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The Lives Trilogy #1
Lives Apart
A tale of emigration from Ireland to America after the Famine.
In 1877 young Johanna McNamara leaves her quiet life on the family farm and emigrates to America to join her successful businessman brother Hugh. Full of hope, she is determined to make a success of her life. However, tragedy strikes before she finds her feet in this new world, and she must put the care of others before her own needs.
Back in Ireland, farming life for the family continues through the seasons, with her brother Art struggling to deal with his troubled son Declan. Sending him to the USA is an option that might help turn him into a man.
Little does Johanna know what lies ahead, with the arrival of a nephew whose act of betrayal will blow her life apart.
Set in Ireland, Boston, San Francisco and Nova Scotia, Lives Apart explores the experience of emigration, both for those who had the courage to venture across the Atlantic and those they left behind.
In 1877 young Johanna McNamara leaves her quiet life on the family farm and emigrates to America to join her successful businessman brother Hugh. Full of hope, she is determined to make a success of her life. However, tragedy strikes before she finds her feet in this new world, and she must put the care of others before her own needs.
Back in Ireland, farming life for the family continues through the seasons, with her brother Art struggling to deal with his troubled son Declan. Sending him to the USA is an option that might help turn him into a man.
Little does Johanna know what lies ahead, with the arrival of a nephew whose act of betrayal will blow her life apart.
Set in Ireland, Boston, San Francisco and Nova Scotia, Lives Apart explores the experience of emigration, both for those who had the courage to venture across the Atlantic and those they left behind.
349 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 25, 2020
385 people are currently reading
273 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
March 20, 2021
Fantastic Writing
I absolutely loved every bit of Anne M. McLoughin’s masterpiece of Historical Fiction, “Lives Apart.”
Starting in the latter part of the nineteenth century, the story paints the drama of characters onto a canvas of life. We follow members of an Irish family and their sorrows, struggles and joys in both Ireland and in America over 50+ years
Powerful Characters make the novel. My favorite character was Johanna, a strong independent woman. Her character development throughout was fantastic.
I love a strong female character and Johanna was definitely one. She's a mix of comforting, loving and caring woman. On the other hand, she has a toughness and resiliency of any true lead character.
Declan is another strong character. He isn't fond of authority and eventually gets into serious trouble.
The writing is so profound that descriptions can turn into contemplative-type moments. My favorite was Johanna’s return to Ireland. It was vividly and colorfully portrayed.
On a personal note, I associated with these were characters. I thought I could have known from the Irish neighborhood of Philadelphia where I grew up.
My highest recommendation!
I received this book free as an advanced reader copy. This review is given voluntarily
I absolutely loved every bit of Anne M. McLoughin’s masterpiece of Historical Fiction, “Lives Apart.”
Starting in the latter part of the nineteenth century, the story paints the drama of characters onto a canvas of life. We follow members of an Irish family and their sorrows, struggles and joys in both Ireland and in America over 50+ years
Powerful Characters make the novel. My favorite character was Johanna, a strong independent woman. Her character development throughout was fantastic.
I love a strong female character and Johanna was definitely one. She's a mix of comforting, loving and caring woman. On the other hand, she has a toughness and resiliency of any true lead character.
Declan is another strong character. He isn't fond of authority and eventually gets into serious trouble.
The writing is so profound that descriptions can turn into contemplative-type moments. My favorite was Johanna’s return to Ireland. It was vividly and colorfully portrayed.
On a personal note, I associated with these were characters. I thought I could have known from the Irish neighborhood of Philadelphia where I grew up.
My highest recommendation!
I received this book free as an advanced reader copy. This review is given voluntarily
December 15, 2020
Sorry, can't review my own book.....didn't intend getting myself up here as I was unfamiliar with how the Goodreads site works I clicked all the wrong boxes while trying to get my book up on the site. Apologies from one is a technical wizard - not!!
However, I'm delighted to see others are enjoying LIVES APART as much as I enjoyed writing it, so thank you for your reviews.
