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Saoirse
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Expected 24 Feb 26For readers of Colm Tóibín and Claire Keegan, Saoirse is a powerful novel set between the United States and Ireland about a woman who runs from her traumatic past and the secrets she carries to survive.
In Michigan, Sarah’s childhood was defined by fear and silence. As a teenager, she saw a chance to escape and took it. Now, in 1999, she is an artist living on the rugged coast of Donegal, Ireland, where she is known as Saoirse (pronounced Sear-sha)—a name that sounds like the sea and means freedom in the language of her adopted country. And free is precisely how she is finally beginning to feel. Her partner and two beloved daughters are regular subjects of her paintings, and together they have made the safe home she always longed for. But Saoirse's secrets haunt her. No one must learn of the identity she has stolen in order to survive; they cannot know of the dangers that she crossed an ocean to escape.
When her artwork wins unexpected acclaim at a Dublin exhibition, the spotlight of fame threatens to unravel the careful lies that hold her world together. Journalists and admirers begin to ask questions about the mysterious artist from Donegal, and she fears the unwanted publicity will expose all that she has done.
Saoirse is an evocative, suspenseful exploration of the intimate relationship between art and life and the lies we tell ourselves in the name of reinvention.
In Michigan, Sarah’s childhood was defined by fear and silence. As a teenager, she saw a chance to escape and took it. Now, in 1999, she is an artist living on the rugged coast of Donegal, Ireland, where she is known as Saoirse (pronounced Sear-sha)—a name that sounds like the sea and means freedom in the language of her adopted country. And free is precisely how she is finally beginning to feel. Her partner and two beloved daughters are regular subjects of her paintings, and together they have made the safe home she always longed for. But Saoirse's secrets haunt her. No one must learn of the identity she has stolen in order to survive; they cannot know of the dangers that she crossed an ocean to escape.
When her artwork wins unexpected acclaim at a Dublin exhibition, the spotlight of fame threatens to unravel the careful lies that hold her world together. Journalists and admirers begin to ask questions about the mysterious artist from Donegal, and she fears the unwanted publicity will expose all that she has done.
Saoirse is an evocative, suspenseful exploration of the intimate relationship between art and life and the lies we tell ourselves in the name of reinvention.
256 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication February 24, 2026
25 people are currently reading
10079 people want to read
About the author
Charleen Hurtubise
2 books63 followersCharleen is a novelist and artist. Her first novel, The Polite Act of Drowning, was published in Ireland and the UK in 2023. SAOIRSE is her US debut. She lives in Dublin, Ireland with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
September 2, 2025
Something in her past was so horrible it made her flee from the US to Ireland . Something in her past was so unbearable it caused her to break the law to save herself and her sister. In alternating chapters the story moves back and forth between present and past years as Saorise’s life is revealed through her public paintings and her sketches which she keeps private . The canvas of her life is intense, emotional and intimate.
A stolen identity, another country - but how long will she be safe in Ireland? Is she really safe - having traded one prison of abuse for another ? How long can she keep her cover as her art career garners critical acclaim, winning awards and requests for exhibition ? Once again she needs to save herself and this time her daughters as well, as her story becomes public.
It’s so well written and I was totally taken in by this character and this complicated, thought provoking story . I couldn’t put this down.
I received a copy of this from Celadon through Edelweiss.
A stolen identity, another country - but how long will she be safe in Ireland? Is she really safe - having traded one prison of abuse for another ? How long can she keep her cover as her art career garners critical acclaim, winning awards and requests for exhibition ? Once again she needs to save herself and this time her daughters as well, as her story becomes public.
It’s so well written and I was totally taken in by this character and this complicated, thought provoking story . I couldn’t put this down.
I received a copy of this from Celadon through Edelweiss.
December 29, 2025
An amazing and powerful novel set between the United States and Ireland.
An 18 yr old young woman must flee from her trauma filled life and the secrets she carries to survive.
She does this by stealing the identity and passport of a young woman her age that she worked with who lives in the U.S but is from Ireland.
On the flight to Ireland she is seated next to a man who takes her home to meet his family and they give her a place to stay.
So, she reinvents herself in a life in Ireland, but she falls into another trapped life.
She eventually takes leave of this unloving, abusive man to a man who truly loves her and her young daughter.
She is living a beautiful life on the coast of Donegal with her partner and two daughters and then her past starts to catch up with her.
Beautifully written, great characters..
I really want to see Donegal now!
Thank you to NetGalley and Celadon Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
An 18 yr old young woman must flee from her trauma filled life and the secrets she carries to survive.
She does this by stealing the identity and passport of a young woman her age that she worked with who lives in the U.S but is from Ireland.
On the flight to Ireland she is seated next to a man who takes her home to meet his family and they give her a place to stay.
So, she reinvents herself in a life in Ireland, but she falls into another trapped life.
She eventually takes leave of this unloving, abusive man to a man who truly loves her and her young daughter.
She is living a beautiful life on the coast of Donegal with her partner and two daughters and then her past starts to catch up with her.
Beautifully written, great characters..
I really want to see Donegal now!
Thank you to NetGalley and Celadon Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
October 6, 2025
Much like Eleanor Oliphant or Owen Meany, Saoirse is a titular character who will live long in my memory (although the spelling of the name will forever be a source of typos).
At the start of this novel, we meet Saoirse living an idyllic life with her husband Daithi and two children. However, when we quickly start to follow Saoirse's back story we learn that she is clearly running away from something and seeking a quiet life in Ireland. When Saoirse, who is an artist, wins a prestigious award, her fragile life is shattered and we slowly learn what has brought her to Ireland and what she is, in fact, running away from.
The first thing to say about this book is that the writing is almost poetic, but not in a pretentious way where the author is trying too hard to be too clever. It is immensely readable and you will find yourself immersed in her life as soon as you pick up the book just dying to find out what has happened to her. Her character is entirely relatable and although she may make some poor choices, you will definitely find a place in your heart for her.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bonnier Books UK | Eriu for the ARC. One of my favourite books of the year!
At the start of this novel, we meet Saoirse living an idyllic life with her husband Daithi and two children. However, when we quickly start to follow Saoirse's back story we learn that she is clearly running away from something and seeking a quiet life in Ireland. When Saoirse, who is an artist, wins a prestigious award, her fragile life is shattered and we slowly learn what has brought her to Ireland and what she is, in fact, running away from.
The first thing to say about this book is that the writing is almost poetic, but not in a pretentious way where the author is trying too hard to be too clever. It is immensely readable and you will find yourself immersed in her life as soon as you pick up the book just dying to find out what has happened to her. Her character is entirely relatable and although she may make some poor choices, you will definitely find a place in your heart for her.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bonnier Books UK | Eriu for the ARC. One of my favourite books of the year!
December 10, 2025
Saoirse is a quiet, deep character driven novel about a young woman who escapes her past.
