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The Place We Call Home
Welcome to Ballycove, the home of Corrigan Mills...
Set against the backdrop of the beautiful Irish countryside the famed mills have created the finest wool in all of Ireland. Run by the seemingly perfect Corrigan family, but every family has its secrets, and how the mills came to be the Corrigan's is one of them...
Miranda and her husband were never meant to own the mills, until one fateful day catapults them into a life they never thought they'd lead.
Ada has forever lived her life in her sister's shadow. Wanting only to please her mother and take her place as the new leader of the mill, Ada might just have to take a look at what her heart really wants.
Callie has a flourishing international career as a top designer and a man who loves her dearly, she appears to have it all. When a secret is revealed and she's unceremoniously turfed out of the design world, Callie might just get what's she's been yearning for. The chance to go home.
Simon has always wanted more. More money, more fame, more notoriety. The problem child. Simon has made more enemies than friends over the years, and when one of his latest schemes falls foul he'll have to return to the people who always believe in him.
Ballycove isn't just a town in the Irish countryside. It isn't just the base of the famous mills. It's a place to call home.
Best-selling author, Faith Hogan returns with a family tale of love, loss, secrets and finding yourself.
Set against the backdrop of the beautiful Irish countryside the famed mills have created the finest wool in all of Ireland. Run by the seemingly perfect Corrigan family, but every family has its secrets, and how the mills came to be the Corrigan's is one of them...
Miranda and her husband were never meant to own the mills, until one fateful day catapults them into a life they never thought they'd lead.
Ada has forever lived her life in her sister's shadow. Wanting only to please her mother and take her place as the new leader of the mill, Ada might just have to take a look at what her heart really wants.
Callie has a flourishing international career as a top designer and a man who loves her dearly, she appears to have it all. When a secret is revealed and she's unceremoniously turfed out of the design world, Callie might just get what's she's been yearning for. The chance to go home.
Simon has always wanted more. More money, more fame, more notoriety. The problem child. Simon has made more enemies than friends over the years, and when one of his latest schemes falls foul he'll have to return to the people who always believe in him.
Ballycove isn't just a town in the Irish countryside. It isn't just the base of the famous mills. It's a place to call home.
Best-selling author, Faith Hogan returns with a family tale of love, loss, secrets and finding yourself.
434 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2020
2218 people are currently reading
2587 people want to read
About the author
Faith Hogan
12 books718 followersFaith Hogan is a bestselling author of nine novels. Her books have featured as Book Club Favorites, Net Galley Hot Reads and Summer Must Reads. She writes grown up women's fiction which is unashamedly uplifting, feel good and inspiring.
She gained an Honours Degree in English Literature and Psychology from Dublin City University and a Postgraduate Degree from University College, Galway.
Her latest novel is The Guest House By The Sea - set in the west of Ireland - it has been described as a book to fall in love with.
She also writes crime fiction as Geraldine Hogan. Her Corbally series is out now.
You can find out more about Faith on her website www.faithhogan.com
www.Facebook/FaithHogan.com
@gerhogan
She gained an Honours Degree in English Literature and Psychology from Dublin City University and a Postgraduate Degree from University College, Galway.
Her latest novel is The Guest House By The Sea - set in the west of Ireland - it has been described as a book to fall in love with.
She also writes crime fiction as Geraldine Hogan. Her Corbally series is out now.
You can find out more about Faith on her website www.faithhogan.com
www.Facebook/FaithHogan.com
@gerhogan
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
January 20, 2020
Favorite Quotes:
It’s no place for a child, not really. Old Lord Blair is as odd as a hen in a hairdresser’s.
The years had taken inches from his height and added it to his waistband; his hair had greyed into the kind of silky thickness most women of his age would trade their best shoes for.
In that moment, Ada felt such a mixture of emotion for this man who had always stood by her, but who had turned into someone she hardly saw any more. He blended with the furniture of her life, so much so that she couldn’t imagine what she’d do without him, but on the other hand his presence was as banal as a kitchen appliance, useful but hardly stirring.
Simon had a feeling that the softest part of Herr Muller was his teeth, but that was beside the point.
My Review:
This was an emotive, intriguing, and melancholy women’s fiction read with ample servings of family drama and romantic complications and told from multiple POVs. While emotional tension isn’t my preferred tone, I didn’t seem to mind the angst as Faith Hogan is a master storyteller. Her engaging storylines squeezed my heart and kept me guessing, although as I was nearing the last few pages I found myself growing increasingly restless and fearful of unresolved storylines, silly me, the crafty wordsmith had a few more tricks hidden in her purse. I gained a new phrase for my British Isles word list with Hooray Henry, which is British slang for an upper-class British male who exudes loud-mouthed arrogance and an air of superiority, and another form of one of my favorite Brit words of toff.
It’s no place for a child, not really. Old Lord Blair is as odd as a hen in a hairdresser’s.
The years had taken inches from his height and added it to his waistband; his hair had greyed into the kind of silky thickness most women of his age would trade their best shoes for.
In that moment, Ada felt such a mixture of emotion for this man who had always stood by her, but who had turned into someone she hardly saw any more. He blended with the furniture of her life, so much so that she couldn’t imagine what she’d do without him, but on the other hand his presence was as banal as a kitchen appliance, useful but hardly stirring.
Simon had a feeling that the softest part of Herr Muller was his teeth, but that was beside the point.
My Review:
This was an emotive, intriguing, and melancholy women’s fiction read with ample servings of family drama and romantic complications and told from multiple POVs. While emotional tension isn’t my preferred tone, I didn’t seem to mind the angst as Faith Hogan is a master storyteller. Her engaging storylines squeezed my heart and kept me guessing, although as I was nearing the last few pages I found myself growing increasingly restless and fearful of unresolved storylines, silly me, the crafty wordsmith had a few more tricks hidden in her purse. I gained a new phrase for my British Isles word list with Hooray Henry, which is British slang for an upper-class British male who exudes loud-mouthed arrogance and an air of superiority, and another form of one of my favorite Brit words of toff.
December 16, 2019
The Place We Call Home by Faith Hogan is a family saga about the Corrigan family.
A slow moving story set in Ireland and told in a dual storyline.
There are some interesting characters but unfortunately the story did not engage me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Aria for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
A slow moving story set in Ireland and told in a dual storyline.
There are some interesting characters but unfortunately the story did not engage me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Aria for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 17, 2020
The Place We Call Home by Faith Hogan
Hogan wrote a mesmerizing epic love story that spans generations and families. Set in the beautiful western part of Ireland, where the beauty of nature lavishes in a place where your heart will settle, love will flourish, and definitely have all the right ingredients to call this place home. That is Ballycove.
Miranda Reilly met Richard Blair, a Londoner, in Ballycove as he spent his summers there for years with his grandparents and they became very close childhood friends. Through the years, their friendship developed more seriously until Richard is accepted in a prestigious university and their communication and visits between each other fell to the wayside.
The Blair family for generations have run the mills and over the years have really struggled to keep it afloat. With news that Richard is engaged to be married, Miranda entertains another suitor, Paddy Corrigan who is working for the Blairs and is helping them keep the mills afloat.
Hogan wrote and weaved beautifully the past and present about Miranda’s life, how the mills thrived into a multi-million dollar business and became the pride of Ballycove, and how the Blairs and Corrigans’ history have intertwined with secrets and revelation sure to tear your heart out. Hogan was a master of writing an amazing cast of characters in this intimate small town setting. I loved how the characters and their flaws all contribute well to the plot of the story.
The story pacing and how the present story interweaves with the past throughout the story was perfectly thought out and well placed, and moved the story beautifully. In just the right amount of time, the story revealed the next layer upon the next in a story timeline that kept my interest. The story tugged at my heartstrings and be sure to keep a handkerchief nearby. The sweet and tender story really got me and I enjoyed every minute reading about the beautiful Ballycove and it’s amazing residents.
Hogan wrote a mesmerizing epic love story that spans generations and families. Set in the beautiful western part of Ireland, where the beauty of nature lavishes in a place where your heart will settle, love will flourish, and definitely have all the right ingredients to call this place home. That is Ballycove.
Miranda Reilly met Richard Blair, a Londoner, in Ballycove as he spent his summers there for years with his grandparents and they became very close childhood friends. Through the years, their friendship developed more seriously until Richard is accepted in a prestigious university and their communication and visits between each other fell to the wayside.
The Blair family for generations have run the mills and over the years have really struggled to keep it afloat. With news that Richard is engaged to be married, Miranda entertains another suitor, Paddy Corrigan who is working for the Blairs and is helping them keep the mills afloat.
Hogan wrote and weaved beautifully the past and present about Miranda’s life, how the mills thrived into a multi-million dollar business and became the pride of Ballycove, and how the Blairs and Corrigans’ history have intertwined with secrets and revelation sure to tear your heart out. Hogan was a master of writing an amazing cast of characters in this intimate small town setting. I loved how the characters and their flaws all contribute well to the plot of the story.
The story pacing and how the present story interweaves with the past throughout the story was perfectly thought out and well placed, and moved the story beautifully. In just the right amount of time, the story revealed the next layer upon the next in a story timeline that kept my interest. The story tugged at my heartstrings and be sure to keep a handkerchief nearby. The sweet and tender story really got me and I enjoyed every minute reading about the beautiful Ballycove and it’s amazing residents.
January 11, 2020
Beautiful! Beautiful! Beautiful!
Corrigan Mills in Ballycove wove the finest wool. Miranda and husband Paddy became the owners through a hand of fate. And now after Paddy's death and her health scare, she had to take some decisions. Her children Ada, Callie and Simon too needed to decide what they wanted from life. Then there was Richard Blair, the original owner and his son Daniel.
It was exactly 03:16 am when I wrote this review. A book which was supposed to be just an appetizer for the Sunday read turned out to be tale, a saga which I was compelled to finish, however late the hour. That was the power of author Faith Hogan.
Her lyrical twining of the past with the present, capturing the essence of Ballycove, showing me the depth in her characters, the heart of the book was at the right place. Indide my heart!! I loved the main character Miranda; her patience and intelligence bowled me over.
I felt humbled that I got the opportunity to read the story of that woman who was a young girl in love, a wife and a mother, yet maintaining her forbearance and dignity all through the pages. I could see the author's writing, sparkling like the sun's rays on the surface of the gentle stream.
Every word spoke its emotion deep in my heart. There was something in this book which tolled its bells of resonance in me. The story showed me the different generations, relationships, and family, all tied lovingly with the bond of love.
Yes, it was simply that heart-touching. I could just sigh and hold my kindle to my heart as I read the last line.
Corrigan Mills in Ballycove wove the finest wool. Miranda and husband Paddy became the owners through a hand of fate. And now after Paddy's death and her health scare, she had to take some decisions. Her children Ada, Callie and Simon too needed to decide what they wanted from life. Then there was Richard Blair, the original owner and his son Daniel.
It was exactly 03:16 am when I wrote this review. A book which was supposed to be just an appetizer for the Sunday read turned out to be tale, a saga which I was compelled to finish, however late the hour. That was the power of author Faith Hogan.
Her lyrical twining of the past with the present, capturing the essence of Ballycove, showing me the depth in her characters, the heart of the book was at the right place. Indide my heart!! I loved the main character Miranda; her patience and intelligence bowled me over.
I felt humbled that I got the opportunity to read the story of that woman who was a young girl in love, a wife and a mother, yet maintaining her forbearance and dignity all through the pages. I could see the author's writing, sparkling like the sun's rays on the surface of the gentle stream.
Every word spoke its emotion deep in my heart. There was something in this book which tolled its bells of resonance in me. The story showed me the different generations, relationships, and family, all tied lovingly with the bond of love.
Yes, it was simply that heart-touching. I could just sigh and hold my kindle to my heart as I read the last line.
March 1, 2021
Well it takes a lot for me to not like any character in a book, but this book definitely managed that. I almost Did Not Finish at 25 percent but pushed through because I hoped that maybe, just maybe things would get better. They did not. The characters were not developed and what was there made them all unlikeable. The plot was really thin. The ending was just there. I can't say much more about it.
"The Place We Call Home" follows the Corrigan family. The matriarch, Miranda, has been running the family's mills operations in Ballycove for decades. Now in her 70s, Miranda is being pushed to slow down and retire by her oldest daughter, Ada. However, Miranda does not want to until she is assured the mills have a protector in them. She doesn't see her children doing that and brings back an old friend's son, David, to help her. Due to this, tensions run high among all of the Corrigan family.
So Miranda does not appear to like her children Ada or Simon much. Ada she thinks works too hard and should just accept that menopause is affecting her. This is said repeatedly. I can see why she is aggravated by Simon. Simon is always done for a scheme and no work. She's bailed him out plenty of times. Her favorite child, is her youngest, Callie. When Callie comes home, Miranda starts including her in different aspects of the mills which sets off Ada.
Ada stayed behind and ran the mills. Now in her 50s, she and husband, Tony, are just marking time until Miranda steps down. When it looks like Miranda will not, or will give over some of it to old family enemy (David) she gets more and more angry.
Simon just sucks. There's a whole scheme thing that I just don't want to get into, but he belongs in jail.
Callie, has an affair with a married man and still somehow tries to act as if she is done wrong in the end by the whole thing.
It doesn't help that Hogan jumps around to all of these characters, and then to chapters called "The Past" that shows Miranda younger and torn between two men. Or not really torn.
The book just goes along with lots of arguments and people throwing around accusations and I was just fully fed up by the time we get to the lackluster ending.
I wish that Ballycove and the other people who lived there came alive. But they did not. Which is a shame since we hear repeatedly that Miranda has their best interests at heart and that's why she refuses to just sell the mills. If that was the case, they should have played more of a role. Instead we are stuck with the Corrigan family and some bit players/characters.
"The Place We Call Home" follows the Corrigan family. The matriarch, Miranda, has been running the family's mills operations in Ballycove for decades. Now in her 70s, Miranda is being pushed to slow down and retire by her oldest daughter, Ada. However, Miranda does not want to until she is assured the mills have a protector in them. She doesn't see her children doing that and brings back an old friend's son, David, to help her. Due to this, tensions run high among all of the Corrigan family.
So Miranda does not appear to like her children Ada or Simon much. Ada she thinks works too hard and should just accept that menopause is affecting her. This is said repeatedly. I can see why she is aggravated by Simon. Simon is always done for a scheme and no work. She's bailed him out plenty of times. Her favorite child, is her youngest, Callie. When Callie comes home, Miranda starts including her in different aspects of the mills which sets off Ada.
Ada stayed behind and ran the mills. Now in her 50s, she and husband, Tony, are just marking time until Miranda steps down. When it looks like Miranda will not, or will give over some of it to old family enemy (David) she gets more and more angry.
Simon just sucks. There's a whole scheme thing that I just don't want to get into, but he belongs in jail.
Callie, has an affair with a married man and still somehow tries to act as if she is done wrong in the end by the whole thing.
It doesn't help that Hogan jumps around to all of these characters, and then to chapters called "The Past" that shows Miranda younger and torn between two men. Or not really torn.
The book just goes along with lots of arguments and people throwing around accusations and I was just fully fed up by the time we get to the lackluster ending.
I wish that Ballycove and the other people who lived there came alive. But they did not. Which is a shame since we hear repeatedly that Miranda has their best interests at heart and that's why she refuses to just sell the mills. If that was the case, they should have played more of a role. Instead we are stuck with the Corrigan family and some bit players/characters.
July 2, 2020
There is nothing better than a wonderful story set in an idyllic location and this one ticked the boxes on both counts.
The story flicks between past and present with Miranda in her younger years and present day with alternating chapters between her and her adult children. I would say it focuses more on the women than Simon, the son and brother. He was a character that never really grew on me. He is a risk taker, more with other peoples money than his own and is like a young boy that has never really grown up. Expecting someone to always bail him out.
Without a doubt it’s the women that make this story for me. Miranda and Callie are quite similar with Ada being uptight and too sensible. Whilst Ada is at times, quite unlikable, there was something about her that kept drawing me to her. Callie and Miranda, I both loved. In a way they are both more free spirited. I instantly liked both characters and thoroughly enjoyed getting to know them better.
Corrigan Mills, whilst a business, there is a family feel about it which is something that Miranda is very focused on. In a way the whole story centres around it, without it ever getting in the way of the characters own stories. It’s just gently there in the background and you can’t help but get a homely feel from it all.
The Place We Call Home is a wholesome, engaging read, focusing on relationships in one family unit. It’s a story that I couldn’t help devour but at the same time I wanted to try and make it last for as long as I could as I was enjoying the trials and tribulations of this family’s life far to much. It’s a lovely gentle read of which the author’s writing has you hooked and not wanting to put it down anytime soon. The ending especially was more than a tad emotional but it left me with a wonderful array of emotions.
My thanks to the author and Aria Fiction for a readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
The story flicks between past and present with Miranda in her younger years and present day with alternating chapters between her and her adult children. I would say it focuses more on the women than Simon, the son and brother. He was a character that never really grew on me. He is a risk taker, more with other peoples money than his own and is like a young boy that has never really grown up. Expecting someone to always bail him out.
Without a doubt it’s the women that make this story for me. Miranda and Callie are quite similar with Ada being uptight and too sensible. Whilst Ada is at times, quite unlikable, there was something about her that kept drawing me to her. Callie and Miranda, I both loved. In a way they are both more free spirited. I instantly liked both characters and thoroughly enjoyed getting to know them better.
Corrigan Mills, whilst a business, there is a family feel about it which is something that Miranda is very focused on. In a way the whole story centres around it, without it ever getting in the way of the characters own stories. It’s just gently there in the background and you can’t help but get a homely feel from it all.
The Place We Call Home is a wholesome, engaging read, focusing on relationships in one family unit. It’s a story that I couldn’t help devour but at the same time I wanted to try and make it last for as long as I could as I was enjoying the trials and tribulations of this family’s life far to much. It’s a lovely gentle read of which the author’s writing has you hooked and not wanting to put it down anytime soon. The ending especially was more than a tad emotional but it left me with a wonderful array of emotions.
My thanks to the author and Aria Fiction for a readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
December 11, 2019
A great saga that kept me hooked till the last page.
It's engrossing and enjoyable, full of emotions and it never bores.
I loved the great cast of characters, the vivid setting and the well crafted plot.
It's the first book I read by this author and won't surely be the last.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
It's engrossing and enjoyable, full of emotions and it never bores.
I loved the great cast of characters, the vivid setting and the well crafted plot.
It's the first book I read by this author and won't surely be the last.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
January 18, 2020
A family centric story but one also of with strong historical links set in an idyllic setting of Ballycove a village in Ireland which forms the backdrop to the story.
Miranda has taken over the mills through a quirk of fate. Now with intense hard work she has brought it from the brink of bankruptcy to its present state of being one of the foremost mills in the country with a reputation for quality and innovation unmatched by other designers. With ill health dogging her footsteps, Miranda knows she has to decide on who is going to take over the mills when she steps down but with three children of widely differing personalities and capabilities she is in a quandary.
With great power and wealth the usual characteristics of greed, envy and ambition rear their heads and even in the closest of families strife and mistrust soon will appear. This family is no different. How Miranda steers the family amongst each of their own personal woes and problems is the brilliant stuff of this story.
Wonderful writing.
Miranda has taken over the mills through a quirk of fate. Now with intense hard work she has brought it from the brink of bankruptcy to its present state of being one of the foremost mills in the country with a reputation for quality and innovation unmatched by other designers. With ill health dogging her footsteps, Miranda knows she has to decide on who is going to take over the mills when she steps down but with three children of widely differing personalities and capabilities she is in a quandary.
With great power and wealth the usual characteristics of greed, envy and ambition rear their heads and even in the closest of families strife and mistrust soon will appear. This family is no different. How Miranda steers the family amongst each of their own personal woes and problems is the brilliant stuff of this story.
Wonderful writing.
January 12, 2020
Set in Ballycove, Western Ireland, The Place We Call Home is a beautifully written, realistic and deeply emotional family saga which spans the generations with its a perfectly interweaving plot which delves into the past and connects it with the present. I love how Faith Hogan delves deep into the Irish way of life in Ballycove, it adds to the story and the characters, which I think makes everything feel very real and authentic.
The setting is absolutely perfect, each scene is vivid and adds a marvellous echoing atmosphere to the story, the setting itself is like an extension of the story like an extra character, always there in the background and adds so much to every scene.
I really won’t say too much about the story as a whole as it is complex and each character own story is so interwoven though out that I wouldn’t which to give anything away. But this whole story revolves around the Corrigan and Blair family, who have been mill owners for generations, there are huge secrets and lies, there is heart-ache and love. The centre of the community is the mill which isn’t just apart of the family, it’s not a vessel of mystery, but it is peoples lives, roofs over heads and food on the table. I love how the mill is cemented into the book, how realistically it’s importance to the community is written.
I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the family and discovering the secrets that have been so cleverly hidden and then revealed throughout the book, Faith Hogan never fails to grasp the readers attention and their heart with her perfectly written stories, the way she can take every human emotion and the tangled relationship which is within every family is a master class of writing. The wring is strong, intelligent and thought-provoking, you are drawn into the world she has created for her characters, you follow each of them as though you were walking right beside them.
Each character is brilliantly written, true they are not all likeable, but as this is glimpse of real-life is would be odd if everyone was sweetness and nice, as we all know the world isn’t full of good people and this is again where Faith’s talent at writing every nuance of human life comes into its own.
This is a wonderfully poignant story with a family at its heart, full of love and lies. I will admit that it did start off a little slow for my liking but it soon picks up and I soon easily fell into it’s gentle and at times a soothing pace. If you love your family saga’s then this is the book for you, definitely highly recommended.
The setting is absolutely perfect, each scene is vivid and adds a marvellous echoing atmosphere to the story, the setting itself is like an extension of the story like an extra character, always there in the background and adds so much to every scene.
I really won’t say too much about the story as a whole as it is complex and each character own story is so interwoven though out that I wouldn’t which to give anything away. But this whole story revolves around the Corrigan and Blair family, who have been mill owners for generations, there are huge secrets and lies, there is heart-ache and love. The centre of the community is the mill which isn’t just apart of the family, it’s not a vessel of mystery, but it is peoples lives, roofs over heads and food on the table. I love how the mill is cemented into the book, how realistically it’s importance to the community is written.
I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the family and discovering the secrets that have been so cleverly hidden and then revealed throughout the book, Faith Hogan never fails to grasp the readers attention and their heart with her perfectly written stories, the way she can take every human emotion and the tangled relationship which is within every family is a master class of writing. The wring is strong, intelligent and thought-provoking, you are drawn into the world she has created for her characters, you follow each of them as though you were walking right beside them.
Each character is brilliantly written, true they are not all likeable, but as this is glimpse of real-life is would be odd if everyone was sweetness and nice, as we all know the world isn’t full of good people and this is again where Faith’s talent at writing every nuance of human life comes into its own.
This is a wonderfully poignant story with a family at its heart, full of love and lies. I will admit that it did start off a little slow for my liking but it soon picks up and I soon easily fell into it’s gentle and at times a soothing pace. If you love your family saga’s then this is the book for you, definitely highly recommended.
November 19, 2019
Thanks to netgalley and Aria books for an early copy in return for an honest review
Huge fan of this lady and her books are never disappointing and this book The place we call home is certainly 'the creme de la creme '
A dual time saga set in the west of Ireland at Corrigan mills it's a family at war with itself in many ways greed lust heartache this OUTSTANDING book has it all in abundance you really want to shout and shake some of them especially Simon but it's a totally mesmerising journey with Miranda at the helm I totally recommend this Fantastically entertaining book.
Huge fan of this lady and her books are never disappointing and this book The place we call home is certainly 'the creme de la creme '
A dual time saga set in the west of Ireland at Corrigan mills it's a family at war with itself in many ways greed lust heartache this OUTSTANDING book has it all in abundance you really want to shout and shake some of them especially Simon but it's a totally mesmerising journey with Miranda at the helm I totally recommend this Fantastically entertaining book.
July 3, 2020
Wow!
I feel like I’ve just binge-watched my next favourite series on Netflix. It’s a case of once you start you just can’t stop!
Do I need to duck for cover when I make this admission? *winces* Okay, here goes – this was my first Faith Hogan read...
I know, right? Calm your jets! (Yup, I totally wanted to say something else here, but *shrugs* this is the PG version *snorts*.) In my defence, I will just say it’s that old adage of ‘too many books not enough time’ and I want to thank the person who waved this book under my nose.
Told via past and present, and multiple POVs, TPWCH is a bewitching and beautifully written (saga) story about the lives, relationships, and secrets of the Corrigan family. Yet, that feels too simplistic an explanation. Harrumph, I’m not at my most articulate this morning it would appear *smirks*.
Every decision we make in life has a consequence, some good some bad, and the ramifications can be felt for generations to come. Sorry, I know I’m being a little mysterious, but you’ll understand once you’ve read the book (which I fervently hope you will).
I found myself holding my breath so many times whilst reading. As well as sharp intakes of breath, lots of ooohhh’s, awwww’s, giggles and smiles. I was also reaching for my metaphorical cushion to hide behind, lol. Were there tears? Maybe... *snorts*
I loved the matriarch of the family, Miranda. What a life she has led! If I had to use one word to describe her it would be love. Her heart is overflowing with love for not just for her family, but the land and people of Ballycove.
Her children were another matter entirely, lol. I’ll just say it was complicated and leave it at that because the way we started out wasn’t where we ended up.
*sigh*
Don’t laugh, but I feel all lost at sea now I’ve finished as if part of me is still in Ballycove. I’ll just have to take 5, make a cuppa and reacclimatise myself to the real world.
Ugh, the perils of being a reader!
I feel like I’ve just binge-watched my next favourite series on Netflix. It’s a case of once you start you just can’t stop!
Do I need to duck for cover when I make this admission? *winces* Okay, here goes – this was my first Faith Hogan read...
I know, right? Calm your jets! (Yup, I totally wanted to say something else here, but *shrugs* this is the PG version *snorts*.) In my defence, I will just say it’s that old adage of ‘too many books not enough time’ and I want to thank the person who waved this book under my nose.
Told via past and present, and multiple POVs, TPWCH is a bewitching and beautifully written (saga) story about the lives, relationships, and secrets of the Corrigan family. Yet, that feels too simplistic an explanation. Harrumph, I’m not at my most articulate this morning it would appear *smirks*.
Every decision we make in life has a consequence, some good some bad, and the ramifications can be felt for generations to come. Sorry, I know I’m being a little mysterious, but you’ll understand once you’ve read the book (which I fervently hope you will).
I found myself holding my breath so many times whilst reading. As well as sharp intakes of breath, lots of ooohhh’s, awwww’s, giggles and smiles. I was also reaching for my metaphorical cushion to hide behind, lol. Were there tears? Maybe... *snorts*
I loved the matriarch of the family, Miranda. What a life she has led! If I had to use one word to describe her it would be love. Her heart is overflowing with love for not just for her family, but the land and people of Ballycove.
Her children were another matter entirely, lol. I’ll just say it was complicated and leave it at that because the way we started out wasn’t where we ended up.
*sigh*
Don’t laugh, but I feel all lost at sea now I’ve finished as if part of me is still in Ballycove. I’ll just have to take 5, make a cuppa and reacclimatise myself to the real world.
Ugh, the perils of being a reader!
April 1, 2020
My spouse read this book and here's her review.
Set in Ireland after World War Two, life is ripped apart in its aftermath. The story is set interestingly around two families, a village and a mill. The threads are developed well and come to a satisfying if not obvious conclusion. Each character is believable and fully defined.
This review was edited and written by Shawn Callon, the author of The Diplomatic Spy.
Set in Ireland after World War Two, life is ripped apart in its aftermath. The story is set interestingly around two families, a village and a mill. The threads are developed well and come to a satisfying if not obvious conclusion. Each character is believable and fully defined.
This review was edited and written by Shawn Callon, the author of The Diplomatic Spy.
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January 14, 2020We ran out of heating oil on Saturday (due to a combination of a monitor on the blink and the distraction of Christmas – don’t ask.) As a result, our house has been freezing, just as Storm Brendan blew in. Brrrrrr!
Why am I telling you this? Because the one thing that has warmed me through while I’ve been waiting for a fuel delivery is reading this charming novel. It has left me with a happy glow, a bit like the Ready Brek kid from the advert, and I was both loathe and happy to get to the gorgeous ending.
Many of my favourite authors are Irish. Maeve Binchy, Cathy Kelly, Emma Hannigan, Marian Keyes all have pride of place on my bookshelf, because their writing is full of life and passion and warmth and real life characters. Faith Hogan is the latest name to be added to my list of go-tos when I am looking for a warm and genuine story full of Irish charm. This book brings Ireland to life within its pages, filling the story with the countryside, scenery and community of rural Ireland and its people. It tells the story of a village, the woollen mill that has put in on the map and kept its populace in jobs, and the family whose responsibility it is to keep the mill running. The story is told across dual timelines as we discover Meredith’s struggles with her grown children now, and her story growing up in Ballycove as a child and young woman, and how the repercussions from events then have shaped the future.
There is a great and realistic mix of characters in this book, not all of whom were likeable. In fact, I was surprised to read a couple of reviews of this book which said that the readers loved all of the characters, because I did not. (Just goes to show how we all react so differently to the same story!) Despite this, they were all believable, because not everyone in real life is likeable after all! I was fully involved in all of their stories from the beginning and, despite wanting to slap some sense into a least one of them, I was happy with the way everything played out in the end, and the very last paragraph made me sigh with happiness.
If you are looking for a gorgeous, feel-good read, with a good depth of story (someone else has referred to this as a saga, and I think it could indeed be classed as a mini version of such), set in a beautiful landscape with characters and a community you can care about, look no further. You absolutely will not be disappointed.
Why am I telling you this? Because the one thing that has warmed me through while I’ve been waiting for a fuel delivery is reading this charming novel. It has left me with a happy glow, a bit like the Ready Brek kid from the advert, and I was both loathe and happy to get to the gorgeous ending.
Many of my favourite authors are Irish. Maeve Binchy, Cathy Kelly, Emma Hannigan, Marian Keyes all have pride of place on my bookshelf, because their writing is full of life and passion and warmth and real life characters. Faith Hogan is the latest name to be added to my list of go-tos when I am looking for a warm and genuine story full of Irish charm. This book brings Ireland to life within its pages, filling the story with the countryside, scenery and community of rural Ireland and its people. It tells the story of a village, the woollen mill that has put in on the map and kept its populace in jobs, and the family whose responsibility it is to keep the mill running. The story is told across dual timelines as we discover Meredith’s struggles with her grown children now, and her story growing up in Ballycove as a child and young woman, and how the repercussions from events then have shaped the future.
There is a great and realistic mix of characters in this book, not all of whom were likeable. In fact, I was surprised to read a couple of reviews of this book which said that the readers loved all of the characters, because I did not. (Just goes to show how we all react so differently to the same story!) Despite this, they were all believable, because not everyone in real life is likeable after all! I was fully involved in all of their stories from the beginning and, despite wanting to slap some sense into a least one of them, I was happy with the way everything played out in the end, and the very last paragraph made me sigh with happiness.
If you are looking for a gorgeous, feel-good read, with a good depth of story (someone else has referred to this as a saga, and I think it could indeed be classed as a mini version of such), set in a beautiful landscape with characters and a community you can care about, look no further. You absolutely will not be disappointed.
January 9, 2020
It must be the curse of every Irish author to be compared with Maeve Binchy, but on this occasion… I’m sorry, I really have to! I remember so well the joy of discovering books like Light A Penny Candle and Circle of Friends, losing myself in the stories, totally unable to set them aside and leave the worlds they created. And this book gave me exactly that same feeling – warmth and comfort, a strong sense of place, an all-consuming story, characters that made me feel for them so very strongly. I thought this book was wonderful: and I really should add that Faith Hogan’s writing style and talent for story-telling are entirely her own.
This book is perhaps a little different from her others. I think it’s probably fair to call it a saga – but I’m almost afraid to use that word, lest it diminishes the book in some way. It’s a dual-time story, with a perfect balance between the two threads, a seamless shifting between the past and the present day. The chapters headed “The Past” follow Miranda’s life, from childhood, firmly anchored in the wonderfully drawn town of Ballycove. It’s an enchanting story of families and their secrets, friendship and first love, moving slowly into adulthood, chronicling the many life changes, the moments of joy along with the heartbreak and loss.
The present day story focuses on Miranda in later life, now at the helm of the Corrigan Mills: she’s approaching the point when she needs to consider handing over to another. Corrigan Mills, largely through her efforts and actions, has always been the heart of the community: she needs to be sure that it continues to provide that support.
In that present day story, the focus is very much on families and their complexities. The author’s great strength has perhaps always been her characters, and I loved the Corrigan family. The mills have always been central to the life of daughter Ada, to the exclusion of all else: she lacks empathy and emotion, has a buttoned-up remoteness, and an obsession with keeping a tight grip on the purse strings. She feels she’s the obvious choice to take her mother’s place – but Miranda is understandably less convinced. Son Simon is a rogue – a totally unashamed one, with a distinct edge of likability however badly he might behave, but with no real interest in the mills other than as a source of income. Daughter Callie’s successful career as a designer has taken her away from Ballycove, into a new life, unlikely to want to return.
Their lives slowly play out, with a few surprises and those strong echoes from the past. It’s a perfectly paced story, an unexpected outcome – and it really is an absolute joy to allow the story to carry you away to its conclusion.
I really don’t think Faith Hogan’s writing has ever been better. Her love for her characters is palpable, the story told with a warmth that radiates from the pages, with that constant focus on the emotional connection that makes a place “home”. An unreserved recommendation from me – and the most perfect way to start a new reading year.
This book is perhaps a little different from her others. I think it’s probably fair to call it a saga – but I’m almost afraid to use that word, lest it diminishes the book in some way. It’s a dual-time story, with a perfect balance between the two threads, a seamless shifting between the past and the present day. The chapters headed “The Past” follow Miranda’s life, from childhood, firmly anchored in the wonderfully drawn town of Ballycove. It’s an enchanting story of families and their secrets, friendship and first love, moving slowly into adulthood, chronicling the many life changes, the moments of joy along with the heartbreak and loss.
The present day story focuses on Miranda in later life, now at the helm of the Corrigan Mills: she’s approaching the point when she needs to consider handing over to another. Corrigan Mills, largely through her efforts and actions, has always been the heart of the community: she needs to be sure that it continues to provide that support.
In that present day story, the focus is very much on families and their complexities. The author’s great strength has perhaps always been her characters, and I loved the Corrigan family. The mills have always been central to the life of daughter Ada, to the exclusion of all else: she lacks empathy and emotion, has a buttoned-up remoteness, and an obsession with keeping a tight grip on the purse strings. She feels she’s the obvious choice to take her mother’s place – but Miranda is understandably less convinced. Son Simon is a rogue – a totally unashamed one, with a distinct edge of likability however badly he might behave, but with no real interest in the mills other than as a source of income. Daughter Callie’s successful career as a designer has taken her away from Ballycove, into a new life, unlikely to want to return.
Their lives slowly play out, with a few surprises and those strong echoes from the past. It’s a perfectly paced story, an unexpected outcome – and it really is an absolute joy to allow the story to carry you away to its conclusion.
I really don’t think Faith Hogan’s writing has ever been better. Her love for her characters is palpable, the story told with a warmth that radiates from the pages, with that constant focus on the emotional connection that makes a place “home”. An unreserved recommendation from me – and the most perfect way to start a new reading year.
January 20, 2020
The Place We Call Home is a beautiful, epic love story that I was absolutely absorbed by. Faith Hogan’s writing is absolutely wonderful and I just want to open this book up and read again.
I love how Faith Hogan weaves the past and present together and tells a story that is just fabulous. The amazing cast of characters in this intimate town setting just add to this story. I love how realistic they are and I felt like I knew them.
I could just keep going about how amazing I think this story is. The pacing, the plot, the characters…everything about this book deserves 5 stars. I’m so lucky I was able to read this story and I can’t wait for more from Faith Hogan!
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review on the blog tour hosted by Aria Fiction. All opinions are my own.*
I love how Faith Hogan weaves the past and present together and tells a story that is just fabulous. The amazing cast of characters in this intimate town setting just add to this story. I love how realistic they are and I felt like I knew them.
I could just keep going about how amazing I think this story is. The pacing, the plot, the characters…everything about this book deserves 5 stars. I’m so lucky I was able to read this story and I can’t wait for more from Faith Hogan!
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review on the blog tour hosted by Aria Fiction. All opinions are my own.*
January 12, 2020
Ok firstly, let me start by saying that no amount of words I could use demonstrate how much love I have for this author and all of her books.
It is an absolute honour to be asked to be a part of the blog tour for this fantastic new release and I am extremely thrilled to share this review.
This is an extremely heartwarming family saga set in the beautiful West of Ireland. As with all of Hogan’s books, I haven’t been able to put this one down. I was completely engaged from the very first page and finished this in just a few hours.
The past and present have been weaved beautifully throughout this book. Hogan has allowed the reader to unpick the story layer by layer. The characters in this book are perfect and the plot has made me shed a tear at certain points. This might be my favourite of all the books Faith Hogan has written and although I say that about all of her books, this one has been an absolute delight to read.
It is impossible to rate this with any less than five stars. This is a fantastic author and a beautiful read. I wish ratings would allow me to give this more than five stars.
I highly recommend this gorgeous read! I am excited to see what else Faith Hogan will bring us in 2020.
It is an absolute honour to be asked to be a part of the blog tour for this fantastic new release and I am extremely thrilled to share this review.
This is an extremely heartwarming family saga set in the beautiful West of Ireland. As with all of Hogan’s books, I haven’t been able to put this one down. I was completely engaged from the very first page and finished this in just a few hours.
The past and present have been weaved beautifully throughout this book. Hogan has allowed the reader to unpick the story layer by layer. The characters in this book are perfect and the plot has made me shed a tear at certain points. This might be my favourite of all the books Faith Hogan has written and although I say that about all of her books, this one has been an absolute delight to read.
It is impossible to rate this with any less than five stars. This is a fantastic author and a beautiful read. I wish ratings would allow me to give this more than five stars.
I highly recommend this gorgeous read! I am excited to see what else Faith Hogan will bring us in 2020.
February 15, 2020
This was my first read of 2020 and the perfect one after having a family Christmas as it revolves around the Corrigan family and all the dynamics which most families experience.
The beautiful setting of Ballycove in Ireland resounded with me as I grew up in a small Irish village and the unique village connections I could relate too.
The woollen mill is the centre of the Ballycove community. Miranda Corrigan has rescued it from closing and puts all her efforts into its success .
The dual storyline weaves a beautiful insight into Miranda’s life. From her first love Richard Blair and her marriage to Paddy Corrigan we share in her heartaches and happiness.
Miranda’s children , Simon, Ada and Callie are all a very important part of her life, and her motherly concern for them is brilliantly portrayed.
Overall this is a gentle story which explores family relationships, love, letting go, finding yourself and being content in your life. Faith Hogans understanding of relationships and circumstances is first class . I throughly recommend this book and thank netgalley and the publishers for my chance to read it.
The beautiful setting of Ballycove in Ireland resounded with me as I grew up in a small Irish village and the unique village connections I could relate too.
The woollen mill is the centre of the Ballycove community. Miranda Corrigan has rescued it from closing and puts all her efforts into its success .
The dual storyline weaves a beautiful insight into Miranda’s life. From her first love Richard Blair and her marriage to Paddy Corrigan we share in her heartaches and happiness.
Miranda’s children , Simon, Ada and Callie are all a very important part of her life, and her motherly concern for them is brilliantly portrayed.
Overall this is a gentle story which explores family relationships, love, letting go, finding yourself and being content in your life. Faith Hogans understanding of relationships and circumstances is first class . I throughly recommend this book and thank netgalley and the publishers for my chance to read it.
January 9, 2020
A family saga set in Western Ireland. The setting is vivid and provides the perfect ethos for this story. Family secrets, love, lies, hardship, loss, and after much angst and drama, the light at the end of the tunnel, make this a poignant but ultimately satisfying story. This immersive read draws the reader into a quintessentially Irish way of life, with a solid plot, that showcases the spectrum of human emotions. Authentic, complex characters and a chance to escape into another world.
This is a story to be savoured, the pace is gentle and you get to know the characters well, both in the past and present. Not all of them are likeable, but this is a reflection of life, so you wouldn’t expect them to be.
The mill is the lifeblood of the community, a character on its own. It witnesses so much, over the years, and is the source of happiness, sadness, poverty and riches. The details of its running and historical significance give the book depth and make the story more believable.
A flowing family saga of life, love and lies, beautifully told.
I received a copy of this book from Aria via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
This is a story to be savoured, the pace is gentle and you get to know the characters well, both in the past and present. Not all of them are likeable, but this is a reflection of life, so you wouldn’t expect them to be.
The mill is the lifeblood of the community, a character on its own. It witnesses so much, over the years, and is the source of happiness, sadness, poverty and riches. The details of its running and historical significance give the book depth and make the story more believable.
A flowing family saga of life, love and lies, beautifully told.
I received a copy of this book from Aria via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
January 31, 2020
Faith Hogan has done it again! The Place We Call Home is another outstanding book from this amazingly talented Irish author (she writes crime now too, don't you know!). Faith Hogan's books always draw me in completely and make me feel like I'm part of the family, and never more so than in this family saga of the Corrigans of Ballycove.
It's like a complete family history as we meet the present day owner of Corrigan Mills, septuagenarian Miranda Corrigan, and flash back to her childhood when the mills were owned by local landowners, The Blairs. Miranda and Richard Blair become close friends one long hot summer and there's a definite spark between them that suggests they could become more than friends, but fate has other plans in store for Miranda.
Now you would think that Miranda became owner of the mills due to her relationship with Richard Blair, but it's a much more interesting and emotional story than that. Faith Hogan writes so vividly and emotively that I felt as if I was looking at Ballycove through Miranda's eyes and feeling every emotion that she felt. The characters are so full of life that I had to keep reminding myself that they weren't real people and I didn't really know them as well as I felt I did.
I don't want to spoil the story by giving away any of the plot so all I'll really say is that it is a family drama that puts Coronation Street writers to shame. There's jealousy and envy, unrequited love, money troubles and family secrets just waiting to be spilled; more than enough drama without needing to have a body buried under the patio. Even with so much going on, the pacing is very gentle; like waves lapping against the shore but each time the tide goes out, a little more of the family history is revealed.
The Place We Call Home is a book filled with love; first love, mother's love and some love from Faith, as undoubtedly a little piece of Faith Hogan's heart has been woven into the very pages of this beautiful heartwarming book.
I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
It's like a complete family history as we meet the present day owner of Corrigan Mills, septuagenarian Miranda Corrigan, and flash back to her childhood when the mills were owned by local landowners, The Blairs. Miranda and Richard Blair become close friends one long hot summer and there's a definite spark between them that suggests they could become more than friends, but fate has other plans in store for Miranda.
Now you would think that Miranda became owner of the mills due to her relationship with Richard Blair, but it's a much more interesting and emotional story than that. Faith Hogan writes so vividly and emotively that I felt as if I was looking at Ballycove through Miranda's eyes and feeling every emotion that she felt. The characters are so full of life that I had to keep reminding myself that they weren't real people and I didn't really know them as well as I felt I did.
I don't want to spoil the story by giving away any of the plot so all I'll really say is that it is a family drama that puts Coronation Street writers to shame. There's jealousy and envy, unrequited love, money troubles and family secrets just waiting to be spilled; more than enough drama without needing to have a body buried under the patio. Even with so much going on, the pacing is very gentle; like waves lapping against the shore but each time the tide goes out, a little more of the family history is revealed.
The Place We Call Home is a book filled with love; first love, mother's love and some love from Faith, as undoubtedly a little piece of Faith Hogan's heart has been woven into the very pages of this beautiful heartwarming book.
I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
July 5, 2020
This novel was such a wonderful and leisurely read. There was no need to rush it or race through but it needed to be devoured and savored. The best way I can sum the writing style of this novel is that it resembles a Maeve Binchy novel and I mean that with very high praise as I love Binchy's writing )I sincerely apologise if this causes offense).
The novel is told across a dual timeline. The past, when Miranda is younger, develops a story of a young girl growing into a woman. It is filled with heartbreak and joy but really sets out the path for our main protagonist Miranda and her life's direction.
The present chapters are told from the viewpoint of The Corrigan family; Miranda, Simon, Ada and Cally and so begins a take of 4 individuals and their own lives but also how their lives entwine as they navigate their relationships with themselves, each other and Ballycove. The characters are all written so well, each with their own vulnerability and issues to work through. As a reader these characters were alive and in my heart. It's obvious that developing the characters was a labour of love for Faith and they are alive with emotion and vibrancy.
The vivid setting description just blew me away from the opening paragraph and it continued throughout the novel. every curve, rise and fall of the landscape was described and the authors love for this place just shone through.
This is a wonderful book about families with a strong focus on relationships and character development that sucks you right in and makes you all cosy inside. HIghly recommended.
The novel is told across a dual timeline. The past, when Miranda is younger, develops a story of a young girl growing into a woman. It is filled with heartbreak and joy but really sets out the path for our main protagonist Miranda and her life's direction.
The present chapters are told from the viewpoint of The Corrigan family; Miranda, Simon, Ada and Cally and so begins a take of 4 individuals and their own lives but also how their lives entwine as they navigate their relationships with themselves, each other and Ballycove. The characters are all written so well, each with their own vulnerability and issues to work through. As a reader these characters were alive and in my heart. It's obvious that developing the characters was a labour of love for Faith and they are alive with emotion and vibrancy.
The vivid setting description just blew me away from the opening paragraph and it continued throughout the novel. every curve, rise and fall of the landscape was described and the authors love for this place just shone through.
This is a wonderful book about families with a strong focus on relationships and character development that sucks you right in and makes you all cosy inside. HIghly recommended.
March 14, 2025
This was my Book Club pick for our Sisters Book Club. Not our 1st Faith Hogan book or our 1st visit to Bally Cove. It will not be our last! Loved this chapter of Bally Cove and the characters we are introduced to.
Told in 2 timelines. We are introduced to Miranda Corrigan and her family in present time and then in the past Miranda as a little girl who befriends Steven, the grandson of the owners of the local mill.
Circumstances change her life, along with Steven's, and Patty Corrigan.
Patty and Miranda take over the Mill while starting their family. Their 3 children in the present time are so different from each other strengths and weaknesses and secrets that make Miranda fear what will become of them all and the Mills and the people of Bally Cove who work at the Mills. Excellent read!
Told in 2 timelines. We are introduced to Miranda Corrigan and her family in present time and then in the past Miranda as a little girl who befriends Steven, the grandson of the owners of the local mill.
Circumstances change her life, along with Steven's, and Patty Corrigan.
Patty and Miranda take over the Mill while starting their family. Their 3 children in the present time are so different from each other strengths and weaknesses and secrets that make Miranda fear what will become of them all and the Mills and the people of Bally Cove who work at the Mills. Excellent read!
March 14, 2025
I have loved Faith Hogan's books since reading The ladies midnight swimming club. The place we call home is one of her earlier novels and takes place in Ballycove, the same fictional Irish town that appears in her other books. I was a bit disappointed at first that I didn't get the same vibe as I did from her later books, and felt the story was a little flat. The story did pick up and I enjoyed the ending. 31/2 stars rounded up.
June 15, 2023
I really enjoyed this book! It had a great story that made you want to keep reading. I enjoy books with a setting in Ireland. Would definitely recommend reading it.
January 13, 2020
Young Miranda Reilly longs for something to fill her long, summer days in her slumberous town of Ballycove. Adolescent Richard Blair leaves the noise of London behind, to spend his summers in picturesque Ballycove with his grandparents. The two youngsters meet and become instant friends.
As the years pass, despite the separation and distance, their fledgling relationship blooms like the soft pink of a rose and continues to flourish. Miranda gains employment in the town’s mills and Richard gets accepted into a prestigious university. Come the thorns in the pink of the rose.
As their lives turn in different directions, so does their relationship. When Miranda hears that Richard is engaged and to be married, not one to sit on her laurels, she makes the most of her situation. When Paddy Corrigan, manager of the mills, sets his mind to winning her heart, Miranda doesn’t put up much resistance to the handsome, ambitious young man.
Shortly thereafter, young Miranda finds herself a happy wife, a loving mother, and when sudden calamity hits, the sole owner of the mills. Older Miranda successfully runs the mills and tries to keep a happy balance of staying close, but not overly involved in the lives of her three adult children: perfectionist Ada, self-serving Simon and successful Callie.
When newcomer Daniel shows up, the family learns he is the son of Richard Blair and with him come long-buried memories of the past for Miranda, and years-long secreted divulgences are revealed.
In the scenic setting of countryside Ireland, Hogan weaves the lives of her characters, seamlessly between past and present. Captivating her readers through the vivid depiction of Ballycove and its residents, mixing in the history and importance of the material mills, and blending it beautifully with a storyline that keeps you turning page after page.
I am a devoted fan of Faith Hogan. I know that when I read her books – each usually more than once, I’m going to experience a range of sincere emotions, and always delight in every chapter.
The Place We Call Home is a heart-warming, delightful, enjoy-every-word, must-read and I whole-heartedly recommend it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Aria for the read of Faith Hogan’s, The Place We Call Home.
Opinions expressed in my reviews are my own.
As the years pass, despite the separation and distance, their fledgling relationship blooms like the soft pink of a rose and continues to flourish. Miranda gains employment in the town’s mills and Richard gets accepted into a prestigious university. Come the thorns in the pink of the rose.
As their lives turn in different directions, so does their relationship. When Miranda hears that Richard is engaged and to be married, not one to sit on her laurels, she makes the most of her situation. When Paddy Corrigan, manager of the mills, sets his mind to winning her heart, Miranda doesn’t put up much resistance to the handsome, ambitious young man.
Shortly thereafter, young Miranda finds herself a happy wife, a loving mother, and when sudden calamity hits, the sole owner of the mills. Older Miranda successfully runs the mills and tries to keep a happy balance of staying close, but not overly involved in the lives of her three adult children: perfectionist Ada, self-serving Simon and successful Callie.
When newcomer Daniel shows up, the family learns he is the son of Richard Blair and with him come long-buried memories of the past for Miranda, and years-long secreted divulgences are revealed.
In the scenic setting of countryside Ireland, Hogan weaves the lives of her characters, seamlessly between past and present. Captivating her readers through the vivid depiction of Ballycove and its residents, mixing in the history and importance of the material mills, and blending it beautifully with a storyline that keeps you turning page after page.
I am a devoted fan of Faith Hogan. I know that when I read her books – each usually more than once, I’m going to experience a range of sincere emotions, and always delight in every chapter.
The Place We Call Home is a heart-warming, delightful, enjoy-every-word, must-read and I whole-heartedly recommend it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Aria for the read of Faith Hogan’s, The Place We Call Home.
Opinions expressed in my reviews are my own.
January 15, 2020
Well I have to say that the imagery that this author has created in this book is exceptional, I loved reading the sections about the mills, the countryside and life that Miranda experienced as a child.
Then add the present day settings as Miranda, the owner of Corrigan’s Mill, is starting to feel her years, her health is not as it once was. In the wings her three children try to workout what their mum is going to do with a lucrative business and also worry about her remaining years and their futures.
These timelines have been brilliantly woven to create such a wonderful stroll through the Irish countryside and community as I was transported into the Corrigan family through the years.
This is such a gentle read and it was an absolute pleasure to disappear between the pages and discover a life that has had it’s up’s and downs over the years. Miranda was a lovely character and I soon warmed to her in her childhood and admired her resilience in her adult years. She brought up three children who are very individual and very different characters.
Ada is the more serious one, Simon is always looking for the next big deal and Callie a big name in the fashion world. Each child has a good life and in theory they should be happy, but each one seems to have a crisis and this is what finally brings them home and together again. It is only Ada who has remained at home over the years.
This is a family that should be strong together but are actually fractured. They have had opportunity and chances and yet can’t seem to see what they have. As hard as it is for Miranda to try and keep them all happy, and even with her health, they seem as distant with each other as ever.
This is such a wonderful story that opens old wounds and confronts new ones that are still raw, resentment and anger are as rife as frustrations and honesty start to make themselves shown. It is an emotional book and I did have the odd watery eye moment, but this is not what I would call a heartrendingly sad book. There are heartbreaking moments, but the story is also heartwarming as realisations are finally acknowledged.
This was a terrific read and one that I sat and read in one sitting. It was a story that drew me in and had me totally captivated with the gentle pacing and also the compelling story line. This is really good read and one I would definitely recommend.
Then add the present day settings as Miranda, the owner of Corrigan’s Mill, is starting to feel her years, her health is not as it once was. In the wings her three children try to workout what their mum is going to do with a lucrative business and also worry about her remaining years and their futures.
These timelines have been brilliantly woven to create such a wonderful stroll through the Irish countryside and community as I was transported into the Corrigan family through the years.
This is such a gentle read and it was an absolute pleasure to disappear between the pages and discover a life that has had it’s up’s and downs over the years. Miranda was a lovely character and I soon warmed to her in her childhood and admired her resilience in her adult years. She brought up three children who are very individual and very different characters.
Ada is the more serious one, Simon is always looking for the next big deal and Callie a big name in the fashion world. Each child has a good life and in theory they should be happy, but each one seems to have a crisis and this is what finally brings them home and together again. It is only Ada who has remained at home over the years.
This is a family that should be strong together but are actually fractured. They have had opportunity and chances and yet can’t seem to see what they have. As hard as it is for Miranda to try and keep them all happy, and even with her health, they seem as distant with each other as ever.
This is such a wonderful story that opens old wounds and confronts new ones that are still raw, resentment and anger are as rife as frustrations and honesty start to make themselves shown. It is an emotional book and I did have the odd watery eye moment, but this is not what I would call a heartrendingly sad book. There are heartbreaking moments, but the story is also heartwarming as realisations are finally acknowledged.
This was a terrific read and one that I sat and read in one sitting. It was a story that drew me in and had me totally captivated with the gentle pacing and also the compelling story line. This is really good read and one I would definitely recommend.
January 15, 2020
Miranda has been at the helm of Corrigan Mills since her husband and business partner died years ago. A world renowned manufacturer of woolen goods, it employs a majority of the local townspeople. When Miranda has a heart attack, her three children become aware of how they'd each like to see the future of the mills evolve, and childhood jealousies enter into an already difficult picture. Ada, the oldest, has been working the financial and business end of the mills ever since she was able to work. She wants to take over the whole enterprise. Simon, the middle child and only son, is a consistent loser in most things financial and can only see the selling of his shares in the mills as yet another way to get his hands on some easy cash. Callie, the baby of the family, is also the most successful in the fashion industry. But her career, and love affair with her boss' husband, both come to a sudden halt when she is dumped by the boyfriend and fired by her boss. The severance package and a restriction on where she can design and sell her fashions are both substantial. While Callie has no definite goals regarding the mills, she wants to relocate permanently from London to her hometown.
This was such a pleasure to read. The story line and characters were interesting and kept me coming back to this wonderful story. Thank you to Netgalley, the author Faith Hogan, and the publisher Aria, for granting my request for a complimentary digital copy of this enchanting novel. This is my honest opinion.
This was such a pleasure to read. The story line and characters were interesting and kept me coming back to this wonderful story. Thank you to Netgalley, the author Faith Hogan, and the publisher Aria, for granting my request for a complimentary digital copy of this enchanting novel. This is my honest opinion.
January 6, 2020
Faith Hogan is fast becoming an auto-buy for me, I just love the story and characters in her books, always something to keep you riveted.
This book is set in Ireland around a wollen mill, so being of Irish descent and loving anything wool/yarn related this was a no-brainer for me!
Miranda was the glue of the whole story, the matriarch of Corrigan Mills, who ran everything with a wise but very people orientated way about her, and let her children have their own way, but just to a certain extent. I really enjoyed the back and forth in the story between the past, when Miranda was younger, and the present day, when she was older/having a few health problems/trying to decide on her successor at Corrigan Mills. Miranda's husband, and her childrens Father, Paddy, had died many years ago and Miranda was left to rescue the finances of Corrigan Mills. It was a shame as I really liked Paddy's character, and wish we'd heard more about him.
Miranda had three children, Ada, Simon & Callie. Ada was the eldest and very irritating, such a closed off cranky sort of character that, even though I knew she had certain issues going on, I just couldn't warm to her and she just annoyed me throughout the book. Simon was a freeloading charmer, who waltzed through life hoping the next big 'deal' was going to make him a millionaire and living off the goodwill of his rich friends in the meantime. Callie was my favourite, I loved her character - well apart from the 10 year affair she was having with a married man!
The story flipped back and forth between when the Mills were owned by the Blairs, and Miranda's friendship with the Mill owners grandson, Richard, over the years. How Miranda and her husband Paddy came to run and eventually own the Mills and just the lives of everyone around, including Richard's son who came back to Ballycove looking for a change of pace after a divorce.
A really lovely family story set over the years, with everyone eventually working through their own issues and finding new paths, either in a new direction entirely or returning to their old home. Very enjoyable.
This book is set in Ireland around a wollen mill, so being of Irish descent and loving anything wool/yarn related this was a no-brainer for me!
Miranda was the glue of the whole story, the matriarch of Corrigan Mills, who ran everything with a wise but very people orientated way about her, and let her children have their own way, but just to a certain extent. I really enjoyed the back and forth in the story between the past, when Miranda was younger, and the present day, when she was older/having a few health problems/trying to decide on her successor at Corrigan Mills. Miranda's husband, and her childrens Father, Paddy, had died many years ago and Miranda was left to rescue the finances of Corrigan Mills. It was a shame as I really liked Paddy's character, and wish we'd heard more about him.
Miranda had three children, Ada, Simon & Callie. Ada was the eldest and very irritating, such a closed off cranky sort of character that, even though I knew she had certain issues going on, I just couldn't warm to her and she just annoyed me throughout the book. Simon was a freeloading charmer, who waltzed through life hoping the next big 'deal' was going to make him a millionaire and living off the goodwill of his rich friends in the meantime. Callie was my favourite, I loved her character - well apart from the 10 year affair she was having with a married man!
The story flipped back and forth between when the Mills were owned by the Blairs, and Miranda's friendship with the Mill owners grandson, Richard, over the years. How Miranda and her husband Paddy came to run and eventually own the Mills and just the lives of everyone around, including Richard's son who came back to Ballycove looking for a change of pace after a divorce.
A really lovely family story set over the years, with everyone eventually working through their own issues and finding new paths, either in a new direction entirely or returning to their old home. Very enjoyable.
January 15, 2020
Such a fantastic read! It's no wonder that Faith Hogan is one my very favourite authors!
Miranda has lived in Ballycove all her life, and has never wanted to live anywhere else. Her life has panned out differently from what she expected, but Miranda wouldn't have it any other way. She is now approaching a time when she should give up work, but only one of her three children wants to follow in her footsteps; Miranda is not convinced that she will keep the successful business thriving, and every local family depends on the income provided to keep food on the table. What is she to do?
This is a wonderfully warm family saga from an author who really understands what makes each and every one of us tick. Creating fabulously diverse characters she does justice to the wonderful Irish countryside, incorporating all the beautiful scenery into this story. Told both in the present and in the past, we learn about all the trials and tribulations Miranda has survived and all about her children, who she knows and understands much better than they realise. A terrifically rounded tale, and wholly complete which ends in the most perfect fashion, I loved everything about this novel and really cannot recommend it, or anything else by this author, highly enough. A full five shining stars - and it deserves each and every one.
Miranda has lived in Ballycove all her life, and has never wanted to live anywhere else. Her life has panned out differently from what she expected, but Miranda wouldn't have it any other way. She is now approaching a time when she should give up work, but only one of her three children wants to follow in her footsteps; Miranda is not convinced that she will keep the successful business thriving, and every local family depends on the income provided to keep food on the table. What is she to do?
This is a wonderfully warm family saga from an author who really understands what makes each and every one of us tick. Creating fabulously diverse characters she does justice to the wonderful Irish countryside, incorporating all the beautiful scenery into this story. Told both in the present and in the past, we learn about all the trials and tribulations Miranda has survived and all about her children, who she knows and understands much better than they realise. A terrifically rounded tale, and wholly complete which ends in the most perfect fashion, I loved everything about this novel and really cannot recommend it, or anything else by this author, highly enough. A full five shining stars - and it deserves each and every one.
April 30, 2020
It was a lovely, if slow moving, Irish family saga. What annoyed me were the overwrought descriptions of characters’ emotions and motivations that were continually (and unnecessarily) repeated.
March 27, 2020
Young Miranda Reilly, longs for something to fill her long, summer days in her slumberous town of Ballycove. Adolescent Richard Blair, leaves the noise of London behind to spend his summers in picturesque Ballycove with his grandparents. The two youngsters meet and become instant friends.
As the years pass, despite the separation and distance, their fledgling relationship blooms like the soft pink of a rose and continues to flourish. Miranda gains employment in the town’s mills and Richard gets accepted into a prestigious university. Come the thorns in the pink of the rose. As their lives turn in different directions, so does their relationship. When Miranda hears that Richard is engaged and to be married, not one to sit on her laurels, she makes the most of her situation. When Paddy Corrigan, manager of the mills, sets his mind to winning her heart, Miranda doesn’t put up much resistance to the handsome, ambitious young man.
Shortly thereafter, young Miranda finds herself a happy wife, a loving mother, and when sudden calamity hits, the sole owner of the mills. Older Miranda successfully runs the mills and tries to keep a happy balance of staying close, but not overly involved in the lives of her three adult children: perfectionist Ada, self-serving Simon and successful Callie.
When newcomer Daniel shows up, the family learns he is the son of Richard Blair and with him come long-buried memories of the past for Miranda, and years-long secreted divulgences, are revealed.
In the scenic setting of countryside Ireland, Hogan weaves the lives of her characters, seamlessly between past and present. Captivating her readers through the vivid depiction of Ballycove and its residents, mixing in the history and importance of the material mills, and blending it beautifully with a storyline that keeps you turning page after page.
I am a devoted fan of Faith Hogan. I know that when I read her books – each usually more than once, I’m going to experience a range of sincere emotions, and always delight in every chapter.
The Place We Call Home is a heart-warming, delightful, enjoy-every-word, must-read and I whole-heartedly recommend it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Aria for the read of Faith Hogan’s, The Place We Call Home.
Opinions expressed in my reviews are my own.
As the years pass, despite the separation and distance, their fledgling relationship blooms like the soft pink of a rose and continues to flourish. Miranda gains employment in the town’s mills and Richard gets accepted into a prestigious university. Come the thorns in the pink of the rose. As their lives turn in different directions, so does their relationship. When Miranda hears that Richard is engaged and to be married, not one to sit on her laurels, she makes the most of her situation. When Paddy Corrigan, manager of the mills, sets his mind to winning her heart, Miranda doesn’t put up much resistance to the handsome, ambitious young man.
Shortly thereafter, young Miranda finds herself a happy wife, a loving mother, and when sudden calamity hits, the sole owner of the mills. Older Miranda successfully runs the mills and tries to keep a happy balance of staying close, but not overly involved in the lives of her three adult children: perfectionist Ada, self-serving Simon and successful Callie.
When newcomer Daniel shows up, the family learns he is the son of Richard Blair and with him come long-buried memories of the past for Miranda, and years-long secreted divulgences, are revealed.
In the scenic setting of countryside Ireland, Hogan weaves the lives of her characters, seamlessly between past and present. Captivating her readers through the vivid depiction of Ballycove and its residents, mixing in the history and importance of the material mills, and blending it beautifully with a storyline that keeps you turning page after page.
I am a devoted fan of Faith Hogan. I know that when I read her books – each usually more than once, I’m going to experience a range of sincere emotions, and always delight in every chapter.
The Place We Call Home is a heart-warming, delightful, enjoy-every-word, must-read and I whole-heartedly recommend it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Aria for the read of Faith Hogan’s, The Place We Call Home.
Opinions expressed in my reviews are my own.
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