A review by kimmie1405
The Lodgers by Eithne Shortall

adventurous emotional funny lighthearted reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Hope House is located just off the cliff walk in Howth. Far enough away that strangers don’t wander upon the house in search of the trail. Close enough to the stunning Howth scenery. 

Rattling around in the old ramshackle house on her own, Tessa realises with a start that she is becoming a burden on her family. Especially after a fall that has led to the use of walking stick while healing. 

She decides to take action and put an advert in the local community centre for a lodger. Not in the normal sense, she’s willing to let them stay with her rent free in return for some light chores and house work. 

Chloe and Conn both respond to the advert. Each for their very own reasons. During the course of the story the three make the unlikeliest of bonds. 

I loved this story. There were so many layers and unique parts to the story. I loved the community centre aspect and the fact that a group was brought together for common interest trying to save it. I also enjoyed getting to know both lodgers and their enigmatic host Tessa.

After reading a piece by the author I know that Hope House is fictional of course but based very much on her Granny’s house in the midlands and picked up and brought to the cliff side in Howth. I can imagine exactly where I would find it should I go looking! 

Congratulations and Happy Publication day to all involved on a wonderful book. An excellent story with so many different topics handled and wrapped up nicely within the covers. I have no doubt this will do well.