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Westerly: A Novel
Not yet published
Expected 1 Jun 26In an unforgettable saga of survival, motherhood, sisterhood, and the secrets that haunt us, one desperate decision creates a fault line that spans decades and threatens to break a family wide open.
In 1946, two German sisters, child refugees in a program dubbed Operation Shamrock, arrive in Ireland to live in foster care while Europe recovers from war. Nearly fifty years later, on a fateful day in a bustling Maine farmhouse, an Irish newspaper clipping threatens to unravel Faye Sullivan’s carefully constructed life (or the life Faye Sullivan carefully constructed) with husband William and daughters Maeve and Molly, a life already on the brink of collapse.
When tragedy strikes and the Sullivans grapple with a cascade of buried secrets, Faye must confront the truth of a childhood summer in West Cork marked by adventure, heartbreak, and a life-altering decision that now jeopardizes everything she holds dear. And while their bonds may not be what they seemed, those bonds might be the one thing strong enough to help the broken Sullivan family navigate the truth and find their way forward together.
From Germany to Ireland to coastal Maine, this tender family saga explores identity, reconciliation, and the true meaning of home.
In 1946, two German sisters, child refugees in a program dubbed Operation Shamrock, arrive in Ireland to live in foster care while Europe recovers from war. Nearly fifty years later, on a fateful day in a bustling Maine farmhouse, an Irish newspaper clipping threatens to unravel Faye Sullivan’s carefully constructed life (or the life Faye Sullivan carefully constructed) with husband William and daughters Maeve and Molly, a life already on the brink of collapse.
When tragedy strikes and the Sullivans grapple with a cascade of buried secrets, Faye must confront the truth of a childhood summer in West Cork marked by adventure, heartbreak, and a life-altering decision that now jeopardizes everything she holds dear. And while their bonds may not be what they seemed, those bonds might be the one thing strong enough to help the broken Sullivan family navigate the truth and find their way forward together.
From Germany to Ireland to coastal Maine, this tender family saga explores identity, reconciliation, and the true meaning of home.
395 pages, Paperback
Expected publication June 1, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
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May 16, 2026First reads book for May 2026.
2.5 stars
It's a mixed bag:
The premise of the story--German children during WWII sent to Ireland to keep them safe from the war--is an interesting and realistic narrative about what it feels like to be a very young child, unable to speak the local language, how they're perceived by those who live there, how they're treated as strangers, by both adults and children. This was one of the better sections of the book.
The middle takes us to a generation later, in which one of the German children grows up, emigrates to the US (Maine) with her Irish adoptive (but not legally) parents. She takes a new name, marries a nice American guy, and they raise two daughters (1960s-1970s).
This is where the story tends to veer off in directions that have little to do with the the first section of the book. It's a difficult read, with very little in the way of a little positive story. It's mostly angry, and heart-breaking, with lies and secrets. Almost nothing relates to WWII, Germany, Ireland, etc. Not only did I find this section wearisome and sad, but I could not see why this was the main content of the book.
The third section
2.5 stars
It's a mixed bag:
The premise of the story--German children during WWII sent to Ireland to keep them safe from the war--is an interesting and realistic narrative about what it feels like to be a very young child, unable to speak the local language, how they're perceived by those who live there, how they're treated as strangers, by both adults and children. This was one of the better sections of the book.
The middle takes us to a generation later, in which one of the German children grows up, emigrates to the US (Maine) with her Irish adoptive (but not legally) parents. She takes a new name, marries a nice American guy, and they raise two daughters (1960s-1970s).
This is where the story tends to veer off in directions that have little to do with the the first section of the book. It's a difficult read, with very little in the way of a little positive story. It's mostly angry, and heart-breaking, with lies and secrets. Almost nothing relates to WWII, Germany, Ireland, etc. Not only did I find this section wearisome and sad, but I could not see why this was the main content of the book.
The third section
May 12, 2026
Heartfelt and warm
Westerly follows the path of two German orphan sisters who are sent to Ireland post WWII. Tragedy separates them and forces one to leave herself, her sister, and Ireland behind. But the past always appears to linger in the shadows, threatening Faye's family and the peaceful life she has built in America. Westerly is a beautifully written and thoughtful tale that explores a mother's desire to protect her family, and the suffocating weight of the guilt she carries. It is a very human story to which so many of us can relate.
