall in love with them. The friendship between the characters is what I feel everyone would be lucky to have. And the research Bridget must have done to make this book happen is amazing! I love the small tidbits of real history integrated in this book. Can’t wait to see what’s next for these life long friends!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 14, 2025
This book was very entertaining, full of surprises, awkward situations and amazing friendships. I enjoyed reading about Natalie, Samantha and Vanessa, getting to know their strengths, weaknesses and the things that are important in their lives, like their families and the changes happening in their futures.
February 15, 2025
Bridget takes you on the adventure of 3 friends whose worlds get turned upside down, but they find the strength to move forward with the support of true friends. Mix in some horses and you have a wonderful story. I can't wait for book 2!
February 15, 2025
An intriguing introduction to a new series. I immediately felt a connection to each of the female leads. I can’t wait to find out more about the horses as the series goes on. I’m intrigued by the setting and by those I suspect will become the male leads. I’m excited for this new series!
February 21, 2025
I love this new series by Bridget Baker. I was reminded of my friendships that have lasted the test of time and distance. I loved learning about Ireland and the people in its History. I love the addition of pictures of the places that the book described. I can't wait for the next one!
March 7, 2025
great book
I couldn’t put it down! I did have to keep reminding myself which character was who as each chapter was written in one of the 3 main characters voice. Read the chapter titles to keep up! I love Ireland and this book makes me feel I need to go there again.
I couldn’t put it down! I did have to keep reminding myself which character was who as each chapter was written in one of the 3 main characters voice. Read the chapter titles to keep up! I love Ireland and this book makes me feel I need to go there again.
May 14, 2025
Great story
Loved the characters and how they fit the story like pieces of a puzzle. Reading this is like viewing a slice of life, be prepared for the ride of your life. The author crafts amazing tales.😍
Loved the characters and how they fit the story like pieces of a puzzle. Reading this is like viewing a slice of life, be prepared for the ride of your life. The author crafts amazing tales.😍
September 7, 2025
4 stars because the book just abruptly ended. In your mind you think you know what’s happening, but it leaves you hanging for the sequel. The characters are relatable and you can feel the emotions.
March 14, 2025
What a fun read! I love how Bridget takes the time to research for her books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews