County Kildare

by B.E. Kennedy

TWO TIMELINES. TWO WOMEN. ONE TRUTH THAT CHANGES EVERYTHING.

"Two women, two generations, one story of love and sacrifice. County Kildare is about the families we lose, the ones we choose, and the bonds we can never break.”

In the summer of 2011, Maeve Grisham is a journalist restless for a story that matters. When new legislation reveals the name of her birth mother, she is thrust into an investigation that is both deeply personal and profoundly political. Her search leads her into the shadowed world of mother-and-baby homes and institutions that tore families apart for decades.

Across the ocean and a generation earlier, in 1984 County Kildare, sixteen-year-old Fiona Grisham finds herself in love for the first time. But when her pregnancy takes her away from home, she is left with no choices of her own.

Spanning two timelines and two countries, County Kildare is a story of resilience, silence, and secrets long buried. It asks what it means to to a place, to a family, and to ourselves. With themes of motherhood, love, and sacrifice at its heart, this debut novel offers readers an intimate glimpse into one of Canada’s darkest histories—while exploring the unbreakable bonds that connect us across generations.

Perfect for readers who

Dual-timeline historical fictionNovels about mothers and daughtersStories of family secrets and redemptionEmotional, book club–worthy readsIf you enjoy deeply moving, character-driven stories that stay with you long after the last page, County Kildare belongs on your shelf.

437 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 13, 2025

About the author

B.E. Kennedy is a mother, wife, author, and marketing strategist with a passion for storytelling in all its forms. Over the past 15 years, she had built a career in sales and marketing across the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada. More recently, she has channeled that experience into publishing her debut novel, County Kildare. She had also published two children’s books as part of the Violet and George’s Adventures series.
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When she was eight years old her dad gave her a box set of Girls to the Rescue by Bruce Lansky. These historical retellings of folklore, featuring resourceful heroines, shaped the way she saw herself—and continue to inspire the protagonists she creates in her own stories today.
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When she's not writing, reading, or dreaming up her next project, you’ll usually find her exploring museums, discovering hidden treasures, or wandering outdoors with her daughter—always curious, always learning, and always looking for the next adventure.

Reviews

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of, County Kildare, by B.E. Kennedy, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Its 1984 and teenager Fiona Grisham is pregnant but cant keep the baby, she has no choices at all. In 2011 Maeve Grisham is looking for her birth mother, not knowing about the mother and babies homes, in Kildare,and all over Ireland for years. This was a heavy read, but a good read.

[Fleury · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really good book, so very enjoyable.

I loved all the characters, especially Maeve - the protagonist.

What happens to all those poor
girls in the Mother & Baby homes was incredibly sad. This book is not about Mother & Baby homes but they do get mentioned.

I'd highly recommend this book to everyone.

I believe it's B. E. Kennedy's debut and I'll happily read her next book.

[Laurence Riendeau · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, 5 stars! I loooooved this book! And I actually can't believe this is a debut novel!

This story was crafted and written so beautifully, like something from a much more experienced author. I’ll definitely be reading whatever B.E. Kennedy writes next. And the cover... I mean it's just gorgeous!

I honestly didn’t expect to get this attached, but from the first few pages, the story and the writing completely pulled me in. The writing is simple in the best way, it flows so naturally, and not a single sentence feels wasted. It’s the perfect mix of description and dialogue! I could picture everything so clearly without it ever dragging on.

I also loved that part of the story takes place in Canada. It’s rare that I read books with Canadian characters, and it made it easy to relate. Having lived in Ireland too, it was so fun to be able to picture the story happening in both settings.

The way the two storylines are written in distinct styles is so well done. It makes the book feel layered and immersive without being too much. It’s one of those stories that’s both wholesome and heartbreaking at the same time. I could tell early on that it was going to be emotional and meaningful.

The pacing is perfect!! Things are always moving forward, and there wasn’t a single point where I got bored or felt like it was dragging on. A few moments are maybe a bit too convenient, but it works! It keeps the story engaging and believable enough that it never took me out of it.

Now there are a few small inconsistencies that I noticed but I am not sure if these are in the published version or only in my ARC copy. There is a time zone mistake and a temperature given in Fahrenheit degrees which doesn't make sense for a Canadian character, as well as a few typos here and there, especially in the second half.

Overall, County Kildare is beautifully written, emotional, and completely absorbing. I did not want to put it down!

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun read, and one that kept me coming back each and every evening looking forward to cozying up each evening with a cup of tea to check-in with Maeve and to learn about where her adventure would take her next. Kennedy paints a beautiful picture of mothers, daughters, and of a young woman becoming who she really wants to be. The language is clear and enticing throughout, making it easy to imagine each scene across Canada and Ireland with incredible detail and real emotion, and the characters are so clearly painted that they are as easy to picture and as relatable any character from a favourite chick-flick sitcom or beloved romcom film. It was impossible to read this book without cheering Maeve on at each step along her journey, and as the storyline progressed I found myself urging her forward, excited to read and learn what would come next.

A triumph for a debut novel, and hopefully the first of many more wonderful stories to come from B.E. Kennedy!

[Arden Grischow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished this book with the most relaxed and warm *sigh*. From the moment I picked up this book, I knew I was stepping into something special. The story draws you in right away! At first I wanted to predict where it was headed (as I usually do), but Kennedy’s writing is so thoughtful and immersive that it quickly pulls you out of your own head and straight into its world. It’s a story layered with emotion, intellect, curiosity, and love in all its forms. I found myself sad to put it down and genuinely thrilled to pick it back up at any opportunity I could. It was exactly the kind of story I needed for this autumn season - heartfelt, beautifully written, and quietly unforgettable.

[Carol Scheherazade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story about a horrific part of history when babies were taken from young moms by the government. A bit predictable but overall well written and interesting. Read in one sitting. Loved the Canadian Ireland connection.

[Lily · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this emotional dual timeline historical fiction novel, readers follow journalist Maeve Grisham as she tackles a new story about Canadian legislation allowing people to access the names of their birth mother, she embarks on her own journey to discover her mother’s identity and the shadowed history of mother and baby homes that tore families apart. Back in 1984, Fiona Grisham falls in love with her boyfriend, but the pregnancy sends her to Canada, away from the familiarity of County Kildare and her family. Exploring the two women’s shared history and their path back to each other, this debut novel centers mothers and daughters, a dark part of Canadian history, and the powerful bonds of chosen and biological families. Emotional and romantic, readers will love the depth of detail in the two settings and two protagonists, and readers will love the journey Maeve goes on once she is in Ireland looking for her mother. The characters are the stars of the book, and BE Kennedy has really nailed the emotional beats in the story and the challenges that both women face. Brilliantly written and incredibly moving, readers will love this powerful new novel and the women who push the story forward.

Thanks to NetGalley and Kennedy Books for the advance copy.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be ready for an emotional ride. This book took me through all the emotions one could possibly feel. The book starts with an excellent foundation of the characters. As you read about them you see where they started and how and why they grew. Then when the main part of the story starts you realize you are a PART of the story. The author digs deep into the heart of each character and I love that. She brings in facts and her in depth research of the subject is great.

As a young girl growing up I remember hearing about young mothers (teens really) being separated from their babies for a variety of reason. In this book, you learn more about why that happened. It explains the culture of the time.

I wasn't prepared to be so swept up in the book but I smiled and cried through everything our young female leads went through. I think this would be a GREAT book club read to discuss so many things. The two timelines gives a great perspective of what each person is going through during their lives. I love reading books like this as it develops into a greater character analysis.

For a debut novel this hit all the buttons. I can't wait to read this author's next book!

[Steph | miss.booksby · Rating 5 out of 5]

County Kildare tells the story of Maeve Grisham, a journalist from Guelph, Ontario who discovers that she was born from an unwed, young mother who was forced to leave her home country to have her baby. 

Written in a dual-timeline and POV, this story is engaging, and heartwarming. You grow to love the characters, and follow their story in hopes they find the answers in the end. 

It is so beautifully written - taking you on a journey through Guelph and small-town Ireland.

[Callie Parmele · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It highlights a part of history I don't think we hear about often and even though you could see where things were going and how they were connected, you still weren't sure how. Definitely recommend.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story touched my heart. Our characters share the varied aspects of motherhood and the bonds both broken and mended. Smoothly written with reality and compassion.

[Rebecca Oberholtzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Kept my attention the entire story.

[Jen Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent debut novel! Great characters, well-described scenery and settings. Looking forward to her next book!