Westerly follows the path of two German orphan sisters who are sent to Ireland post WWII. Tragedy separates them and forces one to leave herself, her sister, and Ireland behind. But the past always appears to linger in the shadows, threatening Faye's family and the peaceful life she has built in America. Westerly is a beautifully written and thoughtful tale that explores a mother's desire to protect her family, and the suffocating weight of the guilt she carries. It is a very human story to which so many of us can relate.
May 21, 2026
I really enjoyed this story. The main character, Faye Sullivan, has been keeping a secret for nearly fifty years. It's big! It starts in 1946 in Ireland and quietly casts a shadow over everything she touches for the rest of her life. That secret is the engine of Westerly, and Susan Donovan Bernhard uses it brilliantly.
The novel opens in 1946 with two young German sisters, refugees placed with Irish foster families while Europe recovers from the war. Then it leaps fifty years to a Maine farmhouse, where Faye's carefully constructed life — husband, daughters, the whole picture — begins to crack open when a newspaper clipping from Ireland surfaces at exactly the wrong moment.
The characters are so well drawn in this novel, and the language is beautiful. Faye is infuriating and heartbreaking in equal measure, sometimes on the same page. Her daughters, Maeve and Molly, feel genuinely real — complicated in the way that people actually are, shaped by a mother they love and don't fully understand. Everyone here is flawed in ways that feel true rather than convenient, which is harder to pull off than it sounds.
Bernhard moves between decades and points of view without ever losing you, and her prose is beautiful without being the kind of beautiful that slows you down. This is a book about secrets and what they cost — not just the people who keep them, but the people who inherit them without knowing it.
Warm, devastating, and completely absorbing. Highly recommend.
The novel opens in 1946 with two young German sisters, refugees placed with Irish foster families while Europe recovers from the war. Then it leaps fifty years to a Maine farmhouse, where Faye's carefully constructed life — husband, daughters, the whole picture — begins to crack open when a newspaper clipping from Ireland surfaces at exactly the wrong moment.
The characters are so well drawn in this novel, and the language is beautiful. Faye is infuriating and heartbreaking in equal measure, sometimes on the same page. Her daughters, Maeve and Molly, feel genuinely real — complicated in the way that people actually are, shaped by a mother they love and don't fully understand. Everyone here is flawed in ways that feel true rather than convenient, which is harder to pull off than it sounds.
Bernhard moves between decades and points of view without ever losing you, and her prose is beautiful without being the kind of beautiful that slows you down. This is a book about secrets and what they cost — not just the people who keep them, but the people who inherit them without knowing it.
Warm, devastating, and completely absorbing. Highly recommend.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley, Author Susan Donovan Bernhard, and Little A for allowing me to read this book in advance of its publication. Susan was a guest on the new podcast Why Authors Write, where we discussed WESTERLY together in an author interview (episode forthcoming).
This was a wonderful read that left me incredulous and sad and yearning for reveal after reveal. There were so many layers to this story that just fit so well into one another. I was impressed with Susan's manipulation of the lengthy timeline as well as crafting such unique characters that stood apart yet still paralleled one another. One thing that I really appreciated about this book was that it didn't romanticize life - it gave you all the hardships and displayed a common family, even with all the secrets. It showed us a great sadness in how much can be lost, but at the same time, it showed us strength as a family and the importance of forgiveness.
I think this is a book that I'm going to be left thinking about for a very long time.
This was a wonderful read that left me incredulous and sad and yearning for reveal after reveal. There were so many layers to this story that just fit so well into one another. I was impressed with Susan's manipulation of the lengthy timeline as well as crafting such unique characters that stood apart yet still paralleled one another. One thing that I really appreciated about this book was that it didn't romanticize life - it gave you all the hardships and displayed a common family, even with all the secrets. It showed us a great sadness in how much can be lost, but at the same time, it showed us strength as a family and the importance of forgiveness.
I think this is a book that I'm going to be left thinking about for a very long time.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is the kind of novel that once you start it, you aren't going to want to do anything else until you finish it.
A family of free leaves Ireland to start over in Maine. Yet there's a secret they're keeping that shadows all else. However, the reader learns early what the main secret is (there are others, of course), so we can see how it affects each generation of the family. There's still a great deal of suspense, but it arises naturally; I never felt like the author was toying with me by hiding things.
