Fallen Star - Softcover

This warm and enchanting story of cousins growing up in Ireland during the war is going to become a classic. (The Daily Express)

One of the most powerful books I have read in a long time . . . This is a magnificent portrayal of a very real part of Ireland's history. (The Bookseller)

Daisy Chain War:
'A wonderful book about growing up ... beautifully written in prose that is warm as a sunset on a hot summer's day.'

(The Guardian)

This is an impotant, believably written account of a sad chapter from recent history. It shows how the fictional narrative can do far better than media presentations in portraying the ugly reality of the social and sexual attitudes of the recent past. (The Bookseller)

With Fallen Star Joan O'Neill brings all her trademark humour, warmth and insight to a subject close to her heart. (youngscot.org)

This is a poignant novel for confident, older readers, but one which is ultimately uplifting. (Norwich Evening News)

'... vividly described, and well-rounded characters keep the reader's interest until the last page.' (Bookfest)

In 1950s Ireland, Sixteen year old Stella's innocent childhood is shattered when charismatic Charlie comes into her life. Where Stella's family struggle to make ends meet, Charlie can have anything he wants, and that includes Stella, who is rapidly falling for him. Then Stella discovers she is pregnant. Suddenly Charlie is gone, and Stella is left with only the bracelet he gave her. Stella's devoutly religious mother, horrifed by the scandal, sends her errant daughter to a Magdalene Laundry convent, miles from home, where in return for daily and rigorous and endless chores, Stella will be able to have her baby in secret. The convent is bleak and austere, the nuns themselves cruel and lacking compassion. When Stella's baby girl is born, it will be taken from her for adoption, the only answer is to run away with her child. But Stella didn't expect the struggle and pain of being a single mother - with her family turning against her, who can she rely on for help. Out of the blue, comes support and love from an unexpected quarter, to finally make Stella's story a happy one.