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Songs of Love and War

By: Santa Montefiore
Narrated by: Genevieve Swallow
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Summary

West Cork, Ireland, 1900. The year marks the start of a new century and the birth of three very different women: Kitty Deverill, the flame-haired Anglo-Irish daughter of the castle; Bridie Doyle, the daughter of the Irish cook; and Celia Deverill, Kitty's flamboyant English cousin. Together they grow up on the dreamy grounds of the family's grand estate, Castle Deverill. Yet their peaceful way of life will soon be threatened by Ireland's struggle for independence.

©2015 Santa Montefiore (P)2015 W F Howes Ltd
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Critic reviews

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

What listeners say about Songs of Love and War

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  • Overall
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Gripping love story of Ireland and family feuds

Heartbreaking stories of family fueds , love ,loss and the affects of historical events are sensitively told.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Too slow and boring... couldn't get into this book

I had to check the narration was on normal speed, she seemed to be in slow mo! I persevered for ages, but really lost interest in the book. Had to return sadly. I hate leaving negative reviews but I just didn't want to use a credit on something I don't love.

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Amazing epic story!

I have thoroughly enjoyed this story. It took a few chapters to get into it, initially I felt the very posh characters were not for me, but after a few chapters I realised there were a variety of characters from all walks of life and then I couldn’t stop listening. It has something of Downton Abbey about it, set in a grand house with stories of both the upstairs and downstairs occupants and rural community. Interesting to learn a bit about Irish history too and the setting is wonderful, I’ve never visited Ireland and now I really want to! I’ve read other reviews about the abrupt ending and if you didn’t know it was a trilogy then I agree it would end with many loose ends. However I read in the full knowledge I was going to read all 3 and the end just sets it up really nicely for the next book. All the way through reading it I could see this adapted for TV and really hope it is considered for that one day! The ending just leaves a few cliff hangers as it might at the end of a tv series setting up for the next. Do not let that put you off, it is a brilliant story and I like how it moves at quiet a pace. No long drawn out story lines, instead lots of great moments and twists and turns. The narrator was also the best I’ve listened to so far, there were lots of accents from English, American, Irish, men, women and children and she executed them all perfectly. This is a story I will definitely listen to again (once I’ve finished the other 2!) . Don’t hesitate to purchase or use a credit for!

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Loving these books

I’m loving these Deverill books and am just about to liken to the 3rd in the series.
Santa Montefiore - you are such a fantastic author! Please don’t stop writing them ☺️☺️

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Loved It

The narrator excellent. Please another book to continue the story. Didn't want it to finish. I have read many of Santa Montefiero 's books and really enjoyed them. Looking forward to the next new one.

,

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Superb Story!

The story has a number interesting layers, beautifully written with wonderful descriptions of the Irish countryside. However the narrater's attempt at an Irish accent is appalling, making it difficult to listen to at times. The story is totally captivating making the follow up books a must buy.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Interesting background

Liked the historical background to story. Narrative rather long winded and touch repetitive, but does grab you eventually.
Narrator’s American accents rather forced, also when she tries to sound ‘darker’ for the male characters. Interested in storyline sufficiently to consider next book in series, though not sure about that yet.

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Beautifully written

Loved this book from beginning to end! Lovely narration and learn a little bit more about the civil war in Ireland.

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Wonderful

A few people have said they felt the story ended abruptly. Personally I enjoyed everything about this book. The story, narration & ending.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Not Santa's best!

Much anticipated book, but sadly not one of Santa's best. bit waffley this time, too heavy on the ghosts and ended too abruptly. As though she was bored of the story and had to end it, a bit confusing. However, an interesting historical lean towards Irish history & politics and of course a strong love story intertwined. This won't put me off trying another Santa Montefoire book, BUT I will read the reviews before I attempt to purchase this time!

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