My second book in the series LIVES WITHOUT END will focus mainly on the story of the wise grandmother Mary Ann and her granddaughter Bridie. It will be published in Summer 2021.
Good reading all.
However, I'm delighted to see others are enjoying LIVES APART as much as I enjoyed writing it, so thank you for your reviews.
My second book in the series LIVES WITHOUT END will focus mainly on the story of the wise grandmother Mary Ann and her granddaughter Bridie. It will be published in Summer 2021.
Good reading all.
November 30, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. It's a character-driven story, following the lives of various members of the McNamara family in Ireland and the USA, and there are some real gut-wrenching moments throughout the book.
From the prologue, I wasn't sure how much I would enjoy the character of Johanna (describing her grown daughters as lucklustre on the first page had me giving her some side-eye), but to my surprise, I quickly ended up loving her. For me, the characters and setting are what really shone in this book. All of the characters felt real and well-developed, and the descriptions of Ireland had me wanting to visit again.
I'm looking forward to the next book in the series!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
From the prologue, I wasn't sure how much I would enjoy the character of Johanna (describing her grown daughters as lucklustre on the first page had me giving her some side-eye), but to my surprise, I quickly ended up loving her. For me, the characters and setting are what really shone in this book. All of the characters felt real and well-developed, and the descriptions of Ireland had me wanting to visit again.
I'm looking forward to the next book in the series!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 25, 2021
I really enjoyed the book. The story line is very strong and the characters well developed. A lot of us can relate to the story of emigration. I loved the strong character of Johanna and Declan provided an element of redemption. Looking forward to a sequel
July 23, 2021
I very much enjoyed it. I have often wondered what my relatives would have thought arriving in Boston and New York from West Clare back in the early 1900s, and here is an author who must have wondered the same and has covered it well.
November 2, 2022
excellent
Ireland to America would have been a huge undertaking a century and more ago. In Lives Apart, we follow members of one family try the new world on for size. Some managed, some didn’t. The writing is excellent, the insight even more so. I won’t bore you with more recounting of the story. Read and understand.
Ireland to America would have been a huge undertaking a century and more ago. In Lives Apart, we follow members of one family try the new world on for size. Some managed, some didn’t. The writing is excellent, the insight even more so. I won’t bore you with more recounting of the story. Read and understand.
April 27, 2021
Lives Apart was compelling, fast-paced and left me with so many questions I hope will be answered in the 2 books following. Anne’s use of descriptive language of the scenery, especially in Ireland, took me back to my trips there and the land of my paternal ancestors. Loved the way the characters were multidimensional with each one unique in their thoughts, words and actions.
The book also gave me an insight into how immigrants navigate the complexities of living in two worlds concurrently.
Only a week and a half until the second book, Lives without End, comes out in paperback. Literally can’t wait!
The book also gave me an insight into how immigrants navigate the complexities of living in two worlds concurrently.
Only a week and a half until the second book, Lives without End, comes out in paperback. Literally can’t wait!
December 23, 2020
The middle years had disappeared. Where to she couldn’t tell, nor how or why it had happened. They’d just gone, vanished, like they’d never existed. All melted into a perpetual round of domestic chores, work and children.
Recommended for fans of Zoya by Danielle Steele.
At face value, Lives Apart is a novel about a young woman’s emigration to the United States in the 1800s, and the life that she forges for herself in the decades that follow. In actuality, Lives Apart is about the quiet moments that our lives are made of, the everyday experiences we share with those we love, and the endurance of familial love despite tragedies great and small.
I thought Lives Apart would follow Johanna’s experiences exclusively, but various family members have their own sections of the book. I would have preferred a single focus, and Declan’s narrative in particular felt forced as a way of moving us to San Francisco during a historic time for the city as with another family member and the sinking of the Titanic.
The novel frequently skips backward and forward in time, building a deeper understanding of the character’s experiences and motivations, the events that have shaped them. However, there are also many instances where the character begins recollecting a memory of the past, and it’s often difficult to discern which time period we are in when they start reminiscing in the midst of a passage.
Overall, Lives Apart was not unlike Johanna herself--sturdy and serviceable. I found the writing to be very similar to Danielle Steele’s Zoya, in that we get a lot of third person omniscient sections where a character muses at length on their situation, and we cover a huge portion of historical events--it felt a lot like name dropping for the sake of name dropping. If you enjoy domestic accounts of industrious immigrants without a lot of hardships (beyond personal issues), you’ll enjoy Lives Apart.
I received a free copy through BookSirens in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Recommended for fans of Zoya by Danielle Steele.
At face value, Lives Apart is a novel about a young woman’s emigration to the United States in the 1800s, and the life that she forges for herself in the decades that follow. In actuality, Lives Apart is about the quiet moments that our lives are made of, the everyday experiences we share with those we love, and the endurance of familial love despite tragedies great and small.
I thought Lives Apart would follow Johanna’s experiences exclusively, but various family members have their own sections of the book. I would have preferred a single focus, and Declan’s narrative in particular felt forced as a way of moving us to San Francisco during a historic time for the city as with another family member and the sinking of the Titanic.
The novel frequently skips backward and forward in time, building a deeper understanding of the character’s experiences and motivations, the events that have shaped them. However, there are also many instances where the character begins recollecting a memory of the past, and it’s often difficult to discern which time period we are in when they start reminiscing in the midst of a passage.
Overall, Lives Apart was not unlike Johanna herself--sturdy and serviceable. I found the writing to be very similar to Danielle Steele’s Zoya, in that we get a lot of third person omniscient sections where a character muses at length on their situation, and we cover a huge portion of historical events--it felt a lot like name dropping for the sake of name dropping. If you enjoy domestic accounts of industrious immigrants without a lot of hardships (beyond personal issues), you’ll enjoy Lives Apart.
I received a free copy through BookSirens in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
January 24, 2021
Thank you to Poolbeg Press and Anne M. McLoughin for the Advanced Readers Copy of Lives Apart for my early reading. Although I couldn't get to this book as soon as I'd have liked I found the story to be real and so relevant in a time when the story of immigration is a hot button issue, especially here in the States. I'm fascinated with the immigrant story and what makes one literally pack up their home, leave their families, everything and everyone they know to set off for a new land and life with little to no information on what's ahead for them, all for the possibility of a better life. I don't know if I could ever make that decision.
In 1877 Ireland a young Johanna McNamara makes the decision to emigrate from her homeland to join her successful businessman brother Hugh in America. Johanna is filled with hope and promise for her new life and anxious to get going. However tragedy strikes soon after she embarks on her journey and she realizes her role in her new country will be one of caregiver and supporter, she'll need to put her own needs and desires on the back burner for now.
Back home on the farm in Ireland her family is dealing with it's own problems, especially her brother Art. Art's son Declan has always been a handful, but now that he's grown he's really gotten to be too much for Art to handle. Declan is soon on his way to America where he'll be staying with Hugh and Johanna. The adults are all hoping Declan will straighten up once he's in the new country and under the eyes of his aunt and uncle, but Declan is not one for authority and continues to buck the system and eventually runs into trouble with the law even he can't get out of.
Not many books are able to capture me from word one, this one did. I hung on every single word till the very last. As I've said I love the immigrant story, it fascinates me! I found the writing in this book phenomenal and will be waiting in line for McLoughin's next book, I'm a new fan! This is the reason I love reading from authors I've not heard of. The idea of finding that gem in the pile of rocks, I've found a gem! Her character development and follow through was great, I felt like these were people I could have known and related to in my own life. Perhaps we wouldn't have been friends, but we could have lived in the same community. I love a strong female character and Johanna was that, she was a wonderful mix of comfort and love we want in our caring women, but also had a streak of toughness and resiliency that we as women strive for in life. In a time period when women were seen more than heard, she stood out and steered her family towards what was right and true even after suffering unimaginable tragedy, brought on by a member of her own family. I'm hoping this is the first of many McLoughin books I'm going to read. I was that impressed with her writing skills. When a book flows as easily and well thought out as this one did it makes it so nice, as the reader to turn page after page until there are no more without realizing you've already reached the end. I was sorry to see it end. I must say I was dying to know what Declan wrote in his letter to Johanna, maybe a sequel? Anyway, I highly recommend this one to anyone who like me loves historical fiction or who is fascinated with the immigrant story! Happy Reading!
In 1877 Ireland a young Johanna McNamara makes the decision to emigrate from her homeland to join her successful businessman brother Hugh in America. Johanna is filled with hope and promise for her new life and anxious to get going. However tragedy strikes soon after she embarks on her journey and she realizes her role in her new country will be one of caregiver and supporter, she'll need to put her own needs and desires on the back burner for now.
Back home on the farm in Ireland her family is dealing with it's own problems, especially her brother Art. Art's son Declan has always been a handful, but now that he's grown he's really gotten to be too much for Art to handle. Declan is soon on his way to America where he'll be staying with Hugh and Johanna. The adults are all hoping Declan will straighten up once he's in the new country and under the eyes of his aunt and uncle, but Declan is not one for authority and continues to buck the system and eventually runs into trouble with the law even he can't get out of.
Not many books are able to capture me from word one, this one did. I hung on every single word till the very last. As I've said I love the immigrant story, it fascinates me! I found the writing in this book phenomenal and will be waiting in line for McLoughin's next book, I'm a new fan! This is the reason I love reading from authors I've not heard of. The idea of finding that gem in the pile of rocks, I've found a gem! Her character development and follow through was great, I felt like these were people I could have known and related to in my own life. Perhaps we wouldn't have been friends, but we could have lived in the same community. I love a strong female character and Johanna was that, she was a wonderful mix of comfort and love we want in our caring women, but also had a streak of toughness and resiliency that we as women strive for in life. In a time period when women were seen more than heard, she stood out and steered her family towards what was right and true even after suffering unimaginable tragedy, brought on by a member of her own family. I'm hoping this is the first of many McLoughin books I'm going to read. I was that impressed with her writing skills. When a book flows as easily and well thought out as this one did it makes it so nice, as the reader to turn page after page until there are no more without realizing you've already reached the end. I was sorry to see it end. I must say I was dying to know what Declan wrote in his letter to Johanna, maybe a sequel? Anyway, I highly recommend this one to anyone who like me loves historical fiction or who is fascinated with the immigrant story! Happy Reading!
October 22, 2022
Interesting book.
I really loved this story and couldn't put it down. The characters are so real and lovable and well chosen and very strong people who were willing to share their lives together helping others. Its about Irish people immigrating to America and trying to fit into their new lives. About home sickness and tragedies, babies and general life. Interesting story and couldn't put it down. Well written and entertaining.
I really loved this story and couldn't put it down. The characters are so real and lovable and well chosen and very strong people who were willing to share their lives together helping others. Its about Irish people immigrating to America and trying to fit into their new lives. About home sickness and tragedies, babies and general life. Interesting story and couldn't put it down. Well written and entertaining.
March 4, 2023
A Good Read
The beginning of the book wasn't all that interesting, however, as The story progressed, it became very interesting. The description of the places and the characters was excellent. The story contained different emotions, including happiness and tragedy. The description of Irish people immigrating to the states was very informative, as well as descriptive. I very much enjoyed this historical novel and recommend it.
The beginning of the book wasn't all that interesting, however, as The story progressed, it became very interesting. The description of the places and the characters was excellent. The story contained different emotions, including happiness and tragedy. The description of Irish people immigrating to the states was very informative, as well as descriptive. I very much enjoyed this historical novel and recommend it.
January 28, 2021
Lives Apart follows the McNamara family in Ireland and America over a period of some 60 years from the latter part of the 19th. Century to the first quarter of the 20th. The story focuses on four members of the family: Art, the oldest son, who on the death of the father takes over management of the family farm in County Clare; Hugh, the second son, whose entrepreneurial spirit takes him to America where he builds a successful grocery chain in Boston; Johanna, one of the younger daughters, who at age 17 crosses the Atlantic, joins Hugh's household and then establishes her own; and Declan, one of Art's twin sons, who joins Hugh and Johanna in Boston, but whose troubled spirit and actions have disastrous consequences. The clearest focus is on Johanna, a strong, spirited and independent woman; her marriage, husband and family, the tragic event which scars her life, and her recovery. A well drawn, absorbing and enjoyable book.
May 3, 2021
I loved this story! I love Miss Anne stories and so looking for the next One !! Beautiful story of a Irish family and watching them grow up to become adults and seeing two of the four children to go to America and start their lives there as young adults and see where their lives led them. Through the best and the worst of times in their lives ,watch their children grown and afterwards brother and sister older now goes back to Ireland to reconnect not only with their birth place but with their other siblings and their family it being the very last time they all will be together and faced some long over due past ghosts especially Johanna. Very emotional book all the way through and grab some tissues while your at it! If you are a first time reader of Miss Anne stories then your missing some very good reads! Waiting on her next book in this series!
April 25, 2022
Nicola Whelan’s review of the book
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was a nice easy read, full of all sorts of happenings from start to finish. The authoress is a very talented writer, encapsulating the images of the characters for the reader to picture in their heads. It’s a very moving story. I would and have recommended it to friends and family alike. I think my mother would like it.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was a nice easy read, full of all sorts of happenings from start to finish. The authoress is a very talented writer, encapsulating the images of the characters for the reader to picture in their heads. It’s a very moving story. I would and have recommended it to friends and family alike. I think my mother would like it.
October 29, 2022
Family Saga
This historical novel travels between eras as the story is told of migration from County Clare, Ireland to Boston. Life is not easy, with deaths, disappointment as well as hard earned successes and contentment. Well told with excellent historical details and wonderfully developed characters.
This historical novel travels between eras as the story is told of migration from County Clare, Ireland to Boston. Life is not easy, with deaths, disappointment as well as hard earned successes and contentment. Well told with excellent historical details and wonderfully developed characters.
December 13, 2020
An amazing story set in turn of century Ireland and America, whether it be Johanna the one that joins the varied threads of story, there are multiple characters although this story is limited to 3 characters
Hugh,Johanna and Delcan
Hugh,Johanna and Delcan
May 17, 2021
I have just finished reading Lives Apart by Anne McLoughlin . From the time I started reading the book until I finished it I couldn't put it down. This is a beautiful, free flowing story of emigration which captured my interest immediately and brought me on a wonderful ,emotional journey with the main character, Johanna. The author, having introduced Johanna to us reels us in masterfully with her beautiful, authentic prose and leads us step by step, thought by thought, through her hopes and dreams . As I read the book I was genuinely moved by the plight Johanna found herself in. There are no short cuts in this story, there is a beautiful build up to the major events and a harrowing account of their consequences. The descriptive passages throughout the book are stunning . There is no doubt that this story came from the heart of the author. Only somebody who has a genuine interest in and great empathy with others could so authentically capture the characters in this book and protray them so movingly. This is a book that I really enjoyed and it left me longing for more. The twist near the end crept up on me and I didn't see it coming! I can't wait for the next book. Mary Doyle
August 14, 2025
I was very impressed with this recreation of 19th century America, the subtle, engaging way family tensions were portrayed, and the writing skill Anne McLoughlin showed.
November 19, 2022
A poignant story!
Lives Apart was a heart
tugging poignant story, filled with life's happiness, sadness, grief
disappointments and unforgiveness.
A really good journey into an Irish family that tugs at the heart strings.
appointments
Lives Apart was a heart
tugging poignant story, filled with life's happiness, sadness, grief
disappointments and unforgiveness.
A really good journey into an Irish family that tugs at the heart strings.
appointments
May 15, 2021
I loved this book - it is a fascinating study of an Irish family and the experiences of those who emigrated to America. The characters are so lifelike I thought they might be relatives of the author but having seen Anne's youtube interview I understand they are based on various people she met during her research.
I am looking forward to the sequel Lives Without End.
I am looking forward to the sequel Lives Without End.
November 5, 2022
What sadness…..yet, I am sure that is how life was for those immigrating. I appreciate that it is a clean book.
November 13, 2022
Making a new home
This was an interesting Irish family saga where part of the family moved to American. Slowly more kin arrived. Life took over their growth as they gradually became Americans. Good read.
This was an interesting Irish family saga where part of the family moved to American. Slowly more kin arrived. Life took over their growth as they gradually became Americans. Good read.
March 19, 2021
Lives Apart is the first novel by Irish, Dublin Author, Anne McLoughlin. Set in Ireland, Boston and San Francisco it tells the story of what happened to an Irish family in America and follows the new lives of Johanna McNamara, her brother Hugh and the family black sheep, Declan. It’s an easy read and moves at a fast pace with great twists and turns. Can’t wait for book two to continue this fascinating story which is out in the summer.
July 17, 2025
Brilliant
Not taking away from this brilliantly written novel, towards the end, it seems the editing slacked off. However, it did nothing to take away from this well written script.
Not taking away from this brilliantly written novel, towards the end, it seems the editing slacked off. However, it did nothing to take away from this well written script.
August 7, 2021
An emotional saga about love,loss and family ties, lots of deep emotional feelings which strengthen family bonds. A brilliant read it highlights the fact that no family is perfect and by showing lots of love and understanding a family can survive.
October 26, 2024
Simple and sweet
The author allowed me to picture all scenes, every tragedy. The descriptions were vivid. The pain was real. This book played like a movie in my head. It wasn't overly dramatic either.
The author allowed me to picture all scenes, every tragedy. The descriptions were vivid. The pain was real. This book played like a movie in my head. It wasn't overly dramatic either.
January 1, 2021
Wonderfully written fictional account of emigration from Ireland. The reader empathizes with the characters, and the challenges faced by those in America and those left behind. Historic accounts interwoven in the story add to its depth. An absorbing and thought provoking read. I very much look forward to the next book in the series!
June 5, 2025
Johanna. Hugh Declan
Although this was a very slow read for me there were parts I absolutely loved. Emigration to the USA , leaving Ireland made me think of my Grandparents.
The heart ache and longing to go back and knowing it’s all a pipe dream… they have left., they are Americans now.
Also the section of Declan reminded me of
David as his year anniversary approaches.
Many heart felt moments to end this book.
Although this was a very slow read for me there were parts I absolutely loved. Emigration to the USA , leaving Ireland made me think of my Grandparents.
The heart ache and longing to go back and knowing it’s all a pipe dream… they have left., they are Americans now.
Also the section of Declan reminded me of
David as his year anniversary approaches.
Many heart felt moments to end this book.
December 28, 2020
Lives apart. He moves from Ireland to Boston, Marries, Has a very successful business. His sister moves from Ireland to Boston. Spends her life there. Marries. Has children, And their lives are intertwined as his wife dies and she raises them. And she marries. Has children. And all along they know they have left family behind. Totally different lives in Ireland. Lives apart. Same family -- but so different, Such an amazing book - choices that affect their lives and their siblings as many of them immigrate as well.
December 21, 2020
Enjoyed the book. The story of a family whose love of Ireland never left them even though circumstances eventually made American their home. The characters of brother and sister , Hugh and Johanna showed how working hard and carrying on even in dark times can make for a better life. Like all families their lives were not easy with misfortunes mingled with love and success.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews