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The Irish Girl
Not yet published
Expected 2 Jul 26In the darkest days of war, can she find a place to call home?
1939: When tragedy strikes in the East End of London, thirteen-year-old Ivy Connell and her little brother Fred find themselves orphaned. Holding Fred’s small hand, she knows she must keep him safe. So Ivy decides to leave the bombed-out streets of the city in search of the Irish village her Daddy used to tell her so many stories about.
Somehow, she’s going to get them both to Ireland…
Ivy’s heard so much about the pretty village where her Mammy and Daddy fell in love. She hopes she might find her parents’ family still living there and a home away from the bombs. On the dangerous journey, they meet other orphans – bold and adventurous Lenny Brown and clever, talkative Arthur – and they travel together across the war-ravaged country.
The friendship between the children deepens with each obstacle they overcome, and they hold onto the hope that one day they will find a place to call home.
**
But will Ivy be able to reach the safety of Ireland? And if she makes it there, will she be reunited with her long-lost family – or is there more heartbreak to come?**
From bestselling author Sandy Taylor, comes a heart-wrenching, emotional story of the power of friendship and the importance of hope in the most difficult times. Perfect for fans of Jean Grainger, Lisa Wingate and Diney Costeloe.
1939: When tragedy strikes in the East End of London, thirteen-year-old Ivy Connell and her little brother Fred find themselves orphaned. Holding Fred’s small hand, she knows she must keep him safe. So Ivy decides to leave the bombed-out streets of the city in search of the Irish village her Daddy used to tell her so many stories about.
Somehow, she’s going to get them both to Ireland…
Ivy’s heard so much about the pretty village where her Mammy and Daddy fell in love. She hopes she might find her parents’ family still living there and a home away from the bombs. On the dangerous journey, they meet other orphans – bold and adventurous Lenny Brown and clever, talkative Arthur – and they travel together across the war-ravaged country.
The friendship between the children deepens with each obstacle they overcome, and they hold onto the hope that one day they will find a place to call home.
**
But will Ivy be able to reach the safety of Ireland? And if she makes it there, will she be reunited with her long-lost family – or is there more heartbreak to come?**
From bestselling author Sandy Taylor, comes a heart-wrenching, emotional story of the power of friendship and the importance of hope in the most difficult times. Perfect for fans of Jean Grainger, Lisa Wingate and Diney Costeloe.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
353 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication July 2, 2026
About the author
Sandy Taylor
38 books278 followersSandy’s eighth novel, THE IRISH BOARDING HOUSE, was published by Bookouture on 1 September 2022 reaching #1 in the British and Irish Historical Literature category within six days of publication.
Sandy Taylor grew up in 1950s and 1960s Brighton, and now lives in Somerset. She is the author of THE IRISH NANNY (Bookouture 30 July 2021), a Kindle #1 bestseller in three categories simultaneously and #24 in the Kindle Top 100, THE ORPHAN’S DAUGHTER (Bookouture 5 February 2020), which was shortlisted for the Romantic Novelists’ Association’s 2021 Romantic Saga category awards, THE LITTLE ORPHAN GIRL (Bookouture, 24 September 2018), a Kindle Top 100 bestseller and a #1 Kindle Saga Bestseller, THE RUNAWAY CHILDREN (Bookouture 8 December 2017), which spent almost two weeks at the #1 Kindle Saga Bestseller position in December 2017, WHEN WE DANCED AT THE END OF THE PIER (Bookouture March 2017), COUNTING CHIMNEYS (Bookouture June 2016) and THE GIRLS FROM SEE SAW LANE (Bookouture December 2015). Sandy Taylor is published in three languages.
