Saoirse - a young woman heads to Ireland to escape her troubled life.

Sarah Roy grew up in the U.S. with a drug-addicted mother and an abusive stepfather who forced her into terrible situations. In 1990, she flees to Ireland after stealing friend Sarah Walsh's passport. On the plane, she meets Paul Byrne, who brings her to his home, where his family helps support her dream of being an artist. However, this seemingly ideal haven soon proves to be problematic. Through alternating timelines, we learn early on that by 1999, Sarah's life has changed dramatically. She is living in Donegal with Daithí, the love of her life, who has given her the name Saoirse, which means freedom in Irish. However, he is unaware of her past, and Saoirse's greatest fear is his discovery of it. As her paintings gain attention, it is only a matter of time before her past misdeeds surface, threatening everything.

Saoirse, by author Charleen Hurtubise, is such a moving story. Nearly every man in Saoirse's life has caused her trauma and pain. When she finally finds happiness with Daithí, there is great tension as everything could easily fall apart at any moment. Though she has grown into a capable woman, Saoirse remains, at her core, the vulnerable young girl who sees the worst in herself, and not the victim she truly is. It is only through her art that she can release her feelings and reveal all that she is hiding. This compelling book has real staying power. 

Many thanks to Celadon Books for the advance. 

Rated 4.25 out of 5 stars.

Literary Fiction | Mystery.

Publication Date: February 24, 2026.

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