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Ivy Rose #2
Ha'Penny Chance
Ivy Rose Murphy dreams of a better future. For years she has set out daily from the tenements known as ‘The Lane’ to beg for discards from the homes of the wealthy – discards she turns into items to sell around the Dublin markets. And now she has grander schemes afoot.But, as her fortunes take a turn for the better, there are eyes on Ivy – and she is vulnerable as she carries her earnings home through the dark winter streets. And, to add to her fears, a well-dressed stranger begins to stalk her.Ann Marie Gannon, a wealthy young woman who has struck up an unlikely friendship with Ivy, wants to protect her. But will the stubborn woman she admires allow her to do so?Jem Ryan, who owns the local livery, longs to make Ivy his wife, but she is reluctant to give up her fierce independence.Then a sudden astonishing event turns Ivy’s world upside down. A dazzling future beckons and she must decide where her loyalties lie.
386 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 10, 2014
1494 people are currently reading
385 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
April 10, 2015
Ha'Penny Chance is the follow up to Gemma Jackson's excellent début novel Through Streets Broad and Narrow. From reading the author's bio it is clear she has led a colourful and varied life and has used all her experiences to create a wonderful book. Although this book is a sequel it is a standalone novel but to get the most from it I suggest you read the first book beforehand. This will only enhance your enjoyment of this book dubbed something in the vain of Strumpet City. Set in 1925 in Dublin's tenements this is a gripping book that despite its subject matter and the overwhelming feeling of deprivation and hardship the characters go through there is just something uplifting and feel good in the story and community the author has created. I flew through this in a day as I was reacquainted with old familiar friends and welcomed with open arms a whole new cast of characters.
Some may feel this book is too Irish specific and mightn't appeal to the wider mass market but I think you should give this book a try and be open to something new. I've read heaps of English based books set back in the late 1800's and early 1900's so it is nice to read of Ireland in that era as well. We meet Ivy Murphy as she struggles to get by on a daily basis, having lost her father she is now a young woman of 22 living alone in two basement rooms of a tenement house. But her fortunes are on the up as she is a woman who is different from her class and wants to become independent and break free from the constraints her background has put upon her. She travels around Dublin City with her pram to the houses of the rich taking any old scraps or donated clothes she can get. Using her talents she transforms these bits and pieces into something that can be sold at market. Here is where she makes her money selling to the stall holders. An opportunity in the previous book paid off and she soon hopes her dolls will be a success too.
Yes Ivy may be trying to make something of herself but this all takes time and she has the needs of others always at the centre of her thought process. Ivy is kind, caring and good natured and working so hard she must remember to make time for friendship and love. There are lots of descriptions of her day to day life at home. Talking about queuing for water before even attempting any household chores, going to the creamery for milk, taking down the bath to have a wash outside etc. Here the author does a good job of showing just how poor and destitute these people were, how they valued every little thing and struggled to do what we would now term easy on daily basis. At first I enjoyed these descriptions but soon they became repetitive, there were several times I thought you have said this before and there was no need to go into such minute detail regarding Ivy's day to day dressing and cleaning habits. It did help to show just how far we have come in little under a hundred years in all areas of society and living. I wonder if Ivy and co were alive today what would they make of everything that exists in our modern day world?
The book has numerous storylines some more stronger than others. I found a storyline was set up then forgotten about for quite a few chapters and all of a sudden we would be back to it again and I had actually forgotten about it myself. Maybe the author was trying to fit too much in instead of saving some things for further books. Jem is everyone woman's ideal man – owner of the local livery yard, he is stepping out with Ivy and he is always on the look out for her. He wants to marry her but Ivy is fearful of commitment and loosing her hard won independence the question of children does nothing to allay her fears either. Jem was a strong man well able to cope with Ivy and I loved how he looked out for everyone in the Lane especially with Declan Johnson causing untold trouble. One thing I did find strange was the character of Annmarie Scanlan, she was from the upper classes but had now branched out to live on her own. She befriended Ivy and was keen to meet all the residents and learn t how the other half (so to speak) lived. I liked Annmarie as a character she was so kind to Ivy and wanted to help her in any way she could. But what really struck me and in a way it was frustrating why would someone from the totally different end of society want to be friends with someone from the tenements? Would this have really happened at the time? I doubt very much so.I'm not against this in anyway as Annmarie's storyline and the subsequent arrival of theatre star Douglas Joyce all really added to the story. I'm just questioning the reality of this happening as up to this point I felt everything was very true to life of the time. There are many more characters in this book that all bring that special something to this story too many to mention here but if you do pick up this book you will meet them all and also discover what fate has in store for Ivy.
