An Ocean Between Us

by Rachel Quinn

Can their love survive the darkest of days?

1943: Europe is at war - but neutral Ireland is isolated from the storm. In a sleepy coastal village south of Dublin, eighteen-year-old Aileen Sweeney meets soldier Niall O’Rourke at a dance, and the spark between them soon ignites a powerful love.

But when Niall makes a life-changing and contentious decision, Aileen’s hopes and dreams fall apart. In an instant Niall is transformed from dashing suitor to social outcast, and the fallout leaves each of them navigating the consequences alone. Putting her innocence behind her, Aileen must make her own tough choices - choices that will set the course of the rest of her life.

Aileen and Niall have promised to stay true to each other while they’re apart, but in a world at war and where nothing is certain, can their relationship really survive the distance of an ocean?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Romance, World War II, Ireland, Historical, Historical Romance

Audible Audio

First published October 23, 2018

About the author

Rachel Quinn writes fiction under a number of different pen names (and hasn't written any books about cigars!).
For more information see:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...

Reviews

[Pauline · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Ocean Between Us by Rachel Quinn is a love story set in Ireland during World War Two.
Aileen meets Niall at a village dance. They fall in love and get engaged. Niall is an Irish soldier and joins the British Army to fight in the war in Europe. This act is seen by Aileen's family as being a traitor to Ireland. Aileen vows to stand by him until her returns from the war.
The way these men were treated by their fellow Irishmen was really sad.
I enjoyed this book especially the character of Brianna.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Kellyn Roth · Rating 2 out of 5]

Original Review, December 2018:

I'll review the whole thing later, but so I don't forget, here's why I wasn't a fan:

1. I'll be honest ... the book faked me out at the end. I thought I was going to get what I really wanted (the author MAJORLY hinted that Aileen would end up with Marvin - BY LITERALLY IMPLYING IT IN A FLASH-FORWARD then proceeded to have her end up with Niall who I ... I didn't like. At all.), but it didn't happen. So yes, quite upset by that.

2. The main protagonists were super immature. Ugh. I just wanted to slap them fifty times. Their romance was cheesy, stupid, and not founded in anything real, too. It felt like two fourteen-year-olds promising the hot classmates they met 2 days ago their eternal devotion.

3. Marvin and Brianna's relationship was super shoved in and quick! Ugh.

4. Cussing. I mean, it's not Christian fiction, so I guess I can't expect anything else, but it was kinda annoying. Mostly there was a lot of taking God's name in vain - Jesus, God, etc. There was also instances of h*ll, d*mn, bloody (doesn't bug me, but I thought I'd mention it), etc. It was just a bit much.

5. The writing style was sort of ... really boring and description-y? LIKE ... there was a lot of description, it was sort of wistful and whatnot, etc.

6. THOSE STUPID FLASHFORWARDS TO THE 1990S! THEY WERE FRUSTRATING AND BORING AS HECK (as Aileen would probably say lol) AND JUST UGGGGGHHHHHH ... STOP. It was as if the author wrote a 20,000-word epilogue and then was like, "Hmm ... how can I make this seem less boring and draggy. Wellllll ... I'LL JUST RANDOMLY INSERT IT THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE BOOK." It was hideous. I ended up skipping most of them towards the end.

7. Aileen's family sucks. Like, big time. Her entire family. Except maybe Brianna. But even Brianna sucks because she's a HUGE pushover. xP Like, seriously, Brianna, grow a pair. But yep, I have no idea why Aileen even liked her family, because they are overbearing and border-line abusive.

8. The story with Doreen was never fully resolved. And she was like one of the few interesting characters.

9. So ... the ocean between them was ... mostly metaphorical?! Ugh, I thought it was more going to be like he goes to America, and there is A LITERAL OCEAN BETWEEN US. Not a huge negative, but like ... like ...?

POSITIVES:

1. Ireland. Ireland is good.

2. Marvin was a sweetie. He deserved better.

3. Uhhh ... good job with all the historical details, I guess??

Updated Review, December 2020:

Sounds like I didn't care for this book! I ... just found it so boring. And it wasn't well-plotted. Anyways. Moving on.

[Dana-Adriana B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a romance historical fiction placed in Ireland during WWII about true love.
Thank you Netgalley for this book.

[Julia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I got an early review copy of this book from netgalley because it was in the historical fiction category. While it does take place in WWII Ireland, this is really just a poorly written historical romance, with the emphasis on the romance. Aileen lives in a small town in Wicklow County with her many siblings and parents. She falls in love with Niall, an Irishman who is considered a deserter for joining the British army during WWII. Drama ensues. Meanwhile, Aileen also meets Marvin, an American in the navy, who is also vying for her affections.

This book was hokey and corny. The writing rambling, especially with characters going on and on about really nothing. The romance was not believable and the characters were two-dimensional. Finally, the ending was rather predictable. While I often like many historical fiction books published by Lake Union, this was not one of them. There needed to be more substance and nuance - and a better story too. Everything just seemed staged, from the romance to the domestic abuse.

I also wanted Quinn to vary her word choices. I grew very tired of reading "eejit," "grand," and "bloody" over and over again.

Finally, what's with the title? There was not an ocean between Aileen and anyone else until the very end. I don't think Quinn meant the water between Aileen and Niall while he was on the continent fighting, so what does that bloody well mean?

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was an interesting read especially with the 70th Anniversary of the D-Day Landings due on June 6th 2019. Coincidentally, while reading the novel, there was a reference in the media about the inaccurate design of the commemorative stamp for the occasion. Initially, I found the style rambling with clunky, inconsequential and silly dialogue but the momentum of the plot gathered eventually. I didn't think it put the Irish in a good light and was shocked at the bigoted attitude displayed towards Niall especially from Aileen's ignorant, bullying family. I didn't take to Aileen. I found her immature, selfish, abrasive and downright rude especially to the GI, Marvin. Briana had the nicer nature of the two girls. I would have liked Niall's war experience to have been more fleshed out. It was the most auspicious and complex operation, of WW2 but the drama of it fell flat and only seemed to be a vague backcloth for the Irish bigotry. It was a missed opportunity. I enjoyed parts of the book. Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK.

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is 1943 & Europe is in the middle of WW2. Ireland is neutral but the troubles with Britain are still very much alive in the minds of many Irish people. Eighteen year old Aileen Sweeney longs to spread her wings. When she meets Irish soldier Niall she initially thinks him too brash but his persistence wins her round. He seems to get on well with her large family too. There appears to be a wedding in sight until Niall & his mates decide to join the British Army to fight in the war. To Aileen's family this is a betrayal of Niall's heritage. To the men of the family he is a traitor & Aileen is forbidden to see him again.

Parts of the book are told from 4o years in the future when Aileen is happily married & living in New York although we do not know who she has married!

I enjoyed this book. The character's were engaging & it shone a light on how the people of Ireland viewed the war.

Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

A historical novel set in Ireland during WWII, with a sprinkle of romance. I appreciated learning the history of this time and place. There was a lot I didn’t know about Irish men who joined the Allied Forces to fight, and how they were treated as traitors by many back home.

Trigger warning for domestic violence.

3.5 stars

Thank you to Netgalley, the author, and publisher for my review copy.

[Missy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great 4.5 star book about World War II and Ireland, specifically because they were neutral and their hatred for anything British. It is a wonderful love story between Aileen and Niall, a member of the Irish Army who decides to fight for the British in WWII. But his decision does not sit well with Aileen's family, who ultimately (along with the whole country) considers Niall a coward and traitor, and thus their relationship is to end and they are no longer to have any contact. But Aileen and Niall are in love, and they will do anything to keep that love alive. Even if Aileen has to move to Dublin, and away from her dominate and close family.

While Niall is fight on the shores of Normandy, France, and Belgium, Aileen is in Dublin working in a factory cutting bandages. But on a night out with a friend, she meets Marvin an American soldier station in Dublin at the time. Marvin whoos Aileen in ways Niall hasn't with dinners and movies, but Aileen's heart belongs to Niall and Marvin's heart belongs to Aileen.

When the war is over, Niall comes home and his presence is not welcome at Aileen's parent's home, but her sister Brianna helps with secret trips to Dublin to see him. Now that the war is over Niall has a hard time getting a job, he is blacklisted from any government job because he is labeled a coward for fighting for the British. His only way to make money, to give Aileen a good life is moving to America, which brings heartache and turmoil to Aileen.

I enjoyed the characters, how they interacted, and how fighting for who you believe in is all that matters. I didn't know much of the Irish history with WWII, so that aspect of it was interesting. It was a different perspective of WWII, for a different country than I normally read. I would recommend this to those that like WWII books, it is a bit of a romance, because while two characters are fighting a war, one is fighting for love, no matte what the cost.

Thank you to Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK for this advanced copy. All opinion are my own.

[Terri Peer · Rating 3 out of 5]

My actual rating is 2.75 stars. I wasn’t a huge fan of this book. I don’t stop reading a book in the hopes it gets better. This one did pick up as it went along but not by much. This a not a story I will be thinking about after this review has been written. I wasn’t a fan of Aileen’s father or her brother Fergus. The story left me with questions that were unanswered at the end but it being a Kindle Unlimited book means I’m not out any money so it’s fine.

[Trick Wiley · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off this was a fantastic read and I learned so much history about the Irish and their stand on being involved in WWII. How the Irish boys or should say men, were treated before, during and especially after the war, even if they were lucky enough to survived and come home. They weren't treated all that great, it reminded me of how the American people treated our own when they came home! This is about a boy meets girl falls in love and everything with the family is great until..thats right, Niall joins the British army from being an Irish solider. Aileen, is fit to be tied, not only is she upset of putting off the wedding, now, especially her father forbids her to see him, write letters any kind of communication because he is considered to be a traitor to Ireland because of being an English solider. This story has two parts the past and the present that's set in New York. Follow Aileen's story along with her sister's help on her adventures after she leaves home and goes to Dublin to work. Will Aileen fall in love with a different man while Niall is fighting a war, will Niall's even make it home and if so, what's going to happen to their relationship because of the attitude of not only Ireland but her own family? I did the audio version and I'm so glad I did, you see the story so much clearer and it's like listening to a play or yes, someone reading a story to you. The characters become more real to me than me just reading. First time book from Rachel Quinn, she has a way with her writing to draw you into the story where you feel like you are part of the story.Learned so much of Irish history! Make sure you read her notes after the story.

[JenBsBooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was just okay for me ... grabbed it as a KindleUnlimited Read and Listen, and I'd picked up a physical copy for the LFL. I went primarily with the audio, and enjoyed the Irish lilt of the narration.

3rd person ... although pretty much all focused on the MC/Aileen. Two timelines, the "present" 1995 in America (present tense), and 1943+ in Ireland (past tense). Most of the story takes place in the past storyline. I actually disliked the two timelines, and felt like the "present" was just set-up to create doubt, as this ends up being a bit of a love triangle. Which boy will she end up with? The 1995 portions coyly refer to he/him, no name given ...

The historical setup was the most interesting part, the only thing I'll really take away from this book. Information included in the introduction, indicating Ireland was neutral during WWII, with different loyalties (England was still viewed as the enemy to many/most, even with the evil of Hitler/Germany being on the opposite side of them in the war). Central to the storyline is the blowback of anyone choosing to join the British army.

I just never connected to the characters or their love story, and the end resolution seemed to abrupt and easy. This was clean (no profanity/sex).

Words I noted: soporific, whirling dervish

[Patti · Rating 4 out of 5]

This WWII novel takes place in Ireland. Aileen Sweeney meets Niall O’Rourke at a village dance and both are captivated with each other. Their connection turns to love, an engagement, and a promise to wait until after the war. The conflict between Niall & Aileen’s father explodes when Niall feels compelled to join the British Army to fight the Germans. Considering the Irish & British are contentious, Niall is considered a traitor and is treated as an outcast by the Sweeneys.

While Niall is gone, Aileen waits patiently but finally decides to go to Belfast to work in order to help in the war effort, plus save some money. There are challenges that Aileen faces personally, socially, and the continual extreme contention that exists in her family over Niall.

This story certainly gives me an inside look at how bitter the feelings have been historically between the Irish and the British. My heart went out to Aileen as I was pulled into this edgy story. By way of glimpses into the future that were occasionally inserted into the plot, it kept my attention enough to want to know the outcome. I really cared about these characters.
Beautiful, tender picture on the cover, btw.

[Mrs.J.Richmond · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heartwarming Irish love story

There is a lot of depth in this book..It is far more than a love story. It is a revelation about life in rural Ireland in the early 1940's.

It is hard to reconcile the Ireland of Rachel Quinn's book with the modern Republic. So much has changed it is almost unrecognisable :-

The hand to mouth existence of many families.
The incredibly constricted living conditions and lack of privacy. The bigotry, violence, chauvinism.

For many of us it would also be a revelation about the treatment of the Irish 'deserters' in WW2..As with many a good historical novel it is informative as well as entertaining.

The idiom is wonderful. You can't help chuckling at the wonderful Irish expressions..The Irish sense of humour leaps off the pages.

I found the ending a bit drawn out whilst at the same time lacking a bit of detail . However overall I thoroughly enjoyed this book. An easy read which will certainly leave you satisfied. I very much doubt it will have you yearning for 'the good old days'.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great vacation read! While probably not a 5 star book I did rate it as 4 stars because I truly did learn from it. Aileen, not my favorite character, spoiled and immature.
However, I did learn the sad story of how Irish men deserted the Irish Army to fight with the Brits during WWII. When they returned they were ostracized. The Irish actually called this horrible War The "Emergency" and felt that all the horrors depicted were propaganda by the British and the treatment of their young men who went to fight against the enemy was something I knew NOTHING about! This is the story of one of those men and the woman who loved him. This is a novel that seemed to get better as the story progressed and the author and the reader got to know all the wonderful characters. A good reminder of how things have changed for a young woman making her own way in life.

[Kathleen Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this to be truly interesting historical fiction. Based around the romance of Niall and Aileen and then Marvin, it's the story of Ireland during WWII. It's also the story of Aileen's sister Brianna. It's hard to describe the relationships without spoilers because they so color what happens. The fact that Niall, who enlisted in the British Army to fight the Axis, was considered a traitor to Ireland, with impact even after the war, seems so counterintuitive to those of us who were not aware of how deep the rift was between Ireland and the UK. The characters are well done, the story nicely plotted (if distressing in spots), and the writing will pull you in. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. This is a good one.

[Shari · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book about two girls in Ireland and their home life during the second World War. Aileen falls for a soldier who joins the British army and is considered a traitor by his local community for doing so. Aileen's sister Brianna helps her be able to visit with her soldier boyfriend before he leaves and when he returns from the war. This book kept me guessing all the way until the end. You aren't sure which person Aileen chooses to marry.

This book moves between time periods from 1995 to 1940's.

In return for an honest opinion of this book, I received a free copy from the publisher in a Goodreads giveaway.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an enjoyable story set around the true events of WW2 and the boys and girls of Ireland who were given short shrift for helping the British Army. Aileen and Niall fall for each other and have a turbulent romance made worse by the fact her father will not accept Niall’s “desertion”. Despite the romance between the two, I kept coming back to Aileen’s put upon elder sister Briana and her selfless encouragement of her sister’s love life despite not having one herself. I think this character made the book rather than Aileen. Probably more 3.5 stars than three but although enjoyable I’m not sure this will be a book that stays in my memory that long.

[Kim Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I consider this to be a 3 star rating, as in 60%, because I liked about 60% of the story.
There was quite a bit of repetitiveness (dialogue, phrases and scenes, as in going to the beach, going to the train, etc.) It got boring!
I did not like the flash-forwards, which is basically what the ending was. And I hate how the book wrapped up. Not a great explanation of how it all came to be.
The characters were somewhat boring. The story did not contain many exciting events. The page-turners happened only when Niall was at war and one scene at Sweeney cottage when the father discovered a secret.
I just feel like the characters and storyline were a bit flat and one-dimensional.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly liked this story of a young Irish girl Aileen, who fell in love with an Irish soldier, Niall who went to fight with the British and was thus shunned by many people in Ireland during World War II . Aileen vows to wait for Niall even though her parents will have nothing to do with him because of his decision, to fight with England.
Through her sister Brianna, she is able to still meet up with Niall, both before and after he returns. Great characters and an interesting look at Ireland's stance on the war . The author gives us an in depth, look of what it is like for all of these characters as they go about their lives, waiting to be reunited or not.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the ARC of this book.

[Alice · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eighteen-year old Aileen meets the love if her life at a local dance. Everything seems to be going well when Niall asks her father if he can court his daughter. But then Niall makes a fateful decision to leave the Irish army to fight for Britain against the Nazis and everything spins out of control. Aileen's dad and brothers see Niall as a traitor to the cause of Ireland and forbid Aileen from seeing him again. Will Aileen follow her heart or will she choose her family? Aileen has some tough decisions to make.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ms. Quinn wrote a beautiful love story of the hardships endured by so many Irishmen during WWII and the ostracism they received upon their return from aiding the British during this time.

As I've done, many a time; I'll add no more to my review, so I don't add any spoilers. My advice is to read this book. However, one should have a hankie nearby; as you'll most likely need to use same, in a place or two, in this story.

This is the first; but, not last book I'll read by Ms. Quinn.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this as a free copy from Goodreads Giveaways. This book takes place in Ireland during WWII. I love historical fiction, and I learned some about Ireland and their conflict with the British government at that time period. Mostly though, this is a romance. That part of it was just okay for me. I'm not a huge romance fan. I did like that it was a very innocent romance, with no graphic sex, so it would be appropriate for both adults and young adults.

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

I was on tenderhooks for much of this book. What will Aileen do next? Niall? Marvin? Briana? Awfully glad how it turned out but boy what a journey to get there! Quick read, you won't want to put it down. The author has a nice, easy writing style that is a pleasure to read.

[Gail Atkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed learning about this part of modern Irish history; which I knew nothing about.
I really enjoyed the main characters and I loved how the story evolved. I thought the book was well written and the two different era's flowed well. Also the fact that we didn't know who Aileen's husband was when she was living in New York.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

A historical novel set in Ireland during WWII, with a sprinkle of romance. I appreciated learning the history of this time and place. There was a lot I didn’t know about Irish men who joined the Allied Forces to fight, and how they were treated as traitors by many back home.

Trigger warning for domestic violence.

[Debbie Leathers · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exceptional story told with great depth and the flair that only the Irish can add!

This story drew me in and held me rough the whole telling! I do have to admit that the Irish side of things has always enthralled me and the characters, the depth of the story were all perfect to draw me in! I highly recommend this book!

[Rebecca Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a good, good book! I wish I could give this book more than 5 stars. True love should always win in the end. Never lice your life for anyone else...such a good read. I finished this book with a smile.

[Kathy Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this Kindle Edition book in a GoodReads giveaway - thank you to everyone involved!!
I loved this book - it's a love story during World War 2 - if you like historical fiction you will
love this book!!

[Nissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very well written book. I liked the story, and it was easy to read and entertaining too. A book that will stay with you long after reading it. I won this book in a goodreads giveaway. Thank you, it was well worth reading it. I really loved it!

[Mary Sue Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Good

I had no idea Irish men deserted the Irish Army to fight with the Brits during WW2. When they returned they were ostracized. This is the story of one of those men and the woman who loved him. This is a well written novel with wonderful characters.