Saoirse tells the story of a young woman who escapes to Ireland from the United States after a very tumultuous childhood and traumas that continue to haunt her. She finds her way into a family after meeting Paul on the plane, and after more hardships she discovers she is pregnant and unwilling to face what she has left behind.
Charleen Hurtubise’s writing feels melancholic and deeply character driven, with a quiet sense of mystery that makes the story captivating. I found myself really feeling for Saoirse as she moves through her life. I also love that the story begins in 1990 when there were no phones or Google.
You will absorb Saoirse’s emotions as she hides her past from her present, as she falls in love, as she tries to escape what she cannot control, and as a mystery slowly unfolds, we get to feel all her pain at once.
There are a few pacing issues since the narrative shifts between Saoirse’s past and present, but overall this is shaping up to be a top book once it is released in 2026.
Thank you to Celadon for the advanced copy.
Saoirse tells the story of a young woman who escapes to Ireland from the United States after a very tumultuous childhood and traumas that continue to haunt her. She finds her way into a family after meeting Paul on the plane, and after more hardships she discovers she is pregnant and unwilling to face what she has left behind.
Charleen Hurtubise’s writing feels melancholic and deeply character driven, with a quiet sense of mystery that makes the story captivating. I found myself really feeling for Saoirse as she moves through her life. I also love that the story begins in 1990 when there were no phones or Google.
You will absorb Saoirse’s emotions as she hides her past from her present, as she falls in love, as she tries to escape what she cannot control, and as a mystery slowly unfolds, we get to feel all her pain at once.
There are a few pacing issues since the narrative shifts between Saoirse’s past and present, but overall this is shaping up to be a top book once it is released in 2026.
Thank you to Celadon for the advanced copy.
January 1, 2026
SAOIRSE
By Charleen Hurtubise
Narrated by Róisín Rankin
A character-driven novel that lingers in mood and emotion.
Saoirse is a quietly told, character-driven novel with emotional nuance. It follows a young woman from Michigan with a deeply disturbing childhood who retreats to a remote Irish island in search of freedom and a fresh start. As Saoirse settles into island life, long-buried secrets and unresolved trauma begin to surface.
Themes of identity, accountability, silence, and the weight of the past guide the story. This is not a fast-moving, plot-driven novel, but one that favors atmosphere, introspection, and emotional depth. The suspense is subtle and woven throughout the narrative, driven more by character than action.
This will appeal to readers who enjoy literary fiction focused on character, atmosphere, and emotional depth.
I especially appreciated the development of Saoirse and how the story portrays an unprotected child and young woman struggling to understand herself and find her identity. Significant time is spent in her thoughts and emotions, which enhanced my connection to the story.
I combined the digital ARC with the audiobook, and Róisín Rankin’s narration fit the story beautifully. She captured the understated tension and emotional layers, making the quieter moments feel authentic and engaging.
The writing is beautifully done, and the remote Irish island setting was a highlight for me. I was impressed by this being the author’s first U.S. debut, and I’m always excited to discover a new author. I look forward to reading more from Charleen Hurtubise.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ALC, and Celadon Books for the eARC.
By Charleen Hurtubise
Narrated by Róisín Rankin
A character-driven novel that lingers in mood and emotion.
Saoirse is a quietly told, character-driven novel with emotional nuance. It follows a young woman from Michigan with a deeply disturbing childhood who retreats to a remote Irish island in search of freedom and a fresh start. As Saoirse settles into island life, long-buried secrets and unresolved trauma begin to surface.
Themes of identity, accountability, silence, and the weight of the past guide the story. This is not a fast-moving, plot-driven novel, but one that favors atmosphere, introspection, and emotional depth. The suspense is subtle and woven throughout the narrative, driven more by character than action.
This will appeal to readers who enjoy literary fiction focused on character, atmosphere, and emotional depth.
I especially appreciated the development of Saoirse and how the story portrays an unprotected child and young woman struggling to understand herself and find her identity. Significant time is spent in her thoughts and emotions, which enhanced my connection to the story.
I combined the digital ARC with the audiobook, and Róisín Rankin’s narration fit the story beautifully. She captured the understated tension and emotional layers, making the quieter moments feel authentic and engaging.
The writing is beautifully done, and the remote Irish island setting was a highlight for me. I was impressed by this being the author’s first U.S. debut, and I’m always excited to discover a new author. I look forward to reading more from Charleen Hurtubise.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ALC, and Celadon Books for the eARC.
December 7, 2025
If I had a dollar for every book I read this year about an American woman fleeing an abusive childhood, moving to Ireland, finding herself in an abusive relationship, and then finding freedom through art in the west of Ireland… I’d have two dollars and isn’t that interesting
January 18, 2026
I have been on an Irish lit kick and was interested in this one as it is a part mystery, part family story. The story follows Saoirse who is currently an artist on the brink of winning a major award when a story about her past gets unearthed. Saoirse's past is slowly uncovered as we get her POV from when she is age three to where she is today. This book has deeply seeded trauma- from drug/human trafficking, to domestic abuse, etc. In the book Tess of the D'Urbervilles is referenced and Saoirse has a moment where she wants to toss the book into the fire. That pretty sums up this book- a very modern retelling of Tess. It was a heartbreaking example of I am sure hundreds if not thousands of girls (and boys) who our system fails.
The story overall flowed really well as an audiobook despite the time jumps and the narrator did an excellent job.
A huge thank to you Celadon Books, MacMillan Audio, and NetGalley for my ebook and audiobook copies of Saoirse!
The story overall flowed really well as an audiobook despite the time jumps and the narrator did an excellent job.
A huge thank to you Celadon Books, MacMillan Audio, and NetGalley for my ebook and audiobook copies of Saoirse!
January 9, 2026
Sarah steals a passport and flees the US to Ireland where she reinvents herself as Saoirse. She's a talented painter with a hidden, awful past. And, of course, that past starts to catch up to her. The story is in main sections, each associated with a painting from her first solo show. These paintings relate to her past, and we hear the story of the painting at the start of each section. It's a well-told and well-narrated tale with beautiful, evocative language.
My only complaint is that while she seems adept at navigating the adult world and achieving her goals, she escapes one man only to depend on another.
My thanks to the author, publisher, @MacmillanAudio, and #NetGalley for early access to the audiobook of #Saoirse for review purposes. Publication date: 24 February 2026.
My only complaint is that while she seems adept at navigating the adult world and achieving her goals, she escapes one man only to depend on another.
My thanks to the author, publisher, @MacmillanAudio, and #NetGalley for early access to the audiobook of #Saoirse for review purposes. Publication date: 24 February 2026.
September 12, 2025
This was a slow start for me, but I was eventually engaged and invested in understanding what led Saoirse to the point at which we first meet her in the beginning of the novel. Lovely language, strong sense of place, and a courageous protagonist.
November 9, 2025
I absolutely loved Saoirse by Charleen Hurtubise. I went in with high expectations after falling in love with her debut, The Polite Act of Drowning, and somehow this novel managed to surpass them.