Gemma Jackson has a way with words that instantly draws you into the lives of the residents of the Lane. She portrays a realistic, unglamorous picture of life in the Dublin tenements that sadly existed such a short time ago. This was a time which I had only very briefly encountered in school history lessons.The author has sparked my interest that much that I may very well go and look up more about that era. The characters and setting are truly brought to life and not living in Dublin myself Gemma's excellent descriptions really helped me visualise everything. I turned each page eager to discover what everyone was getting up to in such a time of great change for Ireland. Despite one or two minor issues as discussed above, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this absorbing tale of Dublin City life to anyone.Fingers crossed there will be a book three. Ivy and co have found a place in my heart and haven't quite let go just yet. There is more to this story to be told and I for one can't wait to see what happens next.
Some may feel this book is too Irish specific and mightn't appeal to the wider mass market but I think you should give this book a try and be open to something new. I've read heaps of English based books set back in the late 1800's and early 1900's so it is nice to read of Ireland in that era as well. We meet Ivy Murphy as she struggles to get by on a daily basis, having lost her father she is now a young woman of 22 living alone in two basement rooms of a tenement house. But her fortunes are on the up as she is a woman who is different from her class and wants to become independent and break free from the constraints her background has put upon her. She travels around Dublin City with her pram to the houses of the rich taking any old scraps or donated clothes she can get. Using her talents she transforms these bits and pieces into something that can be sold at market. Here is where she makes her money selling to the stall holders. An opportunity in the previous book paid off and she soon hopes her dolls will be a success too.
Yes Ivy may be trying to make something of herself but this all takes time and she has the needs of others always at the centre of her thought process. Ivy is kind, caring and good natured and working so hard she must remember to make time for friendship and love. There are lots of descriptions of her day to day life at home. Talking about queuing for water before even attempting any household chores, going to the creamery for milk, taking down the bath to have a wash outside etc. Here the author does a good job of showing just how poor and destitute these people were, how they valued every little thing and struggled to do what we would now term easy on daily basis. At first I enjoyed these descriptions but soon they became repetitive, there were several times I thought you have said this before and there was no need to go into such minute detail regarding Ivy's day to day dressing and cleaning habits. It did help to show just how far we have come in little under a hundred years in all areas of society and living. I wonder if Ivy and co were alive today what would they make of everything that exists in our modern day world?
The book has numerous storylines some more stronger than others. I found a storyline was set up then forgotten about for quite a few chapters and all of a sudden we would be back to it again and I had actually forgotten about it myself. Maybe the author was trying to fit too much in instead of saving some things for further books. Jem is everyone woman's ideal man – owner of the local livery yard, he is stepping out with Ivy and he is always on the look out for her. He wants to marry her but Ivy is fearful of commitment and loosing her hard won independence the question of children does nothing to allay her fears either. Jem was a strong man well able to cope with Ivy and I loved how he looked out for everyone in the Lane especially with Declan Johnson causing untold trouble. One thing I did find strange was the character of Annmarie Scanlan, she was from the upper classes but had now branched out to live on her own. She befriended Ivy and was keen to meet all the residents and learn t how the other half (so to speak) lived. I liked Annmarie as a character she was so kind to Ivy and wanted to help her in any way she could. But what really struck me and in a way it was frustrating why would someone from the totally different end of society want to be friends with someone from the tenements? Would this have really happened at the time? I doubt very much so.I'm not against this in anyway as Annmarie's storyline and the subsequent arrival of theatre star Douglas Joyce all really added to the story. I'm just questioning the reality of this happening as up to this point I felt everything was very true to life of the time. There are many more characters in this book that all bring that special something to this story too many to mention here but if you do pick up this book you will meet them all and also discover what fate has in store for Ivy.
Gemma Jackson has a way with words that instantly draws you into the lives of the residents of the Lane. She portrays a realistic, unglamorous picture of life in the Dublin tenements that sadly existed such a short time ago. This was a time which I had only very briefly encountered in school history lessons.The author has sparked my interest that much that I may very well go and look up more about that era. The characters and setting are truly brought to life and not living in Dublin myself Gemma's excellent descriptions really helped me visualise everything. I turned each page eager to discover what everyone was getting up to in such a time of great change for Ireland. Despite one or two minor issues as discussed above, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this absorbing tale of Dublin City life to anyone.Fingers crossed there will be a book three. Ivy and co have found a place in my heart and haven't quite let go just yet. There is more to this story to be told and I for one can't wait to see what happens next.
November 11, 2016
After Through Street Broad and Narrow I was disappointed in this book. Way too much time was spent initially bringing the first time reader up to speed. Also, things that were not finished off in the first book were not wrapped up in this book either. For example the Father Leary piece. While I love the storyline of a young woman making it on her own, with no family standing besides her, too much is left on finished or not tied together in a satisfactory way.
April 5, 2018
Second book in the Ivy Rose series didn't quite have the charm of the first book, whilst still being an ok read.
October 30, 2023
Book 2 continues with Ivy, her friends and neighbors continuing to improve their lives
Ivy continues her endeavors with determination, hard work and bravery. Her friends are benefiting from her successes and imaginative ideas.
This is an era where the poor work day and night using their skills to sell to the elite. These refurbished items sell for thrice more than they receive. Ivy has caught on with the sham. With intellect and guile, she sets forth to change the status quo.
Ivy also has feelings towards her beau. But is terrified with marriage would cause her to lose her independence. Moreover, she doesn't want to fall into the trap of having multiple babys.
Although I adore these characters and the plot, at times the descriptions become repetitive. From book one, we already know just how hard it is on the Lane. The abject poverty, starvation, malnutrition. The difficulties to keep a room warm without coal. The author is detirmined to emphasize it repeatedly.
Despite this, I just cannot get enough.
Ivy continues her endeavors with determination, hard work and bravery. Her friends are benefiting from her successes and imaginative ideas.
This is an era where the poor work day and night using their skills to sell to the elite. These refurbished items sell for thrice more than they receive. Ivy has caught on with the sham. With intellect and guile, she sets forth to change the status quo.
Ivy also has feelings towards her beau. But is terrified with marriage would cause her to lose her independence. Moreover, she doesn't want to fall into the trap of having multiple babys.
Although I adore these characters and the plot, at times the descriptions become repetitive. From book one, we already know just how hard it is on the Lane. The abject poverty, starvation, malnutrition. The difficulties to keep a room warm without coal. The author is detirmined to emphasize it repeatedly.
Despite this, I just cannot get enough.
September 12, 2018
Okay for a 2nd installment. Reunion story dragged out a bit too much. I love the grit and determination of Ivy Rose, it seems we only find character like hers between the pages of books anymore!
Probably done with this series as I'm satisfied with where the story ended this time.
Probably done with this series as I'm satisfied with where the story ended this time.
May 31, 2016
A great story. Once you start it, you will find yourself sneaking back for "just one more chapter" several times a day. The characters so real and the story so absorbing you get caught up in them. I am an early to bed person, but read until 4 A.M. Highly recommended
February 4, 2017
I never give up on books and I've given up on this one. Probably a not a bad book just not my cup of tea. VERY dull.
July 21, 2019
Ha'Penny Chance is the 2nd in the Ivy Rose Series and it didn't disappoint. I just love these characters, they have become like family to me after reading these first two books, there are four in the series. They center around a woman, Ivy Rose Murphy, who after losing her father found herself on her own and needing to survive. She's a beggar throughout the Dublin area and is known by her well worn pram that she pushes around with all her treasures in it. She takes the giveaways from the high society houses and turns them into treasures to sell to others. She's in love with Jem Ryan, a young man she's grown up with, but can't commit to marriage even though he's the only man she'd ever see herself marrying. In this book one of her long lost brothers returns to Ivy's sheer delight. He's become a famous actor and she's so happy they are now to stay in touch even after he shatters her by saying he's leaving for America to be in the "talkies". All is not perfect in "The Land" though, there are some who don't like Ivy's success or the fact that she's living in a two bedroom basement even though there's only one of her. As Ivy's business ideas begin to make her more money than she's ever seen, she starts to dress better and eat better, but won't move from her home in the tenements. It's where she lived most of her life with her "da". She also begins to learn more about her family in this book. Her mother left with her brothers when Ivy was 9, so Ivy knows very little about her heritage. Come to find out she may not be as poor as previously thought, but that's for another book. The series/book is a great way to learn what it was like to live within these tenements of the day. Even though the people who lived there weren't in any way wealthy they had each other, which made them all feel a bit safer in the streets. Learning about their lives there is fascinating. I'd say this series is a perfect summer read. I know I'm loving it and can't put it down. Great for historical fiction fans as it takes place in 1920's Dublin. but it's also a bit of romance with no sex, a mystery and some suspense. This series and book has it all. I'm so glad I found it on Kindle Unlimited!
March 28, 2020
3.5+ Stars for
Ha'Penny Chance
~ By Gemma Jackson ~
In this, the second book in the Ivy Murphy saga, it was such a joy to enter Ivy's world again, a very challenging world, trying to survive the slums of Dublin, Ireland in the mid-1920's. The contrast between the poor and the wealthy, the social mores of the day, once more are an integral part of the story.
There's a lot going on in this sequel. Through the story Ivy continues to grow and discover new strengths, and starts to shape and fulfill dreams for a better life. And not only for herself, but for several of her friends and neighbors.
Would this book be in the category of Historical Fiction Romance? Because the relationship between Ivy Murphy and Jem Ryan is a part of the story. But only a part, along with Ivy's continuing relationship with the wealthy Ann Marie Gannon. And then there are the other folks in 'the Lane,' and those beyond the Lane. With these other characters, both familiar and new, like I said, there's a lot going on.
The story continues to expand, leaving plenty of paths to travel in another sequel.
Again, a satisfying Irish tale with intriguing characters.
3.5+, nearly 4 Stars for
Ha'Penny Chance
Ha'Penny Chance
~ By Gemma Jackson ~
In this, the second book in the Ivy Murphy saga, it was such a joy to enter Ivy's world again, a very challenging world, trying to survive the slums of Dublin, Ireland in the mid-1920's. The contrast between the poor and the wealthy, the social mores of the day, once more are an integral part of the story.
There's a lot going on in this sequel. Through the story Ivy continues to grow and discover new strengths, and starts to shape and fulfill dreams for a better life. And not only for herself, but for several of her friends and neighbors.
Would this book be in the category of Historical Fiction Romance? Because the relationship between Ivy Murphy and Jem Ryan is a part of the story. But only a part, along with Ivy's continuing relationship with the wealthy Ann Marie Gannon. And then there are the other folks in 'the Lane,' and those beyond the Lane. With these other characters, both familiar and new, like I said, there's a lot going on.
The story continues to expand, leaving plenty of paths to travel in another sequel.
Again, a satisfying Irish tale with intriguing characters.
3.5+, nearly 4 Stars for
Ha'Penny Chance
April 9, 2018
Again, excellent reading!
Gemma Jackson has done another incredible job weaving the intricate threads of these characters' lives in 1925 Dublin, Ireland into a most human and interesting story. Main character Ivy is a very complex, hardworking, big-hearted, young woman with a goal in life. Living in the slums doesn't curb her enthusiasm for life nor her generosity to others.
Talk about pulling yourself up by the bootstraps!!! This is a great plot with loads of surprises and not overdramatized. The friends, acquaintances and relatives she encounters are all touched by this energetic and intelligent woman.
I am downloading the third book of this series now as I cannot bear to wait to continue the story.
Readers of historical fiction will find much to sate their palettes on this engrossing saga as it unfolds and is richly described in both characters and scenery. Deserved of five stars!!
Gemma Jackson has done another incredible job weaving the intricate threads of these characters' lives in 1925 Dublin, Ireland into a most human and interesting story. Main character Ivy is a very complex, hardworking, big-hearted, young woman with a goal in life. Living in the slums doesn't curb her enthusiasm for life nor her generosity to others.
Talk about pulling yourself up by the bootstraps!!! This is a great plot with loads of surprises and not overdramatized. The friends, acquaintances and relatives she encounters are all touched by this energetic and intelligent woman.
I am downloading the third book of this series now as I cannot bear to wait to continue the story.
Readers of historical fiction will find much to sate their palettes on this engrossing saga as it unfolds and is richly described in both characters and scenery. Deserved of five stars!!
June 16, 2018
Absolutely beautiful story...
All I can say is I loved this book! It was a book of truth for the poor during the 1920’s tenements in Dublin, Ireland. About a young lady to gave her heart to everyone, found ways be most resourceful, and still able to rise each morning without being miserable. It’s a love story with a man & woman who grew up together, it’s about a brother and a sister and lastly the children who had abusive parents. It’s not graphic, it’s not about sex...it’s about smiling and realizing “this is your life, the only way to survive is to LIVE”
Please read it! I’m so glad I’m British & lived in Dublin when I was young, because I knew the slang & the terms Brits & Irish kids & adults use & used. It’s long and a few descriptions of certain things found have been eliminated, but I loved it!
5 stars plus and completely recommended for all!
All I can say is I loved this book! It was a book of truth for the poor during the 1920’s tenements in Dublin, Ireland. About a young lady to gave her heart to everyone, found ways be most resourceful, and still able to rise each morning without being miserable. It’s a love story with a man & woman who grew up together, it’s about a brother and a sister and lastly the children who had abusive parents. It’s not graphic, it’s not about sex...it’s about smiling and realizing “this is your life, the only way to survive is to LIVE”
Please read it! I’m so glad I’m British & lived in Dublin when I was young, because I knew the slang & the terms Brits & Irish kids & adults use & used. It’s long and a few descriptions of certain things found have been eliminated, but I loved it!
5 stars plus and completely recommended for all!
July 15, 2021
The saga continues - and boy howdy, wasn't I glad. I loved the first one so much -when I found out there was a second book, I jumped at it. The characters are compelling. They are not all nice and upper crusty...they are down to earth, hardworking with interesting lives that will horrify you, surprise you and make you very glad you've made the acquaintance of Ivy Rose Murphy - a girl/woman with a work ethic that would put others to shame...she is fierce, fiesty and wonderful. The other cast of characters are intriguing...some you will like, some you will admire and respect or hurt for and there are some you will just plane HATE...so well drawn are these characters that you cannot help but fall into their world.
I hope you will enjoy this book and the rest of the series. Gemma Jackson is a brilliant author. She knows just how to drag the reader into the story - eyeballs first and down into the pages that you will not want to get out of...she makes you appreciate the good in our own life - after you've taken a peek at what early 1900's Ireland was like for many. Whew!
Treat yourself to a fine read. You will be really glad you did.
I hope you will enjoy this book and the rest of the series. Gemma Jackson is a brilliant author. She knows just how to drag the reader into the story - eyeballs first and down into the pages that you will not want to get out of...she makes you appreciate the good in our own life - after you've taken a peek at what early 1900's Ireland was like for many. Whew!
Treat yourself to a fine read. You will be really glad you did.
February 4, 2019
Ha'Penny Chance by Gemma Jackson, (Ivy Rose series book #2) was a little disappointing. All the characters I fell in love with in the first book, Through the Streets Broad and Narrow, return, but the story felt a little uneventful.
Despite the lack of major events, I found it easy to continue through to the end, eager to learn what happens next. The story was not completely uninteresting, managing to give me a few 'Ah-Ha!!' moments as it introduced new characters, strengthened relationships, and explained a few others - which I'm hoping will be explored further in the next installment.
I will continue on with the series, hoping books three and four pick up the pace a bit, more in line with the first.
Despite the lack of major events, I found it easy to continue through to the end, eager to learn what happens next. The story was not completely uninteresting, managing to give me a few 'Ah-Ha!!' moments as it introduced new characters, strengthened relationships, and explained a few others - which I'm hoping will be explored further in the next installment.
