The Irish Girl

by Sandy Taylor

In 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.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, World War II

353 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 2, 2026

About the author

Sandy’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.

Reviews

[Julie MacKay]

I enjoyed this plot-based historical fiction novel. As we follow Ivy and meet those involved in her life, we also explore themes of love and loyalty. Different kinds of love are shown by different characters in the novel and at different stages of their journeys. The characters and their various distinct personalities were well developed.

Although all chapters are written in the third person, there are multiple character focuses. Many chapters are from Ivy’s perspective, while there is the occasional chapter which focuses on a different character’s view point. I enjoyed this aspect, rather that it being solely following one character or even having only two character perspectives.

I did feel that things went too smoothly too often. Yes, there were some challenges that the characters encountered, but a lot of things just worked out right for them, a bit more often than in real life.

A nice, simple read for anyone who wants a feel-good story.

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for sharing an advance reader copy of this book with me. All opinions are my own.

[Charlotte]

This was such a beautiful read, and whilst it's set just before, and during, world war 2, that's actually a very small part of the story.

I loved all of the orphans, they all bought something different to the story, and to each other. Bryn was a great character too, I'd love to know what happened to him! I did think that the views and treatment of mental health conditions portrayed in the book felt a little too modern, but I guess those modern views started somewhere!

The whole book felt gentle and heartwarming, even the more 'dangerous' elements felt safe if that makes sense. And then that secret that was revealed right at the end! I did not see that coming at all, there was nothing that even hinted at it so I audibly gasped when I read it. Such a great twist!

[Angel]

I am starting to think Bookouture is producing books just for my benefit. Everything I read from this publisher is fantastic. I had the great luck to receive an advance copy of this ebook by Sandy Taylor and it’s one of my favorites of the year so far!

Ivy’s journey home and then home again pulled at my heartstrings on every page. I have been entirely invested in this young girl, who feels so real. The vivid and colorful settings and cast of dimensional and charismatic characters kept me captivated. So many darker life themes are explored–from spousal abuse to poverty, faith, war, mental health and the meaning of family. There are so many love stories, romantic and familial, and I loved the twists and turns they took. The brutal impacts of the war were heartening, but vividly and portrayed with great impact.

I especially loved the banter between the children when they were young and the adventurous depictions at the beginning of Ivy’s journey. If this was set in today’s time it would beggar belief, and it shines a light on just how different the world was, and the utter chaos caused by war.

The romantic love story woven through the second half of the narrative is simply beautiful.

[Cindy Spear]

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.

[Brenda]

With Ivy's father dead, the arrival of the horrid Sid was a torment. Ivy was thirteen, her little brother Fred was five. Their mother tried to keep them safe but Sid, especially when drunk, was a bitter, brutal man. The night tragedy struck, Ivy and Fred had to flee as Sid was going to kill them when he caught them. Mixing with a group of children at the doors of the convent, Ivy and Fred boarded the bus, meeting with two people who would change their lives. Lenny & Arthur were both orphans, just like Ivy & Fred, and Lenny, only a little older than Ivy, did his best to care for them all.

The four children headed for Ireland, the home of Ivy & Fred's daddy, and where he and their mammy had met and fell in love. The war was close; getting to Ireland would be safer. Would Ivy be able to find her daddy's family at the small village of Carrig? He'd always told her about it. Slowly, the children found their way, often with help from others. There was a lot ahead of them, of that they were sure. But the only thing in their minds was finding home...

The Irish Girl is another exceptional historical novel by Sandy Taylor which I loved. Her writing is perfect; emotional, powerful, heartbreaking and filled with hope. The friendships the children formed were special and would last a lifetime. Arthur was a crack-up, Lenny was stoic, Ivy was courageous and Fred - he just wanted his teddy bear. A wonderful story, one I recommend highly to fans of the genre.

With thanks to NetGalley & Bookouture for my digital ARC to read and review.

[Meg Pearson]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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.

[Gail]

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.

[Michelle]

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.

[Kathryn]

This was a wonderful book. It starts off with tragedy, Ivy and Fred have to run away from an abusive man who has left their mother for dead. They run to the convent where they meet orphans Lenny and Arthur.

Ivy, Fred, and their new found friends are brave and resilient. They somehow manage to get first to Wales, then across to Ireland, without too much drama. This book was heartwarming, emotional and funny. I was very worried about the young characters at first, but it was lovely watching them find a home and happiness in Ireland.

This book was a lovely story to get lost in. I enjoyed the small Irish town of Carrig where everyone knew everyone's business. There were some really funny moments that made me laugh out loud. But the book is also sad in places and addresses dark themes such as domestic violence, mental health and war.

Perfect for fans of World War 2 historical fiction and family sagas.

[Paula]

The Irish Girl is a different from the usual WWII stories that I have read. This book by Sandy Taylor concern a young barely a teen girl who is orphaned in London along with her little brother, so they travel alone to their family roots in Ireland. A perilous journey for the Ivy and Fred to make when war during wartime. There is much more that causes her to run but no spoiler but know this is one brave responsible girl who takes off with her little brother. Early on she won my heart in this emotional and intense historical fiction book. In addition I cheered on all those well-liked, kind souls who helped these children as well as the others that joined their group on their journey. I found the conclusion satisfying and what I had hoped. A story that sticks with you long after you finish reading it.

[Jess Keast]

Wow, this had me hooked from the start! The escape was intense, I actually think my heart was beating faster and I was almost holding my breath! It didn't slow down until a good ~25% in, I binged 40% in one day, only stopping for bedtime. It was very immersive and I could imagine myself in the setting.

I did find that it lost momentum about halfway through though. It felt like just a way to skip time so the main character was in a better age for romance and find it implausible that none of the people involved could trace each other for years. (and what happened to Elsie?)

However at no point was it boring and I my liked the way the romance played out. Now realistic than most and showed real character growth.

This was my first book by this author but it will not be my last!



My thanks to NetGalley for the advance ebook copy.

[Ann]

An absolute delight of a read.
From the off you are invested in Ivy’s story. Set at the time of the 2nd world war, the happenings on the world stage are nothing compared to what Ivy and her brother experience and the sure will and determination that she displays as she escapes from the east end of London to rural Ireland.
Beautifully written the author captures old fashioned small town Ireland perfectly: the characters, the gossips, the simple way of life and the kind hearted. A very poignant read that also offers laugh out loud moments as well as lump in your throat ones and a that plot also produces many a surprising and unexpected twists
A book I’m so sorry I’ve finished because I’m going to miss the characters.

[Melissa * bookedwithmel]

Even though Ivy is only 13 at the beginning of this book, it was easy to connect with her character. She grew up real fast when she was determined to protect her brother from her stepfather. Traveling from London all the way to Ireland to find her father’s family with a five year old in tow, she never gives up. She’s so determined. I loved watching her continue to grow and form friendships with family and found family.

I love strong female main characters. Any time I find one I want to shout about it from the rooftops.

This is the first book of Sandy’s I’ve read, and I’ll definitely be curious to pick up some more of them. I read this one in one day.

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for my copy of this book.

[DianeLikesToRead]

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
How have I never read anything by Sandy Taylor before?
This book is set in London and then Ireland starting in 1939. Ivy and her brother Fred are orphaned and decide to go to Ireland to find their fathers’s family. Along the way they meet up with Lenny and Arthur (who are also orphans) and the foursome make the journey together.
I don’t want to give too much away, but this is a book that will stay with you long after you finish it. It is filled with hope and love. I can’t wait to read more by this author!! Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
#TheIrishGirl #SandyTaylorBookTour #NetGalley #Bookouture #NewBook #ILoveBooks #BookLove #Bookstagram #SummerRead

[Dawn Lawrence Read_with_Lola]

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.

[Booklover BEV]

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.

[Deanne Patterson]

I very much enjoy reading historical fiction and am so glad I read this one.
I'm always impressed with strong women in these books. Our fmc doesn't back down, showing incredible strength and bravery right from the start as a young teen despite her lack of family support.
Resilience, persistence, strength, hope, we can see a light at the end of the tunnel.
I very much enjoyed this book.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

[Amy]

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.

[Nicola]

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.

[Pauline]

Ivy witnesses the death of her mother. She takes her five year old brother and goes on the run.
She is trying to get from London to Ireland where her mother’s family live.
They have many adventures on the way.
A historical novel with some good characters.
Thank you to NetGalley and for my e-copy in exchange for an honest.

[Sheila]

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.

[Leona]

I absolutely loved this book and found myself thinking about it when I wasn’t reading it. It’s an emotional and at times heartbreaking read that will pull at even the toughest of hearts. Sandy Taylor’s writes her books so well that I could visualise the characters and places in my head as I was reading it. Every chapter was a joy to read and it didn’t take me long to finish this book as I was so captivated by Ivy and all the other wonderful characters.

[Mary P]

Very engaging story with some unexpected twists. The book is very well written with a strong story line, enough twists to keep it very interesting throughout, and strong character development. A very enjoyable read!

[Susan McSorley]

good old Irish beliefs

Heart breaking. Loved how Ivy’s da told her of his IRISH roots and how It’s hers too! This is what kept Ivy going.

[maureenmanns]

Beautiful story

Brilliant read could not put this book down will definitely be reading more books by this author well worthy of five stars

[Susan]

Enjoyed the journey.

[elizabeth downes]

belly laughs

Brilliant read, had me laughing & crying . Total page turner, loved the Irish patter from the Aunties 🤩🤩 recommended read

[Barbara Linton]

I didn’t think this was particularly well written and it surely didn’t match the reviews. Inconsistencies and why do all the men make the main character “feel safe”?

[Dee Groocock]

Review of advance copy from the publisher and NetGalley.

Ivy Connell’s daddy has told her so many stories of his home in Ireland, that when something tragic happens at their home in London, she takes herself and her little brother, Fred, on a journey bound for Ireland. It’s 1939, and with war breaking out, the two orphans desperately want to find their daddy’s family.

Along the way, they meet up with two orphaned boys, Lenny and Arthur. The four become good friends and all travel together. Facing a difficult and dangerous journey, they stick together, with Lenny promising to stay with them until they are settled.

Beautiful storytelling from the author, I thoroughly enjoyed following Ivy’s journey from childhood to adulthood. I loved the characters of all four children, they had all been through so much, but stuck together and never wavered.

I loved picturing the scenery described by the author, I was able to see it all in my head.

The story is emotional at times and my heart went out to them all. I liked how we continue to follow all four children as they grew up, especially with the war affecting them in different ways.

[Nicola “Shortbookthyme”]

✅ My thoughts:
Ivy Connell has seen it all at a very young age.
Circumstances have her needing to leave her home in London quickly. She takes her young brother with her.
Her father, who has passed away, had told all about his childhood home in Ireland. Ivy decides this is where they need to go. But how????
With the help of people she meets along the way, she finds a more loving family for them in Ireland.
This is a beautiful story of resilience, heartbreak and, most of all….hope.
It was easy to fall in love with Ivy, her friends and family in this heartwarming, courageous and inspiring story.