Sandy Taylor grew up in 1950s and 1960s Brighton, and now lives in Somerset. She is the author of THE IRISH NANNY (Bookouture 30 July 2021), a Kindle #1 bestseller in three categories simultaneously and #24 in the Kindle Top 100, THE ORPHAN’S DAUGHTER (Bookouture 5 February 2020), which was shortlisted for the Romantic Novelists’ Association’s 2021 Romantic Saga category awards, THE LITTLE ORPHAN GIRL (Bookouture, 24 September 2018), a Kindle Top 100 bestseller and a #1 Kindle Saga Bestseller, THE RUNAWAY CHILDREN (Bookouture 8 December 2017), which spent almost two weeks at the #1 Kindle Saga Bestseller position in December 2017, WHEN WE DANCED AT THE END OF THE PIER (Bookouture March 2017), COUNTING CHIMNEYS (Bookouture June 2016) and THE GIRLS FROM SEE SAW LANE (Bookouture December 2015). Sandy Taylor is published in three languages.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Irish Girl is an incredibly moving and unforgettable novel by Sandy Taylor. I was constantly battling tears with each tragedy that transpired in the plot. The author has a way of connecting you to the characters at such an emotional level, you cannot help but feel extensive grief and sadness at the horrors that keep happening to Ivy Connell and her blood and found family. Yet, despite these negative events, the beauty of this story is in how many times strangers come to Ivy’s rescue: in England and Wales until she is able to connect with her extended family in Ireland after the loss of her father and mother.
The Irish Girl opens in London, 1939, to a domestic violent scene. Two children are hiding in a cupboard from their dangerous stepfather who starts shouting at their mother and then punches her with great force. Ivy covers her little brother’s ears to stifle the sound, while the hatred brews inside her for this wicked man. He is in sharp contrast to her Irish father Sean Connell who was gentle, kind, loving and jovial. But sadly he passed away and then Sid Cotter came into their lives, took over their home and controlled and beat their mother.
Ivy feels sad that her father’s dreams and promises of taking them to Ireland cannot happen now. But we learn a little about the relatives who live there and wonder if at some point in time these people will appear in Ivy’s life. In the meantime, we question: how could their mother marry such an awful man after the death of Sean? Well, grief destroyed her. She fell apart. Then Sid Cotter started coming around dressed in fine clothes and put on the charm. Everyone tried to warn her the Cotter’s were a bad bunch, drinking and fighting all the time. But she did not listen and ended up marrying him and lived a tortured fearful existence. The day she finally decides she will leave him, the worst happens and Ivy is a witness to the event. She finds her mother on the floor, eyes closed and soaking in her blood. Ivy tries to rouse her to no avail. Then she panics once she hears Sid heading her way, and she knows what he will do to her after what she has seen. So she takes her little brother Fred and runs…
This is a lot for a thirteen year to deal with. But she meets up with other orphans and together they embark on a journey to Wales. Fortunately, the man whose cart they hide in, is kind and takes them into his home and offers them food and shelter. Then he provides a chance for Ivy, her brother and her new found friends, Lenny and Arthur, to board a boat to Ireland so she can find her family. This girl’s courage and kindness toward others is amazing after all she’s been through. It reminds us there are still good samaritans in this world. And when Ivy arrives in Ireland, her journey towards something wonderful begins. Home, love and family finally become a reality.
There are plenty of surprises, twists and turns in this novel and it moved along at a steady pace. There are a number of characters who get to share their point of view which added to the story’s layers and depth. I felt I truly got to know not only Ivy but the others who surrounded her life. Particularly Lenny’s journey is an interesting and, at times, difficult one. His love and care for Ivy is touching and he makes sacrifices to ensure her safety and happiness.
There were some other lovely key figures— like Aunt Agnus, I admired. Her love for others came shining through and how she helped each one—orphans and other children in difficult circumstances. Father Pat was an excellent example, too. He provided assistance, direction and understanding where needed.
Ivy was amazing. She drew out a lot of good in people. And practised what she preached. She was always helping those in need and became quite a positive example for others to follow in her footsteps. Her understanding of those less popular and shunned is remarkable. She spread her sunshine into many dark corners and changed lives.
The war years did bring much pain and participants saw the heavy damage of war and death. It affected Ivy, too, when she was exposed to it first-hand. Yet with the help of others she found her way back to health and happiness. She was blessed with a wonderful romantic relationship and the fellow’s family was unusual to say the least! But my heart was uplifted by the generosity and concern they exhibited.