I will continue on with the series, hoping books three and four pick up the pace a bit, more in line with the first.
April 30, 2019
Wonderful Read
The second book in this series is as warm and heartwarming as Ms Jackson’s first book introducing all of the characters of the ‘Lane’. Ivy Rose Murphy is a force of nature finding ways to make money anywhere she can. Ivy sees everyone’s strengths and finds ways to be part of her vision and better their very poor lives as much as she can. Jem is her her fiancé. Along with Ivy their drive to pull themselves out of devastating circumstances is probably similar to others throughout time . One book leads seamlessly into the next. The writing is true to the setting of the tenement and the 1920’s. My only issue is the author continues to explain most of the characters connection to the protagonists continually throughout the book which seems unnecessary.
The second book in this series is as warm and heartwarming as Ms Jackson’s first book introducing all of the characters of the ‘Lane’. Ivy Rose Murphy is a force of nature finding ways to make money anywhere she can. Ivy sees everyone’s strengths and finds ways to be part of her vision and better their very poor lives as much as she can. Jem is her her fiancé. Along with Ivy their drive to pull themselves out of devastating circumstances is probably similar to others throughout time . One book leads seamlessly into the next. The writing is true to the setting of the tenement and the 1920’s. My only issue is the author continues to explain most of the characters connection to the protagonists continually throughout the book which seems unnecessary.
July 15, 2017
Still enjoying Ivy's story...
Book 2 detailing the life of Ivy Rose Murphy and her friends and a few adversaries in Dublin's slums is a treat. Beautiful characterization and such heartfelt storytelling makes 'Ha'Penny Chance a glimpse into a world gone by. I have come to love the main characters and find that the secondary characters add to the rich tapestry of life as lived by Ivy.
I noticed a few more errors that should have been caught in editing, but none that hampered my enjoyment of this lovely story. On to book three...
Book 2 detailing the life of Ivy Rose Murphy and her friends and a few adversaries in Dublin's slums is a treat. Beautiful characterization and such heartfelt storytelling makes 'Ha'Penny Chance a glimpse into a world gone by. I have come to love the main characters and find that the secondary characters add to the rich tapestry of life as lived by Ivy.
I noticed a few more errors that should have been caught in editing, but none that hampered my enjoyment of this lovely story. On to book three...
March 17, 2018
Very entertaining light reading, with a very good feel for the era and living in poverty in the city. A bit of a dream world with respect to the heroine's rags to successful businesswoman, but then I suppose that does happen sometimes :-)! I read 3 of 4 with enjoyment, but accidentally skipped on to book 3 before reading book 2, so I really just skimmed through this particular volume.... but the author sustains the story and the writing very consistently through out the series. It does become a bit predictable, but somehow you probably won't mind a bit!
November 8, 2021
Gemma Jackson is one of my favorite authors but in this second book in this series it's good but I think it could have been so much better as like the first book was . Even with the history parts and the characters as she has them come alive for you,this was just not as exciting as I thought this story would have been.. It's a good read,just some disappointed some as it looks like it left me confused as on parts that didn't either make sense or something else like just got me confused as parts not ending or making sense.. maybe I am misses something or skipped over but it's still a great read...
July 24, 2017
I have never read a book that kept my interest where there is not a main conflict. The book has small conflict, that are easily solved. Although, it does go into deeper topics about family, children, the life of rich and poor. The discovery of how education can improved oneself and the fear of perpetuating once's life circumstances. The idea of changing identities to have a chance to begin a new. The way one person can change the destiny of others makes this book a good read.
January 21, 2019
Second book about Ivy Rose Murphy. Very interesting story set in Dublin. She is so poor but makes the most out of everything. This is the second book and the explaining of the first book was irritating to me and it bugged me how it was written. The story kept me wanting to read it. She still hasn’t married Gem, but one of her brothers finds her and try’s to make up for her being abandoned. The story seems to drag a bit, I don’t think I’ll keep on this series.
February 9, 2019
I really like this series. It’s an interesting glimpse into a changing world and the world building feels complete and rich. Unlike most books that introduce a huge amount of characters, the characters in this book are all nicely fleshed out and easy to keep track of. My biggest complaint is that often pivotal plot devices are thrown out without any transition from a slight mention to a full impact. But, that’s a minor complement and I enjoy Ivy and her group enough to keep reading.
March 31, 2021
The Lane, where Ivy Rose Murphy lives, is only accessible through a malodorous and slightly dangerous tunnel. Every day she wheels her pram through the streets of Dublin where she collects salable or reparable discards from the back doors of the wealthy. For the first half of the book she follows her rounds so obsessively that a reader might conclude that she has a serious caffeine addiction. Towards the end, revelations make the story more interesting.
August 31, 2018
Storytelling at its Finest
Every detail is so well written that the reader has known each of the characters all their lives. Readers are swept along through the back alleys and grand estates beside each character easily, anxious to see what happens next. This is definitely a keeper.
Every detail is so well written that the reader has known each of the characters all their lives. Readers are swept along through the back alleys and grand estates beside each character easily, anxious to see what happens next. This is definitely a keeper.
January 31, 2019
I feel like this book and the first book could have been merged. I didn’t hate it, but I felt like it was more of a filler book. There are several things brewing in this part of the story. There is a lot of determination, stubbornness and growth happening in this book. I am enjoying the relationship between Ivy and Ann Marie, they seem very good for each other!
October 16, 2019
I'm currently reading the 3rd in the series, so I've enjoyed them enough to continue, and look forward to the next in the series. A sweet story, no sex or shocking language. Not that I'm easily offended, but it's a nice change of pace. I'm enjoying the characters from The Lane. Most Historical Romance novels are about the rich aristocrats.
December 1, 2019
Informative and interesting
The story of Ivy Rose Murphy continues in the back streets of Dublin and I was hooked. Her strength and determination is admirable. I’ve been to some of the places described and was interested to learn of the difficulties of life for the poor in the early 1920’s. Can’t wait to read the rest of the series.
The story of Ivy Rose Murphy continues in the back streets of Dublin and I was hooked. Her strength and determination is admirable. I’ve been to some of the places described and was interested to learn of the difficulties of life for the poor in the early 1920’s. Can’t wait to read the rest of the series.
January 7, 2020
1920s ireland, revisited
The first book was the start of ivys journey, this second book was the continuation of her life story. I like this book better because the story of her life is finally coming to light. Like what happened to her mom and siblings after leaving? Is now unraveling...
The first book was the start of ivys journey, this second book was the continuation of her life story. I like this book better because the story of her life is finally coming to light. Like what happened to her mom and siblings after leaving? Is now unraveling...
August 24, 2020
This is the second book of the series of Ivy Murphy. Her life in ‘The Lane’ in Dublin Ireland in the late 1920’s is changing now for the better and as new characters come into the story line, It is a little more scattered in terms of the plot. I think for now, I will leave the series but rest assured I will return.
January 6, 2021
Wonderful, awesome story!
This is SUCH an AWESOME series! I fell in love with the first book and requested the rest of the series for Christmas and was thrilled to get it! Well written descriptions, lots of twists, it pulls you in and makes you part of the Lane. Can't wait till tomorrow to start the next one!
This is SUCH an AWESOME series! I fell in love with the first book and requested the rest of the series for Christmas and was thrilled to get it! Well written descriptions, lots of twists, it pulls you in and makes you part of the Lane. Can't wait till tomorrow to start the next one!
October 27, 2021
A wonderful story and a great storyteller walked many miles with Ivy along the lane fell in love you the people and the customs of the Irish love the language as well
A wonderful story and a great storyteller I walked many miles with Ivy along The Lane love the people and the customs and the language will continue to follow the voyage
A wonderful story and a great storyteller I walked many miles with Ivy along The Lane love the people and the customs and the language will continue to follow the voyage
January 22, 2024
I loved the first book in this series and I was anxious to read the next one and discover more about the wonderful characters, Ivy, Granny, Jem, Emmy, and Ann Marie. Ivy’s fortunes continue to improve as she undertakes a new business venture, selling dolls, dressed in fancy outfits. She also begins to learn to read from Emmy, the young orphan that her neighbor Jem has “adopted”.
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