Set in rural Donegal in 1999, Saoirse is an artist who seems to have everything she’s ever wanted - a loving husband, two beautiful daughters, and a home that feels like it’s finally hers. But she carries a secret, one that has shaped her life for over a decade. When her Dublin exhibition wins a prestigious award and brings public attention, the safety she’s worked so hard to create starts to feel fragile.
What I loved most is how real the characters feel. Saoirse is complex and captivating. She’s a mother, a wife, an artist, and someone carrying the weight of her past. Her relationships with her daughters are tender and full of love, and her connection with her husband Daithí is the stuff that dreams are made of. All of this makes the tension of her past creeping back into her life even more gripping!
The novel moves between Michigan and Ireland, perfectly reflecting Saoirse’s inner journey. Hurtubise brings both settings to life - you can feel the wind off the Atlantic, the damp Donegal countryside, and the shadows of a past that still haunts her. The writing is beautiful, full of emotion, and keeps you completely absorbed from start to finish.
If you love character-driven stories, emotionally charged narratives, and novels with a strong sense of place, this book will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page. Saoirse is haunting, beautifully crafted, and unforgettable. Charleen Hurtubise has outdone herself, and I can’t wait to see what she writes next.
Set in rural Donegal in 1999, Saoirse is an artist who seems to have everything she’s ever wanted - a loving husband, two beautiful daughters, and a home that feels like it’s finally hers. But she carries a secret, one that has shaped her life for over a decade. When her Dublin exhibition wins a prestigious award and brings public attention, the safety she’s worked so hard to create starts to feel fragile.
What I loved most is how real the characters feel. Saoirse is complex and captivating. She’s a mother, a wife, an artist, and someone carrying the weight of her past. Her relationships with her daughters are tender and full of love, and her connection with her husband Daithí is the stuff that dreams are made of. All of this makes the tension of her past creeping back into her life even more gripping!
The novel moves between Michigan and Ireland, perfectly reflecting Saoirse’s inner journey. Hurtubise brings both settings to life - you can feel the wind off the Atlantic, the damp Donegal countryside, and the shadows of a past that still haunts her. The writing is beautiful, full of emotion, and keeps you completely absorbed from start to finish.
If you love character-driven stories, emotionally charged narratives, and novels with a strong sense of place, this book will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page. Saoirse is haunting, beautifully crafted, and unforgettable. Charleen Hurtubise has outdone herself, and I can’t wait to see what she writes next.
January 19, 2026
Pub Date: Feb 24 2026 | Archive Date: Mar 03 2026 - THERE'S STILL TIME FOR THIS ARC.
Thank you for the ARC, to the new-to-me author Charleen Hurtubise, along with Macmillian Audio, the audiobook publisher, and NetGalley. I am grateful that this gem came onto my radar. I am also grateful to authors who are brave enough to create and share unpleasant situations in novels so we can learn about the illnesses and situations that exist in our world involving children and females, and the publishers who help bring these important tales to life.
Saoirse (pronounced Sear-sha) by Charleen Hurtubise, on audiobook, is my only 5 star read for 2026. It may not sound that sensational since it's mid January, but I read voraciously and I don't give 5 stars easily. For the mysteriously written, Saoirse, it was an easy choice to give it 5 stars. This was performed by someone so very delightful and talented, Róisín Rankin, that she could read the dictionary to me, and I'd ask for more.
Set in both Michigan, USA, and Ireland, the story is about the troubled past and dangerous life that Sarah aka Saoirse has led and is still living. It began in Sarah's childhood, with an addict for a mother, a horrific stepfather, continually breaking the law and using her. It moves painfully through her teens and leads us into her 20's where she escapes to her chosen country of Ireland. She begins a new life and her unreleased artistic skills flourish. However, even miles away in Ireland, trouble seems to find Sarah/Saoirse regardless who she meets or where she hides.
Hold onto your seat for this unputdownable and beautifully written suspenseful novel, which I really wasn't ready to end. The characters are so well developed and the author let's us know them deeply. The plot is compelling and thrilling as we hope and pray for Saoirse to have a new life.
Note: Saoirse means freedom, which says much about this character and book.
Thank you for the ARC, to the new-to-me author Charleen Hurtubise, along with Macmillian Audio, the audiobook publisher, and NetGalley. I am grateful that this gem came onto my radar. I am also grateful to authors who are brave enough to create and share unpleasant situations in novels so we can learn about the illnesses and situations that exist in our world involving children and females, and the publishers who help bring these important tales to life.
Saoirse (pronounced Sear-sha) by Charleen Hurtubise, on audiobook, is my only 5 star read for 2026. It may not sound that sensational since it's mid January, but I read voraciously and I don't give 5 stars easily. For the mysteriously written, Saoirse, it was an easy choice to give it 5 stars. This was performed by someone so very delightful and talented, Róisín Rankin, that she could read the dictionary to me, and I'd ask for more.
Set in both Michigan, USA, and Ireland, the story is about the troubled past and dangerous life that Sarah aka Saoirse has led and is still living. It began in Sarah's childhood, with an addict for a mother, a horrific stepfather, continually breaking the law and using her. It moves painfully through her teens and leads us into her 20's where she escapes to her chosen country of Ireland. She begins a new life and her unreleased artistic skills flourish. However, even miles away in Ireland, trouble seems to find Sarah/Saoirse regardless who she meets or where she hides.
Hold onto your seat for this unputdownable and beautifully written suspenseful novel, which I really wasn't ready to end. The characters are so well developed and the author let's us know them deeply. The plot is compelling and thrilling as we hope and pray for Saoirse to have a new life.
Note: Saoirse means freedom, which says much about this character and book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
▪︎ 𝙎𝙖𝙤𝙞𝙧𝙨𝙚 (𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘥 𝘚𝘌𝘌𝘙-𝘴𝘩𝘢 𝘰𝘳 𝘚𝘜𝘙-𝘴𝘩𝘢): 𝘐𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘩 𝘧𝘦𝘮𝘢𝘭𝘦 𝘯𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 "𝙛𝙧𝙚𝙚𝙙𝙤𝙢."
💭THOUGHTS:
𝗦𝗮𝗼𝗶𝗿𝘀𝗲 is an evocative and powerful novel in the vein of Colm Tóibín and Claire Keegan. Heavily character-driven and atmospheric, it deftly explores trauma and reinvention through the healing power of art and a life built upon impossible choices by a resilient but morally gray woman.
Traversing across the US and Ireland through different times and interlaced with chapters that showcase her art, Saorise's life is intricately unveiled and feels increasingly fragile with each layer that's exposed. From escaping a tumultuous past and carrying unresolved trauma in the present, Saoirse is a complex and nuanced character. Her story is quietly told with an intimacy and emphasis on introspection and emotional depth. Though it is not fast-moving, there's a subtle underlying suspense that you can perceive.
Charleen Hurtubise's writing feels deeply human and laced with melancholy and an undercurrent of tension. For anyone who appreciates psychological and literary mysteries that are character-driven and emotionally charged, Saoirse encompasses it all.
🎙 Róisín Rankin solely narrates, beautifully encapsulating all of Saoirse's emotions, reflections, and nuances. The accompanying music for the painting interludes added a quiet beauty to a tense atmosphere.
✨️ Thank you to Macmillan Audio and Net Galley for the ALC! [Pub date: 2•24•2026]
💭THOUGHTS:
𝗦𝗮𝗼𝗶𝗿𝘀𝗲 is an evocative and powerful novel in the vein of Colm Tóibín and Claire Keegan. Heavily character-driven and atmospheric, it deftly explores trauma and reinvention through the healing power of art and a life built upon impossible choices by a resilient but morally gray woman.
Traversing across the US and Ireland through different times and interlaced with chapters that showcase her art, Saorise's life is intricately unveiled and feels increasingly fragile with each layer that's exposed. From escaping a tumultuous past and carrying unresolved trauma in the present, Saoirse is a complex and nuanced character. Her story is quietly told with an intimacy and emphasis on introspection and emotional depth. Though it is not fast-moving, there's a subtle underlying suspense that you can perceive.
Charleen Hurtubise's writing feels deeply human and laced with melancholy and an undercurrent of tension. For anyone who appreciates psychological and literary mysteries that are character-driven and emotionally charged, Saoirse encompasses it all.
🎙 Róisín Rankin solely narrates, beautifully encapsulating all of Saoirse's emotions, reflections, and nuances. The accompanying music for the painting interludes added a quiet beauty to a tense atmosphere.
✨️ Thank you to Macmillan Audio and Net Galley for the ALC! [Pub date: 2•24•2026]
December 31, 2025
4.5/5
Thank you @celadonbooks @macmillan.audio #partner #macaudio2025 for the gifted copies of this book!
This was such a solid and beautifully written mystery that completely pulled me in from the get go. It is moody and atmospheric which just felt perfect for all of these gray days in Illinois this time of year!
What surprised me most was how real this story felt. The main character definitely makes some “ma’am???” choices, but somehow that only made me empathize with her more. When her past trauma comes out it helped me really understand her motives. I caught myself constantly wondering what I would do in an impossible situation like that…and yeah, I might not be making better choices either. Ope.
Another favorite part of this story is the setting. Having been to Donegal in real life, I could picture it so vividly with the rugged landscape and the isolation. It made becoming immersed in the story effortless and then add in the audiobook narration with Irish accents and the mood was set perfectly for me!
This book explores family loyalty, buried secrets, lies, deceit, love, and the skeletons the main character desperately hoped would stay hidden. There’s a constant sense of dread that simmering beneath the surface.
✨ Why this one worked so well for me:
Solid character driven mystery
It was atmospheric, moody and quietly unsettling
Explores impossible choices and morally gray areas
Excellent audiobook experience (those Irish accents 👌)
A story that made me think
📚 I think this is perfect for readers who love:
Psychological & literary mysteries
A dark slow burn tension
Emotionally complex characters
Audiobooks that fully enhance the experience
This one will stay with me for a while. I loved it!
Thank you @celadonbooks @macmillan.audio #partner #macaudio2025 for the gifted copies of this book!
This was such a solid and beautifully written mystery that completely pulled me in from the get go. It is moody and atmospheric which just felt perfect for all of these gray days in Illinois this time of year!
What surprised me most was how real this story felt. The main character definitely makes some “ma’am???” choices, but somehow that only made me empathize with her more. When her past trauma comes out it helped me really understand her motives. I caught myself constantly wondering what I would do in an impossible situation like that…and yeah, I might not be making better choices either. Ope.
Another favorite part of this story is the setting. Having been to Donegal in real life, I could picture it so vividly with the rugged landscape and the isolation. It made becoming immersed in the story effortless and then add in the audiobook narration with Irish accents and the mood was set perfectly for me!
This book explores family loyalty, buried secrets, lies, deceit, love, and the skeletons the main character desperately hoped would stay hidden. There’s a constant sense of dread that simmering beneath the surface.
✨ Why this one worked so well for me:
Solid character driven mystery
It was atmospheric, moody and quietly unsettling
Explores impossible choices and morally gray areas
Excellent audiobook experience (those Irish accents 👌)
A story that made me think
📚 I think this is perfect for readers who love:
Psychological & literary mysteries
A dark slow burn tension
Emotionally complex characters
Audiobooks that fully enhance the experience
This one will stay with me for a while. I loved it!
January 6, 2026
What a roller coaster.
This fast-paced novel felt entirely unique to me in its premise, as I don’t usually read anything similar to this, but I really enjoyed it. The writing was excellent and so vivid, I felt like I was by the sea, in the Midwest, and all over, and the characters jumped off the page.
I think my heart rate was up throughout the book, as I was desperate to know how things turned out, so I wouldn’t call it a relaxing read but it was an enjoyable one. Saoirse hooks you in from the start and holds you until the end as Saoirse and those she loves make their way into your heart to root for them. I would love to read more of Hurtubise’s work in the future!
Thank you to Celadon and NetGalley for trusting me with an ARC of this book!
This fast-paced novel felt entirely unique to me in its premise, as I don’t usually read anything similar to this, but I really enjoyed it. The writing was excellent and so vivid, I felt like I was by the sea, in the Midwest, and all over, and the characters jumped off the page.
I think my heart rate was up throughout the book, as I was desperate to know how things turned out, so I wouldn’t call it a relaxing read but it was an enjoyable one. Saoirse hooks you in from the start and holds you until the end as Saoirse and those she loves make their way into your heart to root for them. I would love to read more of Hurtubise’s work in the future!
Thank you to Celadon and NetGalley for trusting me with an ARC of this book!
January 4, 2026
Damn… this was so moving I’m actually tearing up a bit. I swear it’s always the randoms you pick up you don’t expect to hit you so hard
December 25, 2025
Saoirse by Charleen Hurtubise
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Sarah’s childhood is full of fear of life and the need to escape her stepfather. Her mother a drug addict and just trying to keep her younger sister safe is all she can stand. When she finds out that others are threatening to harm her sister, she does the only thing she can, hide her sister and run. She soon finds herself in Ireland but in much the same trapped life. She soon runs from an unloving, hostile relationship to a man who truly loves her and her young daughter. But she has secrets from her past that are starting to catch up with her, even half a world away.
What an amazing book! The chapters take you back and forth between her life in America and Ireland. The writing is superb and the story unforgettable. Saoirse, (Sear-sha) is a character who has gone through more than anyone should ever have to endure and is so strong, even when she thinks she is not. This book will be available to everyone in February 2026. Don’t miss this powerful story!
#littlefreelibrary #celadonbooks #charleenhurtubise #saoirse #bookstagram #readersofinstagram
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Sarah’s childhood is full of fear of life and the need to escape her stepfather. Her mother a drug addict and just trying to keep her younger sister safe is all she can stand. When she finds out that others are threatening to harm her sister, she does the only thing she can, hide her sister and run. She soon finds herself in Ireland but in much the same trapped life. She soon runs from an unloving, hostile relationship to a man who truly loves her and her young daughter. But she has secrets from her past that are starting to catch up with her, even half a world away.
