Aspiring fashion designer Kate Robinson is reeling from the betrayal of her boyfriend, the rejections of her designs, and the early death of her beloved mother. Instead of staying with her memories, she goes to Ireland, the land her family fled many years ago. She’s lost, grieving and drenched when she stumbles into Glenmara, an impoverished seaside village. A bus isn’t coming until the next week, and she stays with a lonely widow who’s a member of the lace makers guild. Kate meets the rest of the guild members. They have troubles and joys, including an abusive husband, a rebellious daughter and worries about a fisherman husband. Above all, they’re worried abut financial survival.
The women teach Kate how to make lace, and she’s inspired to create a line of lingerie with their hand-sewn lace. She stays in Glenmara to help and to learn from the women. She becomes involved with a local artist struggling to overcome his own grief and guilt. Throughout the book, all their lives change, including the village priest, who vehemently objects to change and the lacy lingerie.
THE LACE MAKERS OF GLANMARA is a lovely read. It has a fairy tale quality, though the troubles and passions and joys feel real. I cried five or six times reading it, but the end left me smiling. I thoroughly enjoyed it and will definitely read Barbieri’s next book.
Edie,
Ireland. Lace. A good cry a few times? Wow, sound like my kind of book. Off now to order it.
Thanks for adding to my ever increasing TBR pile.
Mary Jo, I know you’ll love this book.
Edie, this one’s been on my list…time to move it up!
Sounds like a lovely book, and that cover speaks to me too…beautiful!
Edie, there was something in your description of this wonderful-sounding novel that reminded me of another book I adored, Chocolat by Joanne Harris… Perhaps it was the disapproving priest, objecting to the lace (versus the chocolate truffles!), but you have me convinced I’ll enjoy it.
Edie,
Bought it today and also an older one of hers. Can’t wait to start the lace one.
This sounds lovely, Edie. I agree, Marilyn, it does have a Chocolat feel to it.
LaD, I think I told you about this book when I was reading it. That might be why it’s on your list.
Marilyn, I never read the book CHOCOLAT — I was afraid that without Johnny Depp, I might be disappointed.
I should read it sometime.
LACE MAKERS has scenes in the POV of all the lace makers, though it’s primarily Kate’s book.
Mary Jo, that’s great! Let me know how you like (or love) it.
Michelle, now I need to read CHOCOLAT. I’ll pick it up the next time I go to the library.