Customer Reviews:
 A Wonderful Read! May 19, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
As an avid fan of all Maeve Binchy's novels, "Firefly Summer" has to be my favourite. Written with the trademark warmth that has earned her such a special place in the hearts of so many readers, this book takes you on an emotional journey that will have you laughing and crying in turn.
In the sleepy Irish town where this story is set, it is easy to forget the outside world and to imagine life will stay the same forever. Kate and John Ryan will continue to run the local pub, while their children enjoy an idyllic childhood having their run of the town. Then, the arrival of an American Patrick O'Neill and his two beautiful children, changes everything. He has a dream to restore the run-down hotel to its former glory, but in doing so stirs up some very strong feelings amongst the local residents.
Follow along with these immensely vivid and likable characters as they experience a good deal of tragedy and hardship, overcome great difficulties and fall in love. By the end, Michael and Dara are no longer the carefree children they once were and Patrick O'Neill realises the true price of fulfilling his dream.
A truly wonderful read!
 More of the same - great if you like it! January 26, 2001
18 out of 23 found this review helpful
Maeve Binchy has her style and she's sticking to it, or was until she retired last year, and why not? After all her winning formula has gained her fame, fortune and fans worldwide. This book sticks to the formula, with the usual array of stock characters, the drunk, the repressed religious nutters, the villain who's name always ends with a Y, and of course the village wise woman who knows all but says nothing. This book centres around the Ryan family who own a pub in the village. Their livelyhood looks like being snatched from them with the arrival of an American business man set to avenge his ancestry and build a hotel. Once his children fly out to join him it becomes apparent the business isn't all he's taking from the Ryans. If you already know and love Maeve Binchy then I'm sure you will relish another dip into her glossy green Irish views, but if you've tried her before and not enjoyed it then I wouldn't bother with this one.
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