What an amazing book! The chapters take you back and forth between her life in America and Ireland. The writing is superb and the story unforgettable. Saoirse, (Sear-sha) is a character who has gone through more than anyone should ever have to endure and is so strong, even when she thinks she is not. This book will be available to everyone in February 2026. Don’t miss this powerful story!
#littlefreelibrary #celadonbooks #charleenhurtubise #saoirse #bookstagram #readersofinstagram
December 23, 2025
astonishing in every way
December 2, 2025
Saoirse is a mother of two daughters, who lives with her partner, Daithi, in Donegal. She's running from something that happened in Michigan, and has never told anyone about it. She tries to live under the radar. But when her growing fame as an artist puts her in the spotlight, she has to decide what her future will hold.
What an amazing book. I read it in under twenty four hours. I could not wait to find out what would happen next. Highly, highly recommended.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
What an amazing book. I read it in under twenty four hours. I could not wait to find out what would happen next. Highly, highly recommended.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
November 28, 2025
I would give this book another 5 stars if I could. If I thought there was a lot of detail,
I learned that everything would lead to a most satisfying conclusion. I’ve not read
such a heartwarming story in a long time. Tissues might be recommended. As well
as an open heart to adsorb the story.
My sincere thanks to Celadon Books via NetGalley for the download copy of this book.
I learned that everything would lead to a most satisfying conclusion. I’ve not read
such a heartwarming story in a long time. Tissues might be recommended. As well
as an open heart to adsorb the story.
My sincere thanks to Celadon Books via NetGalley for the download copy of this book.
November 27, 2025
Absolutely brilliant!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The setting alternates between 1990 [US] and 1999 [Ireland]. In Michigan, Sarah had a tumultuous childhood -- a drug-addicted mother, an abusive, lowlife stepfather who forced her to become a drug runner, and a younger sister who she left with grandparents fearing she'd not have a life otherwise. She took a chance, stole someone's identity, fled to Ireland, without a plan or much money. She met Paul by chance on the plane, [no spoiler, but not a good match], goes to his parents home [what a family!] with him, eventually takes up painting and residence in their guest house. She become Saoirses, which means free.
"When her artwork wins unexpected acclaim at a Dublin exhibition, the spotlight of fame threatens to unravel the careful lies that hold her world together. Journalists and admirers begin to ask questions about the mysterious artist from Donegal, and she fears the unwanted publicity will expose all that she has done." She also meets someone {Daithi; a very interesting person!] with whom she has another daughter; it is a love match.
Saoirse has MANY secrets that haunt her. I fell and felt for Saoirse from the start. I immediately understood her struggles and when she became pregnant as an unwed mother [this will not spoil anything], I knew 1999 Ireland would be problematic.
Physical and sexual abuse. Family--good and bad. Heartbreaking and sad, but ultimately hopeful.
I really enjoyed this book but felt the ending a bit too neat and tidy/contrived.
The setting alternates between 1990 [US] and 1999 [Ireland]. In Michigan, Sarah had a tumultuous childhood -- a drug-addicted mother, an abusive, lowlife stepfather who forced her to become a drug runner, and a younger sister who she left with grandparents fearing she'd not have a life otherwise. She took a chance, stole someone's identity, fled to Ireland, without a plan or much money. She met Paul by chance on the plane, [no spoiler, but not a good match], goes to his parents home [what a family!] with him, eventually takes up painting and residence in their guest house. She become Saoirses, which means free.
"When her artwork wins unexpected acclaim at a Dublin exhibition, the spotlight of fame threatens to unravel the careful lies that hold her world together. Journalists and admirers begin to ask questions about the mysterious artist from Donegal, and she fears the unwanted publicity will expose all that she has done." She also meets someone {Daithi; a very interesting person!] with whom she has another daughter; it is a love match.
Saoirse has MANY secrets that haunt her. I fell and felt for Saoirse from the start. I immediately understood her struggles and when she became pregnant as an unwed mother [this will not spoil anything], I knew 1999 Ireland would be problematic.
Physical and sexual abuse. Family--good and bad. Heartbreaking and sad, but ultimately hopeful.
I really enjoyed this book but felt the ending a bit too neat and tidy/contrived.
Review of advance copy
4.5
I received this ARC from Little Free Library and wanted to read it before I shared it in my library 😊 I love when a book takes you by surprise and you love it more than you expected to. This is both a heartbreaking and heartwarming story about a young woman that escapes to Ireland to get away from a traumatic upbringing. I loved the premise of telling parts of her history through her art. I did deduct a half star because I thought the ending was tied up a bit too neatly. But wonderful book overall!
I received this ARC from Little Free Library and wanted to read it before I shared it in my library 😊 I love when a book takes you by surprise and you love it more than you expected to. This is both a heartbreaking and heartwarming story about a young woman that escapes to Ireland to get away from a traumatic upbringing. I loved the premise of telling parts of her history through her art. I did deduct a half star because I thought the ending was tied up a bit too neatly. But wonderful book overall!
October 12, 2025
4.5
The first book I’ve really sped through in a long time. It sort of felt like Lily King - but with a lot of plot. Maybe too much plot for me! I found myself wishing it was just Saoirse and Dotty. And Paul. Minus the childhood drama trauma. But loved it still and flew right through.
The first book I’ve really sped through in a long time. It sort of felt like Lily King - but with a lot of plot. Maybe too much plot for me! I found myself wishing it was just Saoirse and Dotty. And Paul. Minus the childhood drama trauma. But loved it still and flew right through.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Saoirse by Charleen Hurtubise
Narrated by Roisin Rankin
In the present day of this story, we meet Saoirse, a talented and successful artist living with her partner, Daithi, and their two children. They live on the coast of Donegal, Ireland, in Daithi's old family home, restored by him after years of being abandoned due to Daithi's mom dying when he was young. This young couple has so much, they especially have each other and their beloved daughters, but we know right away that all is not right.
Saoirse's success is something she never wanted. Her art is her way of letting out emotions due to her horrific childhood. Her past is her secret and it's filled with so much abuse, fear, and insecurity and she can never forget it because things she did in that past will someday catch up to her. She knows this and she knows that any happiness she has found will be snatched away from her and those who love her will hate her in the future.
Saoirse is really Sarah, from Michigan, but others in her present life can never find out the truth. Sarah is living on borrowed time, exposure is imminent thanks to journalists, fans, enemies, and someone she stole from long ago. This story is heartbreaking and tense throughout the book. Could things have been better for Saoirse if she had revealed her past to those in Ireland, sooner? Who knows, that is not how the story plays out, but as she held in her secrets I so wanted her to allow those who loved her to know what she was hiding.
This story is a long journey, from Saoirse's first memories when she is three, to the end of this story, decades later. I really like the ending although I could never have imagined things playing out the way they do in the story. There are some really rotten characters in this book and there are some wonderful, caring people also, but for them to help Saoirse they have to know she needs help and how they can help yet Saoirse keeps her past locked in her heart even if it is very present in her art.
I was able to both read this book and listen to the audiobook and that was the ideal way to enjoy the story which contains so many Irish words and names I could never pronounce or spell without the books in front of me. The narrator does such a good job with the narration and hearing the story really sets the stage for being in Ireland. There was lots to discuss with Jayme and DeAnn, as we enjoyed this story together.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio, Celadon Books. and NetGalley for this ARC
Narrated by Roisin Rankin
In the present day of this story, we meet Saoirse, a talented and successful artist living with her partner, Daithi, and their two children. They live on the coast of Donegal, Ireland, in Daithi's old family home, restored by him after years of being abandoned due to Daithi's mom dying when he was young. This young couple has so much, they especially have each other and their beloved daughters, but we know right away that all is not right.
Saoirse's success is something she never wanted. Her art is her way of letting out emotions due to her horrific childhood. Her past is her secret and it's filled with so much abuse, fear, and insecurity and she can never forget it because things she did in that past will someday catch up to her. She knows this and she knows that any happiness she has found will be snatched away from her and those who love her will hate her in the future.
Saoirse is really Sarah, from Michigan, but others in her present life can never find out the truth. Sarah is living on borrowed time, exposure is imminent thanks to journalists, fans, enemies, and someone she stole from long ago. This story is heartbreaking and tense throughout the book. Could things have been better for Saoirse if she had revealed her past to those in Ireland, sooner? Who knows, that is not how the story plays out, but as she held in her secrets I so wanted her to allow those who loved her to know what she was hiding.
This story is a long journey, from Saoirse's first memories when she is three, to the end of this story, decades later. I really like the ending although I could never have imagined things playing out the way they do in the story. There are some really rotten characters in this book and there are some wonderful, caring people also, but for them to help Saoirse they have to know she needs help and how they can help yet Saoirse keeps her past locked in her heart even if it is very present in her art.
I was able to both read this book and listen to the audiobook and that was the ideal way to enjoy the story which contains so many Irish words and names I could never pronounce or spell without the books in front of me. The narrator does such a good job with the narration and hearing the story really sets the stage for being in Ireland. There was lots to discuss with Jayme and DeAnn, as we enjoyed this story together.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio, Celadon Books. and NetGalley for this ARC
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
There have been many stories addressing issues of child and drug abuse, trafficking, and threats of violence and displacement. . This makes it difficult to find fresh ways of telling that story.. Author Charleen Hurtubise has done this beautifully.. I was immersed from the very beginning. The characters felt very real and the protagonist, Saoirse, though complex and broken, was able not only to survive but to love deeply despite that origin story.
Born to a drug addicted mother, she suffered at the hands of a violent step father who abused her and forced her into criminal enterprise, When she realized the danger she was in because of the stepfather's actions, she had to run for her life, But first, she found a way to take her little sister to safety. Traveling to Boston from the midwest, she became a nanny along with another girl her age, Sara., who resembled her. When she happens upon a news article that implicates her in several murders, she steals Sara's identity and flees to Ireland.
As the story develops, Saroise, meets a young man, Paul, on the plane and although she senses something off about him, she has no where to go. Desperate, she goes home with Paul and moves in with his less than welcoming family (except his congenial father). She makes one unfortunate mistake which will tie her to this boorish man and his cold family.. What will it take for her to break free from them?
Saoirse s a gifted artist who has tried to stay under the radar but when she wins a prestigious prize, the quiet life she treasures, now with a loving man and two daughters begins to unravel.
The characters are all real and shaded with their own back stories. I would have thought the family she moved in with were over the top in their lack of empathy and cruel assumptions but having recently read Colm Toibin's Long Island, he draws a similar picture. Dahti, the love, balances the behavior of Paul, with his tenderness and belief in the good in people. Minor characters such as Seamus, Charlotte, and even the cold hearted Vivienne add to the texture of life in both Donegal and Dublin. Saorise, herself, has a kaleidoscope of traits that will either save her or demolish the world she has carefully created.
The descriptions are lush and left me wanting to book a flight.
Highly recommend.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Celadon Books ( a division of MacMillan) for the opportunity to read and honestly review this advanced reading copy.
Born to a drug addicted mother, she suffered at the hands of a violent step father who abused her and forced her into criminal enterprise, When she realized the danger she was in because of the stepfather's actions, she had to run for her life, But first, she found a way to take her little sister to safety. Traveling to Boston from the midwest, she became a nanny along with another girl her age, Sara., who resembled her. When she happens upon a news article that implicates her in several murders, she steals Sara's identity and flees to Ireland.
As the story develops, Saroise, meets a young man, Paul, on the plane and although she senses something off about him, she has no where to go. Desperate, she goes home with Paul and moves in with his less than welcoming family (except his congenial father). She makes one unfortunate mistake which will tie her to this boorish man and his cold family.. What will it take for her to break free from them?
Saoirse s a gifted artist who has tried to stay under the radar but when she wins a prestigious prize, the quiet life she treasures, now with a loving man and two daughters begins to unravel.
The characters are all real and shaded with their own back stories. I would have thought the family she moved in with were over the top in their lack of empathy and cruel assumptions but having recently read Colm Toibin's Long Island, he draws a similar picture. Dahti, the love, balances the behavior of Paul, with his tenderness and belief in the good in people. Minor characters such as Seamus, Charlotte, and even the cold hearted Vivienne add to the texture of life in both Donegal and Dublin. Saorise, herself, has a kaleidoscope of traits that will either save her or demolish the world she has carefully created.
The descriptions are lush and left me wanting to book a flight.
Highly recommend.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Celadon Books ( a division of MacMillan) for the opportunity to read and honestly review this advanced reading copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Saoirse by Charleen Hurtubise
Narrated by Roisin Rankin
Listening length 9 hrs 58 minutes at 1x- 6 hours 39 minutes at 1.5x
SECRETS have a way of catching up with you…
We meet Saoirse (pronounced Sear-sha)—a name that means freedom in the language of her adopted country, Ireland, when she is still Sarah-an eighteen year old fleeing a dangerous situation under a stolen identity.
Unfortunately, she meets a man named Paul, on the flight to Ireland, and becomes trapped in another undesirable situation. The only real positive is that while staying in his family’s home, she discovers her artistic talent and sketching and painting her pain becomes very therapeutic for her.
When her artwork wins unexpected acclaim at a Dublin exhibition, her new fame threatens to expose the secrets that haunt her-and nobody can learn her true identity or about the dangers she crossed an ocean to escape. If exposed, her safety would be compromised along with the new life she has finally gotten the courage to embrace after leaving Paul, to live with Daithi (pronounced Dah-hee). This isn’t a Spoiler as the story moves forward and backward in time from the beginning and wondering how she finally ends up with Daithi was one of the things that kept me reading.
This was a GOOD read for me and it DOES have some lovely writing but I didn’t enjoy it as much as other reviewers, or as much as I expected to. Maybe because Saoirse keeps everyone in her life at arm’s length and I felt like that included us, as readers.
This was a SLOW BURN to me that got a LOT more interesting in the last 25% when her secret came out, and the Public weighs in via newspaper reports and a radio show. I was most moved when a certain caller weighed in and wish I had felt this way throughout the story. This made the pacing feel off with the ending feeling rushed and resolved too neatly. Perhaps if her secret had been exposed around the halfway point, the pacing would have felt more consistent. Still, I seem to be in the minority so do consider other reviews.
A buddy read with Marilyn and DeAnn.
This was a pleasant immersion listen/read as I love when I can both hear the correct pronunciation and also see the correct spelling of words and names, when a book takes place in another country.
3.5 stars rounded down.
Available February 24, 2026
Thank You to Celadon Books for the gifted copy provided through NetGalley, and to Macmillan Audio for the audiobook provided through NetGalley shelf. As always, these are my candid thoughts.
Narrated by Roisin Rankin
Listening length 9 hrs 58 minutes at 1x- 6 hours 39 minutes at 1.5x
SECRETS have a way of catching up with you…
We meet Saoirse (pronounced Sear-sha)—a name that means freedom in the language of her adopted country, Ireland, when she is still Sarah-an eighteen year old fleeing a dangerous situation under a stolen identity.
Unfortunately, she meets a man named Paul, on the flight to Ireland, and becomes trapped in another undesirable situation. The only real positive is that while staying in his family’s home, she discovers her artistic talent and sketching and painting her pain becomes very therapeutic for her.
When her artwork wins unexpected acclaim at a Dublin exhibition, her new fame threatens to expose the secrets that haunt her-and nobody can learn her true identity or about the dangers she crossed an ocean to escape. If exposed, her safety would be compromised along with the new life she has finally gotten the courage to embrace after leaving Paul, to live with Daithi (pronounced Dah-hee). This isn’t a Spoiler as the story moves forward and backward in time from the beginning and wondering how she finally ends up with Daithi was one of the things that kept me reading.
This was a GOOD read for me and it DOES have some lovely writing but I didn’t enjoy it as much as other reviewers, or as much as I expected to. Maybe because Saoirse keeps everyone in her life at arm’s length and I felt like that included us, as readers.
This was a SLOW BURN to me that got a LOT more interesting in the last 25% when her secret came out, and the Public weighs in via newspaper reports and a radio show. I was most moved when a certain caller weighed in and wish I had felt this way throughout the story. This made the pacing feel off with the ending feeling rushed and resolved too neatly. Perhaps if her secret had been exposed around the halfway point, the pacing would have felt more consistent. Still, I seem to be in the minority so do consider other reviews.
A buddy read with Marilyn and DeAnn.
This was a pleasant immersion listen/read as I love when I can both hear the correct pronunciation and also see the correct spelling of words and names, when a book takes place in another country.
3.5 stars rounded down.
Available February 24, 2026
Thank You to Celadon Books for the gifted copy provided through NetGalley, and to Macmillan Audio for the audiobook provided through NetGalley shelf. As always, these are my candid thoughts.
December 5, 2025
Saoirse is both a heartfelt exploration of a young woman put in perilous situations over and over again that manages to find love and happiness in her life and a searing indictment of how people are willing to abuse and manipulate others they have control over.
This happens to Saoirse (then known as Sarah) as a child and teenager, forced into criminal acts by her stepfather, while trying to care for her much younger sister Lea while their mother overdoses. When the circumstances she's faced with become so traumatizing she can't bear them anymore, Sarah flees, using the passport of a friend from Ireland, to travel there and start a new life under a new identity.
But even here she is being manipulated and controlled, by a man she meets on the international flight that welcomes her into his home, but quickly goes from friendly to overbearing. Taking on the name Saoirse from a man named Daithi that she quickly falls for, she dreams of a life with him and expressing herself through art, only an unexpected pregnancy upends her new plans and leaves her in the grasp of Paul and his family.
Pushed to the brink, Saoirse finally gets a chance of the freedom she's been searching for and finds herself happy for the first time in her life. But her exceptional artistic talent is drawing more attention than she anticipated, with the secrets from her past threatening her new life.
The book is wonderful, and heartbreaking. It was somewhat disorienting in the beginning as it starts in Saoirse's present, but then alternates back and forth between her time in the states and her arrival in Ireland. It eventually catches up to her present, and the reader has an opportunity to see the trauma she's faced at every turn of her life, with little support and protection. While she has technically committed crimes, it's hard not to feel sympathetic for a character that seemed to be in no other position but to do so if it meant her own survival.
Hurtubise's writing is elegant and in a way sparing, capturing both the emotions of Saoirse and the beauty of her adopted country without seeming excessive or overwrought. This is not her first book, but it is her American debut, and it is well worth reading.
A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This happens to Saoirse (then known as Sarah) as a child and teenager, forced into criminal acts by her stepfather, while trying to care for her much younger sister Lea while their mother overdoses. When the circumstances she's faced with become so traumatizing she can't bear them anymore, Sarah flees, using the passport of a friend from Ireland, to travel there and start a new life under a new identity.
But even here she is being manipulated and controlled, by a man she meets on the international flight that welcomes her into his home, but quickly goes from friendly to overbearing. Taking on the name Saoirse from a man named Daithi that she quickly falls for, she dreams of a life with him and expressing herself through art, only an unexpected pregnancy upends her new plans and leaves her in the grasp of Paul and his family.
Pushed to the brink, Saoirse finally gets a chance of the freedom she's been searching for and finds herself happy for the first time in her life. But her exceptional artistic talent is drawing more attention than she anticipated, with the secrets from her past threatening her new life.
The book is wonderful, and heartbreaking. It was somewhat disorienting in the beginning as it starts in Saoirse's present, but then alternates back and forth between her time in the states and her arrival in Ireland. It eventually catches up to her present, and the reader has an opportunity to see the trauma she's faced at every turn of her life, with little support and protection. While she has technically committed crimes, it's hard not to feel sympathetic for a character that seemed to be in no other position but to do so if it meant her own survival.
Hurtubise's writing is elegant and in a way sparing, capturing both the emotions of Saoirse and the beauty of her adopted country without seeming excessive or overwrought. This is not her first book, but it is her American debut, and it is well worth reading.
A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4 stars
This one is dark but hopeful.
Saoirse starts off as Sarah in Michigan, and due to horrific events that unfold over the course of the novel, she pulls a geographic. Sarah heads to Ireland where she takes on a new identity as Saoirse and a new life, she hopes. No matter what it takes, she is determined to outrun her past.
As anyone familiar with the concept of pulling a geographic knows, you can't outrun yourself. As much as Saoirse desires an escape from her life, it's not so simple, particularly when she finds new ways to get into more seemingly inescapable, tough situations.
