February 2010 Debut of the Month.

I don’t know what it is about the Irish girls but when they write they certainly have warmth and understanding that shines through their work.  This is a newcomer with an impressive debut about female friendship too easily shattered and then left to die for too long.  It’s a lovely read with some unexpected answers.

Comparison: Maeve Binchy, Patricia Scanlan, Anita Shreve.

Synopsis

What would it take to destroy your closest friendship? Alison and Ciara meet at college in Dublin and soon become firm allies, sharing a flat and facing the world together. Ciara is all that Alison aspires to be - sassy, confident and fearless. Although their backgrounds could not be more different, they find solace and humour in each other's company. That is until gorgeous Dan Abernethy, a young medical student, enters their lives, and everything changes irrevocably. Love turns Alison's world upside down and a terrible betrayal threatens everything she holds dear. It is only when tragedy strikes many years later that Alison and Ciara are offered a chance at redemption.

Reviews

'A gentle and completely absorbing read. This is an impressive debut, holding your interest with characters that are comprehensively and sympathetically drawn.' Irish Independent

About the Author

Liz Lyons is a graduate in English and History of Trinity College, Dublin. After graduation she spent ten years working in the Irish book trade as a bookshop manager. Barefoot Over Stones  is her first novel. Born in Cork in 1970, she lives in Co. Meath with her husband, son and two daughters. More books by this author Author 'Like for Like' recommendation