The novel spans over fifty years, and I am amazed at how it dips in and out of time so seamlessly. The novel is told from multiple points of view, and each voice is distinct and captivating. The characters are flawed and wonderful and frustrating and relatable. I underlined so many lovely turns of phrase--Bernhard is truly a wordsmith.
This book will be amazing for book clubs. Love, love, love!
A family of free leaves Ireland to start over in Maine. Yet there's a secret they're keeping that shadows all else. However, the reader learns early what the main secret is (there are others, of course), so we can see how it affects each generation of the family. There's still a great deal of suspense, but it arises naturally; I never felt like the author was toying with me by hiding things.
The novel spans over fifty years, and I am amazed at how it dips in and out of time so seamlessly. The novel is told from multiple points of view, and each voice is distinct and captivating. The characters are flawed and wonderful and frustrating and relatable. I underlined so many lovely turns of phrase--Bernhard is truly a wordsmith.
This book will be amazing for book clubs. Love, love, love!
Review of advance copy
Essentially a novel about intergenerational trauma. Faye, happily married to William and living in Maine, has two daughters and a good life. But she is hiding her true identity and the story behind her move to the US from Ireland as a young girl. Her secret is in danger of being revealed when a person from Ireland turns up who knew her and her sister. Faye's youngest daughter, always troubled, finds herself part of the unexplained drama. The ripples are widespread as Molly flees from parental responsibility, leaving her mother and sister to care for her baby.
I found the whole premise of what happened back in Ireland a little unconvincing, and it was confusing by the end in terms of who was who. The unfolding of the story was very gradual, over three generations, and the pacing was slow
Thanks to Amazon First Reads for the advance digital copy.
I found the whole premise of what happened back in Ireland a little unconvincing, and it was confusing by the end in terms of who was who. The unfolding of the story was very gradual, over three generations, and the pacing was slow
Thanks to Amazon First Reads for the advance digital copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Susan Donovan Bernhard's debut, Winter Loon (which I also loved), won the Julia Ward Howe Prize, and Westerly is the rare second novel that delivers on all that early promise. Three generations of women, the story moves from postwar Germany to a small Irish village to a quiet inlet on the Maine coast across five decades, and the whole thing pivots on one lie a mother told to keep her daughters safe. Watching that lie metastasize down through the family is the kind of slow-motion heartbreak I love to read. Bernhard is a masterful writer of truly memorable characters. The Maine and Ireland sections feel like those places actually feel, never veering into postcard tourism. Add this to the top of your TBR pile ASAP.
Review of advance copy
I don't read much historical fiction, but every once in a while, the mood strikes. I think this book scratched that itch well. The first half of the book felt like I was reading at a distance. The story was a bit choppy, plot points just happened in a paragraph and then the story moved on. It was difficult to connect to the characters as well. However, in the second half of the book, the story slowed down and I really got to know the characters and understand them better. The plot wasn't fast paced or thrilling, but I found it difficult to put the book down. I wanted to know what would happen next to the Sullivan family. Though there were some tough topics and sad moments, I would still recommend this book if you are in the mood for a historical tale about a complicated, messy family.
Review of advance copy
This was my free May selection from Amazon Kindle First Reads. Every now and then, I experience a great stroke of luck and stumble on a book from this program that is actually worth reading, and yay, this was one of those times. Must be good karma for my birthday month!
Again, I wish Goodreads would do a better job of labeling genres. I always check them before I put a book on my list. I have no idea why this one was not labeled as LGBT etc, as one of the main characters is a lesbian and her relationship is one of the main story lines.
Otherwise, I found this to be a haunting family drama which for the most part I really enjoyed. Given past choices I’ve made from Amazon Kindle First Reads, this one was definitely a nice surprise.
Again, I wish Goodreads would do a better job of labeling genres. I always check them before I put a book on my list. I have no idea why this one was not labeled as LGBT etc, as one of the main characters is a lesbian and her relationship is one of the main story lines.
Otherwise, I found this to be a haunting family drama which for the most part I really enjoyed. Given past choices I’ve made from Amazon Kindle First Reads, this one was definitely a nice surprise.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What a beautiful, beautiful book! I stayed up past midnight to read the last 15% of this novel because I HAD TO KNOW the end. Westerly is perfect for readers who love emotional family stories that sweep through time and place while always grounding you in characters who are so real you think you've known them forever. From the shores to Ireland to Maine, Washington, DC, and other spots across the US, Westerly follows one family over several decades as they struggle with secrets, loss, love, fear, motherhood, sisterhood, marriage, and so much more. A must-read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I’ve been a huge fan of Susan ever since reading Winter Loon years ago and I’ll never say no to a drama. This book is such a a beautiful character study of how one lie can shape not only your life, but all of those that come after you as well. I mean, Who doesn’t love uncovering family secrets which creating more of your own? Thank you Susan for letting me be an early reader!! Get your copy people!!
Review of advance copy
I received this book from Amazon first reads. 4.5. This is a family saga with a bit of historical fiction about Operation Shamrock where German children were sent to Ireland to live after WW2. Characters were well developed and I loved them all. The storyline kept me reading…..each character had their own secrets and stories. My only complaint was it was a bit long with some repetitiveness that I grew weary of with each character’s looking back.
May 7, 2026
Wonderful - couldn't put it down!
As a voracious reader who can't get enough of stories about WWII's devastating impact and legacy, yet who's also captivated by tales of personal identity struggles, fraught mother-daughter relationships, family secrets, and redemption, I never expected to find all of that in just one book. This author totally nails it all. She
beautifully explores each of those themes and more, while weaving a fascinating, deftly told tale. Bravo!
As a voracious reader who can't get enough of stories about WWII's devastating impact and legacy, yet who's also captivated by tales of personal identity struggles, fraught mother-daughter relationships, family secrets, and redemption, I never expected to find all of that in just one book. This author totally nails it all. She
beautifully explores each of those themes and more, while weaving a fascinating, deftly told tale. Bravo!
Review of advance copy
This book covered many years, but never really developed the characters. Two German sisters are evacuated to Ireland during WWII. One ends up in in the US -- living an assumed identity as a dead Irish girl -- the other remains in Ireland. The story focuses on the one in the US,, her two daughters, and her grandaughter. Throughout this whole story, I had no idea how these women weere supporting themselves
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2026
A beautiful, rich story about an imperfect family dealing with lies, secrets, pain and forgiveness. So well written, I felt transported to Ireland and Maine! A great read with a lot of heart that begins at an historical moment in time and continues to the present. The best combination of good writing, a powerful story line, and great characters, some easy to love, some easy to hate, but all compelling.
I highly recommend this one!
I highly recommend this one!
May 18, 2026
The book description and the actual novel do not match. I was very interested in the narrative of WW2 German sisters orphaned and put in operation Shamrock, but that storyline bookends a different novel that lives in the center of this book. You get that story the first 50-75 pages, and then it returns for the last 50 pages of the book. The center of this novel veers and fractures into different topics, storylines + characters that were underdeveloped and confusing.
Read
May 18, 2026Two German sisters are sent to Ireland after the war. They stick together until the disaster. One decides Toto America and the story is of the lives met, lived and saddened by the start of the story. Two sisters, and so different even though they look alike, after many years still look alike. I know nothing about the book not being published yet. I saw the book advertised on Book Bub, bought it for my Kindle… it was duly delivered and I’m glad I bought it and read it.
May 21, 2026
strength, vulnerability and forgiveness
My parents had a saying “we are only as sick as our secrets”. I thought of that often while reading this book. Forgiveness can only happen when the truth is said out loud. Forgiving ourselves has to occur if we are truly going to forgive others. As children our perceptions are usually not accurate. Time and space can further distort our memories and what is left can perpetuate trauma. Vulnerability is strength and these women reigned when they had the courage to look the past it the eye, forgive and move forward.
My parents had a saying “we are only as sick as our secrets”. I thought of that often while reading this book. Forgiveness can only happen when the truth is said out loud. Forgiving ourselves has to occur if we are truly going to forgive others. As children our perceptions are usually not accurate. Time and space can further distort our memories and what is left can perpetuate trauma. Vulnerability is strength and these women reigned when they had the courage to look the past it the eye, forgive and move forward.
