The Girl in the Castle

A Novel

By: Santa Montefiore

Narrated by: Genevieve Swallow

Length: 17 hrs and 26 mins

Publisher's summary

Ireland. The early 20th century.

Two girls on the cusp of womanhood. A nation on the brink of war.

Hear their story - and see why Jojo Moyes says that "Nobody does epic romance like Santa Montefiore".

Born on the ninth day of the ninth month in the year 1900, Kitty Deverill grows up in Castle Deverill, on the sunning green hills of West Cork, Ireland - the same place her ancestors have always dwelt. She isn't fully Irish, as the son of the local veterinarian likes to tease her; but this doesn't stop Kitty and Jack O'Leary from falling in love....

Bridie Doyle, daughter to Castle Deverill's cook, cherishes her friendship with Kitty. Yet she can’t help dreaming of someday having wealth, having glamour, having...more. And when she discovers Kitty's darkest secret, Bridie finds herself growing to resent the girl in the castle who seems to have it all.

As Irish and British forces collide in Southern Ireland, Jack enlists to fight - and Kitty throws herself into the cause for Irish liberty, running messages and ammunition between the rebels. But her allegiance to her family and her friends will soon be tested...and when Castle Deverill comes under attack, the only home and life she’s ever known are threatened.

A powerful story of love, loyalty, and friendship, The Girl in the Castle is an exquisitely written novel set against the magical, captivating landscape of Ireland - perfect for fans of Downton Abbey and Kate Morton.

Also published as The Irish Girl available in paperback.

©2015 Santa Montefiore (P)2016 HarperCollins Publishers

Somewhat tedious, but good setting and storyline.

Good story idea, but telling is somewhat tedious and too much narration. I suppose it was designed for a sequel which I tend to find annoying. I am a voracious reader and listener of books/audio books. It is not too hard to capture my imagination, but was a very difficult book for me to continue. Had I been reading in print, I might not have finished it. That is rare for me.

No ending

Long listen without adequate conclusion. Story interesting but abruptly ends. Had I known this, probably would not have purchased.

Wonderful story and narration

I already got the second book! Great story that keeps you guessing. Heartbreaking at times, but a delightful read!! The narrator is awesome and she added to the story rather than taking away from it as so often happens.

Girl in the castle

This is a great book!!! You are taken back in time and you never want to put the book down. I did not realize this was the first book of the series I am delighted I get to read more. A must read

I really enjoyed this book.

I loved this book!!!
really good reader and great accents. Check it out. I can't wait to read book two.

Long book....second half better than the first...narrator lacked emotion.

The narrator lacked emotion for most of the characters. The story line started to get really good near the end (the book was too long) and then it ended and you wanted it to go on.

That's it?

I loved the book until the end. I felt like the book needed a few more chapters. I understand the beauty in not laying out everyone's ending but I felt that I got zero closure as the book ended with massive gaps and not enough information to come up with an ending on my own. I'm loved the final twists but still think that the ending was majorly lacking. I can't say that I'd recommend this book to others.

A little of everything!

Ghosts, love, romance, heart break, and Ireland. Starting on book 2 of the trilogy as soon as I finish this review!

Irish Curses and English Psin

ah friendship so deep so true, or is it? does friendship span the ocean? Does it cure heartbreak? whose child will break the curse?

No ending

This was a very good book until the end. So many questions left unanswered and new questions abound. One can only hope she writes a sequel.