Stairway to the Past

by Tonia F. Payne

In August, 1994, Dr. Philip O'Neil and his son Quin travel to Ireland for a two week vacation. Quin chose Ireland not knowing that this trip would change their lives forever.When they visit Dundrum Castle, located in County Down, North Ireland, they arrive on the day the castle is closed to tourists. They decide to explore the castle ruins anyway. As they climb the winding stairway to the top of the turret tower they find themselves transported back in time to the year 1635. They live the next six years among the Magennis clan of Dundrum.Years later, in August, 2000, Jennie Page, a retired librarian, takes her granddaughter Brianna Rose to Ireland. Brianna's parents and her grandmother share the cost of the trip and present it to Brianna as a graduation gift. Jennie has been to Ireland many times, as she is a direct descendant of Brian Magennis who lived and occupied castle Dundrum in the 17th century. A few days later they arrive at castle Dundrum. The date is Monday, August 10, 2000. They are the only two there as the castle is closed to visitors on Mondays. They take Brianna's backpack and Jennie's large black purse, both which are filled with snacks as well as various personal items, and climb to the top of the tower turret to have a picnic. As they climb the winding stairs a mist envelopes them; at the top, to their surprise, they find themselves transported back to 1641.Brianna meets the mysterious Hagar, a hermit woman who lives in a hut deep in the woods, who also has a mysterious secret.These time-travelers bond with all the people that they meet, helping them in many ways to improve their lives. The characters have many adventures throughout the story. You will meet many wonderful people who share their lives with Jennie , Brianna, Phillip, and Quinn. When they find a way home, only a few return...

745 pages, Hardcover

Reviews

[Camille Robison · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is my Grandma and I am proud of her!

[Krista · Rating 2 out of 5]

THIS BOOK WAS VERY FRUSTRATING TO READ. I READ THE WHOLE THING WAITING FOR A PLOT OR CLIMAX OR SOMETHING TO HAPPEN...AND NOTHING REALLY DID. I LIKED HOW THE AUTHOR DESCRIBED IRELAND IN THE 1600'S, BUT I WOULD HAVE LIKED A LITTLE MORE DEPTH TO THE STORYLINE. AND THEN THE WAY THE BOOK ENDED...I THOUGHT IT MADE THE WHOLE BOOK POINTLESS.

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought the author was very redundant and it was a slow moving story.

[Marsha Markham · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finished this book (several weeks ago) and enjoyed it. I'm not sure when I completed it.