May 3, 2026
when we deceive…forgiveness and unforgiveness mingled.
Intensely emotiomal novel covering some 50 yrs and two generations from the young girl who arrived in Maine from Ireland
In late1940ʼs til her dzughters became mothers…and many secrets in between…misunderstsandings and immaturity included!
Intensely emotiomal novel covering some 50 yrs and two generations from the young girl who arrived in Maine from Ireland
In late1940ʼs til her dzughters became mothers…and many secrets in between…misunderstsandings and immaturity included!
Review of advance copy
I got an advanced copy from Amazon First Reads.
If I had to rate this book at the beginning, I would have said 3 stars because I did not love the start of it, maybe a little confusing. But then it got pretty good! I was moved by the end and the story was interesting. It offered a different perspective.
One typo (a name switched).
If I had to rate this book at the beginning, I would have said 3 stars because I did not love the start of it, maybe a little confusing. But then it got pretty good! I was moved by the end and the story was interesting. It offered a different perspective.
One typo (a name switched).
May 11, 2026
sadness and forgiveness
A very unusual book with a great number of twists and turns. Sadness throughout the chapters and it seemed to be the main theme for many of the characters. The father was the shining light for all. Secrets kept for many years which left so much pain in many lives.
A very unusual book with a great number of twists and turns. Sadness throughout the chapters and it seemed to be the main theme for many of the characters. The father was the shining light for all. Secrets kept for many years which left so much pain in many lives.
May 19, 2026
What a great historical novel! I'm not used to getting such engaging reading from the free books on Prime but this one breaks the mold. I've read copious amounts on WWII and still knew nothing about the Irish Fostering program of German orphans. So glad to have added another facet to that terrible time, showing, again, people are good.
Did Not Finish
May 9, 2026Loved the setting and was intrigued by the premise, but the writing was mid and the plot moved at a glacial pace. As soon as one of the character relationships took a turn, I decided it wasn’t worth my time. Super disappointing!
May 14, 2026
Better and More Than Expected
This lovely tale is well written, warm and engaging. There’s a bit of “What would you do? Why did she keep the secret?” but all in all deals with crazy human emotions in a very realistic way. Totally enjoyable.
This lovely tale is well written, warm and engaging. There’s a bit of “What would you do? Why did she keep the secret?” but all in all deals with crazy human emotions in a very realistic way. Totally enjoyable.
May 14, 2026
A New Author!
So glad I tried this book! Sometimes I wanted to throttle a few people but it's family! Trying the best to do right but not always being right! Going for her previous book, Winter Loon!
So glad I tried this book! Sometimes I wanted to throttle a few people but it's family! Trying the best to do right but not always being right! Going for her previous book, Winter Loon!
May 18, 2026
So many people, different threads
Murder, rape, child abduction and the drunken priest. This book leaves me angry because it is completely plausible. Coming to terms with the past
Murder, rape, child abduction and the drunken priest. This book leaves me angry because it is completely plausible. Coming to terms with the past
May 22, 2026
Good, a.little long winded and drawn out. The characters seemed to make mountains out of mole hills.
Good storyline. Their guilt was over exaggerated. Once again the book was filled with the same repeated retorice. Skipped many pages.
Good storyline. Their guilt was over exaggerated. Once again the book was filled with the same repeated retorice. Skipped many pages.
May 23, 2026
Intriguing
This is a very interesting and intriguing story. I learned a lot about the time following the war in relation to Ireland and the refugee children they helped. The relationships between family and friends runs deep!
This is a very interesting and intriguing story. I learned a lot about the time following the war in relation to Ireland and the refugee children they helped. The relationships between family and friends runs deep!
May 23, 2026
Quite the adventure!! Something for everyone in this book.
I really enjoyed reading Westerly. So much intrigue, secrets, war stories and romance. It was full of surprises that you could not anticipate. Thank you!!
I really enjoyed reading Westerly. So much intrigue, secrets, war stories and romance. It was full of surprises that you could not anticipate. Thank you!!
May 5, 2026
Literally breathtaking
What an exquisite story! Complicated, full of raw and buried emotions. Brilliantly, simply told. I’m going to reread it immediately.
What an exquisite story! Complicated, full of raw and buried emotions. Brilliantly, simply told. I’m going to reread it immediately.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews