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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 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 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.
386 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication June 1, 2026
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1027 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
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 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!
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 7, 2026
Sad book, Happy Ending
I must admitt, I am a conservative 90 year old man. I would like to have had a little more respect for religion . I do not accept the "way lifestyle ", but perhaps it gives me a little more tolerance for those who are different than me. I was happy to see the two sisters find each other.
I must admitt, I am a conservative 90 year old man. I would like to have had a little more respect for religion . I do not accept the "way lifestyle ", but perhaps it gives me a little more tolerance for those who are different than me. I was happy to see the two sisters find each other.
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 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.
Review of advance copy
Amazon First Reads.
The timeline is 1946 to 1996.
I enjoyed learning about Operation Shamrock, 1940s, where the Irish Red Cross brought over 400 vulnerable German children to Ireland to be fostered by Irish families to recover from malnutrition, illness, and wartime trauma.
The first ½ of the book was 5 stars for me.
The last ½ was 3.8 stars wherein the characters' secrets seemed to drag on before they were revealed.
However, as a whole it was an enjoyable reading.
The timeline is 1946 to 1996.
I enjoyed learning about Operation Shamrock, 1940s, where the Irish Red Cross brought over 400 vulnerable German children to Ireland to be fostered by Irish families to recover from malnutrition, illness, and wartime trauma.
The first ½ of the book was 5 stars for me.
The last ½ was 3.8 stars wherein the characters' secrets seemed to drag on before they were revealed.
However, as a whole it was an enjoyable reading.
May 6, 2026
I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
May 6, 2026
Multi generational family tale spanning from the 1940-1990s.
May 6, 2026
good concept but ....
I appreciate the story and the vivid descriptions of the country side and culture. It does get a bit
Lost down the Maeve and Molly storylines.
I appreciate the story and the vivid descriptions of the country side and culture. It does get a bit
Lost down the Maeve and Molly storylines.
May 7, 2026
Westerly was a story of generational secrets kept. You will follow each person's story as they intertwine. I was moved by each person's secrets and how they affected their life's decisions.
Review of advance copy
It’s just not my kind of book. I’m learning nothing. I’m just waiting for the shoe to drop. It doesn’t hold my interest.
Review of advance copy
Wonderful story - hard to put down
Review of advance copy
3.5 stars rounded up.
May 9, 2026
Wow
Was not expecting that. Great storytelling. Multi family story from WWI Two Germany through Ireland to America. Such sadness for all
Was not expecting that. Great storytelling. Multi family story from WWI Two Germany through Ireland to America. Such sadness for all
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Devoured this book! Westerly is a moving portrait of how a young girl’s lie multiplies through time. Mother to daughter, secrets lead to more secrets in a spiraling cascade. In Donovan Bernhard's hands, everything unravels in magnificent fashion. Each family member is forced to question who they are—and find the courage to become their true selves. Written in luminous prose, this novel will stay with me for a long time. I loved this author's first novel, Winter Loon, and Westerly no less.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I loved Susan Donovan Bernhard’s debut novel, Winter Loon, because of its rich characterization and flawless prose. When I learned she has a new book coming out, I was thrilled.
As in Winter Loon, in Westerly Bernhard writes of family secrets. She also uses a Hansel-and-Gretel trail of crumbs, including character nicknames like “Faye” and “Pixie” to pull in a sense of Irish fairy tales to reinforce a theme of changelings and another world beneath the real one. This is similar to her recurrent use of the winter loon, weather, nature, and Native American myths to reflect and contrast with her characters in Winter Loon.
In Westerly, two German sisters are taken from an orphanage in Germany during World War II and given to an Irish family to foster. A tragedy pulls the sisters apart and begins long-running secrets that the two hide for fifty years. Knowing the secret and what it might do to their families, the reader waits for that secret shoe to drop. Though plenty of shoes drop, when the secret is finally revealed, it’s not quite when or how the reader would have predicted. The secrets keep mothers from truly loving their children and thus affect generations beyond their own. One of the best things about Westerly is the positive image of the father and grandfather who are able to give their daughters and granddaughters love that their female role models can’t quite muster.
Overall, a truly lovely book, well worth reading.
As in Winter Loon, in Westerly Bernhard writes of family secrets. She also uses a Hansel-and-Gretel trail of crumbs, including character nicknames like “Faye” and “Pixie” to pull in a sense of Irish fairy tales to reinforce a theme of changelings and another world beneath the real one. This is similar to her recurrent use of the winter loon, weather, nature, and Native American myths to reflect and contrast with her characters in Winter Loon.
In Westerly, two German sisters are taken from an orphanage in Germany during World War II and given to an Irish family to foster. A tragedy pulls the sisters apart and begins long-running secrets that the two hide for fifty years. Knowing the secret and what it might do to their families, the reader waits for that secret shoe to drop. Though plenty of shoes drop, when the secret is finally revealed, it’s not quite when or how the reader would have predicted. The secrets keep mothers from truly loving their children and thus affect generations beyond their own. One of the best things about Westerly is the positive image of the father and grandfather who are able to give their daughters and granddaughters love that their female role models can’t quite muster.
Overall, a truly lovely book, well worth reading.
April 26, 2026
I finished reading westerly just now. I had paused with maybe 75 pages remaining and now I know I was subconsciously right. I needed to gather strength for the finish. It is crushing and uplifting and sweeping and vast and intimate. Westerly is an epic accomplishment. I’m in awe.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews