Books by Alison Walsh

A novel about the close - and complex - bonds of female friendship between four new mothers, The Start of Summer looks at that time when life changes utterly, never to be the same again.

The House on Seaview Road is a story about first love, growing up and about the enduring bonds of sisterhood. Perfect reading for fans of Joanna Trollope and Maggie O'Farrell.Marie Stephenson has decided that it's her last summer in Seaview - just a few months left before she can break free of her suburban home, go out into the world and make her mark. If only it weren't for the promise she made to her dying mother. This promise, to look after her younger sister, is one she has always kept, even though Marie sometimes feels that the cosseted Grainne doesn't deserve it.But then the sudden appearance of intense, rebellious Con on Seaview Beach one afternoon changes everything.As her innocence comes to a sudden and shocking end, Marie must make some choices about her future.But will she find the courage to become the woman she was meant to be?

'Honest, funny, heartfelt ... I loved it' Cathy KellyClear-eyed, touching, forthright and funny, In My Mother's Shoes is Alison Walsh's delightful account of three generations of mothers - her Nana, leading light of the Irish Countrywomen's Association, indomitable in all things except deferring to her husband; her mother, whose glamorous career as a 1960s air hostess was cut cruelly short by the simple act of getting married; and Alison herself, a modern woman whose life would not be thwarted by such lack of choice. Or would it?'Cheerful, intelligent, funny and shockingly sensible ... Buy it. Read it. Pass it on.' Judith O'Reilly, author of Wife in the North'Honest and immensely readable ... many mothers will find themselves nodding along in recognition. I will be passing it on and - more tellingly - looking for it back' Sunday Business Post'Yay for Alison Walsh! ... An adroit, and honest, account of having babies (in the UK and Ireland), of bringing up babies (ditto), of being a Celtic Tiger mum, working all the hours God sends, to being a-stay-at-home mum, plus all the messy compromises in between' Sunday Independent