Life in Review: “Ellis Island” by Kate Kerrigan
Ellis Island by Kate Kerrigan is a wonderful story of love and sacrifice.
Ellie had a poor childhood but throughout her life the one bright spot was always John Hogan. They grew up as best friends and eventually married, but they lived in a poor village in a country at war. Times were very tough. When an opportunity arises to help, Ellie wants to do her part to help after all that John has done for her. It is only going to be a temporary situation until she can get the money they need. But, once Ellie gets a taste of how good things can be, will she be able to go back to her old life?
I really loved this story and I loved Ellie. At times I was frustrated but I could see how difficult the situation would be for her. She was torn between two things she loved.
I VERY highly recommend this book! It is beautifully written! I was hooked from the very start. It’s fast-paced and keeps you hooked. I could not put this one down. It’s also an emotional roller coaster. I grew attached to Ellie very early on and I felt the emotions of the story. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I will be looking for more of Kate Kerrigan’s books for sure!
(For my Christian book readers, this book is not a Christian fiction title, but there is not much content that I would warn about. )
Book Summary:
Sweethearts since childhood, Ellie Hogan and her husband, John, are content on their farm in Ireland—until John, a soldier for the Irish Republican Army, receives an injury that leaves him unable to work. Forced to take drastic measures in order to survive, Ellie does what so many Irish women in the 1920s have done and sails across a vast ocean to New York City to work as a maid for a wealthy socialite.
Once there, Ellie is introduced to a world of opulence and sophistication, tempted by the allure of grand parties and fine clothes, money and mansions . . . and by the attentions of a charming suitor who can give her everything. Yet her heart remains with her husband back home. And now she faces the most difficult choice she will ever have to make: a new life in a new country full of hope and promise, or return to a life of cruel poverty . . . and love.
Buy Ellis Island: A Novel
About Kate Kerrigan
Kate Kerrigan is the author of two previous novels in the United Kingdom. She lives in Ireland with her husband and their two sons.
Visit Kate’s website at www.katekerrigan.ie and follow her on Twitter: @katekerrigan.
Kate’s Tour Stops
Tuesday, June 28th: 2 Kids and Tired Book Reviews
Wednesday, June 29th: Life In Review
Tuesday, July 5th: Dolce Bellezza
Wednesday, July 6th: Rundpinne
Thursday, July 7th: Reviews from the Heart
Monday, July 11th: Book Addiction
Tuesday, July 12th: Tina’s Book Reviews
Wednesday, July 13th: Colloquium
Tuesday, July 19th: Raging Bibliomania
Thursday, July 21st: A Cozy Reader’s Corner
Wednesday, July 27th: Peeking Between the Pages
This book was provided for review by Harper Paperbacks.
Blessings
Michelle V
I’m glad to see you really enjoyed it. I’ve seen mixed reviews, and some of them had me worried, since I’ve really been looking forward to this book.
I loved it! As I said, at times I was a little frustrated with Ellie but at the same time I could understand how she was torn. It’s a beautiful story!
I don’t like historical fiction, but you did a great review of this book!
For a very long time I only read contemporary fiction. Once I tried historical fiction, I found that I enjoy it, but I do understand that it’s not everyone’s cup of tea.
Wow I love historical fiction and have always been fascinated by Ellis Island. Thanks so much for sharing about this book!
This sounds like a fabulous book. The kids studied imigration this year in school, so when I held writing workshops we used a character coming to Ellis Island to create their stories. It definitely holds more meaning that way.
WOW! Great review Michelle! I passed signing on this one because I wasn’t sure how it would be…I will have to add it to my Wish List now! Thanks for your thoughts!
I’m a big fan of Irish history stories and also Ellis Island, so this sounds like a perfect book for me. Glad to see how much you enjoyed it! Thanks for being a part of the tour.
I’m a big fan of historical fiction. This sounds great! Thanks for the review.