Bailey Street

by Lynsey McDonnell

Their love was as undeniable as it was impossible.

The cottage on Bailey Street has held on to its secrets for 150 years.

Then: John Boyle O’Reilly was a convict who believed he had nothing left to give. Jessie was the girl who proved him wrong.

Now: Rebecca only came to meet her biological father. But echoes of passion, heartache, and courage from the past awaken long-buried desires — especially when it comes to a certain handsome history professor.

From Liverpool and Ireland to the sunburnt shores of Western Australia, love will find its way home.

296 pages, Paperback

First published July 23, 2026

Reviews

[Dem · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bailey Street by Lynsey McDonnell was a book I really enjoyed picking up and getting lost in. It’s historical fiction, inspired by real people and events, with some elements and characters fictionalised, and I found that added an interesting layer to the story.

I’m not usually a fan of romance and I would consider this as historical fiction/romance story, so I wasn’t sure how much this would appeal to me, but I was pleasantly surprised. The story kept me entertained and, more importantly, interested enough to keep turning the pages. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and seeing how their lives and relationships unfolded against the historical backdrop.

For me, it was the combination of history, romance and the sense that some of the story was rooted in real events that made this such an enjoyable read. Romance is not a genre I would normally rush towards, but Bailey Street definitely kept me hooked and I really enjoyed the read and look forward to future books by this author.

Another book to add to my real life favourites shelf.

[Emily]

An enchanting blend of historical and contemporary fiction that brings the tail end of the convict era in Western Australia to life. I defy any reader not to fall instantly in love with - and alongside - McDonnell’s heroines. This is a story that gets the balance between fact and feeling just right.

[michael mcdonnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

When life throws Bec a curveball in present-day Liverpool, she’s left with nothing but unanswered questions and a desperate need to uncover the truth. Her search for identity takes her to Co Mayo, Ireland and then halfway across the world to the port city of Fremantle, Western Australia — where the secrets of her past have been waiting for generations.

Bailey Street is a gripping tale that moves seamlessly between modern-day Liverpool and the harsh, sunburnt shores of 1860s Western Australia. Prepare to be pulled into a story of family, survival, and self-discovery from first page to last.

I think you'll find yourself thinking about Bailey Street's characters long after you've recommended the book to your reader friends..

[Kell 5wordsorlessbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, my emotions. THIS BOOK.

I'm always searching for romances that go beyond the butterflies and explore the messy, beautiful reality of love. As someone who adores both historical fiction and romance, I had a feeling this book would be right up my alley... but it still managed to exceed every expectation. What a journey!

Spanning multiple generations and beautifully woven love stories, I honestly couldn't turn the pages fast enough. We move between Bunbury, Western Australia in 1868-69, Ireland in 2017, and Fremantle, Western Australia in 2018, yet I was never once confused. I never once found myself flicking back through chapters trying to work out where I was or whose story I was following.

As a romance connoisseur, the standout for me was Jessie and John's love story in 1868. I genuinely don't think I can do it justice. The way John spoke to Jessie... *swoon*. I was completely invested in them from beginning to end. Honorable mention though, Liam, or Professor. The meet cute in this book definitely gives rom-com vibes.

I also loved the historical elements throughout the novel. From convict Australia and the Fenian movement (which I knew very little about!) to family history and discovering where we come from. Watching Bec's journey unfold as she searched for answers about her biological father and wrestled with the question so many of us ask ourselves at some point, am I following my dreams? made the story feel incredibly relatable despite its historical backdrop.

I'll be thinking about these characters and their love stories for a long time.

Thank you to the author and Hawkeye Publishing for a physical ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Nikki Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly, happy publication day Lynsey 🥳

Thank-you for bringing readers this story that weaves together both historical fiction and contemporary, as-well as bringing elements of women’s fiction and mystery - it made for an immersive, educational and lovely read.

It follows two timelines and stories, that spans both generations and continents - the first being that of Rebecca and hers is one of found family, self-discovery, unearthing history and a fight for justice and the second being that of Jessie, which shares her story of forbidden love, family, sacrifice and it is full of history surrounding the Irish Fenians in WA in the 1860’s.

Both women are strong and full of determination and while I admired them both - Jessie and her story sat with me the most, the love between herself and John was beautiful and romantic and sure pulled at the heartstrings.

Thank-you Lynsey and @hawkeyepublishing for and advanced reader copy, in exchange for an honest review ❤️

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a fan of historical fiction like I am, you HAVE to read this one.

I wanted to stop reading to head to google several times throughout the book but stopped myself in case I stumbled on spoilers.

The research Lynsey put into this book is extraordinary. She has cleverly combined real life events into the storyline to make it even more realistic.

The story is told in dual timelines and it is a sign of a good book when you love each timeline equally.

As soon as I turned the last page I had to look up John Boyle O'Reilly and read more about this Fenian political prisoner. Then of course I needed to read about the house. Good on Carmel for refusing to sell for so long.

There is nothing I like more than a fictional book that educates me on historical events and this cleverly written book did exactly that.

Thank you so much Lynsey for sending me such a gorgeous promo package.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Bailey Street. It was one of those books that I looked forward to picking up every day, and I was genuinely disappointed when I finished it because I wasn't ready to leave the characters behind.

I loved the way the story moved between the past and the present. Both storylines were equally engaging, and I found myself completely invested in what was happening in each. The historical side of the story was fascinating, and I learned so much without it ever feeling like a history lesson.

I honestly can't believe this is Lynsey's debut novel. I'll definitely be reading whatever she writes next.

Highly recommend Bailey Street. Definitly five stars from me.

[Jackie Connelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a gorgeous story from start to finish. If you are a fan of historical fiction/romance then this is a must read. So easy to read but kept me wanting to keep going instead of putting it down to do things I should have been doing. Loved that as a Perthite I could relate to the story in so many ways & also had family who originated from Bunbury via the UK & Irish heritage to boot. Definitely recommend & what a fabulous first novel. Congratulations.

[Lizzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the strength of the characters and the way the story is woven together, historical and contemporary fiction. I know of the little house on Bayly Street and I've heard stories of the Fenian prisoners. Although Bailey Street is historical fiction it's also educational.

[Emilie (emiliesbookshelf) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful historical fiction story that stole my heart

I avoided all responsibilities the day I picked this beautiful book up, I was absolutely enamoured by it!

It’s 2018 and Rebecca is in a rut, having lost her job and now back in Ireland with her grandparents, she is shocked to learn her father is not actually her biological father, and decides to take a chance to learn about family, and flys out to Fremantle, in Western Australia to meet her biological dad.

In 1868, Jessie is almost an adult and thought she already had her life planned out, with work and marriage in her horizon. But when she meets Irish convict John O’Reilly, her life is changed in an instant.

Weaving between past and present, both women set out on a powerful and life changing journey that will leave a mark in history

Woweee what an amazing page turning debut! I was immediately connected and invested in both Jessie & Rebecca. Both strong, caring, thoughtful, smart and fiercely independent, I loved each timeline equally. The settings in both are so well written you feel you are teleported to colonial Bunbury and then back to 2018 flawlessly

This wonderful book is a must read

Thank you so much Lynsey and Hawkeye Publishing for my gifted arc

I can not wait to see what is next for Lynsey

[Jo Skinner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This gorgeous debut novel shines a light on important issues like freedom, justice, family, belonging and the enormous power of love to overcome. I fell in love with McDonnell’s historical fiction novel where she explores the far-reaching consequences of colonialism in both Australia and Ireland through the eyes of two powerful female protagonists.

When Rebecca finds herself unemployed and back in Ireland with the grandparents who raised her, she learns a shocking truth about her past. This sets her on a journey of self-discovery that takes her to Fremantle where she learns about herself and her family. Jessie Wade is at the cusp of adulthood in Bunbury in 1868 with only the drudge of marriage, work, and childbearing to look forward to when she crosses paths with an Irish convict John O’Reilly. A political prisoner who fought for his country’s independence, he not only turns her life upside down but makes decisions that have ripple effects far into the future.

Rebecca finds herself fighting for the preservation of a historical home on the docks of Fremantle, when her life intersects with the past in surprising ways, bringing the book to a bittersweet and satisfying conclusion.

It is a book filled with fascinating history, forbidden love, and the desire to live life on one’s own terms, themes that resonate in every age. I recommend the book to anyone who loves history, enjoys a bit of romance, and relates to strong women determined to leave their mark on the world.

[Martin Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars
You know those books that send you down a Wikipedia rabbit hole the moment you finish? This was one of them and it completely caught me by surprise.

Before reading this, I knew almost nothing about the history of the Irish Fenians in Western Australia. Now I can't believe it's a part of our history I'd never come across before.

Told across dual timelines, the story moves between modern day Liverpool Uk and Western Australia and 1860s Western Australia, where the lives of two couples become connected across generations.

What I loved most was how effortlessly Lynsey blended history with fiction. It never felt like I was being given a history lesson, it felt like I was living it alongside the characters. I also loved how seamlessly the historical and contemporary storylines complemented one another. Every time I was pulled into one timeline, I couldn't wait to get back to the other.

At its heart, this is a story about freedom, justice, family, belonging, and the lengths people will go for love. Those themes feel just as relevant today as they would have back then.

If you love historical fiction that teaches you something without ever feeling heavy, if you enjoy a touch of romance, and if you're drawn to strong women determined to leave their mark on the world, then I think Bailey Street is absolutely worth picking up.

[Craig and Phil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Big thanks to Lynsey and Hawkeye Publishing for sending us a copy to read and review.
Debut and historical fiction author Lynsey McDonnell unleashes her delightful book, Bailey Street out into the reading universe soon.
I have just finished reading an early copy and I can honestly say to readers, you are in for a charming and entertaining treat.
A mix of romance, history and mystery, exploring the trio told by and seen through the eyes of the leading two mighty female characters.
The house on Bailey Street holds secrets for many decades.
1868, soon to be an adult Jessie falls for John Boyle O’Reilly, an Irish convict serving life and barely surviving.
2017, Rebecca arrives in Australia to search for her biological father but finds much more than she anticipated including an attraction to a dashing professor.
Then past meets present and the truth is finally discovered…….
There’s much to really love and learn here, an engaging and interesting plot, a selection of fascinating characters, both timelines have glowing descriptions and it’s rich in detail.
Plenty of spirit, emotion, drama and history.
All the feels and leaves you with a winning smile.
Welcome to this new and talented author.

[Sharon Chalwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Bailey Street.

I'm a huge fan of dual-timeline stories, and this one did it so well. I was completely invested in both timelines and loved how they slowly came together. Every time I thought I'd figured something out, there was another twist or connection that kept me reading.

The historical elements were fascinating and added so much depth to the story. You can tell the author has done her research, but it never felt heavy or overwhelming - it was just beautifully woven through the novel.

I also loved the mix of romance, humour and family secrets. There were moments that made me smile and moments that tugged at my heart.

The characters felt real, and I genuinely cared about what happened to them. By the end, I wasn't ready to say goodbye.

If you enjoy historical fiction with heart, strong female characters, a gorgeous love story and a dual timeline that keeps you guessing, I'd definitely recommend Bailey Street. Such a wonderful debut from Lynsey McDonnell, and I'll be first in line to read whatever she writes next.

[Emily (the_bookdragons_den) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bailey Street is the stunning debut novel of Australian author Lynsey McDonnell that spans two timelines and is set between Ireland and Western Australia. It explores love, loss, grief and hope and is an enchanting read that had me completely engrossed.

This truly captivating read masterfully intertwines the stories of Jessie in Bunbury, 1868, and Rebecca in Ireland/Fremantle, 2018. The writing style drew me in as I followed these incredibly strong women on their transformative journeys. Both are smart, independent and deeply caring and I enjoyed their interactions with their families, the men they love and even the minor characters.

The settings were particularly striking to me as I read. They were beautifully descriptive and vivid, and it was evident that a great deal of research had gone into the colonial aspect especially.

I loved every single minute I spent lost in the pages of this beautiful book…it was easily a five star read ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Congratulations on this stunning debut Lynsey 💕 and thank you to Hawkeye Publishing for a review copy!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bailey Street is a moving and powerful debut, rich with heart, history, and the kind of love and resilience that outlasts centuries.

Beautifully crafted prose carries readers seamlessly from Australia’s convict era to the present, tracing family, identity, and survival with warmth and depth. It offers a fresh, imaginative perspective on the John Boyle O’Reilly story, breathing new life into a remarkable and often forgotten chapter of history.

Equally compelling are the characters themselves — engaging and genuine, their spirit and authenticity staying with you long after you finish reading.

Bailey Street is a striking debut from an author poised to become a standout voice in historical fiction.

[Holly Cardamone · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an adventure! From the wilds of South West WA in the 1800s, to Freemantle in 2017, this is a fabulous genre blend of historical fiction, romance and a splash of mystery as a story buried by history is slowly unravelled. Jessie and John, Rebecca and Liam, two timelines, two love stories that had me misty-eyed and feeling all the feels. This was a beautiful reading experience telling a different kind of colonial story, and how the echoes of the past live on through the generations. The ties certainly bind, and this novel about the unveiling of long held family secrets was evocative and gripping. Highly recommend.

[This Gal Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I haven’t read historical fiction before and went in with an open mind - and aren’t I glad I did!

This book was brilliant. Two brave, strong and fierce FMC’s told in parallel through a dual timeline.
I was drawn in right from the start and absolutely hooked. Lynsey is a beautiful storyteller, her descriptive writing style absolutely enchanted me in all the right ways.

I can’t believe this a DEBUT novel from Lynsey, her writing is confident and gripping. I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next!

Thank you SO much to Lynsey McDonnell and Hawkeye Publsihing for the ARC of this stunning book!

[Amy Harmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This stunning debut sweeps readers into Australia’s past and present with a dual-timeline narrative that is as illuminating as it is compelling. With prose that shimmers on the page, the author brings to life characters whose warmth and resilience linger long after the final chapter. The historical thread, in particular, is rich with discovery, revealing a piece of history too often overlooked, while the contemporary storyline offers resonance and heart. Beautifully crafted and deeply engaging, this is historical fiction at its finest—immersive, educational, and indelible.

[Camille Booker · Rating 5 out of 5]

The pages of this historical romance pulsate with the beating heart of early colonial Western Australia. A Fremantle of Fenians, convicts, and impossible hardship is vibrantly brought to life through stunning prose and descriptions – I could hear the hum of the bush, feel the beating sun. While this compelling dual timeline deftly explores the importance of preserving history and understanding where we come from, Lynsey McDonnell has written a multi-layered love story as comforting as warm soda bread. Read this and try not to swoon!

[Sue Paterniti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bailey Street hooked me from the first page and I couldn’t put it down! The story, woven around a real person and real events, captured and held my attention to the end. Beautifully written across dual timelines, the story switched back and forth to brilliantly connect across the generations, stitching together a well-crafted, clever story that tells a tale that engages the imagination and paints a vivid canvas of what was and is.
I can’t wait for the film to come out – for, like this book, it will be a triumph also! Congratulations Lynsey McDonnell.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bailey Street is one of those books that stays with you long after you’ve turned the last page.

I was completely drawn into both timelines, but it was the characters who truly made this book special. Jessie and John Boyle O’Reilly completely captured my heart. Their journey was filled with hope, resilience, love, and sacrifice, and I found myself thinking about them even after I finished the book.

The story made me smile, it made me emotional, and it reminded me how powerful historical fiction can be when it’s told with such heart.

A must read.

[Bec Perrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

As picturesque as the stunning cover, Bailey Street evokes all the feels.
Warmth, humour, passion, despair, hope, love.
The story centres on two strong female characters written in parallel on different timelines. Jessie and Rebecca are as inspirational and interesting as the author herself!
A glimpse into WA history, a taste of Irish charm and a dose of beachside clarity provide idyllic settings while the pace keeps you turning the page wanting more.
A must read!

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well... I absolutely loved it! ❤️ I'm a complete hopeless romantic, so this book was everything I hoped it would be. It made me smile, it made me emotional, and I found myself really invested in the characters. Lynsey has such a lovely, natural way of writing that just draws you in this is su h a beautiful book. If you love a good romance, honestly, give Bailey Street a read. I promise you won't regret it. 📚💕"

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wondered where the book was taking me when I first started - Liverpool, Ireland, Bunbury (West Australia), Manchester, Perth & Fremantle (West Australia) and over such a wide span of years! The author, very cleverly, went back and forth from place to place and year to year and had me hooked! There is so much in this book that made it such an enjoyable read. Enjoyed the intriguing twists throughout this book and I look forward to reading more of this authors work. Great read!

[Kathleen O'Reilly Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to read the ARC of Bailey Street, a story about a passion from our convict past that touches present day. This well-crafted romance is steeped in West Australian History. Evocative and heartwarming. McDonnell is a gifted writer, Love may be an intangible but she evokes it perfectly. The pace is there to the last page.

[Anne Freeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bailey Street is for anyone who's ever struggled to choose between their love of contemporary and historical fiction. With pacy parallel timelines shifting between the modern world and colonial Australia, this beautifully crafted narrative reveals the glimmering threads of history we all carry within us. It’s romance, but not as you know it. A richly layered delight you’ll devour.

[Joanne Patmore · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Bailey Street. The story strikes a balance between action and intimate portrayals of the characters’ inner world, Be prepared to meet a brave and bruised Fenian convict and the girl he left behind, and be riveted by their story.
Lynsey McDonnell’s arresting characters and splendid plots combine to create a captivating tale, well told.”

[Anna Fursland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a most gorgeous tale, connecting the past and the present through Fenians and passion in Western Australia. Lynsey McDonnell has created an enchanting dual-timeline story, of family ties, commitment, hope, independence of spirit and, most of all, the power of love in all its forms. It's a page-turner—in unexpected ways. Brava to the debut author.

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

An eloquently written dual timeline, whose characters lives are entwined by blood and fate. The emotional depth captured through a tragic love to unravelling hidden truth to bring enlightened hope for a future generation.

An effortless read by author, Lynsey McDonnell, whose work I look forward to exploring as her catalog expands.