Loved, loved, loved! This novel embodies everything I love most about historical fiction. The beauty of Ireland is the perfect setting for this family saga. I truly did not want it to end. I am so looking forward to the next novel... excited to continue this journey with the Deverill clan. 5 stars.

3.5 stars. A charming historical fiction tale set in the early 1900’s in Ireland and England. The story follows three young women whose connection weaves thick and thin throughout several years and many life changing situations. One of the best aspects of this novel is that it largely revolves around an old family castle on the countryside in Ireland. There is love, loss and death. There are ghosts, love triangles and hidden secrets. All of these ingredients add up to one enticing tale that kept...

Insightful, riveting, and incredibly atmospheric!Songs of Love and War is an intriguing tale that sweeps you to Co. Cork in the early 1900s when Ireland is full of unrest and upheaval not only due to the Great War being waged on the fields of Europe but in their own countryside where the simmering anger and need for self-identity, patriotism, and independence from Anglo rule are about to come to a head.The prose is poetic and vividly described. The three main characters Kitty, Birdie, and Celia

This is the third book I have read by Santa Montefiore and I can flat out state it won't be the last. I very much enjoyed The Beekeeper's Daughter as well as Secrets of the Lighthouse.Now this book, The Girl in the Castle, captured me immediately. If you like stories set in Ireland, reading a bit of the historical fiction interspersed about the Irish War for Independence and a bit of ghost appearances to boot - you will love this book.I'm not big on paranormal stories but the ghost part wasn't a...

I usually love historical fiction of this ilk, but this book moved slower than molasses running uphill in January. It was incredibly boring, and I really didn't enjoy any of the characters, with the exception of the Shrub sisters. I found this book very tedious, was not invested as a reader, even after plodding along, completely did not care what happened to any of them. Pass

DNF. Another attempt at a lighter read that was not the right kind of light for me. More drama than light, but, as far as I got, without the depth or gravity I like with my drama.

Montefiore's writing is a sweeping saga, grand in its scope, and thorough in its viewpoints from different characters that each play their own role. However when it came down to it, I had to dislike Montefiore's ideas of faithfulness and love or lack thereof. None of the three main girls knew how to love anyone but themselves. Yes they had tragic lives. Yes they endured loss and heartache. But that is no excuse to be selfish and unfaithful and it does not make it okay to make horrible mistakes w...

I hated to put this book down and consequently flew through it! Thank goodness it is part of a trilogy! Xx

Truly a wonderful read. No wonder it was a Reader's Pick at my local library. Set in Ireland during the years Ireland was fighting for separation from Britain. Rich girl loves poor boy. Her bestfriend goes from below stairs drudgery, in Ireland; to rich rich lady in America. Plausible and unputdownable.

I loved this book, my first by Santa Montefiore. I will have to look into her other books, but luckily this one is the start of a series. This one had everything I love about historical fiction, it's a real meaty family-saga. The many characters and storylines, plus the wonderful setting of Ireland were all well thought out. I loved reading about what the people went through in the lead up to independence. The Black and Tans make an appearance and it just felt authentic. The castle is wonderful!...

I truly enjoyed this first of a series of three book about what I guess could be loosely called The Downton Abbey of Ireland. Ms Montefiore has filled her novel with characters that are both endearing and tragedies that are real. Set mostly in Ireland, it portrays a gorgeous setting but one that is fraught with political dealings between the Irish seeking to be independent and the British looking to hold onto what they believe to be theirs. The beginning of this novel was a bit drawn out and I c...

Kitty was nine.Kitty was ignored by her mother.Kitty was friends with a servant.Kitty had a very harsh governess.Kitty could see her dead ancestor in the castle tower, and no one believed her.Poor Kitty Deverill had a lot to deal with at her young age, but she was spunky, delightful, and resilient. Kitty was a character I really enjoyed, and THE GIRL IN THE CASTLE was a book I really enjoyed..​THE GIRL IN THE CASTLE is set around 1910 and ​lets us into​ ​the ​lives of aristocrats and the lives o...

Welcome to the Emerald Isle of Ireland. I loved thisbook, the history of “The Troubles” and the rich characters. I grew to love them and can not wait to continue on with the series. This book had a lot of “Maeve Binchy” vibes. That is high praise from me.

There is nothing I love more than a big, historical fiction book to sink into when I’m faced with a rainy weekend. The only thing that could make it better is know that the book is the first of a trilogy and that if the other two are as good as the first I have a lot of great reading ahead of me. I have been on a wonderful reading run lately and I hope it continues.The Girl in the Castle takes place in Ireland in the early 20th century. It starts just before the Irish bid for independence and co...

This is the first of a trilogy and it's set mainly in Ireland with appearances by England and New York. It begins in 1910 with three friends from very different backgrounds. At this time the girls are nine years old and Jack is twelve. Kitty lives in the castle and the three of them spend as much time as possible together while keeping their friendship a secret from the adults. It progresses from here up until they are in their mid twenties. From here it covers WWI, the Easter Rising and the Iri...

An English family living in Ireland during the Irish fight for independence is the backdrop for this most entertaining novel. The Deverill family includes a fascinating cast of characters including the heroine Kitty. It is easy to become fully immersed in The Girl in The Castle, the well defined characters, history and landscape will captivate. If you enjoy the PBS series Downton Abby and reading historical fiction The Girl in the Castle will not disappoint.

NetGalley provided a copy of the ARC in exchange for an honest review.Songs of Love and War by Santa Montefiore is a historical fiction set during the Irish War of Independence. This original read is the story of three friends—Kitty, Bridie and Celia. They come from different backgrounds but their friendship is unwavering. Their joys and struggles are revealed as they come to terms with their individual journey. This well-written novel moves quickly. The characters are developed with strong and

4.5 stars I know, I know, am I being too persnickety with a 4.5 star? Well, anyway, this was a grand saga with castles, ghosts, betrayal, Irish independence - there was a good dose of Downton Abbey-esque feelings in it - plenty of upstairs/downstairs behaviour. A read I needed to sweep me off my feet and completely engross me! This is the first in a planned trilogy too! So there will be more of Kitty, Bridie, Celia and the rest of the wonderful characters! Thank you to Simon & Schuster Canada