Songs of Love and War

"[A] compelling family saga . . . highly recommended . . . for lovers of Irish fiction . . . about the enduring power of women's friendships." — Library Journal (starred review)

Born on the ninth day of the ninth month in the year 1900, Kitty Deverill grows up in Castle Deverill, built on the stunning green hills of West Cork, Ireland—the same place her ancestors have always dwelled. 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.

When the Irish revolt to overthrow British rule in Southern Ireland, Jack enlists to fight. Refusing to keep her distance, Kitty throws herself into the cause for Irish liberty, running messages and ammunition between the rebels. But as she soon discovers, her allegiance to her family and her friends will be tested—and when Castle Deverill comes under attack, the only home and life Kitty has ever known are threatened.

"Nobody does epic romance like Santa Montefiore. Everything she writes, she writes from the heart." —Jojo Moyes, New York Times–bestselling author


Genre: Historical Romance

"I couldn't put this book down." - Julian Fellowes

"Santa Montefiore at her best - an enchanting read overflowing with deliciously poignant moments." - Dinah Jefferies

"I have a tendresse for sweeping and epic romantic sagas set around huge houses and aristocratic families and Santa Montefiore hits the spot for me like few other writers... Lush, vivid storytelling." - Sarra Manning

"Nobody does epic romance like Santa Montefiore. Everything she writes, she writes from the heart." - Jojo Moyes