Ultimately this is a story that proclaims the strong bonds of love, kindness, sacrifice and community. And how vital it is to care about your neighbour. And to find your place, your home, your family—whatever that may look like. And just as St Mary’s church was a special place where people came to pray, share their losses, celebrate weddings and births, and where many memories were made—it makes us want to hope there are more places like this oasis. And as we saw with Ivy, to learn that family is not only blood relations but it also includes those people who create a profound, lasting familial bond with us.
Get a copy of The Irish Girl! This gorgeous heart shaking novel is a must-read as it shines with the hope and kindness we all need. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for the ARC.
The Irish Girl opens in London, 1939, to a domestic violent scene. Two children are hiding in a cupboard from their dangerous stepfather who starts shouting at their mother and then punches her with great force. Ivy covers her little brother’s ears to stifle the sound, while the hatred brews inside her for this wicked man. He is in sharp contrast to her Irish father Sean Connell who was gentle, kind, loving and jovial. But sadly he passed away and then Sid Cotter came into their lives, took over their home and controlled and beat their mother.
Ivy feels sad that her father’s dreams and promises of taking them to Ireland cannot happen now. But we learn a little about the relatives who live there and wonder if at some point in time these people will appear in Ivy’s life. In the meantime, we question: how could their mother marry such an awful man after the death of Sean? Well, grief destroyed her. She fell apart. Then Sid Cotter started coming around dressed in fine clothes and put on the charm. Everyone tried to warn her the Cotter’s were a bad bunch, drinking and fighting all the time. But she did not listen and ended up marrying him and lived a tortured fearful existence. The day she finally decides she will leave him, the worst happens and Ivy is a witness to the event. She finds her mother on the floor, eyes closed and soaking in her blood. Ivy tries to rouse her to no avail. Then she panics once she hears Sid heading her way, and she knows what he will do to her after what she has seen. So she takes her little brother Fred and runs…
This is a lot for a thirteen year to deal with. But she meets up with other orphans and together they embark on a journey to Wales. Fortunately, the man whose cart they hide in, is kind and takes them into his home and offers them food and shelter. Then he provides a chance for Ivy, her brother and her new found friends, Lenny and Arthur, to board a boat to Ireland so she can find her family. This girl’s courage and kindness toward others is amazing after all she’s been through. It reminds us there are still good samaritans in this world. And when Ivy arrives in Ireland, her journey towards something wonderful begins. Home, love and family finally become a reality.
There are plenty of surprises, twists and turns in this novel and it moved along at a steady pace. There are a number of characters who get to share their point of view which added to the story’s layers and depth. I felt I truly got to know not only Ivy but the others who surrounded her life. Particularly Lenny’s journey is an interesting and, at times, difficult one. His love and care for Ivy is touching and he makes sacrifices to ensure her safety and happiness.
There were some other lovely key figures— like Aunt Agnus, I admired. Her love for others came shining through and how she helped each one—orphans and other children in difficult circumstances. Father Pat was an excellent example, too. He provided assistance, direction and understanding where needed.
Ivy was amazing. She drew out a lot of good in people. And practised what she preached. She was always helping those in need and became quite a positive example for others to follow in her footsteps. Her understanding of those less popular and shunned is remarkable. She spread her sunshine into many dark corners and changed lives.
The war years did bring much pain and participants saw the heavy damage of war and death. It affected Ivy, too, when she was exposed to it first-hand. Yet with the help of others she found her way back to health and happiness. She was blessed with a wonderful romantic relationship and the fellow’s family was unusual to say the least! But my heart was uplifted by the generosity and concern they exhibited.
Ultimately this is a story that proclaims the strong bonds of love, kindness, sacrifice and community. And how vital it is to care about your neighbour. And to find your place, your home, your family—whatever that may look like. And just as St Mary’s church was a special place where people came to pray, share their losses, celebrate weddings and births, and where many memories were made—it makes us want to hope there are more places like this oasis. And as we saw with Ivy, to learn that family is not only blood relations but it also includes those people who create a profound, lasting familial bond with us.
Get a copy of The Irish Girl! This gorgeous heart shaking novel is a must-read as it shines with the hope and kindness we all need. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Irish Girl by Sandy Taylor is a beautifully written and deeply moving historical novel that completely drew me into Ivy Connell’s story.
Set against the backdrop of the outbreak of World War II, the book follows thirteen-year-old Ivy and her young brother Fred after tragedy turns their world upside down. Having already endured a difficult childhood marked by loss and an abusive home life, Ivy’s determination to protect her brother and find a better future makes her an instantly lovable and inspiring heroine.
I loved following Ivy’s journey from London to Ireland in search of her father’s family. The friendships formed along the way, the hardships the children face, and the hope they cling to throughout made this an emotional and rewarding read. Sandy Taylor has a wonderful gift for creating characters who feel real, and I quickly became invested in Ivy, Fred, and the people they meet on their travels.
The historical setting is vividly portrayed, and the story balances heartbreak with warmth, resilience, and hope. It’s the kind of book that pulls you in and makes you care deeply about the characters and their futures.
A touching, heartfelt read filled with courage, friendship, and family. Fans of historical fiction will not want to miss this one.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
The Irish Girl by Sandy Taylor is a beautifully written and deeply moving historical novel that completely drew me into Ivy Connell’s story.
Set against the backdrop of the outbreak of World War II, the book follows thirteen-year-old Ivy and her young brother Fred after tragedy turns their world upside down. Having already endured a difficult childhood marked by loss and an abusive home life, Ivy’s determination to protect her brother and find a better future makes her an instantly lovable and inspiring heroine.
I loved following Ivy’s journey from London to Ireland in search of her father’s family. The friendships formed along the way, the hardships the children face, and the hope they cling to throughout made this an emotional and rewarding read. Sandy Taylor has a wonderful gift for creating characters who feel real, and I quickly became invested in Ivy, Fred, and the people they meet on their travels.
The historical setting is vividly portrayed, and the story balances heartbreak with warmth, resilience, and hope. It’s the kind of book that pulls you in and makes you care deeply about the characters and their futures.
A touching, heartfelt read filled with courage, friendship, and family. Fans of historical fiction will not want to miss this one.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
June 20, 2026
Set in the East End of London in 1939, Ivy Connell and her younger brother Fred are orphaned. They flee their home and their abusive brute of a stepfather, Sid Cotter. The children’s destination is the Irish village which their late daddy had told them so many wonderful stories of, a place where he grew up and still had family living there.
During their heart -rendering journey, they meet the slightly older Lenny who promises to look after them as well as Arthur, who’s a real character. The young group make their way across the water and are soon in Ireland. Ivy and Fred’s relations open their arms to the four young people and they soon fit into a new way of life with the loving family. But things don’t stay the same for long and as war rages in England, it affects them in many ways, with some tragic consequences.
I absolutely adored this book; it is by far my favourite read of this year. The characters of Arthur and Fred are brilliant and so humorous, which had me laughing on numerous occasions. I loved the courageous and gritty thread of the story and the strong emotional pull. Although there are some tragic elements to the story, the heart-lifting sense of family and love is ultimately what shines through.
A very easy 5 stars for this wonderful book.
During their heart -rendering journey, they meet the slightly older Lenny who promises to look after them as well as Arthur, who’s a real character. The young group make their way across the water and are soon in Ireland. Ivy and Fred’s relations open their arms to the four young people and they soon fit into a new way of life with the loving family. But things don’t stay the same for long and as war rages in England, it affects them in many ways, with some tragic consequences.
I absolutely adored this book; it is by far my favourite read of this year. The characters of Arthur and Fred are brilliant and so humorous, which had me laughing on numerous occasions. I loved the courageous and gritty thread of the story and the strong emotional pull. Although there are some tragic elements to the story, the heart-lifting sense of family and love is ultimately what shines through.
A very easy 5 stars for this wonderful book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
It’s 1939 in the East end of London, thirteen-year-old Ivy Connell and her brother Fred was born to an Irish father who promised one day he will show her family in Ireland. But tragedy stuck when he died and years later their mother married Sid Cotter who was abusive to their mother and one day she came home to find her mother dead.
She flees with her brother Fred to Ireland to find her Irish family. On the way she meets so many nice kind people, especially Lenny Brown who he says will always protect her and a boy called Arthur. It will bring her on an emotional heart felt journey and resilience and family revelations too.
I am a bring fan of Sandy Taylor’s work and this was no exception. This story drew you in from the first page and wouldn’t let go. This is a very emotional read of heartbreak and resilience and determination. I couldn’t stop reading, whilst a little tear in my eye. I loved it. 5 stars from me.
She flees with her brother Fred to Ireland to find her Irish family. On the way she meets so many nice kind people, especially Lenny Brown who he says will always protect her and a boy called Arthur. It will bring her on an emotional heart felt journey and resilience and family revelations too.
I am a bring fan of Sandy Taylor’s work and this was no exception. This story drew you in from the first page and wouldn’t let go. This is a very emotional read of heartbreak and resilience and determination. I couldn’t stop reading, whilst a little tear in my eye. I loved it. 5 stars from me.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This very emotional historical fiction novel follows Ivy through her life to young adulthood. She finds her mother dead on the floor covered in blood so Ivy and her brother Fred have to run away to avoid the brutal wrath of their stepfather. The story takes them to Ireland and back. This story is so beautifully and sensitively written. It covers love, loss, fear and happiness. This is my first read by Sandy Taylor and I was impressed, there was so much going on that it kept me interested and wanting more. I truly loved this story so I don’t hesitate on giving it five stars.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC. Publication date 2 July 2026.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC. Publication date 2 July 2026.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Ivy Connell has seen it all at a very young age. She has a heart bigger than most, but has to leave London quickly with her brother to escape people looking to hurt them. With the help of people she meets along the way, she finds a more loving family for them in Ireland. Clinging to family both lost and found, this is a story of resilience, heartbreak, and hope.
It’s easy to fall in love with Ivy, her friends and family in this courageous and joyful story.
3.5* rounded up to 4*
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
It’s easy to fall in love with Ivy, her friends and family in this courageous and joyful story.
3.5* rounded up to 4*
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
1939 in the darkest days of war, can she find a place to call home?
Ivy Connell and her little brother Fred in London become orphans and Ivy wants to head to Ireland and find her fathers family .
Meeting up with Lenny and Arthur they build up a friendship and becomes very close to Lenny.
A historical fiction emotional heartbreaking story as we follow these Characters through war.
Was such a good story to read.
Ivy Connell and her little brother Fred in London become orphans and Ivy wants to head to Ireland and find her fathers family .
Meeting up with Lenny and Arthur they build up a friendship and becomes very close to Lenny.
A historical fiction emotional heartbreaking story as we follow these Characters through war.
Was such a good story to read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Irish Girl is a heartwarming and fast-paced historical fiction novel with a very memorable protagonist at its center.
After tragedy strikes early in the story, Ivy’s life takes several unexpected turns as she tries to reunite with the people she loves during the early years of World War II. The story moves quickly, and Ivy’s warmth, fortitude, and determination shine through. I kept wanting to see where her journey would take her and how her story would unfold.
The book also reminded me a bit of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society because of its lovable characters and underlying sense of hope.
While I tend to gravitate toward heavier historical fiction, I really enjoyed this one. It’s an uplifting story filled with heart and memorable characters.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the advance review copy of this book.
After tragedy strikes early in the story, Ivy’s life takes several unexpected turns as she tries to reunite with the people she loves during the early years of World War II. The story moves quickly, and Ivy’s warmth, fortitude, and determination shine through. I kept wanting to see where her journey would take her and how her story would unfold.
The book also reminded me a bit of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society because of its lovable characters and underlying sense of hope.
While I tend to gravitate toward heavier historical fiction, I really enjoyed this one. It’s an uplifting story filled with heart and memorable characters.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the advance review copy of this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Irish Girl follows the story of Ivy Connell, who, as a young girl, flees London with her brother and two friends to her father's hometown of Carrig in search of their family, in search of home. Despite some tragedies, this is a lovely, heartwarming story which indulges the reader with pockets of humour amidst Ivy's emotional turmoil.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received a free copy of, The Irish Girl, by Sandy Taylor, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. It's 1939 and the war is in full force. Thirteen year old Ivy takes her brother to flee to Ireland. These children are so lovely. I really enjoyed this book.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews