Two for Joy

In Kilronan, Ireland, social events, like Oliver Flynn's wedding, are only for the crème de la crème of society. Noreen, Olivers's new wife, is pleased to finally outclass her two sisters. But one nagging thought lingers in her mind; would she be Mrs. Flynn if she had not done the proposing herself? Lorna Morgan considers herself far to classy to be living in a town like Kilronan. When she is invited to Oliver Flynn's wedding, she sets her mind that the fine life is the only way for her. But for her to go live up the socialite life in the city, she needs her stick in the mud cousin, Heather, to come along for the ride. What a difference a year can make, as the lives of Noreen, Lorna, and Heather changes. From Dublin to New York to London, the journey of each woman comes full circle, back to Kilronan, where it all began. And only there can it all finally be put to rest. ***** Wonderful. Wonderful. Wonderful! Patricia Scanlan paints such a colorful and splendid picture of the hopes and dreams of three women whose lives are intertwined by connections unknown to them. Television soap operas have nothing on this author's novels. I stayed up all night long, determined to finish this incredible story, before the new day began. (Who needs sleep anyway?) Definitely a great read! *****

Just outside Dublin in Kilronan, Noreen Lynch married building contractor Oliver Flynn though his widowed mother objected and failed to attend the ceremony. Noreen had some doubts since she had to propose and is concerned with Oliver's close relationship with his mother.Lorna Morgan thinks of leaving Kilronan, but though she detests the dusty town she fears making the move by herself. She hopes to persuade nineteen year old Heather Williams to join her. Though she lacks a boyfriend, Heather likes the small town lifestyle and has doubts about going to Dublin like her twin sister Ruth did.These women will find their lives in upheaval as relationships change with maturity and understanding. However, who will be hurt when the dust settles as the Widow Flynn prefers her son had married nice Heather, not that glamour snob Noreen remains to be read.TWO FOR JOY is an interesting character study that digs deep into the hopes and dreams of three young women, who will soon learn that what they though they desired is proving false, but rather than quit or stay unhappy, they change their aspirations. The story line focuses on the three prime females, but through their relationships with others like Noreen has with her mother-in-law, insight into other key players surface. Though there is no action, readers who value a slice of contemporary life will gain plenty of joy reading Patricia Scanlan's fine tale.Harriet Klausner