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Oliver's Well #1
One Year
“A warm, heartfelt novel about what it means to belong to a family. You won't want to put it down.” --Mary Alice Monroe , New York Times bestselling author of A Lowcountry Wedding
In a heartfelt story set in a picturesque small town in Virginia, Mary McDonough portrays three generations of women in a modern Irish-American family as they navigate marriage, motherhood, and independence. . .
The Fitzgibbons--especially the women--have long been the backbone of Oliver's Well, Virginia. Matriarch Mary Bernadette is still striking and tireless at seventy-five, with a generous heart that belies her sometimes sharp tongue. Her husband, Paddy, owns the local landscaping business, daughter Grace is a nun, and son Pat and his wife Megan are successful lawyers. Her grandson, PJ, and his new wife, Alexis, live in a charming cottage behind the main house. Church, family, tradition, and the local historical society--everything Mary Bernadette cherishes is in Oliver's Well. But below the surface, there are fractures.
Megan sees the strained relationship between her husband and Mary Bernadette, who has never quite recovered from the painful loss of her first-born son. Megan too is torn between gaining her mother-in-law's approval and living life on her own terms. Alexis loves PJ deeply yet chafes against his grandmother's influence in their marriage. Then a looming scandal brings unexpected tragedy, compelling the Fitzgibbons to determine the depth of their loyalty, find their strength--and repair the bonds that have held a town, and a family, together for so long.
With warmth and an abundance of insight, Mary McDonough artfully captures the shifting dynamics of family life--and the revelations they may bear just in time.
In a heartfelt story set in a picturesque small town in Virginia, Mary McDonough portrays three generations of women in a modern Irish-American family as they navigate marriage, motherhood, and independence. . .
The Fitzgibbons--especially the women--have long been the backbone of Oliver's Well, Virginia. Matriarch Mary Bernadette is still striking and tireless at seventy-five, with a generous heart that belies her sometimes sharp tongue. Her husband, Paddy, owns the local landscaping business, daughter Grace is a nun, and son Pat and his wife Megan are successful lawyers. Her grandson, PJ, and his new wife, Alexis, live in a charming cottage behind the main house. Church, family, tradition, and the local historical society--everything Mary Bernadette cherishes is in Oliver's Well. But below the surface, there are fractures.
Megan sees the strained relationship between her husband and Mary Bernadette, who has never quite recovered from the painful loss of her first-born son. Megan too is torn between gaining her mother-in-law's approval and living life on her own terms. Alexis loves PJ deeply yet chafes against his grandmother's influence in their marriage. Then a looming scandal brings unexpected tragedy, compelling the Fitzgibbons to determine the depth of their loyalty, find their strength--and repair the bonds that have held a town, and a family, together for so long.
With warmth and an abundance of insight, Mary McDonough artfully captures the shifting dynamics of family life--and the revelations they may bear just in time.
464 pages, Hardcover
First published April 28, 2015
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742 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
September 15, 2015
4.5 stars
Sexual Content Rating: Subtle
Language (Profanity/Slang) Content Rating: Mild
Violent Content Rating: Negligible/Minimal
Three generations of women in a small town in Virginia, a seemingly idyllic setting for a perfect family story. But as always, not all is golden under the sun and the idyllic atmosphere is only on the surface, where cracks are beginning to show. Mary Bernadette is married to Patty, who owns a thriving business and they have two children. One daughter, Grace, is a nun, while their son Pat and his wife Megan are lawyers. Their son P.J. is married to Alexis, who is new in town and needs to adjust not just to the family and the influence of both Mary Bernadette and Megan on her marriage. But Alexis also needs to adjust to life in small town Virginia and she really transforms into a different person as the story progresses. You can sense her changing as you read through the book.
This book does not have the major drama that other books have; it is written from a small town perspective where everyday life goes on. But this book is not boring; it is a realistic description of living in a small town with multiple generations of one family and the little dramatic episodes that make up life in such a town. Life is quiet away from the hustle and bustle of the big city, but there are problems and there is happiness. The author does a good job of showing life as it is for most of us. Not the big drama, but sometimes the little things that worry us and take time to solve as a problem. Maybe they do not attract the national headlines, but for the people going through these issues, they are important nonetheless, take time to deal with and for at least a period in our lives, the problems play an important part next to family, work and church, until they get resolved and our lives hit another bump in the road.
Mary McDonough may be known to many from starring the TV series “The Waltons” and reminiscent of “The Waltons” are some of the scenes in this book. While this family is much smaller, similar to The Waltons” as a series, this book describes the everyday issues that people deal with in their lives.
-- EVA
Sexual Content Rating: Subtle
Language (Profanity/Slang) Content Rating: Mild
Violent Content Rating: Negligible/Minimal
Three generations of women in a small town in Virginia, a seemingly idyllic setting for a perfect family story. But as always, not all is golden under the sun and the idyllic atmosphere is only on the surface, where cracks are beginning to show. Mary Bernadette is married to Patty, who owns a thriving business and they have two children. One daughter, Grace, is a nun, while their son Pat and his wife Megan are lawyers. Their son P.J. is married to Alexis, who is new in town and needs to adjust not just to the family and the influence of both Mary Bernadette and Megan on her marriage. But Alexis also needs to adjust to life in small town Virginia and she really transforms into a different person as the story progresses. You can sense her changing as you read through the book.
This book does not have the major drama that other books have; it is written from a small town perspective where everyday life goes on. But this book is not boring; it is a realistic description of living in a small town with multiple generations of one family and the little dramatic episodes that make up life in such a town. Life is quiet away from the hustle and bustle of the big city, but there are problems and there is happiness. The author does a good job of showing life as it is for most of us. Not the big drama, but sometimes the little things that worry us and take time to solve as a problem. Maybe they do not attract the national headlines, but for the people going through these issues, they are important nonetheless, take time to deal with and for at least a period in our lives, the problems play an important part next to family, work and church, until they get resolved and our lives hit another bump in the road.
Mary McDonough may be known to many from starring the TV series “The Waltons” and reminiscent of “The Waltons” are some of the scenes in this book. While this family is much smaller, similar to The Waltons” as a series, this book describes the everyday issues that people deal with in their lives.
-- EVA
January 11, 2016
In a heartfelt story set in a picturesque small town in Virginia, Mary McDonough portrays three generations of women in a modern Irish-American family as they navigate marriage, motherhood, and independence. . .
The Fitzgibbons--especially the women--have long been the backbone of Oliver's Well, Virginia. Matriarch Mary Bernadette is still striking and tireless at seventy-five, with a generous heart that belies her sometimes sharp tongue. Her husband, Paddy, owns the local landscaping business, daughter Grace is a nun, and son Pat and his wife Megan are successful lawyers. Her grandson, PJ, and his new wife, Alexis, live in a charming cottage behind the main house. Church, family, tradition, and the local historical society--everything Mary Bernadette cherishes is in Oliver's Well. But below the surface, there are fractures.
Megan sees the strained relationship between her husband and Mary Bernadette, who has never quite recovered from the painful loss of her first-born son. Megan too is torn between gaining her mother-in-law's approval and living life on her own terms. Alexis loves PJ deeply yet chafes against his grandmother's influence in their marriage. Then a looming scandal brings unexpected tragedy, compelling the Fitzgibbons to determine the depth of their loyalty, find their strength--and repair the bonds that have held a town, and a family, together for so long.
With warmth and an abundance of insight, Mary McDonough artfully captures the shifting dynamics of family life--and the revelations they may bear just in time.
--My thoughts. Small towns and generational stories are my type of story. Lots of characters but there is a tree to help you out at the beginning to refer to. One of my favorite lines was if I am going to be a grandmother I should learn to knit. As if! This was just ordinary life, not a glamorous one, just everyday life. But it was an enjoyable read.
The Fitzgibbons--especially the women--have long been the backbone of Oliver's Well, Virginia. Matriarch Mary Bernadette is still striking and tireless at seventy-five, with a generous heart that belies her sometimes sharp tongue. Her husband, Paddy, owns the local landscaping business, daughter Grace is a nun, and son Pat and his wife Megan are successful lawyers. Her grandson, PJ, and his new wife, Alexis, live in a charming cottage behind the main house. Church, family, tradition, and the local historical society--everything Mary Bernadette cherishes is in Oliver's Well. But below the surface, there are fractures.
Megan sees the strained relationship between her husband and Mary Bernadette, who has never quite recovered from the painful loss of her first-born son. Megan too is torn between gaining her mother-in-law's approval and living life on her own terms. Alexis loves PJ deeply yet chafes against his grandmother's influence in their marriage. Then a looming scandal brings unexpected tragedy, compelling the Fitzgibbons to determine the depth of their loyalty, find their strength--and repair the bonds that have held a town, and a family, together for so long.
With warmth and an abundance of insight, Mary McDonough artfully captures the shifting dynamics of family life--and the revelations they may bear just in time.
--My thoughts. Small towns and generational stories are my type of story. Lots of characters but there is a tree to help you out at the beginning to refer to. One of my favorite lines was if I am going to be a grandmother I should learn to knit. As if! This was just ordinary life, not a glamorous one, just everyday life. But it was an enjoyable read.
December 21, 2017
I remember Mary when she was on the Walton's and I read her book about them, but One Year was outstanding. The characters could be in your own family. It is a great read.
June 25, 2025
3.75🌟
Was not into this book for the majority of it. I was just boree and didn't care. Then around the 70% mark something big happened and I got invested😆 Glad I kept reading and finished it.
Was not into this book for the majority of it. I was just boree and didn't care. Then around the 70% mark something big happened and I got invested😆 Glad I kept reading and finished it.
July 20, 2022
This book is about 400 pages too long and I cannot stand any of the prim, whiny, poor communicators that serve as characters
August 1, 2016
A bit of an aside, the author, Mary McDonough, played Erin from the Waltons – and that feeling of family carries through here with matriarch Mary Bernadette, her daughter-in-law Megan and granddaughter Alexis.
Each woman in this story comes from a point of view highly shaped by their own personal experiences, and the sorrows (shared and private) that have hindered or fueled their lives. There is a strong component of faith and family at the base of the story, although rather than being rooted in the church, that faith is in the next day, the footsteps and paths the family that came before brought and the reputation of the family in the small town.
There’s plenty to love and see in the story that will resonate – the family bonds, the griefs, the struggle for (and unconditional) acceptance granted, as well as the moments that aren’t so pleasant. A wonderful read that will keep you engaged and engrossed for hours, with plenty to think of after the last page.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Each woman in this story comes from a point of view highly shaped by their own personal experiences, and the sorrows (shared and private) that have hindered or fueled their lives. There is a strong component of faith and family at the base of the story, although rather than being rooted in the church, that faith is in the next day, the footsteps and paths the family that came before brought and the reputation of the family in the small town.
There’s plenty to love and see in the story that will resonate – the family bonds, the griefs, the struggle for (and unconditional) acceptance granted, as well as the moments that aren’t so pleasant. A wonderful read that will keep you engaged and engrossed for hours, with plenty to think of after the last page.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
May 15, 2015
The Fitzgibbon family has been a fixture in their Virginia town of Oliver's Well for 54 years- their entire married life. Paddy owns a landscaping business and His wife, Mary Bernadette is well known for her work with the local historical society. Paddy and Mary Bernadette raised 2 children, Pat, a successful lawyer and Grace, a nun. However she is still suffering from the death of her first son early in her marriage.
Now the Fitzgibbon family is under attack within their community and their family solidarity is called into question.
This book will appeal to those who enjoy stories about Irish families who have a strong attachment to their Catholic religion. Conversely, some of the cultural and religious references might be off-putting to those readers not familiar with them beforehand.
Now the Fitzgibbon family is under attack within their community and their family solidarity is called into question.
This book will appeal to those who enjoy stories about Irish families who have a strong attachment to their Catholic religion. Conversely, some of the cultural and religious references might be off-putting to those readers not familiar with them beforehand.
June 13, 2015
I love books set in small town America. This one follows three generations of an Irish-American family. Mary Bernadette is the head of the family and her husband Paddy owns a landscaping business. Mary Bernadette is very involved the local historical society. She has 2 children, Pat who is a lawyer and Grace is a nun. But she has never fully got over losing her first baby.
The three women we follow are Mary Bernadette, her daughter in law Grace and granddaughter Alexis. We follow them over the year and see how events change the dynamics within the family. A big scandal tests them all.
I love descriptions of small town living and how that can affect everyone when there is a big event to get over.
I was interested to read that the author was Erin from the Waltons.
Many thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the chance to read this one
The three women we follow are Mary Bernadette, her daughter in law Grace and granddaughter Alexis. We follow them over the year and see how events change the dynamics within the family. A big scandal tests them all.
I love descriptions of small town living and how that can affect everyone when there is a big event to get over.
I was interested to read that the author was Erin from the Waltons.
Many thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the chance to read this one
July 4, 2015
I won this book through good reads.Thank you for choosing me. The story of 3 generations of an Irish American family and how they weathered the trials-good and bad of one year in their lives. At first I was getting kind of bored with the description of all the characters in the book. Later I realized that this was necessary to the story. It had lively characters, Lovely setting of Oliver's Well in VA. The story pulled me into their lives and had me cheering them on for reconciliation Very good story and I'd recommend it to anyone who likes family dynamics.
December 8, 2020
It took me getting through the first third of the book before convincing myself to finish even reading the rest of the story. The first third was rather stark and dismaying but it was worth it after reading through the entire story. Guess redemption stories are rather dismal at first but not sure I would read of her books.
March 4, 2016
I really was hoping to enjoy this as I love books with multi-generations of a family. But the writing style seemed very stiff and the character of the matriarch was just so prim and proper it bordered on ridiculous.
June 2, 2015
I liked the book overall. I couldn't warm up to some of the characters even toward the end. It was a nice story about a diverse family under normal and then trying circumstances. The family is very Irish and Catholic. Mary Bernadette and even PJ were a little too self centric for my tastes.
January 3, 2020
Could not get into this book. It was recommended by two people but I did not like it at all.
March 1, 2021
"One Year," by Mary McDonough was a wonderful, LONG, family saga set it a very small town in Virginia in modern times. If the author had left out cell phones, televisions, the internet, and cars, this story could have been written by Sinclair Lewis, Edith Wharton, or any of the other much earlier American novelists who were very observant about life in a small town, its secrets, its never ending gossip and the nosiness of its residents, but also the goodness of most people. There is always an evil person who tries to usurp the rights and successes of others, just as there is in a big city, or a government entity. McDonough captured it all, while allowing us in to the lives of the Fitzgibbons family for a period of one year.
Matriarch Mary Bernadette is quite a force with which to reckon. She definitely rules the roost with her children and grandchildren, tying to keep them close by and under her control, not willing to accept they are all individuals with private lives, loves, dreams and frailties. Her husband, Paddy, however, has stayed by her side through good and bad for a lifetime, even when she has been extremely cold and difficult. Mary Bernadette wants to control her grandson's young wife, Alexis, keeping the couple close at hand in a cottage on the Fitzgibbons' property. Tensions mount between Alexis and her husband, PJ, as their marriage begins to flounder.
Mary McDonough knows how to keep her readers reading, page after page for over 400 of those pages. She created very short chapters, leaving us wanting to know more, and to yearn for a happy ending, not knowing if we will get one or not.
"One Year" tells the story of a big Irish American family, their faith (or lack there of) and how, no matter how old they might be, learn there is always room to better oneself and go after your dreams.
Matriarch Mary Bernadette is quite a force with which to reckon. She definitely rules the roost with her children and grandchildren, tying to keep them close by and under her control, not willing to accept they are all individuals with private lives, loves, dreams and frailties. Her husband, Paddy, however, has stayed by her side through good and bad for a lifetime, even when she has been extremely cold and difficult. Mary Bernadette wants to control her grandson's young wife, Alexis, keeping the couple close at hand in a cottage on the Fitzgibbons' property. Tensions mount between Alexis and her husband, PJ, as their marriage begins to flounder.
Mary McDonough knows how to keep her readers reading, page after page for over 400 of those pages. She created very short chapters, leaving us wanting to know more, and to yearn for a happy ending, not knowing if we will get one or not.
"One Year" tells the story of a big Irish American family, their faith (or lack there of) and how, no matter how old they might be, learn there is always room to better oneself and go after your dreams.
June 17, 2020
This book surprised me. I thought it would be a light summer read but it turned out to be much more. The family dynamic of the Fitzgibbon family was fairly typical: a matriarch who believed her way was the only way, younger generations publicly following but privately fuming. But what I liked was that while the older generation remained unmoved by the world around them - regardless of the turmoil - the younger generation spun into action. Yes, some reactions were nearly destructive, like Alexis reaction to her husband PJ’s unhealthy devotion to his grandparents, but isn’t that true of human nature? When cornered we lash out. Other characters, like daughter in law Megan’s well thought out plan to restore order to the Oliver’s Well Housing Association, proved that reaction was better than standing by and being afraid of change. It also proved that no situation is hopeless. Even the cheesy ending when each family member got exactly what they had hoped for made me smile! This story had plenty of interesting characters and twists and turns in the plot to make it absolutely worthy of a happy ending and was, for me, time well spent.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 29, 2025
I enjoyed this book. It was heartening to move from loving to hate Mary Bernadette Fitzgibbon to having compassion for how the circumstance of losing her firstborn child led to her becoming a hard woman who tried to control everyone and everything around her. The author did a great job of writing a story about family and how they found forgiveness while giving distinct personalities and relationships to 15+ main and supporting characters. I am sure her years on The Waltons as Erin helped her in this endeavor.
Call Outs:
* The title "One Year" seems very generic and not at all interesting or intriguing. If not for knowing it was written by actress Mary McDonough, I would not have looked at it twice. (I do note the name change in later editions, which a was wise decision.)
*In this edition, the author mistakenly referenced Psalm 140:4 as Psalm 139. Hopefully that also is rectified in subsequent editions.
Call Outs:
* The title "One Year" seems very generic and not at all interesting or intriguing. If not for knowing it was written by actress Mary McDonough, I would not have looked at it twice. (I do note the name change in later editions, which a was wise decision.)
*In this edition, the author mistakenly referenced Psalm 140:4 as Psalm 139. Hopefully that also is rectified in subsequent editions.
April 4, 2019
Another random pick off the library shelf...and definitely had to read it. One reason is the author played Erin on Walton's Mountain, which I watched (and yes still watch now and then...I love that show). I didn't know she was an author and found her book interesting. The setting takes place in a small town in Virginia and covers 3 generations of women in a modern Iris-American family as they navigate all the things that happen in their lives.
It may not be your cup of tea but I enjoyed it.
It may not be your cup of tea but I enjoyed it.
January 28, 2020
Story with a view
I really enjoyed this book! I gave it 4 stars only because I felt like the story read like a bit of a narrative in some parts rather than a well rounded story. I loved the story line and if I was speaking to Mary i would explain that I feel that her writing has great potential. I would like to see more "flourish". Perhaps a bit more flow to the description. Having said that I loved the development of the characters and i have already downloaded the next book. Looking forward to reading her works in the future!
I really enjoyed this book! I gave it 4 stars only because I felt like the story read like a bit of a narrative in some parts rather than a well rounded story. I loved the story line and if I was speaking to Mary i would explain that I feel that her writing has great potential. I would like to see more "flourish". Perhaps a bit more flow to the description. Having said that I loved the development of the characters and i have already downloaded the next book. Looking forward to reading her works in the future!
October 22, 2017
This is a wonderful family saga, filled with moments of emotional despair and happiness. I must say I almost put the book down because I hated the Matriarch Mary Bernadette and all the harm she caused to her family in the name of love. This book is truly filled with three-dimensional characters that will frustrate you as well as make you love them. I highly recommend you read this book.
January 15, 2021
Ah, Family
I've met Mary and have found it difficult to understand why they must always criticize thinking they are "helping" others, when what they are doing is alienating people. And that they just don't see it. Yes, a tragedy and self blame can have a very negative influence on one's life, but if one truly has "faith" one needs to accept the other positives in their lives.
I've met Mary and have found it difficult to understand why they must always criticize thinking they are "helping" others, when what they are doing is alienating people. And that they just don't see it. Yes, a tragedy and self blame can have a very negative influence on one's life, but if one truly has "faith" one needs to accept the other positives in their lives.
January 1, 2024
I can see why some people did not finish this book as many of the characters were so annoying, self-centered, and just not very nice to one another. But as you delve deeper into the story, you begin to understand what caused them to behave that way. After about one third of the way through, I could not put it down.
November 17, 2017
One Year handles parental expectations masterfully. Another interest story line is familial dynamics between those who marry in to close families. The short chapters got in the way of my complete enjoyment of this novel, though.
January 1, 2018
This was a smooth read... you didn’t realize how long you were actually reading. It showed how you can go from perfectly happy to almost losing everything in a short span ... and that sometimes you have to work to bring your life back on track
April 20, 2019
Quite good even if predictable. Can understand the feelings and era of Alexis who is married to Mary Bernadette’s clingy grandson PJ. The daughter-in-law Megan springs into action towards the middle of the book
November 20, 2019
The drama builds slowly but is worth the wait, as three generations of the Fitzgibbon family face conflicts (many instigated by the family matriarch, Mary Bernadette) of how to balance love and loyalty against the need to be your own person. Told with wit and compassion.
August 1, 2021
the story itself was good the only reason I gave a 3* is because it is just a simple easy read....no action...not on the edge of your seat type reading....was very well written though....will plan on reading any other books she may write....there are life lessons in this book.
August 6, 2023
Fast, engaging read. Nothing heavy....some might call it a "beach read". Once I got all the names/relations straight in my mind it was very enjoyable. Nice break from my recent non-fiction/historical reads.
November 26, 2018
Outstanding book. Loved the complexity of each character and how their specific history intertwines with Mary Bernadette.
December 12, 2019
Good generational family tale. Drawn out at times.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews