"Ellis Island" by Kate Kerrigan

Sweethearts since childhood, Ellie Hogan and her husband, John, are content on their farm in Ireland—until John, a soldier for the Irish Republican Army, receives an injury that leaves him unable to work. Forced to take drastic measures in order to survive, Ellie does what so many Irish women in the 1920s have done and sails across a vast ocean to New York City to work as a maid for a wealthy socialite.

Once there, Ellie is introduced to a world of opulence and sophistication, tempted by the allure of grand parties and fine clothes, money and mansions . . . and by the attentions of a charming suitor who can give her everything. Yet her heart remains with her husband back home. And now she faces the most difficult choice she will ever have to make: a new life in a new country full of hope and promise, or return to a life of cruel poverty . . . and love. 

This is such a good book.  The story grips you from the very beginning.  Ellie and John are a match made in heaven, childhood sweethearts.  What I loved the most was how easily you are drawn into the story and how your emotions go up and down with Ellie's.  It's a story that I am sure a lot of people experienced in the early 1900's.

You are not sure what will happen and because of circumstances in both America and Ireland you are not sure how much each circumstance will win out and claim Ellie's heart.

I have just discovered that there is a sequel to this book City of Hope which will be released on June 26th 2013.  

Stars out of 5 : 5 It was a book I couldn't put down as I needed to know what was going to happen next.  Well worth buying or borrowing from your local library.

(I purchased this book and will be donating it to my local library)