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A Maid on Fifth Avenue
How far must you run to truly escape your past?
Annie thinks she has found the answer when she leaves her home on the west coast of Ireland and boards a ship for New York. Irish maids are in demand in the 1920s, and she finds work with the wealthy Cavendish family in their opulent Fifth Avenue mansion.
Annie soon makes a friend too, an Italian waitress named Elena. As their friendship deepens into something more passionate and dangerous for them both, however, Annie's past rises up to haunt her. Once again she will be forced to flee.
A century later, in post-pandemic Ireland, Emer is also running, and finds a haven in her family's home in West Kerry. But here, too, the past is refusing to die, and as Annie and Emer's lives intertwine, long buried secrets are about to be revealed.
A Maid on Fifth Avenue is a heart-stopping novel new dual timeline novel, from the bestselling author of The Belladonna Maze.
Annie thinks she has found the answer when she leaves her home on the west coast of Ireland and boards a ship for New York. Irish maids are in demand in the 1920s, and she finds work with the wealthy Cavendish family in their opulent Fifth Avenue mansion.
Annie soon makes a friend too, an Italian waitress named Elena. As their friendship deepens into something more passionate and dangerous for them both, however, Annie's past rises up to haunt her. Once again she will be forced to flee.
A century later, in post-pandemic Ireland, Emer is also running, and finds a haven in her family's home in West Kerry. But here, too, the past is refusing to die, and as Annie and Emer's lives intertwine, long buried secrets are about to be revealed.
A Maid on Fifth Avenue is a heart-stopping novel new dual timeline novel, from the bestselling author of The Belladonna Maze.
496 pages, Paperback
Published April 24, 2025
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November 18, 2023
Annie Thornton lives in the small village of Ballydrynawn, in County Kerry, she dreams of a different life, her mother Eileen knows she’s unhappy and gives her blessing for her to leave Ireland and travel to America. Annie wants to go but she's worried about her best friend best friend May, who’s married to a bully and there's nothing Annie can do about it.
Annie boards a ship bound for New York and she's never been further than Dingle in her life, Irish women have no trouble finding work in America, the nuns help and there's a big demand for maids. Annie is employed by Mrs. Cavendish, they own a mansion on Fifth Avenue, and she sends letters and money home to her family.
Annie meets an Italian waitress called Elena, her family are very strict and have a man picked out for her to marry. Annie and Elena’s friendship changes, Annie finds herself day dreaming about Elena, both women are confused by their feelings for each other, can women love each other and surely not?
A Maid on Fifth Avenue has a dual timeline, it’s set in the 1920’s and 2022, and told from the two main characters points of view, Annie and Emer.
Emer Molloy leaves Los Angeles, California, to return home to Ireland and she’s suffering from Covid burnout and, her parents own a holiday cottage in Ballydrynawn, County Kerry and she spent her summers here as a child. Emer’s goes for a walk to look at the Fairy Tree, it’s over a hundred years old and the beach and meets a handsome surfer Robert Lynch. He owns a surfing school, Emer takes lessons and can’t believe how much she enjoys it.
Annie and Emer’s lives are intertwined, a hundred years apart, and it’s up to Emer and Rob to try unravel the tangled web of secrets, hidden clues and then lighting strikes!
I received a digital copy of A Maid of Fifth Avenue by Sinéad Crowley from Aria & Aries and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. A fascinating and captivating story about living in a small Irish village and dreaming about exploring the world, the Fairy Tree where people have left messages and tokens for over a hundred years, homesickness, mystery and Annie was my favourite character.
Not only was she a wonderful sister, daughter, friend, unselfish, reliable and loyal. Annie had no idea women loved and were attracted to other woman, my guess is in the 1920’s the topic was never mention, no wonder Annie was so confused and it's a narrative about discovering love is love. A dual timeline mystery, full of unexpected twist and turns and five stars from me.
Annie boards a ship bound for New York and she's never been further than Dingle in her life, Irish women have no trouble finding work in America, the nuns help and there's a big demand for maids. Annie is employed by Mrs. Cavendish, they own a mansion on Fifth Avenue, and she sends letters and money home to her family.
Annie meets an Italian waitress called Elena, her family are very strict and have a man picked out for her to marry. Annie and Elena’s friendship changes, Annie finds herself day dreaming about Elena, both women are confused by their feelings for each other, can women love each other and surely not?
A Maid on Fifth Avenue has a dual timeline, it’s set in the 1920’s and 2022, and told from the two main characters points of view, Annie and Emer.
Emer Molloy leaves Los Angeles, California, to return home to Ireland and she’s suffering from Covid burnout and, her parents own a holiday cottage in Ballydrynawn, County Kerry and she spent her summers here as a child. Emer’s goes for a walk to look at the Fairy Tree, it’s over a hundred years old and the beach and meets a handsome surfer Robert Lynch. He owns a surfing school, Emer takes lessons and can’t believe how much she enjoys it.
Annie and Emer’s lives are intertwined, a hundred years apart, and it’s up to Emer and Rob to try unravel the tangled web of secrets, hidden clues and then lighting strikes!
I received a digital copy of A Maid of Fifth Avenue by Sinéad Crowley from Aria & Aries and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. A fascinating and captivating story about living in a small Irish village and dreaming about exploring the world, the Fairy Tree where people have left messages and tokens for over a hundred years, homesickness, mystery and Annie was my favourite character.
Not only was she a wonderful sister, daughter, friend, unselfish, reliable and loyal. Annie had no idea women loved and were attracted to other woman, my guess is in the 1920’s the topic was never mention, no wonder Annie was so confused and it's a narrative about discovering love is love. A dual timeline mystery, full of unexpected twist and turns and five stars from me.
March 9, 2024
I received this book from the publishers via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Set in dual timelines - 1920s and 2022 - A Maid on Fifth Avenue tells the story of Annie Thornton who sets off for New York from County Kerry to look for a bigger life than the ones lived by her friends and family. As she settles into her new life as a maid for a wealthy family on Fifth Avenue, Annie meets Elena who ends up showing Annie a whole new way of loving someone than she thought possible.
In 2022, Emer is recovering from Covid burnout with a trip back home to her native Ireland and a summer stay at her parents holiday home where she befriends some locals and is brought into some family/local secrets that all end up connected back to Annie.
This was a fine read for me. I liked the emphasis on female friendship at the start of the novel between Annie and May, and then Annie and Noreen, and I thought Annie was a fine young woman, though it has to be said, I found her quite vanilla and boring - the same with Elena and her relationship with Annie. I was happy to see representation of a sapphic relationship in the book but I didn't feel anything for Annie and Elena, there wasn't really any chemistry between them and I thought declarations of love came very quickly. While I sympathised with Elena's situationsahip with her parents and her abusive boss/landlord, I also found her very weak and tiring as she complained to Annie about leaving her and never seeming to try and help her own situation.
I also found Annie's relationship with May at the end of the book very annoying as well - and ultimately I thought Annie's story ended up super depressing in how she put her life on hold, and stopped all of her own dreams to help other people.
As for the modern part of the story, it was fine but I honestly think it added nothing other than the discovery of bones, and you could have had that bit as just an aside at the start and end of the books without actually having a 2022 storyline at all. I found some of the tensions between Emer and other characters just very odd- especially with Siobhan, and then the way Cian's story ended was very all over the place and didn't make much sense to me either as to character motivations.
Set in dual timelines - 1920s and 2022 - A Maid on Fifth Avenue tells the story of Annie Thornton who sets off for New York from County Kerry to look for a bigger life than the ones lived by her friends and family. As she settles into her new life as a maid for a wealthy family on Fifth Avenue, Annie meets Elena who ends up showing Annie a whole new way of loving someone than she thought possible.
In 2022, Emer is recovering from Covid burnout with a trip back home to her native Ireland and a summer stay at her parents holiday home where she befriends some locals and is brought into some family/local secrets that all end up connected back to Annie.
This was a fine read for me. I liked the emphasis on female friendship at the start of the novel between Annie and May, and then Annie and Noreen, and I thought Annie was a fine young woman, though it has to be said, I found her quite vanilla and boring - the same with Elena and her relationship with Annie. I was happy to see representation of a sapphic relationship in the book but I didn't feel anything for Annie and Elena, there wasn't really any chemistry between them and I thought declarations of love came very quickly. While I sympathised with Elena's situationsahip with her parents and her abusive boss/landlord, I also found her very weak and tiring as she complained to Annie about leaving her and never seeming to try and help her own situation.
I also found Annie's relationship with May at the end of the book very annoying as well - and ultimately I thought Annie's story ended up super depressing in how she put her life on hold, and stopped all of her own dreams to help other people.
As for the modern part of the story, it was fine but I honestly think it added nothing other than the discovery of bones, and you could have had that bit as just an aside at the start and end of the books without actually having a 2022 storyline at all. I found some of the tensions between Emer and other characters just very odd- especially with Siobhan, and then the way Cian's story ended was very all over the place and didn't make much sense to me either as to character motivations.
April 18, 2024
This story comes to us in two perspectives and timelines. The 1920s storyline follows Annie Thornton as she sets for America to explore the world beyond. The 2022 storyline follows Emer as she goes to county Kerry to de-stress after a Covid burnout.
This could have been a five star read due to the following reasons.
○ I loved Annie's characterization. She was in a dilemma. While she had dreams of reaching the American shores, she couldn't imagine leaving her family behind. But her parents were very supportive and encouraged her to follow her dreams. Thus, she set sail for America and reached New York.
○This story showed various perspectives of the working class living in New York City. There were people like Annie who had great employers that didn't exploit her. She received her weekly day offs and wasn't criticized harshly for any mistakes. On the other hand, there were other workers who led a miserable life and weren't given freedom to live freely. They were restricted, burdened and not respected by their employers.
○ Annie's friendship with Noreen was quite pleasing to read. Both started off together from Ireland but they had different dreams. On one hand, Annie is content being a maid for the Cavendishes and getting to experience modern amenities that rich households of New York provide. On the other hand, Noreen has big dreams. She wants to become a big star in Hollywood. They both had their own versions of the American dream.
○ The fairy tree of county Kerry is a living and integral part of this story. People go there with their wishes and somehow the manifestation happens. This was not a fantasy element. Throughout the book, both Annie and Emer were skeptical of the magical powers of the tree, but the power of manifestation made the tree magical and extremely important to the villagers.
○ Annie's dedication to her childhood best friend May was commendable, though, I wish she could have dissuaded May from marrying Seanie, who physically abused her on a regular basis. However, the steps she takes to protect May more than make up for it.
○ Annie's romantic relationship. I won't clarify more to avoid spoilers.
○ It showed strong women like Meg who, despite being considered less than in stature compared to the men, was fighting for her seat at the table. She continued her journalism earnestly and raised voice for women.
○ This book didn't aim at becoming political. So the happenings in Ireland during the decade were partially mentioned and it was reinforced that Annie never had an interest in politics so she didn't keep up with the happenings back in Ireland.
As I mentioned, this could have been a 5 star read, but it wasn't due to the following reasons.
● Emer's role is more of a fly on the wall. She doesn't matter to the narrative and I formed absolutely no connection with her. Infact, the entire 2022 timeline was worthless. This book would have worked better with just Annie's storyline.
● I didn't like the ending to Annie's story. It was ultimately a happy ending but her life post climax was not what I had imagined for her. She deserved better. She should have completed her goals and not sacrificed everything.
These two negatives ended up reducing the impact of this book. So I'll rate it 3 stars.
Special thanks to Aria and Aries Publication, Sinéad Crowley and Netgalley for providing me the DRC of this book. Much appreciated!
This could have been a five star read due to the following reasons.
○ I loved Annie's characterization. She was in a dilemma. While she had dreams of reaching the American shores, she couldn't imagine leaving her family behind. But her parents were very supportive and encouraged her to follow her dreams. Thus, she set sail for America and reached New York.
○This story showed various perspectives of the working class living in New York City. There were people like Annie who had great employers that didn't exploit her. She received her weekly day offs and wasn't criticized harshly for any mistakes. On the other hand, there were other workers who led a miserable life and weren't given freedom to live freely. They were restricted, burdened and not respected by their employers.
○ Annie's friendship with Noreen was quite pleasing to read. Both started off together from Ireland but they had different dreams. On one hand, Annie is content being a maid for the Cavendishes and getting to experience modern amenities that rich households of New York provide. On the other hand, Noreen has big dreams. She wants to become a big star in Hollywood. They both had their own versions of the American dream.
○ The fairy tree of county Kerry is a living and integral part of this story. People go there with their wishes and somehow the manifestation happens. This was not a fantasy element. Throughout the book, both Annie and Emer were skeptical of the magical powers of the tree, but the power of manifestation made the tree magical and extremely important to the villagers.
○ Annie's dedication to her childhood best friend May was commendable, though, I wish she could have dissuaded May from marrying Seanie, who physically abused her on a regular basis. However, the steps she takes to protect May more than make up for it.
○ Annie's romantic relationship. I won't clarify more to avoid spoilers.
○ It showed strong women like Meg who, despite being considered less than in stature compared to the men, was fighting for her seat at the table. She continued her journalism earnestly and raised voice for women.
○ This book didn't aim at becoming political. So the happenings in Ireland during the decade were partially mentioned and it was reinforced that Annie never had an interest in politics so she didn't keep up with the happenings back in Ireland.
As I mentioned, this could have been a 5 star read, but it wasn't due to the following reasons.
● Emer's role is more of a fly on the wall. She doesn't matter to the narrative and I formed absolutely no connection with her. Infact, the entire 2022 timeline was worthless. This book would have worked better with just Annie's storyline.
● I didn't like the ending to Annie's story. It was ultimately a happy ending but her life post climax was not what I had imagined for her. She deserved better. She should have completed her goals and not sacrificed everything.
These two negatives ended up reducing the impact of this book. So I'll rate it 3 stars.
Special thanks to Aria and Aries Publication, Sinéad Crowley and Netgalley for providing me the DRC of this book. Much appreciated!
January 21, 2024
Annie Thornton is a young woman living in Couny Kerry in 1920s Ireland. She is desperate to leave her home and see the world. America has always been calling to her…
After her best friend, May, marries Seánie Lynch, a man of wealth and statue in the area, Annie soon sees his true colours. Seánie is a bully who resolves to fists to solve his issues. Poor May is too shy and nice to stand up to her husband.
Annie vows to herself that being married and having children is not what she wants from her life, at least not for a good while.
Her wish of leaving for America comes true the next year, after saving up her hard earned money.
She sails to New York where she successfully secures a job as a maid in a prominent household on Fifth Avenue.
In America, everything is different and better than her home life in Ireland. When Annie meets Elena, an Italian immigrant, life will never be same again…
In 2022, Emer Molloy, arrives in County Kerry for the summer after being diagnosed with “post Covid burnout”. She normally resides in California where she works as a director. In Ireland, she is staying in her family’s holiday home.
Emer reluctantly attends a surfing lesson with a handsome instructor, Rob Lynch. However, she ends up loving the session, and books another one.
Soon, her and Rob’s paths will cross more than once…
I really enjoyed this dual timeline historical mystery. There is a secret that binds the Lynches and the Thorntons that gets discovered later on (I won’t say anymore as I don’t want to spoil it).
I was really rooting for Annie and Elena, but I was gutted when life got in the way and Annie had to do what was right for her family.
There are other likeable characters in the story, including Rob and his mother, Siobhan, who was a true force of nature, not to be messed with.
Overall, it’s a great story that will grip you from the beginning.
After her best friend, May, marries Seánie Lynch, a man of wealth and statue in the area, Annie soon sees his true colours. Seánie is a bully who resolves to fists to solve his issues. Poor May is too shy and nice to stand up to her husband.
Annie vows to herself that being married and having children is not what she wants from her life, at least not for a good while.
Her wish of leaving for America comes true the next year, after saving up her hard earned money.
She sails to New York where she successfully secures a job as a maid in a prominent household on Fifth Avenue.
In America, everything is different and better than her home life in Ireland. When Annie meets Elena, an Italian immigrant, life will never be same again…
In 2022, Emer Molloy, arrives in County Kerry for the summer after being diagnosed with “post Covid burnout”. She normally resides in California where she works as a director. In Ireland, she is staying in her family’s holiday home.
Emer reluctantly attends a surfing lesson with a handsome instructor, Rob Lynch. However, she ends up loving the session, and books another one.
Soon, her and Rob’s paths will cross more than once…
I really enjoyed this dual timeline historical mystery. There is a secret that binds the Lynches and the Thorntons that gets discovered later on (I won’t say anymore as I don’t want to spoil it).
I was really rooting for Annie and Elena, but I was gutted when life got in the way and Annie had to do what was right for her family.
There are other likeable characters in the story, including Rob and his mother, Siobhan, who was a true force of nature, not to be messed with.
Overall, it’s a great story that will grip you from the beginning.
May 13, 2025
❤️ Blurb -
How far must you run to truly escape your past?
Annie thinks she has found the answer when she leaves her home on the west coast of Ireland and boards a ship for New York. Irish maids are in demand in the 1920s, and she finds work with the wealthy Cavendish family in their opulent Fifth Avenue mansion.
Annie soon makes a friend too, an Italian waitress named Elena. As their friendship deepens into something more passionate and dangerous for them both, however, Annie's past rises up to haunt her. Once again she will be forced to flee.
A century later, in post-pandemic Ireland, Emer is also running, and finds a haven in her family's home in West Kerry. But here, too, the past is refusing to die, and as Annie and Emer's lives intertwine, long buried secrets are about to be revealed.
A Maid on Fifth Avenue is a heart-stopping novel new dual timeline novel, from the bestselling author of The Belladonna Maze.
💖 Review -
I found A Maid On Fifth Avenue a beautiful and engaging read. I loved the dual time line and the America/Irish Place settings. I loved following Annie and Emer's journey through the book and how they both faced challenges but got through them. I also loved that there was a twist towards the end that I wasn't expecting. I really enjoyed this novel and I would recommend it to other readers.
🩵 Thank you to Random Things Tours, the author and publisher for my copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
How far must you run to truly escape your past?
Annie thinks she has found the answer when she leaves her home on the west coast of Ireland and boards a ship for New York. Irish maids are in demand in the 1920s, and she finds work with the wealthy Cavendish family in their opulent Fifth Avenue mansion.
Annie soon makes a friend too, an Italian waitress named Elena. As their friendship deepens into something more passionate and dangerous for them both, however, Annie's past rises up to haunt her. Once again she will be forced to flee.
A century later, in post-pandemic Ireland, Emer is also running, and finds a haven in her family's home in West Kerry. But here, too, the past is refusing to die, and as Annie and Emer's lives intertwine, long buried secrets are about to be revealed.
A Maid on Fifth Avenue is a heart-stopping novel new dual timeline novel, from the bestselling author of The Belladonna Maze.
💖 Review -
I found A Maid On Fifth Avenue a beautiful and engaging read. I loved the dual time line and the America/Irish Place settings. I loved following Annie and Emer's journey through the book and how they both faced challenges but got through them. I also loved that there was a twist towards the end that I wasn't expecting. I really enjoyed this novel and I would recommend it to other readers.
🩵 Thank you to Random Things Tours, the author and publisher for my copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
September 22, 2024
I thought A Maid on Fifth Avenue was a thoroughly engaging read featuring two charismatic, independent women.
Annie who emigrated from Kerry to New York in the 1920s to work as a maid in Manhattan
Emer who has moved from Dublin to California, but is spending the 2022 summer in Kerry as she is burnt out from work.
I loved how the timelines replicated their journeys back and forth between Ireland and America, both seeking fresh starts and job opportunities not available locally to them. The vivid settings and attention to detail immersed me in rural Kerry where I could feel the wildness of the Atlantic, and then to a crowded 1920s New York full of excitement and with so much potential to chase dreams. Even forbidden ones.
Both Annie and Emer face challenges, and detours in their lives, and I appreciated how courageously they face up to them. There is romance for both characters, and I enjoyed how they unfolded, but they are not a central theme. The focus is on the fresh beginnings and stepping into the unknown.
A lovely uplifting read. I'd highly recommend it if you enjoy dual timelines, Irish/US settings, a touch of suspense and independent female characters.
Annie who emigrated from Kerry to New York in the 1920s to work as a maid in Manhattan
Emer who has moved from Dublin to California, but is spending the 2022 summer in Kerry as she is burnt out from work.
I loved how the timelines replicated their journeys back and forth between Ireland and America, both seeking fresh starts and job opportunities not available locally to them. The vivid settings and attention to detail immersed me in rural Kerry where I could feel the wildness of the Atlantic, and then to a crowded 1920s New York full of excitement and with so much potential to chase dreams. Even forbidden ones.
Both Annie and Emer face challenges, and detours in their lives, and I appreciated how courageously they face up to them. There is romance for both characters, and I enjoyed how they unfolded, but they are not a central theme. The focus is on the fresh beginnings and stepping into the unknown.
A lovely uplifting read. I'd highly recommend it if you enjoy dual timelines, Irish/US settings, a touch of suspense and independent female characters.
December 11, 2023
This was a brilliant dual time-line book. I enjoyed this one such an easy read and very addictive. The story was interesting and I recommend this one. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
September 25, 2024
Crowley is back with another beautifully written historical fiction/mystery in her book A Maid on Fifth Avenue. Set in two timelines, the story follows young Annie who dreams of travelling the world and escaping life in rural Kerry. When she gets the opportunity to travel to New York and find work as a maid for a wealthy family living on Fifth Avenue, she jumps at the chance. Annie soon makes a friend, an Italian waitress named Elena. But soon friendship evolves into something much more and they find themselves in a dangerous situation as Annie’s past catches up with her.
A century later, Emer finds herself in her family’s holiday home in West Kerry. But here too, the past refuses to die and Annie and Emer’s lives become inextricably linked with long buried secrets bubbling to the surface.
Crowley’s ability to write the most genuine characters is one of my favourite aspects of her storytelling. The story of these two women is carefully untangled on the pages- the dual timelines allowing the reader to jump between the 1920s and 2020s and see the connections between the protagonists reveal themselves. Like Crowley’s The Belladonna Maze, the author fuses together mystery and historical fiction to give her readers a powerful and poignant story that will grab your attention from the very first page.
Annie is a fierce character, a woman who doesn’t want to settle. She’s willing to leave everything she knows to find a new life for herself at a time when women were expected to marry and have children. Her adventurous spirit and her love of new experiences is heartwarming; the love she has for Carla is beautiful and the development of their romance and relationship is so perfectly captured by the author. I would have been happy to focus solely on Annie’s story but the addition of Emer’s story and how these two women are so closely linked really adds another dimension to the book. Emer’s role is to unravel the tangled web of secrets with the help of Rob.
Be warned that there is discussion of domestic violence and assault but these topics are handled with great care by Crowley - they’re integral to the story rather than an add on for dramatic effect.
The contrast between 1920s New York, the hustle and bustle of life there in comparison to the quiet life of those in West Kerry is visualised perfectly by Crowley. She deals with some big topics here like racism, the wealth divide, homophobia, the influence of religion, homesickness and more in this and it makes for a captivating and engaging story.
A Maid on Fifth Avenue is out tomorrow (26th) . 4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Thanks to NetGalley & Aria & Aries for the arc.
A century later, Emer finds herself in her family’s holiday home in West Kerry. But here too, the past refuses to die and Annie and Emer’s lives become inextricably linked with long buried secrets bubbling to the surface.
Crowley’s ability to write the most genuine characters is one of my favourite aspects of her storytelling. The story of these two women is carefully untangled on the pages- the dual timelines allowing the reader to jump between the 1920s and 2020s and see the connections between the protagonists reveal themselves. Like Crowley’s The Belladonna Maze, the author fuses together mystery and historical fiction to give her readers a powerful and poignant story that will grab your attention from the very first page.
Annie is a fierce character, a woman who doesn’t want to settle. She’s willing to leave everything she knows to find a new life for herself at a time when women were expected to marry and have children. Her adventurous spirit and her love of new experiences is heartwarming; the love she has for Carla is beautiful and the development of their romance and relationship is so perfectly captured by the author. I would have been happy to focus solely on Annie’s story but the addition of Emer’s story and how these two women are so closely linked really adds another dimension to the book. Emer’s role is to unravel the tangled web of secrets with the help of Rob.
Be warned that there is discussion of domestic violence and assault but these topics are handled with great care by Crowley - they’re integral to the story rather than an add on for dramatic effect.
The contrast between 1920s New York, the hustle and bustle of life there in comparison to the quiet life of those in West Kerry is visualised perfectly by Crowley. She deals with some big topics here like racism, the wealth divide, homophobia, the influence of religion, homesickness and more in this and it makes for a captivating and engaging story.
A Maid on Fifth Avenue is out tomorrow (26th) . 4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Thanks to NetGalley & Aria & Aries for the arc.
August 30, 2024
A Maid on Fifth Avenue by Sinead Crowley is an interesting book set in two time periods - the 1920’s and more recently in 2022.
Annie Thornton lives in Ballydrynawn, a small country town in County Kerry of Ireland. She wishes and dreams of another life in America and not happy with the life she is currently living. Eileen her mother understands how her daughter feels, grants her wish and gives her blessings for Annie’s safe journey to fulfill her desires and dreams. Annie is looking forward to her new adventure, but she is concerned and frightened about her best friend May who is married to a mean and bully of a man.
Annie begins her journey boarding a ship destined for New York. She has never traveled outside of Ireland. America has many different opportunities for working especially for Irish women. Annie soon find work as a Maid for Mrs Cavendish the affluent owner of a Mansion on Fifth Avenue. Annie settles in quickly, enjoying her work and new life. She writes letter back home and sends money to her family.
The next part of the story is not something that usually happened in the 1920’s. Annie soon meets Elena an Italian waitress, who has a strict family with traditional upbringing and a man has been arranged for Elena to marry. Will Elena go ahead with this marriage? Annie finds herself falling for Elena, both so confused about what is happening between them. Is this relationship acceptable or are they going to be criticised for their behaviour?
Fast forward to 2022, covid, isolation and everyone going digital, brings us to Emer Molloy who is suffering from COVID Burnout. She leaves Los Angeles California and returns home to Ireland, to her parents Maura and George. Emer wants to surprise them with her return. She discovers that they too wanted to surprise her and her brother’s family with a holiday to LA and Australia where her brother is living. Emer’s parents leave the next day. They suggest Emer go and stay at the cottage they own in Ballydrynawn. So Emer borrows her parents Ford Focus taking up her parents idea and drives to her parents cottage and where they spent her summers as a child.
Emer arrives soon after deciding to go for a seaside walk in search of the over 100 year old fairly tree. On the beach she meets a Robert Lynch a handsome young surfer and owner of his surfing school named ‘Breaking Waves’. Robert introduces and teaches Emer to the wonderful world of surfing. Emer is amazed how much she is enjoying her new hobby. She didn’t think she would.
There is a connection between Annie and Emer even with 100 years apart. Emer and Rob not only discover the art of surfing together they find an interesting revelation, many secrets, and hidden discoveries are revealed as try to price together their findings what this all means for Annie.
I received this fascinating book by Sinead Crowley, from NetGalley and the publishers Aria and Aries for an honest review. Let’s say it’s beginning is interesting and draws you into the story with surprising insights to life in the Irish country side, a taboo topic for the 1920 America and the reality of a worldwide pandemic of 2022.
Take your time to enjoy this novel, well written and leaves you feeling like you have personally been part of the story. I rate this book a 4 out of 5 stars.
Annie Thornton lives in Ballydrynawn, a small country town in County Kerry of Ireland. She wishes and dreams of another life in America and not happy with the life she is currently living. Eileen her mother understands how her daughter feels, grants her wish and gives her blessings for Annie’s safe journey to fulfill her desires and dreams. Annie is looking forward to her new adventure, but she is concerned and frightened about her best friend May who is married to a mean and bully of a man.
Annie begins her journey boarding a ship destined for New York. She has never traveled outside of Ireland. America has many different opportunities for working especially for Irish women. Annie soon find work as a Maid for Mrs Cavendish the affluent owner of a Mansion on Fifth Avenue. Annie settles in quickly, enjoying her work and new life. She writes letter back home and sends money to her family.
The next part of the story is not something that usually happened in the 1920’s. Annie soon meets Elena an Italian waitress, who has a strict family with traditional upbringing and a man has been arranged for Elena to marry. Will Elena go ahead with this marriage? Annie finds herself falling for Elena, both so confused about what is happening between them. Is this relationship acceptable or are they going to be criticised for their behaviour?
Fast forward to 2022, covid, isolation and everyone going digital, brings us to Emer Molloy who is suffering from COVID Burnout. She leaves Los Angeles California and returns home to Ireland, to her parents Maura and George. Emer wants to surprise them with her return. She discovers that they too wanted to surprise her and her brother’s family with a holiday to LA and Australia where her brother is living. Emer’s parents leave the next day. They suggest Emer go and stay at the cottage they own in Ballydrynawn. So Emer borrows her parents Ford Focus taking up her parents idea and drives to her parents cottage and where they spent her summers as a child.
Emer arrives soon after deciding to go for a seaside walk in search of the over 100 year old fairly tree. On the beach she meets a Robert Lynch a handsome young surfer and owner of his surfing school named ‘Breaking Waves’. Robert introduces and teaches Emer to the wonderful world of surfing. Emer is amazed how much she is enjoying her new hobby. She didn’t think she would.
There is a connection between Annie and Emer even with 100 years apart. Emer and Rob not only discover the art of surfing together they find an interesting revelation, many secrets, and hidden discoveries are revealed as try to price together their findings what this all means for Annie.
I received this fascinating book by Sinead Crowley, from NetGalley and the publishers Aria and Aries for an honest review. Let’s say it’s beginning is interesting and draws you into the story with surprising insights to life in the Irish country side, a taboo topic for the 1920 America and the reality of a worldwide pandemic of 2022.
Take your time to enjoy this novel, well written and leaves you feeling like you have personally been part of the story. I rate this book a 4 out of 5 stars.
November 18, 2023
This is part historical fiction and part modern day as it skips between Emer in 2022 and Annie starting in 1908 and progressing from her childhood to adulthood young woman.
Annie has wanted to go to America for a long time and leave Ballydrynanwn but when she was younger her mother was so poorly and she is scared to leave her. Her mother however encourages her to follow her dream and Annie leaves for a whole new life across the ocean. She gets a job working for the Cavendish family in a mansion on Fifth Avenue.
Emer has returned home after being in America all alone during the pandemic. Her parents are shocked to see her as they were about to leave and visit Emer on the way to visit her brother who is soon to become a father. Emer tells them to continue with their trip as it will coincide with the birth of the baby and Emer decided to go stay at the family holiday let in Ballydrynawn. Little does she know that a chance meeting and a surf lesson will make it a summer to remember.
I really enjoyed the dual aspect of this book and Annie and Emers stories and how they intertwine as you progress through the book and the story. I enjoyed the storyline and the ending had a twist that I wasn’t expecting. I have definitely loved reading this book.
Annie has wanted to go to America for a long time and leave Ballydrynanwn but when she was younger her mother was so poorly and she is scared to leave her. Her mother however encourages her to follow her dream and Annie leaves for a whole new life across the ocean. She gets a job working for the Cavendish family in a mansion on Fifth Avenue.
Emer has returned home after being in America all alone during the pandemic. Her parents are shocked to see her as they were about to leave and visit Emer on the way to visit her brother who is soon to become a father. Emer tells them to continue with their trip as it will coincide with the birth of the baby and Emer decided to go stay at the family holiday let in Ballydrynawn. Little does she know that a chance meeting and a surf lesson will make it a summer to remember.
I really enjoyed the dual aspect of this book and Annie and Emers stories and how they intertwine as you progress through the book and the story. I enjoyed the storyline and the ending had a twist that I wasn’t expecting. I have definitely loved reading this book.
January 20, 2024
This is a solid novel that’s easy to read.
The characterisation is interesting and the plot is too. It took me a while to get ‘hooked’ (I was about 65% through) but an enjoyable read. I didn’t see the plot twist coming. The dialogue is good and believable. All in all, a nice little read. Definitely the sort of book I’d read pool side.
Thank you to the author, publishers & NetGalley for access to this arc in return for an honest review.
The characterisation is interesting and the plot is too. It took me a while to get ‘hooked’ (I was about 65% through) but an enjoyable read. I didn’t see the plot twist coming. The dialogue is good and believable. All in all, a nice little read. Definitely the sort of book I’d read pool side.
Thank you to the author, publishers & NetGalley for access to this arc in return for an honest review.
November 29, 2024
Dual timeline story of two women, Kerry and New York, tied by the Fairy Tree
1920s Ballydrynawn, West Kerry. Annie Thornton ties a white lace handkerchief to the Fairy Tree, hoping the magic will cure her mother. But does she really believe in them, fairies? Helpless, she watches her friend May fall into an abusive marriage. Marrying Seánie Lynch is not the happy life she had hoped for.
Annie leaves her home in Ireland for a job as a maid with the Cavendish family in New York. Her workdays are long, but she likes her employers and makes friends. But America has abusive relationships, too, as her Italian friend Elena shows her. She lives for her Thursday afternoons.
A century later, post-pandemic, Emer is also running; she finds a home for the summer with her family in Ballydrynawn. She learns surfboarding, considers whether to flirt with the instructor Rob. There’s something familiar about his wealthy Mam Siobhán Lynch. The Fairy Tree is on their land.
Rob’s assistant Alison turns up some evidence that connects the Thorntons and Lynches, historically, but not everyone in town believes it.
The dual timelines take a few chapters to get into, then you’re hooked. The ties between Kerry and New York bind the girls to their new homes while they miss the old. Emer’s and Annie’s lives entwine, past and present, and long buried secrets are about to be revealed.
The connection between Annie’s and Emer’s worlds doesn’t become apparent until about halfway through, so be patient. The twist at the end is highly satisfying, and it all comes back to the Fairy Tree.
It suffers from having villains (May’s husband Seánie and Elena’s suitor Lorenzo) who are just too horrible to be credible. I believe we don’t have to like our villains, but we do have to understand them.
Proofreaders, please use commas to separate complex clauses.
This review first appeared in Historical Novels Review.
1920s Ballydrynawn, West Kerry. Annie Thornton ties a white lace handkerchief to the Fairy Tree, hoping the magic will cure her mother. But does she really believe in them, fairies? Helpless, she watches her friend May fall into an abusive marriage. Marrying Seánie Lynch is not the happy life she had hoped for.
Annie leaves her home in Ireland for a job as a maid with the Cavendish family in New York. Her workdays are long, but she likes her employers and makes friends. But America has abusive relationships, too, as her Italian friend Elena shows her. She lives for her Thursday afternoons.
A century later, post-pandemic, Emer is also running; she finds a home for the summer with her family in Ballydrynawn. She learns surfboarding, considers whether to flirt with the instructor Rob. There’s something familiar about his wealthy Mam Siobhán Lynch. The Fairy Tree is on their land.
Rob’s assistant Alison turns up some evidence that connects the Thorntons and Lynches, historically, but not everyone in town believes it.
The dual timelines take a few chapters to get into, then you’re hooked. The ties between Kerry and New York bind the girls to their new homes while they miss the old. Emer’s and Annie’s lives entwine, past and present, and long buried secrets are about to be revealed.
The connection between Annie’s and Emer’s worlds doesn’t become apparent until about halfway through, so be patient. The twist at the end is highly satisfying, and it all comes back to the Fairy Tree.
It suffers from having villains (May’s husband Seánie and Elena’s suitor Lorenzo) who are just too horrible to be credible. I believe we don’t have to like our villains, but we do have to understand them.
Proofreaders, please use commas to separate complex clauses.
This review first appeared in Historical Novels Review.
December 11, 2024
Thank you to the publisher, Aria & Aries and NetGalley for giving me a copy to review.
In 1920s Ireland, Annie Thornton sets sail for America to explore the world beyond. In 2022, Emer returns to Ireland to de-stress after the COVID pandemic.
The book would have been a 5 star read if Emer's story wasn't included. I felt that her story was unnecessary and was more invested in Annie. I also didn't like how Annie's story ended. It did have a happy ending of sorts but I wanted to see her travel America like she had dreamed of during the book.
In 1920s Ireland, Annie Thornton sets sail for America to explore the world beyond. In 2022, Emer returns to Ireland to de-stress after the COVID pandemic.
The book would have been a 5 star read if Emer's story wasn't included. I felt that her story was unnecessary and was more invested in Annie. I also didn't like how Annie's story ended. It did have a happy ending of sorts but I wanted to see her travel America like she had dreamed of during the book.
November 2, 2024
A Maid on Fifth Avenue" is a dual timeline book. One timeline follows the story of Annie, an Irish girl, who moves to New York in the 1920s to take up a position as a maid to a wealthy family living on Fifth Avenue. The second follows Emer, who although Irish has lived and worked in California for many years, but returns to Ireland for a break after a post-Covid breakdown.
Dual timeline books can be confusing but the time and place in every part of this beautifully written story is always so clear that both stories move on in parallel without ever getting entangled. In fact when I was close to the end of the book I was beginning to wonder whether they would ever come together! It isn’t a spoiler to say that they do, and very cleverly, because after all, if they didn’t it would be two separate books.
I loved the descriptions in the book, so clear that I could see the waves, smell the sea, hear the New York traffic. And best of all, hear the voices of the characters, because the Irish and American accents were so subtly yet cleverly written. Sometimes writers try too hard to convey accents, making the text almost unreadable, but Sinead Crowley just slips in an occasional hint that brings each accent to life.
A brilliant book, moving, entertaining and thought provoking. I loved it!
Dual timeline books can be confusing but the time and place in every part of this beautifully written story is always so clear that both stories move on in parallel without ever getting entangled. In fact when I was close to the end of the book I was beginning to wonder whether they would ever come together! It isn’t a spoiler to say that they do, and very cleverly, because after all, if they didn’t it would be two separate books.
I loved the descriptions in the book, so clear that I could see the waves, smell the sea, hear the New York traffic. And best of all, hear the voices of the characters, because the Irish and American accents were so subtly yet cleverly written. Sometimes writers try too hard to convey accents, making the text almost unreadable, but Sinead Crowley just slips in an occasional hint that brings each accent to life.
A brilliant book, moving, entertaining and thought provoking. I loved it!
November 12, 2024
I love a dual perspective book and this perhaps unexpectedly was that. Really love all the ‘maid’ trope books currently and this added a new twist to it. Lovely new author for me to look out for too.
December 3, 2023
A Maid on Fifth Avenue by Sinead Crowley is a wonderful dual timeline story that spans the distance between rural Kerry and the streets of New York, and the decades from the turbulent 1920s to the modern post pandemic world.
Emer, a freelance film director with roots in Kerry is feeling burnt out post pandemic, and a few months in her family's second home by the beach might be just what her therapist ordered. When she meets local surf instructor Rob and decides to take lessons, she meets another recent American transplant, Alison who is helping out at the surf school but may also be hiding a secret.
Meanwhile in the same West Kerry village in the 1920's Annie Thornton is dreaming of seeing the world, even if it means leaving her family and her best friend May behind in less than ideal circumstances. When she gets the opportunity to travel to New York and finds herself working as a maid for a wealthy family on fifth avenue she embraces her new life whole heartedly and soon finds herself befriending a young Italian waitress, Elena. As this friendship begins to develop into something more Annie finds herself questioning what her future holds, and how she fits into society, but when a dangerous face from her past reappears she is forced to flee and leave Elena behind , with tragic consequences for everyone that will not come to light for decades .
Often in dual timeline stories like this I find myself more drawn to one of the stories , and in this case it was Annie's story that really captured my heart and my imagination. I loved her strength and determination and seeing her grow into her potential, so it broke my heart when she lost so much. While I enjoyed Emer's storyline it just did not hold my attention in quite the same way. That being said, the mystery subplot involving Alison in this timeline did keep me guessing even if the resolution was just a little too convenient for my liking.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.
Emer, a freelance film director with roots in Kerry is feeling burnt out post pandemic, and a few months in her family's second home by the beach might be just what her therapist ordered. When she meets local surf instructor Rob and decides to take lessons, she meets another recent American transplant, Alison who is helping out at the surf school but may also be hiding a secret.
Meanwhile in the same West Kerry village in the 1920's Annie Thornton is dreaming of seeing the world, even if it means leaving her family and her best friend May behind in less than ideal circumstances. When she gets the opportunity to travel to New York and finds herself working as a maid for a wealthy family on fifth avenue she embraces her new life whole heartedly and soon finds herself befriending a young Italian waitress, Elena. As this friendship begins to develop into something more Annie finds herself questioning what her future holds, and how she fits into society, but when a dangerous face from her past reappears she is forced to flee and leave Elena behind , with tragic consequences for everyone that will not come to light for decades .
Often in dual timeline stories like this I find myself more drawn to one of the stories , and in this case it was Annie's story that really captured my heart and my imagination. I loved her strength and determination and seeing her grow into her potential, so it broke my heart when she lost so much. While I enjoyed Emer's storyline it just did not hold my attention in quite the same way. That being said, the mystery subplot involving Alison in this timeline did keep me guessing even if the resolution was just a little too convenient for my liking.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.
September 16, 2024
I would like to thank Netgalley, Aria and Aries and Sinead Crowley for the E ARC of this book, which is published on the 24th of September.
This is a dual timeline story. Elmer has come home to Ireland to spend time with her family but finds when she arrives that they are booked on a plane to surprise visit her in America, so she decides to spend her vacation time in their cottage in West Kerry. Her she finds herself trying new things, meeting new people and possibly finding new inspiration.
A century ago Annie knew that she was not meant to spend her life in the small town and longed for more. She saves her money and heads with her family’s blessing to New York. On the journey she meets Nora, who shows her how to survive the journey and also how to navigate New York. She gains employment with the Cavendish family and enjoys her work and living in the city. She and Nora spend their free time exploring the city, on one outing they meet Elena a young Italian waitress. As Annie and Elena spend time together their friendship deepens and their future is threatened not only from within the city but from back home in Ireland. Annie is again faced with making decisions that not only affect her but Elena as well.
This was an decent read. I liked Annie as a character, her joy in being in New York and all that she was seeing and experiencing was well written. I understood why she made the decisions she did, I think it is what most friends would have done. I did however find the link between the two narratives to be very tenuous and feel that it could have been made stronger.
This is a dual timeline story. Elmer has come home to Ireland to spend time with her family but finds when she arrives that they are booked on a plane to surprise visit her in America, so she decides to spend her vacation time in their cottage in West Kerry. Her she finds herself trying new things, meeting new people and possibly finding new inspiration.
A century ago Annie knew that she was not meant to spend her life in the small town and longed for more. She saves her money and heads with her family’s blessing to New York. On the journey she meets Nora, who shows her how to survive the journey and also how to navigate New York. She gains employment with the Cavendish family and enjoys her work and living in the city. She and Nora spend their free time exploring the city, on one outing they meet Elena a young Italian waitress. As Annie and Elena spend time together their friendship deepens and their future is threatened not only from within the city but from back home in Ireland. Annie is again faced with making decisions that not only affect her but Elena as well.
This was an decent read. I liked Annie as a character, her joy in being in New York and all that she was seeing and experiencing was well written. I understood why she made the decisions she did, I think it is what most friends would have done. I did however find the link between the two narratives to be very tenuous and feel that it could have been made stronger.
November 4, 2024
It’s a dual timeline story that could have been a single one, the part about Annie started out as a good story but the ending of that one was abrupt and the other part was predictable.
January 17, 2024
I enjoyed this book by Sinead Crowley, a dual timeline novel set in early 1900s New York and in present day Ireland.
Annie dreams of travelling the world but she has lingering doubts after living through her mother's traumatic illness. She has a huge loyalty to her family and friends but finally decides to go to New York to make a new life for herself. The descriptions of Annie's life as a new Irish immigrant are excellent and at times one could really feel the heat of the crowded dance room or the feeling of suffering under an icy glare from a housekeeper.
Emer's storyline develops as she finds herself back in Ireland, having emigrated to California years earlier. The pandemic has taken its toll on her mental and physical well being so she comes home to find out who she really is. The possibility of romance blossoms for them both but barriers stand in the way of each of their potential relationships
Overall this was an enjoyable read with some unpredictable twists. I felt some of the secondary characters - May, Elena and the American relative could have been more well rounded but didn't really detract from the storyline. 4/5
Many thanks to the publishers and Netgalley for an advanced release copy in exchange for an honest revie
Annie dreams of travelling the world but she has lingering doubts after living through her mother's traumatic illness. She has a huge loyalty to her family and friends but finally decides to go to New York to make a new life for herself. The descriptions of Annie's life as a new Irish immigrant are excellent and at times one could really feel the heat of the crowded dance room or the feeling of suffering under an icy glare from a housekeeper.
Emer's storyline develops as she finds herself back in Ireland, having emigrated to California years earlier. The pandemic has taken its toll on her mental and physical well being so she comes home to find out who she really is. The possibility of romance blossoms for them both but barriers stand in the way of each of their potential relationships
Overall this was an enjoyable read with some unpredictable twists. I felt some of the secondary characters - May, Elena and the American relative could have been more well rounded but didn't really detract from the storyline. 4/5
Many thanks to the publishers and Netgalley for an advanced release copy in exchange for an honest revie
January 24, 2024
This captivating book tells the story of two women who lived in different centuries, connected through a Fairy Tree and a mystery that spans the same time. Annie Thornton, a resident of the small village of Ballydrynawn in County Kerry, Ireland, in the 1920s, longs to see more than her hometown. Her dream takes her to New York City, where she secures a job as a maid in a prominent household on Fifth Avenue. When Annie meets Elena, an Italian immigrant, her life will never be the same again.
In 2022, Emer Molloy leaves Los Angeles, California, to return home to Ireland, suffering from Covid burnout. Her parents own a holiday cottage in Ballydrynawn, County Kerry, where she spent her summers as a child. The book weaves together the stories of these two women, each on their own journey of discovery, and the impact they have on each other's lives. A must-read for anyone who enjoys historical fiction and a touch of mystery.
Annie's story truly touched me. Her strength and determination were inspiring, and watching her journey towards self-discovery was one of the highlights of the book for me. I enjoyed both stories and appreciated the unexpected plot twists towards the end, which made for an engaging read.
In 2022, Emer Molloy leaves Los Angeles, California, to return home to Ireland, suffering from Covid burnout. Her parents own a holiday cottage in Ballydrynawn, County Kerry, where she spent her summers as a child. The book weaves together the stories of these two women, each on their own journey of discovery, and the impact they have on each other's lives. A must-read for anyone who enjoys historical fiction and a touch of mystery.
Annie's story truly touched me. Her strength and determination were inspiring, and watching her journey towards self-discovery was one of the highlights of the book for me. I enjoyed both stories and appreciated the unexpected plot twists towards the end, which made for an engaging read.
December 6, 2023
"A Maid On Fifth Avenue" by Sinéad Crowley is a dual timeline book. The first timeline tells the story of Annie Thornton from Co Kerry in Ireland in the 1920s after the Irish Civil war. She emigrates to America and gets a job in New York as a maid, with the Cavendish family, who live on Fifth Avenue. While there, she meets an Italian girl, Elena and they tentatively start a secret romance. However it is not long before Annie's past in Ireland catches up with her.
I loved the character of Annie. I found her character well written and believable and I was really hoping it all worked out well for her though the book . Her story kept me turning the pages
The second timeline deals with Rob, a surf instructor who lives with his mother in Co Kerry who befriends Emer. Emer who is Irish and works in America has returned to Ireland for a break. To be honest I didn't really care about this part of the story . I found Rob and Emer really annoying and whiny . I skimmed these parts.
Despite this I did really enjoy Annie's story. It is definitely worth a read for her story alone.
I loved the character of Annie. I found her character well written and believable and I was really hoping it all worked out well for her though the book . Her story kept me turning the pages
The second timeline deals with Rob, a surf instructor who lives with his mother in Co Kerry who befriends Emer. Emer who is Irish and works in America has returned to Ireland for a break. To be honest I didn't really care about this part of the story . I found Rob and Emer really annoying and whiny . I skimmed these parts.
Despite this I did really enjoy Annie's story. It is definitely worth a read for her story alone.
December 6, 2023
I am not usually keen on historical fiction, but this book starts in two different time periods, with a village in County Kerry being the common denominator in both parts of the story. As the book starts, Annie moves to New York to work. Her experiences are portrayed in an interesting way and there are a couple of unexpected twists in her story.
In the present day, Emer is at home in Ireland from her home in California. Life has been tough during the pandemic and she has decided to take some time out. The book describes her summer, the people she meets and as the book moves on, the stories of Emer and Annie start to converge as people connected to both of them become apparent.
I loved the descriptions in this book, both the lives of the main characters are well documented and interesting. The other characters are also well portrayed and realistic. The twists in the plot give the book a modern feel (the lack of which is my main reason to dislike historical fiction) and the Irish and New York locations add a little humour at times.
A great read, thanks to Net Galley for the ARC
In the present day, Emer is at home in Ireland from her home in California. Life has been tough during the pandemic and she has decided to take some time out. The book describes her summer, the people she meets and as the book moves on, the stories of Emer and Annie start to converge as people connected to both of them become apparent.
I loved the descriptions in this book, both the lives of the main characters are well documented and interesting. The other characters are also well portrayed and realistic. The twists in the plot give the book a modern feel (the lack of which is my main reason to dislike historical fiction) and the Irish and New York locations add a little humour at times.
A great read, thanks to Net Galley for the ARC
September 24, 2024
1908 and Annie Thornton aged eight year old lives with her parents and younger sister Eve in a little house near the Atlantic Ocean, Ballydrynawn in county Kerry.
Annie has a best friend called May.
2022 Emer Molloy Irish by birth, but now living in America has arrived at her parents holiday home in County Kerry. After the Covid epidemic she is suffering from Covid burnout and needs to take time out from her busy life.
Annie as she grows in age looks over the ocean longingly, she wants to travel to America, sail over the ocean.
Emer wants a summer to restore herself and get her life back on track.
Will the two women find what they are looking for?
Told in timelines of 1908, 1920’s, 1940’s and 2022 the book moves through the chapters telling the story.
Although it has various characters its two main characters are Annie and Emer.
I enjoyed reading the book and found it interesting. The setting in County Kerry and New York City adding further interest.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Publisher for an advanced e-book copy. Opinions about the book are entirely my own.
Annie has a best friend called May.
2022 Emer Molloy Irish by birth, but now living in America has arrived at her parents holiday home in County Kerry. After the Covid epidemic she is suffering from Covid burnout and needs to take time out from her busy life.
Annie as she grows in age looks over the ocean longingly, she wants to travel to America, sail over the ocean.
Emer wants a summer to restore herself and get her life back on track.
Will the two women find what they are looking for?
Told in timelines of 1908, 1920’s, 1940’s and 2022 the book moves through the chapters telling the story.
Although it has various characters its two main characters are Annie and Emer.
I enjoyed reading the book and found it interesting. The setting in County Kerry and New York City adding further interest.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Publisher for an advanced e-book copy. Opinions about the book are entirely my own.
February 29, 2024
It took me a while to get into this novel with its two time lines, but reading they slowly merge and it was a thoroughly enjoyable read. The author writes well and what was most impressive was that it was full of surprises and totally unpredictable. Annie and Emer were great characters and easy to like.
A glimpse of life in America in the late 1920s where Irish Annie worked as a maid, and develops a close relationship with an Italian girl. Back in Ireland the reader has an insight into the culture of the era and the close knit families, both in the 1920s and the present. Annie is placed in the difficult situation where she has to decide between her new American friend and her loyalty towards her childhood friend in Ireland. Meanwhile in the present, Emer is enjoying a summer of love away from her busy American lifestyle but even her promises to herself cannot be kept when the past catches.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for this e-APC.
A glimpse of life in America in the late 1920s where Irish Annie worked as a maid, and develops a close relationship with an Italian girl. Back in Ireland the reader has an insight into the culture of the era and the close knit families, both in the 1920s and the present. Annie is placed in the difficult situation where she has to decide between her new American friend and her loyalty towards her childhood friend in Ireland. Meanwhile in the present, Emer is enjoying a summer of love away from her busy American lifestyle but even her promises to herself cannot be kept when the past catches.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for this e-APC.
August 30, 2024
As you all know I love reading. Recently I was given the opportunity to read an early copy of Sinead Crowley "A maid on fifth avenue". I'm extremely grateful to #NetGalley and #headofzeus for sharing this story with me.
If you read "Belladonna Maze" you'd be already familiar with Sinead's writing style and seamless transitions in dual timeliness. In this story we meet Annie who left Ireland and went to America in the search of the better life and Emer who came to Ireland post-covid to relax and give her mind a well deserved break. Both stories describe romance as well as secrets that no matter how hard you try to keep them hidden - they always come out.
It's a beautiful description of social class differences, struggles that women are facing in a daily lifes, love taboos, family bonds and searching for your true self.
I'd absolutely recommend this book and I'm pretty sure it will make my top 10 (out of my yearly 300 reads) of the year just like her previous novel
If you read "Belladonna Maze" you'd be already familiar with Sinead's writing style and seamless transitions in dual timeliness. In this story we meet Annie who left Ireland and went to America in the search of the better life and Emer who came to Ireland post-covid to relax and give her mind a well deserved break. Both stories describe romance as well as secrets that no matter how hard you try to keep them hidden - they always come out.
It's a beautiful description of social class differences, struggles that women are facing in a daily lifes, love taboos, family bonds and searching for your true self.
I'd absolutely recommend this book and I'm pretty sure it will make my top 10 (out of my yearly 300 reads) of the year just like her previous novel
October 31, 2024
3.5 stars.
November 25, 2023
Told in two different storyline’s between Annie in the 1800’s and Emer now, this book tells the story of a hardworking girl who made sacrifices to help her friends and those she loved. In the present time, Emer is drawn into a family history mystery with her summer fling, Rob. I really enjoyed the family history stuff and felt in my heart the hardness of life for women in the 1800’s. Not being Irish, I did find some of the language that was used difficult to understand, and although sometimes another language is used in a story, it’s usually French/italian/German and I find that much easier to understand and work out what they’re saying even though I don’t know those languages either and this was the reason for 4 and not 5 stars.
September 26, 2024
4.5 stars
A Maid on Fifth Avenue is such a wonderful story - full of hope, love and loyalty.
Beautifully written over different timelines and from two pov this story covers the strength of family whether blood or found.
Emer and Annie have such different stories but both are strong and determined women.
I really enjoyed the links between the two women - their courage to seek out new adventures, to look after themselves and to look out for their found families. Annie in particular was so brave and time again put others first in her life.
Family secrets and mysteries that have long after recriminations are wound tightly with the development of both women’s stories and I loved seeing the mystery unravel.
A Maid on Fifth Avenue is such a wonderful story - full of hope, love and loyalty.
Beautifully written over different timelines and from two pov this story covers the strength of family whether blood or found.
Emer and Annie have such different stories but both are strong and determined women.
I really enjoyed the links between the two women - their courage to seek out new adventures, to look after themselves and to look out for their found families. Annie in particular was so brave and time again put others first in her life.
Family secrets and mysteries that have long after recriminations are wound tightly with the development of both women’s stories and I loved seeing the mystery unravel.
January 8, 2024
Really loved this book! It was told on a dual timeline, which almost felt as though I was reading two very different books at the same time, but when they started to come together it was such a great read, I loved the story of Annie who was desperate to leave her home town in Ireland in search of adventures in New York. She gets a job as a maid in a beautiful home on 5th Avenue and begins to make a new life for herself. Meanwhile, in the present day, Emer returns to Ireland from the US looking for some quiet time at home to rest and recuperate. What is the thread that joins these two very different women, one from the past and one from the present? I really enjoyed finding out.
January 15, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Set in dual timelines, there is clearly a link somewhere and that is part of the mystery. The historical part around 1922 was fascinating, both for the glimpse of life in Ireland, and then life in New York. The present day was intriguing as there are several possible interpretations of events. The characters were well developed and the main ones very likeable and realistic. All in all, this kept me engrossed as the very clever and satisfying ending emerged. I would like to read more by this author. Thanks to NetGalley for an advance reader copy to read and freely review.
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