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The Irish Nanny
There is a fierce wind blowing in from the sea, as I step off the boat towards my new life in America. The baby is a warm weight in my arms and I pause to adjust her, trying not to think about what we left behind. I can’t look back now, I need to keep this child safe…
Ireland 1939. When hardworking chambermaid Rose meets an American businessman in the hotel where she works in Cork, he makes her an offer she can’t refuse. Rose doesn’t want to leave home, but her widowed mammy and three younger sisters need the money she’d earn in her new job as a nanny to David Townsend’s two young children.
Just as Rose is settling into her new life caring for Raphael and new-born baby Sarah, the world is plunged into war and David is called back to New York, leaving Rose to follow by boat with his wife and children. But disaster strikes when the ship they are on is hit by a torpedo. Separated from her group in the awful chaos, Rose has an impossible decision to make. Does she stay and search for the family she owes so much to? Or does she leave on the lifeboat to save the tiny baby left in her care?
Landing on American shores, all Rose’s hopes of leaving the howling air-raid sirens and deafening bombs behind her are shattered as tragic news arrives from Pearl Harbor. Looking down at the innocent child in her arms, Rose knows that she must find the strength to survive and reunite this little girl with her family. But as fear and panic grips the country, what heartbreaking sacrifices will she have to make to protect her precious charge?
An emotional, heart-wrenching story of love and family set across Ireland and America during the Second World War. Perfect for fans of Jean Grainger, Lisa Wingate and Diney Costeloe.
Ireland 1939. When hardworking chambermaid Rose meets an American businessman in the hotel where she works in Cork, he makes her an offer she can’t refuse. Rose doesn’t want to leave home, but her widowed mammy and three younger sisters need the money she’d earn in her new job as a nanny to David Townsend’s two young children.
Just as Rose is settling into her new life caring for Raphael and new-born baby Sarah, the world is plunged into war and David is called back to New York, leaving Rose to follow by boat with his wife and children. But disaster strikes when the ship they are on is hit by a torpedo. Separated from her group in the awful chaos, Rose has an impossible decision to make. Does she stay and search for the family she owes so much to? Or does she leave on the lifeboat to save the tiny baby left in her care?
Landing on American shores, all Rose’s hopes of leaving the howling air-raid sirens and deafening bombs behind her are shattered as tragic news arrives from Pearl Harbor. Looking down at the innocent child in her arms, Rose knows that she must find the strength to survive and reunite this little girl with her family. But as fear and panic grips the country, what heartbreaking sacrifices will she have to make to protect her precious charge?
An emotional, heart-wrenching story of love and family set across Ireland and America during the Second World War. Perfect for fans of Jean Grainger, Lisa Wingate and Diney Costeloe.
348 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 30, 2021
4351 people are currently reading
1457 people want to read
About the author
Sandy Taylor
37 books268 followersSandy’s eighth novel, THE IRISH BOARDING HOUSE, was published by Bookouture on 1 September 2022 reaching #1 in the British and Irish Historical Literature category within six days of publication.
Sandy Taylor grew up in 1950s and 1960s Brighton, and now lives in Somerset. She is the author of THE IRISH NANNY (Bookouture 30 July 2021), a Kindle #1 bestseller in three categories simultaneously and #24 in the Kindle Top 100, THE ORPHAN’S DAUGHTER (Bookouture 5 February 2020), which was shortlisted for the Romantic Novelists’ Association’s 2021 Romantic Saga category awards, THE LITTLE ORPHAN GIRL (Bookouture, 24 September 2018), a Kindle Top 100 bestseller and a #1 Kindle Saga Bestseller, THE RUNAWAY CHILDREN (Bookouture 8 December 2017), which spent almost two weeks at the #1 Kindle Saga Bestseller position in December 2017, WHEN WE DANCED AT THE END OF THE PIER (Bookouture March 2017), COUNTING CHIMNEYS (Bookouture June 2016) and THE GIRLS FROM SEE SAW LANE (Bookouture December 2015). Sandy Taylor is published in three languages.
Sandy Taylor grew up in 1950s and 1960s Brighton, and now lives in Somerset. She is the author of THE IRISH NANNY (Bookouture 30 July 2021), a Kindle #1 bestseller in three categories simultaneously and #24 in the Kindle Top 100, THE ORPHAN’S DAUGHTER (Bookouture 5 February 2020), which was shortlisted for the Romantic Novelists’ Association’s 2021 Romantic Saga category awards, THE LITTLE ORPHAN GIRL (Bookouture, 24 September 2018), a Kindle Top 100 bestseller and a #1 Kindle Saga Bestseller, THE RUNAWAY CHILDREN (Bookouture 8 December 2017), which spent almost two weeks at the #1 Kindle Saga Bestseller position in December 2017, WHEN WE DANCED AT THE END OF THE PIER (Bookouture March 2017), COUNTING CHIMNEYS (Bookouture June 2016) and THE GIRLS FROM SEE SAW LANE (Bookouture December 2015). Sandy Taylor is published in three languages.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 254 reviews
July 28, 2021
Working at the hotel in Cork with her best friend Polly, Rose Brown was surprised to receive the offer of a position with a family in London. She didn’t want to leave Ballykillen, her home in Ireland, or her Mammy and sisters, but knew the money she sent would benefit them greatly. Alice and David Townsend were newly arrived from America in 1939, with their nine-year-old son Raffi. Alice was pregnant and had lost a child some years before, which meant she was afraid. But gradually Rose and Raffi helped her to see a brighter future – Alice’s attitude changed as she coached Rose in her letters and reading. Sarah was born a happy baby; a delight to all, and Winnie, their new nanny was a delight. But not long after David was called back to New York, everything changed…
War was on the horizon and David couldn’t return to London, so he organized for them to sail to America. Rose was reluctant to accompany them but was eventually persuaded. The torpedo which struck the ship caused chaos and not everyone escaped in the lifeboats. Rose was frightened but knew she had a small baby to care for, so when another ship was heading to America, she was onboard with Sarah. What would life be like for Rose, far away from her home of Ballykillen and her family? Would she make any friends in Brooklyn where David and Aunt Martha lived? Would she ever return to Ireland?
The Irish Nanny is another brilliant historical novel from Sandy Taylor. I’m so glad I found this author – her work is heartfelt, emotional, funny, natural and down to earth. The characters are wonderful, just like part of the family. The enjoyment I received from this book made me wish I had more to read once it was over, and I have no hesitation in recommending The Irish Nanny highly.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
War was on the horizon and David couldn’t return to London, so he organized for them to sail to America. Rose was reluctant to accompany them but was eventually persuaded. The torpedo which struck the ship caused chaos and not everyone escaped in the lifeboats. Rose was frightened but knew she had a small baby to care for, so when another ship was heading to America, she was onboard with Sarah. What would life be like for Rose, far away from her home of Ballykillen and her family? Would she make any friends in Brooklyn where David and Aunt Martha lived? Would she ever return to Ireland?
The Irish Nanny is another brilliant historical novel from Sandy Taylor. I’m so glad I found this author – her work is heartfelt, emotional, funny, natural and down to earth. The characters are wonderful, just like part of the family. The enjoyment I received from this book made me wish I had more to read once it was over, and I have no hesitation in recommending The Irish Nanny highly.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
November 7, 2022
I was waiting in anticipation for the next book by Sandy Taylor and it was well worth the wait. The author is an expert storyteller that pulls at your heartstrings in her next book The Irish Nanny.
It is 1939 Rose Brown lives in the small town of Ballykillen Ireland with her mammy and her three sisters. She loves living in the little town with her friends and the other residents that she never wants to leave. Her best friend Polly Butler has other ideas. She wants to leave the small town and find her own path in the big wide world. But things change when both the girls start work as chambermaids in the nearby town of Cork. Rose meets a friendly American. She makes such a good impression that he offers her a job as a nanny in London. But instead of looking after his son Raffy she is charge of looking after his wife Alice instead. She never got over the death of her baby.
This is a beautifully written, poignant tale and coming of age story of the Rose Brown and her journey across the seas to London and New York. The joy and the love of her new experiences but, also the heartbreak that comes with it. This book is full of emotion and gave me that warm feeling inside but by the ending I shed a small tear or two. I loved it. I highly recommend. 5 stars from me.
It is 1939 Rose Brown lives in the small town of Ballykillen Ireland with her mammy and her three sisters. She loves living in the little town with her friends and the other residents that she never wants to leave. Her best friend Polly Butler has other ideas. She wants to leave the small town and find her own path in the big wide world. But things change when both the girls start work as chambermaids in the nearby town of Cork. Rose meets a friendly American. She makes such a good impression that he offers her a job as a nanny in London. But instead of looking after his son Raffy she is charge of looking after his wife Alice instead. She never got over the death of her baby.
This is a beautifully written, poignant tale and coming of age story of the Rose Brown and her journey across the seas to London and New York. The joy and the love of her new experiences but, also the heartbreak that comes with it. This book is full of emotion and gave me that warm feeling inside but by the ending I shed a small tear or two. I loved it. I highly recommend. 5 stars from me.
August 8, 2021
"Bloody men and their bloody wars."
In 1933 Rose brown, ten years old Irish girl, meet her best and only friend Polly Butler. The story continues till 1945 when she is off to London and New York.
These two young girls made me laugh, very simple and heartwarming. Rose and Polly worked in a hotel when Rose met an American, David, who offers her a job in London with his family as a nanny, and that was made her life all completely changed.
‘Nineteen thirty-nine is going to be a wonderful year,’ how couldn’t have been more wrong!
It turns out that Rose is supposed to take care of the lady of the house because she had trauma and try to put herself together. Alice and Raffie, David's wife and son, soon get very fond of Rose and get used to her being there. Alice was so kind and beautiful but also extremely selfish and childish. She tried to teach Rose and encouraged her to read books.
‘I could never get rid of a book, Rose, it would be like turning my back on a good friend .’ She lifted one down from the shelf and held it up to her face and sighed. ‘It smells so delicious that I want to gobble it up, every page and every word so that it is part of me forever.'
A beautiful story about love and friendship, sometimes made me very sad, sometimes made me laugh, sometimes I was so angry with Alice but, overall I loved all and really enjoyed it. Very well-drawn characters and easy to read with short chapters. My correcting system keeps warning me that I can not use all of these words in sentences. So I mention them alone,
Amazing
Fabulous
Fascinating
Interesting
Heartbreaking
Sweet
Lovely
'Cry if you must but move on, for there will be better things waiting around the next bend in the road if you only look for them. Oh, and read books, read lots and lots of books. It’s the only way to find Wonderland.'
Many thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for giving me the chance to The Irish Nanny by Sandy Taylor in exchange for an honest review.
Published Date 30 Jul 2021
In 1933 Rose brown, ten years old Irish girl, meet her best and only friend Polly Butler. The story continues till 1945 when she is off to London and New York.
These two young girls made me laugh, very simple and heartwarming. Rose and Polly worked in a hotel when Rose met an American, David, who offers her a job in London with his family as a nanny, and that was made her life all completely changed.
‘Nineteen thirty-nine is going to be a wonderful year,’ how couldn’t have been more wrong!
It turns out that Rose is supposed to take care of the lady of the house because she had trauma and try to put herself together. Alice and Raffie, David's wife and son, soon get very fond of Rose and get used to her being there. Alice was so kind and beautiful but also extremely selfish and childish. She tried to teach Rose and encouraged her to read books.
‘I could never get rid of a book, Rose, it would be like turning my back on a good friend .’ She lifted one down from the shelf and held it up to her face and sighed. ‘It smells so delicious that I want to gobble it up, every page and every word so that it is part of me forever.'
A beautiful story about love and friendship, sometimes made me very sad, sometimes made me laugh, sometimes I was so angry with Alice but, overall I loved all and really enjoyed it. Very well-drawn characters and easy to read with short chapters. My correcting system keeps warning me that I can not use all of these words in sentences. So I mention them alone,
Amazing
Fabulous
Fascinating
Interesting
Heartbreaking
Sweet
Lovely
'Cry if you must but move on, for there will be better things waiting around the next bend in the road if you only look for them. Oh, and read books, read lots and lots of books. It’s the only way to find Wonderland.'
Many thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for giving me the chance to The Irish Nanny by Sandy Taylor in exchange for an honest review.
Published Date 30 Jul 2021
August 3, 2021
When I open a Sandy Taylor novel I know that I’m in for a treat and her new book The Irish Nanny certainly lived up to my expectations.
Rose is a young girl living in Ireland in 1939. Her family are poor but happy and hardworking.
Rose gets a job in a hotel and this sets in motion a very different life than the one she was expecting.
This story is about family, loyalty, courage and love. It was funny and sad in parts but full of hope with some great characters.
I can’t wait for the next book by this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
Rose is a young girl living in Ireland in 1939. Her family are poor but happy and hardworking.
Rose gets a job in a hotel and this sets in motion a very different life than the one she was expecting.
This story is about family, loyalty, courage and love. It was funny and sad in parts but full of hope with some great characters.
I can’t wait for the next book by this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 29, 2022
The Irish Nanny не е книга, за която мога да говоря. Тя ме накара да я почувствам. С всички мисли, емоции и въпроси, които са се появявали в мен :
- Усещането , че някои хора около мен, че са твърде красиви, твърде чисти и прекрасни, за да са за този свят! Че са при нас за кратко; за да ни дарят със светлината и добротата си преди да разтопят като сън.
- Добросърдечната завист към някой, когото въвеждам в света на библиотеката си и знам, че му предстои да открие нови светове и да се срещне с незабравими герои.
- Неподозираното удоволствие да погледна като възрастен на книги като " Алиса в страната на чудесата " , " Островът на съкровищата " или " Мечо Пух " . И щастието да кръстя детето си на герой от приказка!
- Най - красивото преживяване - да държа дете в ръцете си! Отговорността, щастието и очакването да го имам в дните си и всеки миг да виждам промяната и израстването му!
- Богатството да имаш до себе си мил , добър и сърдечен човек. И как топлотата, привързаността и загрижеността между членовете на едно семейство могат да създадат неповторима атмосфера.
Драматична и откровена книгата, чийто разказ е като водите на реката в малкия ирландски град Баликилън . Тече спокойно, но в дълбините й бушуват страховете, загубите, срещите и душевните откровения на героите. Candy Taylor описва съдбата на Роуз Браун в едни от най - тежките години за Европа и света - Втората световна война. И във всяка глава, с всички думи и случки разкрива как ирландците възприемат своя зелен остров. Как сърцата им са изпълнени с вечнозелените хълмове, с брулените от морето скали и руините на старите абатства и потъналите в забрава кръстове в гробищата на предците им като капките кръв във вените им. Където и да ги отведе живота, част от тях остава в родните земи. И никога не са цели, докато не се върнат обратно.
" Прегърнете промяната и се стремете към индивидуалност. Бъдете най-добрата версия на себе си, която можете да бъдете, но преди всичко никога не се впрягайте в нечий друг вагон; намерете своя собствен. Не си губете времето да копнеете за някой, който никога не може да бъде ваш. Само чрез грешките си намираме мъдрост, така че поемете дълбоко въздух, плачете, ако трябва, но продължете напред, защото ще има по-добри неща, които чакат зад следващия завой на пътя. Само ако ги потърсите."
- Усещането , че някои хора около мен, че са твърде красиви, твърде чисти и прекрасни, за да са за този свят! Че са при нас за кратко; за да ни дарят със светлината и добротата си преди да разтопят като сън.
- Добросърдечната завист към някой, когото въвеждам в света на библиотеката си и знам, че му предстои да открие нови светове и да се срещне с незабравими герои.
- Неподозираното удоволствие да погледна като възрастен на книги като " Алиса в страната на чудесата " , " Островът на съкровищата " или " Мечо Пух " . И щастието да кръстя детето си на герой от приказка!
- Най - красивото преживяване - да държа дете в ръцете си! Отговорността, щастието и очакването да го имам в дните си и всеки миг да виждам промяната и израстването му!
- Богатството да имаш до себе си мил , добър и сърдечен човек. И как топлотата, привързаността и загрижеността между членовете на едно семейство могат да създадат неповторима атмосфера.
Драматична и откровена книгата, чийто разказ е като водите на реката в малкия ирландски град Баликилън . Тече спокойно, но в дълбините й бушуват страховете, загубите, срещите и душевните откровения на героите. Candy Taylor описва съдбата на Роуз Браун в едни от най - тежките години за Европа и света - Втората световна война. И във всяка глава, с всички думи и случки разкрива как ирландците възприемат своя зелен остров. Как сърцата им са изпълнени с вечнозелените хълмове, с брулените от морето скали и руините на старите абатства и потъналите в забрава кръстове в гробищата на предците им като капките кръв във вените им. Където и да ги отведе живота, част от тях остава в родните земи. И никога не са цели, докато не се върнат обратно.
" Прегърнете промяната и се стремете към индивидуалност. Бъдете най-добрата версия на себе си, която можете да бъдете, но преди всичко никога не се впрягайте в нечий друг вагон; намерете своя собствен. Не си губете времето да копнеете за някой, който никога не може да бъде ваш. Само чрез грешките си намираме мъдрост, така че поемете дълбоко въздух, плачете, ако трябва, но продължете напред, защото ще има по-добри неща, които чакат зад следващия завой на пътя. Само ако ги потърсите."
January 28, 2022
I did not care for this book due to it being overemotional for my taste. DNF at 51%
October 10, 2021
Oh I had such high hopes. Could I have found another Irish writer that would bring me on adventures through Ireland and it’s people? But sadly not. While it started well it quickly turned into a Christian reading constantly referring to the church and Jesus. Rose is a lovely character whom just wants to do good in the world. She goes through many losses and to be honest supposedly grows up in front of us but just seems a bit immature to me. At twenty two she is still looking for meaning in her life after having been through so much. Her main focus always seems to be to stay at home with her mother. The end was a strange surprise only because while the possibility of it was always there the point that it appears at and ends makes you wonder why. The last chapter could have been way different than a wayward cat rescue.
July 1, 2021
Love is where the heart is
This is the story of an Irish chambermaid named Rose and her love for Ireland and family. A chance meeting with an American named David led to her employment as a Nanny in England , her life in America during the war and how she found her way home to Ireland.
It is a story of best friends, new friends and choices to be made. Rose learned to put the life and well being of others above her wishes. She searched for her true love and her path in life. It is about a little girl named Sarah that she grew to love as a daughter when Sarah's mother died and her father went off to war.
It is also a story of the family she loved so dearly, her mother, her sisters and her best friend Polly. About a small town by the sea that she missed so dearly when away and the people and places in her little Irish town.
Her life was often derailed just as she thought all was well and good. She was brought to the depths of despair amid tragedy and misfortune. The war took its toll in many ways. Just when she thought all was lost her faith carried her through.
I loved the characters and the beautiful descriptions of Ireland. It sounds like a beautiful place. This book was a good read . I love the ending. I would recommend this book.
Thanks to Sandy Taylor, Bookouture and NetGalley for allowing me to read a copy for my honest review
This is the story of an Irish chambermaid named Rose and her love for Ireland and family. A chance meeting with an American named David led to her employment as a Nanny in England , her life in America during the war and how she found her way home to Ireland.
It is a story of best friends, new friends and choices to be made. Rose learned to put the life and well being of others above her wishes. She searched for her true love and her path in life. It is about a little girl named Sarah that she grew to love as a daughter when Sarah's mother died and her father went off to war.
It is also a story of the family she loved so dearly, her mother, her sisters and her best friend Polly. About a small town by the sea that she missed so dearly when away and the people and places in her little Irish town.
Her life was often derailed just as she thought all was well and good. She was brought to the depths of despair amid tragedy and misfortune. The war took its toll in many ways. Just when she thought all was lost her faith carried her through.
I loved the characters and the beautiful descriptions of Ireland. It sounds like a beautiful place. This book was a good read . I love the ending. I would recommend this book.
Thanks to Sandy Taylor, Bookouture and NetGalley for allowing me to read a copy for my honest review
January 30, 2023
After reading many of the reviews for this book, I find myself one of the few readers who did not care for this book. The premise was solid; the execution was poor. As the lovely, darling Rose Brown's life flashes before us in fast forward, I marveled at Ireland's most perfect daughter's insight and kindness. But, not at the written dialogue. There were too many "my love", "my darling", "that's lovely, my darling"...even the Priest was "lovely". Throughout the story, the lovely Rose Brown who could speak in lovely sentences repeatedly said "me and Polly", "me and Sarah", "me and Hanna, etc. It drove me crazy. As darling Roses' lovely life continued moving quickly on, all of a sudden in a few short paragraphs the book ended. Wham! Like hitting the brakes in your car. The story was over. The author received a lot of four and five stars from readers, but I just couldn't do it. My two star rating is definitely in the minority. I would have given this title only one star but for the beauty of the wording in Martha's letter to the lovely Rose. The last two paragraphs of the letter are, in my opinion, the best words Taylor penned in the entire book. I won't read a second Taylor novel. However, Martha's letter was worth the time I spent reading this not so lovely written story.
July 26, 2021
The Irish Nanny by Sandy Taylor is a unique and entertaining WWII-era historical fiction that is full of suspense, mystery, love, loss, and how decisions that we make can have the potential to affect so many for years to come.
I loved reading the huge transitions Rose experienced internally and externally as she leaves Ireland and experiences so many pivotal moments. Through tragedy, tough choices, mistakes, following her inner voice, and growing up, Rose learns what family, roots, love, and loss really means. Rose discovers that through events that question all that she thought she knew what home really means, what really matters in life, and that all else can be pushed to the side. I loved seeing Rose grow up, find love, and figure out who she really is during this book. She is stronger then she thinks she is. She thinks she needs others, but through all these obstacles, she finds that all she really needs for support is herself, and through that she finds happiness, love, and her way home. It was beautiful, harrowing, heartwarming, and heartbreaking all at the same time. I really, really liked her as a main character, and I really enjoyed reading her journey. I also enjoyed the satisfying ending that brings everything full circle.
I highly recommend this historical fiction.
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Bookouture for this arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication.
From the Publisher:
Buy Links
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About the Book:
‘We have to go, Miss. We can’t wait any longer.’ I hold the baby tighter as the lifeboat is lowered slowly into the water, hitting the rough sea with a splash. My eyes never leave the ship, searching, hoping to see the others and know they are safe…
London 1940. As the war rages in Europe, Rose Brown steps on board a ship bound for America, hoping to escape the danger. She’s frightened, but her widowed mammy and three sisters in Ireland need the money she earns as nanny to the rich Townsend family. But while Rose plays with baby Sarah in the salty spray on deck, disaster strikes, and the ocean liner begins to sink. In the chaos, Rose and the baby are separated from the family.
Pulled from the sea with the child still in her arms, Rose is afraid as never before. And when she arrives in Brooklyn to search for Sarah’s family she feels completely adrift in this unfamiliar land where looming Brownstones line the streets, and workmen in flat caps jostle her on the sidewalks. But just when Sarah’s father is within reach, the howling air-raid sirens and deafening bombs she thought she’d left behind shatter her plans once again as tragic news arrives from Pearl Harbor.
As fear and panic grips America, what heartbreaking sacrifices will Rose have to make to protect her precious charge? And can she reunite the family before it is too late?
An emotional, heart-wrenching story of love and family set across Ireland and America during the Second World War. Perfect for fans of Jean Grainger, Lisa Wingate and Diney Costeloe.
Author Bio
Sandy Taylor grew up on a council estate near Brighton. There were no books in the house, so Sandy’s love of the written word was nurtured in the little local library. Leaving school at fifteen, Sandy worked in a series of factories before landing a job at Butlins in Minehead. This career change led her to becoming a singer, a stand up comic and eventually a playwright and novelist.
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I loved reading the huge transitions Rose experienced internally and externally as she leaves Ireland and experiences so many pivotal moments. Through tragedy, tough choices, mistakes, following her inner voice, and growing up, Rose learns what family, roots, love, and loss really means. Rose discovers that through events that question all that she thought she knew what home really means, what really matters in life, and that all else can be pushed to the side. I loved seeing Rose grow up, find love, and figure out who she really is during this book. She is stronger then she thinks she is. She thinks she needs others, but through all these obstacles, she finds that all she really needs for support is herself, and through that she finds happiness, love, and her way home. It was beautiful, harrowing, heartwarming, and heartbreaking all at the same time. I really, really liked her as a main character, and I really enjoyed reading her journey. I also enjoyed the satisfying ending that brings everything full circle.
I highly recommend this historical fiction.
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Bookouture for this arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication.
From the Publisher:
Buy Links
Amazon: https://geni.us/B096BR5HBHcover
Apple: http://ow.ly/vgbz50F1QNP
Kobo: http://ow.ly/pGGN50F1QMM
Google: http://ow.ly/E5NN50F1SjS
About the Book:
‘We have to go, Miss. We can’t wait any longer.’ I hold the baby tighter as the lifeboat is lowered slowly into the water, hitting the rough sea with a splash. My eyes never leave the ship, searching, hoping to see the others and know they are safe…
London 1940. As the war rages in Europe, Rose Brown steps on board a ship bound for America, hoping to escape the danger. She’s frightened, but her widowed mammy and three sisters in Ireland need the money she earns as nanny to the rich Townsend family. But while Rose plays with baby Sarah in the salty spray on deck, disaster strikes, and the ocean liner begins to sink. In the chaos, Rose and the baby are separated from the family.
Pulled from the sea with the child still in her arms, Rose is afraid as never before. And when she arrives in Brooklyn to search for Sarah’s family she feels completely adrift in this unfamiliar land where looming Brownstones line the streets, and workmen in flat caps jostle her on the sidewalks. But just when Sarah’s father is within reach, the howling air-raid sirens and deafening bombs she thought she’d left behind shatter her plans once again as tragic news arrives from Pearl Harbor.
As fear and panic grips America, what heartbreaking sacrifices will Rose have to make to protect her precious charge? And can she reunite the family before it is too late?
An emotional, heart-wrenching story of love and family set across Ireland and America during the Second World War. Perfect for fans of Jean Grainger, Lisa Wingate and Diney Costeloe.
Author Bio
Sandy Taylor grew up on a council estate near Brighton. There were no books in the house, so Sandy’s love of the written word was nurtured in the little local library. Leaving school at fifteen, Sandy worked in a series of factories before landing a job at Butlins in Minehead. This career change led her to becoming a singer, a stand up comic and eventually a playwright and novelist.
Social Media
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SandyTaylorA...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SandyTaylorAuth
September 22, 2021
The Irish Nanny is a WWII-era historical fiction novel that tells the story of Rose Brown, a young Irish girl, who ventures out of her small town in Ireland to work and support her family. After a chance encounter, she becomes a caregiver and eventually a nanny for a wealthy American family. Rose is thrown into a world of turmoil due to the war and you follow along as she struggles to survive and move forward.
For me, this book was just ok but I know that many people will love it. It was a really easy read and the plot progressed really quickly. I would have loved to have more historical information -- my favourite thing about reading historical fiction is learning things about an era. I found that was missing here, but I know that many others will enjoy it as the premise and story were really good -- plus Sandy Taylor's books are so highly rated. So I seem to be in the minority!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the e-Arc in exchange for an honest review.
For me, this book was just ok but I know that many people will love it. It was a really easy read and the plot progressed really quickly. I would have loved to have more historical information -- my favourite thing about reading historical fiction is learning things about an era. I found that was missing here, but I know that many others will enjoy it as the premise and story were really good -- plus Sandy Taylor's books are so highly rated. So I seem to be in the minority!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the e-Arc in exchange for an honest review.
March 20, 2025
3.5 I had a difficult time connecting with the characters. I read this on audible and I find that can sometimes be the case. I would like to read more by this author, but I think I will read physical book next time. The story was sad, yet redemptive. The storyline of Raphael and his Mum ended without much explanation of what happened there. It would have been nice to get closure.
August 24, 2021
A brave girl
This story caught my attention because of the tragedies faced and the bravery of the main character. Wrap up feels a little rushed.
This story caught my attention because of the tragedies faced and the bravery of the main character. Wrap up feels a little rushed.
February 19, 2023
This was such a good read. Rose is such a strong character, I loved her, her family, Polly, and Winnie.
September 3, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley, & Bookouture for the opportunity to read and review this book before it's publication date! This in no way affected my review, opinions are my own.
I picked this one from NetGalley on a total whim, only days before it was set to publish (bad NetGalley decisions 101) and I'm actually so stoked I did because it ended up being one of my favorite books this year!
I'm new to Sandy Taylor as an author but I will definitely be looking up her backlist because I just genuinely LOVED reading this book. Her writing erased the world around me and had me totally invested - even as she took me over the course of someone's life over 10 years in 330 pages (easy to lose a reader there).
My favorite part was the relationships between the characters, especially that of Rose & her family. They felt as real to me as my own mother and brothers - there was love, laughter, sadness, snark, quips, and so much warmth. And I liked reading about someone that actually LOVED their small town with it's small ways, that was taken away from that comfort not by their own choosing (aka I'M GOING ON AN ADVENTURE!).
I also really liked the atmosphere of her writing - most especially the Irish bits. I don't see that the author is Irish herself (I could be wrong) but the way she wrote about the area and the way the characters spoke to each other felt so much like Derry Girls it was amazing (Derry Girls being my only real exposure to Irish culture, but I feel like people have said it's fairly accurate??).
There's actually so much more to say about why I loved this so much, but I think a lot of it is best discovered by reading it yourself. Just saying!
Seriously though: The overall story was thoroughly enjoyable - I actually wish we had been given MORE. (That ending, though!!) I would not hesitate to anyone with an interest in historical fiction!
Content Warnings:
I picked this one from NetGalley on a total whim, only days before it was set to publish (bad NetGalley decisions 101) and I'm actually so stoked I did because it ended up being one of my favorite books this year!
I'm new to Sandy Taylor as an author but I will definitely be looking up her backlist because I just genuinely LOVED reading this book. Her writing erased the world around me and had me totally invested - even as she took me over the course of someone's life over 10 years in 330 pages (easy to lose a reader there).
My favorite part was the relationships between the characters, especially that of Rose & her family. They felt as real to me as my own mother and brothers - there was love, laughter, sadness, snark, quips, and so much warmth. And I liked reading about someone that actually LOVED their small town with it's small ways, that was taken away from that comfort not by their own choosing (aka I'M GOING ON AN ADVENTURE!).
I also really liked the atmosphere of her writing - most especially the Irish bits. I don't see that the author is Irish herself (I could be wrong) but the way she wrote about the area and the way the characters spoke to each other felt so much like Derry Girls it was amazing (Derry Girls being my only real exposure to Irish culture, but I feel like people have said it's fairly accurate??).
There's actually so much more to say about why I loved this so much, but I think a lot of it is best discovered by reading it yourself. Just saying!
Seriously though: The overall story was thoroughly enjoyable - I actually wish we had been given MORE. (That ending, though!!) I would not hesitate to anyone with an interest in historical fiction!
Content Warnings:
March 25, 2023
2 1/2, a sweet story
April 22, 2023
I gave up on this one after about 4 chapters. First of all, I didn’t care for the narrator of this audio version. Secondly, there is way too much “Irish” cussing in the dialogue e.g. using the name of Jesus as an expletive. Thirdly, the characters were rather annoying and the plot was not of interest to me.
Clean readers: see above comment about the language. As for the plot, I didn’t get far enough into the book to know if it is clean or not.
Clean readers: see above comment about the language. As for the plot, I didn’t get far enough into the book to know if it is clean or not.
July 16, 2024
This book is an emotionally stirring and captivating tale that took me on a rollercoaster of feelings, from heartbreak to hope and love.
As I delved into the novel, I found myself contemplating the depth of human resilience in the face of adversity. The protagonist, Rose, navigates a life rife with heartbreaks, and each chapter seems to compound her struggles. Yet, amidst the hardships, the story beautifully conveys the message that despite life's sudden changes, kindness and empathy remain essential, as our actions reverberate in unforeseen ways. Rose's character embodies hope, resilience, unwavering determination, and a fierce devotion to protecting her loved ones.
The unexpected finale of the novel left me deeply moved. Even now, as I pen this review, I still feel a sense of thrilling excitement. Sandy Taylor's storytelling prowess shines in this book, and I eagerly anticipate exploring more of her literary works. With its enthralling narrative, masterful plot twists, richly drawn characters, evocative settings, and an engrossing, easy-to-read style, this book is a true gem.
As I delved into the novel, I found myself contemplating the depth of human resilience in the face of adversity. The protagonist, Rose, navigates a life rife with heartbreaks, and each chapter seems to compound her struggles. Yet, amidst the hardships, the story beautifully conveys the message that despite life's sudden changes, kindness and empathy remain essential, as our actions reverberate in unforeseen ways. Rose's character embodies hope, resilience, unwavering determination, and a fierce devotion to protecting her loved ones.
The unexpected finale of the novel left me deeply moved. Even now, as I pen this review, I still feel a sense of thrilling excitement. Sandy Taylor's storytelling prowess shines in this book, and I eagerly anticipate exploring more of her literary works. With its enthralling narrative, masterful plot twists, richly drawn characters, evocative settings, and an engrossing, easy-to-read style, this book is a true gem.
August 13, 2021
"I suppose I had learned that I could be strong and perhaps even brave. I had learned that even a broken heart can mend and I had learned that grief doesn’t kill you. I had found love in unexpected places and that love would live in my heart forever. I had my memories, even if they were now no more than shadows that drifted in and out of my mind, but most of all, I had learned that I could survive."
Reading this story felt like I was on a jet ski skimming the surface of someone's life over the span of 10ish years... I wanted to dive in, to really see, feel, smell, and hear the experiences Rose was having. I often felt like the author was just listing or summarizing vignettes of Rose's life. The second half of the book had more drama and expectation that kept me engaged, and I ended up enjoying Rose's personal growth and journey. I also appreciate how the author captured the complexity of the human experience with a character like Alice. Overall I liked it and will be checking out more from Sandy Taylor.
Reading this story felt like I was on a jet ski skimming the surface of someone's life over the span of 10ish years... I wanted to dive in, to really see, feel, smell, and hear the experiences Rose was having. I often felt like the author was just listing or summarizing vignettes of Rose's life. The second half of the book had more drama and expectation that kept me engaged, and I ended up enjoying Rose's personal growth and journey. I also appreciate how the author captured the complexity of the human experience with a character like Alice. Overall I liked it and will be checking out more from Sandy Taylor.
October 12, 2021
I had high hopes for this book, as it seemed that it would be a unique perspective on WWII on an Irish woman in London. While that is partially true, the larger story is much more than that, as the war actually serves as a minuscule backdrop to Rose’s story. It’s there only to provide a couple of plot points and not much else. I felt like this story was more of a lyrical retelling of a young girl’s journey – one that takes her from her small town in Ireland to places she never dreamed she would visit. If looked at through this lens, the book is highly successful. The story is very linear. I liked the characters. I thought that Rose was enjoyable, and the author really hit on how a young girl might have felt leaving home and going to a big city. There were some details that didn’t ring true, and some side stories that never got a proper resolution. But it was a sweet story, just the same. For more details please visit Fireflies and Free Kicks. This review was written based on a digital copy of the book from Bookouture.
July 1, 2021
WWW2 Irish saga 1933 Ballykillen Ireland
Rose Brown and Polly Butler ten years old met while hiding in Mr Mulligans Orchards and become life long friends.
1937 Rose with Polly both get jobs in the Savage swanky hotel and she befriends David Townsend as he is staying as a guest the years after David offers her a job at his family home in London his wife expecting a new baby and they have a son after a visit home on the thrupenny rush to see Mammy she takes up his offer and it's by all means a strange job.
then WW2 is declared and all their lives are changed and with David already over in Brooklyn America on business the whole family are sent for including Rose.
This book takes us through a lot of trauma for Rose that is heart breaking, readers are going to enjoy the journey as I did, right till the end, Blackwater River Rose has truly come home, such an inspirational book and will need tissues. thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture
Rose Brown and Polly Butler ten years old met while hiding in Mr Mulligans Orchards and become life long friends.
1937 Rose with Polly both get jobs in the Savage swanky hotel and she befriends David Townsend as he is staying as a guest the years after David offers her a job at his family home in London his wife expecting a new baby and they have a son after a visit home on the thrupenny rush to see Mammy she takes up his offer and it's by all means a strange job.
then WW2 is declared and all their lives are changed and with David already over in Brooklyn America on business the whole family are sent for including Rose.
This book takes us through a lot of trauma for Rose that is heart breaking, readers are going to enjoy the journey as I did, right till the end, Blackwater River Rose has truly come home, such an inspirational book and will need tissues. thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture
August 5, 2021
Boy, I'm not sure what to say about this one. I liked it. This book kept me interested. It was written pretty well. The first part of the book we meet Rose Brown, her family and best friend Polly all from a small town/village in Bellykillen, Ireland.
Rose finds herself in London as a nanny to a very unusual family and that is where our adventure begins.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for this advanced readers copy. This book became available to purchase July 30, 2021.
Rose finds herself in London as a nanny to a very unusual family and that is where our adventure begins.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for this advanced readers copy. This book became available to purchase July 30, 2021.
September 13, 2024
The ending was a let down
June 17, 2023
I enjoyed this book a lot. But there are 3, 4 parts to it? One part I did not enjoy much. I felt the family she stayed w/in London was way too backward. I did not like the little boy’s character or Alice, the Mother. She was dealing w/extreme trauma & grief/mental illness, but I still had a hard time finding compassion for her. Her husband babies her & it made me wanna puke. I enjoyed the rest of the book so much!
June 16, 2022
What a sad but beautiful story of family love.
March 31, 2024
Read as audiobook. Kind of a slow read, kept waiting for the story to arc. Nice story, hated the last few lines
January 17, 2023
A young, naive, Irish girl, Rose Brown emerges from her tiny village of Ballykillen into the big, wide world to be a nanny in London, just prior to WWI. Her adventures expand her horizons, taking her to New York & meeting new people, but she continues to long for home.
I think Rose rings very true in her naivete & the way she talks about her family & religion. She is a simple, un-educated girl, & very sweet-natured - teeth-achingly sweet at times. I loved the dialogue between Rose & her sisters, & her best friend, Polly Butler.
I think Rose rings very true in her naivete & the way she talks about her family & religion. She is a simple, un-educated girl, & very sweet-natured - teeth-achingly sweet at times. I loved the dialogue between Rose & her sisters, & her best friend, Polly Butler.
December 15, 2023
WWII changes the world for young Irish girl who takes a job for a family in London and later moves to the USA. Captures the spirit of the Irish world during this time.
October 5, 2023
I listened to an audio with a great narrator and couldn't stop listening. I loved the story and the Irish accent and want to listen to more of Sandy Taylor's books. One of my favorite stories for this year!
June 27, 2021
The Irish Nanny by Sandy Taylor is the story of a young Irish girl who leaves home to find a new life and ends up across the ocean in New York, surrounded by death of those she has come to love. It is a heart-breaking story but shows a side of World War II that is not concentration camps, but just as poignant. She matures from a girl to a woman in these times as she copes with first one death and then another. She witnesses the harsh treatment of her Japanese friends, at the same time witnessing kindness from those in authority. Rose Brown was 10 years old when she met Polly Butler and went along with all her schemes from there on. The suggestion that they go to Cork and work in a hotel was so foreign to her that she said no out of hand. She went home and spoke to her mother, who realized there was not much in Ballykillen for her daughter, so off they went. There she met and American man, strange though he was, who some months later, wrote a letter to the supervisor at the hotel offering Rose a job in his home, with his wife and two children. After having her parish priest contact the man she decided to go and she was off to London. There she found the oddest, yet loving, household she had ever encountered. David the man she'd met, his wife, Alice, and their son, Raffi (Raphael), and their unborn child. She soon discovered it was Alice, who was very fragile, that was really in need of her care.
It's a long and complicated story, as stories at wartime tend to be. Alice got somewhat better, their daughter, Sarah was born, and David went home to the US. After a time, he sent for them, including Rose. Once again, Rose was the adult. She and Sarah made it to New York; Alice and Raffi were lost along the way. Martha, Alice's aunt welcomed them into her home and for a long time life was good. Then Pearl Harbor and the rounding up of Japanese, and David leaving to fight, and went missing. Things happened quickly and although Rose was still very young, she managed. She always managed. Until she couldn't any longer. She and Sarah went home, to Ballykillen, where her trials didn't exactly stop. A really lovely story about first loves, about people who can't always live up to who they should be, and of learning to cope. Beautifully written, interesting to read. I recommend it.
I was invited to read a free e-ARC of The Irish Nanny by Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #theirishnanny
It's a long and complicated story, as stories at wartime tend to be. Alice got somewhat better, their daughter, Sarah was born, and David went home to the US. After a time, he sent for them, including Rose. Once again, Rose was the adult. She and Sarah made it to New York; Alice and Raffi were lost along the way. Martha, Alice's aunt welcomed them into her home and for a long time life was good. Then Pearl Harbor and the rounding up of Japanese, and David leaving to fight, and went missing. Things happened quickly and although Rose was still very young, she managed. She always managed. Until she couldn't any longer. She and Sarah went home, to Ballykillen, where her trials didn't exactly stop. A really lovely story about first loves, about people who can't always live up to who they should be, and of learning to cope. Beautifully written, interesting to read. I recommend it.
I was invited to read a free e-ARC of The Irish Nanny by Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #theirishnanny
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