While Saoirse can't seem to catch a break, she does have a few things going for her that include romantic love, deep connections to her children, and a noteworthy talent as an artist. These elements keep her going, though they also come with challenges of their own.
The audiobook is particularly intriguing because of the way the past and interludes about Saoirse's art are indicated. I really enjoyed the novelty of this and recommend this option when and where accessible.
It is important to know that there are multiple instances of sexual assault, rape, and other forms of power based personal violence here. They're important to the plot and character development. Readers who are sensitive to this content should be extra wary before jumping in.
I enjoyed the read overall, though some of the aforementioned content was difficult to stomach. Also, I didn't love the ending. It didn't ruin the novel, but it didn't enhance my experience either.
I'll recommend this one mindfully (because of those content issues), and I will look forward to more from this author.
*Special thanks to NetGalley, Celadon Books, and Macmillan Audio for this widget and alc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
This one is dark but hopeful.
Saoirse starts off as Sarah in Michigan, and due to horrific events that unfold over the course of the novel, she pulls a geographic. Sarah heads to Ireland where she takes on a new identity as Saoirse and a new life, she hopes. No matter what it takes, she is determined to outrun her past.
As anyone familiar with the concept of pulling a geographic knows, you can't outrun yourself. As much as Saoirse desires an escape from her life, it's not so simple, particularly when she finds new ways to get into more seemingly inescapable, tough situations.
While Saoirse can't seem to catch a break, she does have a few things going for her that include romantic love, deep connections to her children, and a noteworthy talent as an artist. These elements keep her going, though they also come with challenges of their own.
The audiobook is particularly intriguing because of the way the past and interludes about Saoirse's art are indicated. I really enjoyed the novelty of this and recommend this option when and where accessible.
It is important to know that there are multiple instances of sexual assault, rape, and other forms of power based personal violence here. They're important to the plot and character development. Readers who are sensitive to this content should be extra wary before jumping in.
I enjoyed the read overall, though some of the aforementioned content was difficult to stomach. Also, I didn't love the ending. It didn't ruin the novel, but it didn't enhance my experience either.
I'll recommend this one mindfully (because of those content issues), and I will look forward to more from this author.
*Special thanks to NetGalley, Celadon Books, and Macmillan Audio for this widget and alc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
December 26, 2025
Saorise is the kind of novel that feels less like reading and more like being quietly claimed. From the opening pages, Charleen Hurtubise draws the reader into an emotionally rich, character-driven story where identity, resilience, and self-definition shape every layer of the narrative.
One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its structure. The story moves fluidly through time, shifting between Saorise’s childhood, when she went by the name Sarah, the present day, and the months and years leading up to that present moment. These time jumps are handled with clarity and purpose, gradually revealing how past experiences echo forward and shape who Saorise becomes. Each transition adds emotional depth rather than confusion, allowing the reader to fully understand the weight of her journey.
Saorise is a deeply realized protagonist, strong without being hardened, vulnerable without ever feeling fragile. Hurtubise excels at exploring the tension between who we are as children, who we grow into, and who we choose to be. The stakes are personal and human, making every decision feel earned and meaningful.
The prose is clean, evocative, and grounded, letting emotion and character development take center stage. There’s a quiet confidence in the storytelling that trusts the reader and rewards close attention.
Saorise is a reflective, emotionally resonant novel that lingers long after the final page. It’s thoughtful, sincere, and beautifully constructed, an easy five-star read for anyone who loves deeply human stories about identity and becoming. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you to NetGalley & Celadon books for gifting me the pleasure of reading this arc. I will be purchasing my own copy when it comes out on February 24, 2026.
One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its structure. The story moves fluidly through time, shifting between Saorise’s childhood, when she went by the name Sarah, the present day, and the months and years leading up to that present moment. These time jumps are handled with clarity and purpose, gradually revealing how past experiences echo forward and shape who Saorise becomes. Each transition adds emotional depth rather than confusion, allowing the reader to fully understand the weight of her journey.
Saorise is a deeply realized protagonist, strong without being hardened, vulnerable without ever feeling fragile. Hurtubise excels at exploring the tension between who we are as children, who we grow into, and who we choose to be. The stakes are personal and human, making every decision feel earned and meaningful.
The prose is clean, evocative, and grounded, letting emotion and character development take center stage. There’s a quiet confidence in the storytelling that trusts the reader and rewards close attention.
Saorise is a reflective, emotionally resonant novel that lingers long after the final page. It’s thoughtful, sincere, and beautifully constructed, an easy five-star read for anyone who loves deeply human stories about identity and becoming. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you to NetGalley & Celadon books for gifting me the pleasure of reading this arc. I will be purchasing my own copy when it comes out on February 24, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Saorise is a novel with all the ingredients of becoming a big commercial success: a resilient, beautiful teenager who summons the strength to do whatever it takes to escape from a drug lord stepfather, a manipulative young doctor she meets on the plane to Ireland using a stolen identity, a swoon-worthy man whom she truly loves, and the splendor of Ireland.
I shouldn’t have loved it so much. And yet – I did. Even though the themes have been used before – a young woman, a gifted artist, is trapped in a series of lies that makes it possible to embrace the shining life that lies before her. Even though others have written about characters who are corned by a past that threatens to catch up with them and expose them to the world as the charlatan they really are. And even though the message – that women, throughout history, have been deprived of freedom and agency and forced to pay for the actions of their fathers, stepfathers, and husbands, is sometimes glaringly showcased.
Despite it all, I found myself invested in Saoirse’s quest for reinvention and her yearning to follow her hear to be with her Daithi, a reincarnation of Mr. Darcy. As the odds add up against her – yet another man, the young doctor and now father of her child, filling her life with more manipulation, her breakthrough art award becoming shadowed with journalists who start digging into her dark past, her own breakdowns – it begins to feel that Saorise will never achieve the peace she longs for.
The inventiveness of the plot and the skillful and compassionate way that it is handled by the author made me continue to read well into the night. A big thanks to Celadon Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to be an early reader in exchange for an honest review.
I shouldn’t have loved it so much. And yet – I did. Even though the themes have been used before – a young woman, a gifted artist, is trapped in a series of lies that makes it possible to embrace the shining life that lies before her. Even though others have written about characters who are corned by a past that threatens to catch up with them and expose them to the world as the charlatan they really are. And even though the message – that women, throughout history, have been deprived of freedom and agency and forced to pay for the actions of their fathers, stepfathers, and husbands, is sometimes glaringly showcased.
Despite it all, I found myself invested in Saoirse’s quest for reinvention and her yearning to follow her hear to be with her Daithi, a reincarnation of Mr. Darcy. As the odds add up against her – yet another man, the young doctor and now father of her child, filling her life with more manipulation, her breakthrough art award becoming shadowed with journalists who start digging into her dark past, her own breakdowns – it begins to feel that Saorise will never achieve the peace she longs for.
The inventiveness of the plot and the skillful and compassionate way that it is handled by the author made me continue to read well into the night. A big thanks to Celadon Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to be an early reader in exchange for an honest review.
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