An epic story of war, love, suspense, betrayal and murder – the Michael Collins story. It is 1920 and, as the War of Independence rages throughout Ireland, Michael Collins is the most wanted man in the British Empire. He lives a life in hiding, conducting guerrilla warfare, outsmarting the authorities, a figure of mystery and intrigue. Very few know even what he looks like. He occasionally finds rest and comfort with the family of Kitty Kiernan, his best friend’s sweetheart. Then Michael finds himself falling in love with the complex and enigmatic Kitty. Lady Hazel Lavery, wife of famous artist Sir John Lavery, is considered the most beautiful and charming society hostess in London. An American of Irish descent, haunted by a tragic past, she sets out to use her friendships with men like Winston Churchill to bring peace to Ireland. When Michael, recently engaged to Kitty, arrives in London as part of the Irish peace delegation, he finds himself the centre of intense public fascination. Hazel Lavery takes Michael under her wing and navigates him through London high society. They form a close bond and soon are engulfed in rumours of an affair and accusations that Michael has been seduced by the glamour of London and by Hazel. Kitty all but despairs at the situation but is determined to fight for him. After the infamous Anglo-Irish Treaty, Ireland veers towards civil war. As Michael, Hazel and Kitty arrive in Dublin that fateful week in August 1922,the war is at its zenith – and this love triangle is about to implode with devastating results.

Can a house keep secrets? 1840’s – When Lord Edward Armstrong builds the house for his bride, Anna, the family is at the climax of its power. But its world is threatened when no heir is born. Anna could restore their fortunes, but it would mean the ultimate betrayal. Then the Great Famine grips the country. 1910s – Clara finds life as lady of the manor is not what she expected when she married Pierce Armstrong. As the First World War rages, she finds solace in artist Johnny Seymour’s decadent circle. Then the War of Independence erupts and Clara is caught between two men, deceit and revenge. Present Day – When Kate Fallon sees the house it is love at first sight. She and her tycoon husband Tony buy it and hire the last Armstrong owner, architect Nico, to oversee its restoration. As Kate’s fascination with the house grows, she and Nico begin to uncover its history and the fates of its occupants in centuries past. But then, as her husband's business empire faces ruin, Kate realises that they are in danger of losing everything. Betrayal, deceit, revenge, obsession – one house, one family, three generations Editorial Reviews“Skillful and original plotting kept me enthralled until the final page of the story” Rosemary McLoughlin author of Tyringham Park “Downton’ fans, you’ll love this big house, Engrossing and imaginative” - Irish Independent “An irresistible mix of history, drama and intrigue that entertained and enthralled me in equal measure!” - Bord Gáis Energy Book Club **Review"You'll love this Big House - The novel tells three stories in three different eras. In 1840s Lord Edward Armstrong has a glorious mansion built for Anna, his young bride. In the 1910s, London society girl Clara is smitten by Pierce Armstrong. After much scheming, she marries him and they return to live in Ireland. And in the present day, Kate Fallon falls truly and madly for the Armstrong House and convinces her tycoon husband Tony to buy it. The couple hire Nico Armstrong, the last owner, to oversee the restoration. *The book is beautifully crafted and tremendously ambitious: as well as taking on the formal complexity of the three intersecting storylines, it is threaded with the running themes that tackle  romance, revenge, desire, deceit and heartbreak. The three central characters harmonise to a remarkable degree, given that each section functions in isolation from the others. Throughout both episodes we get a sense of the seismic cultural and social shifts taking place. The novel is engrossing, imaginative and humane."*** *- Irish Independent.***               * ** *"A hugely satisfying and unforgettable read"* * - *RTE Guide** * **From the AuthorThe House **

Can a house keep secrets?1840's—When Lord Edward Armstrong builds the house for his bride, Anna, the family is at the climax of its power. But its world is threatened when no heir is born. Anna could restore their fortunes, but it would mean the ultimate betrayal. Then the Great Famine grips the country.1910s—Clara finds life as lady of the manor is not what she expected when she married Pierce Armstrong. As the First World War rages, she finds solace in artist Johnny Seymour's decadent circle. Then the War of Independence erupts and Clara is caught between two men, deceit and revenge.Present Day—When Kate Fallon sees the house it is love at first sight. She and her tycoon husband Tony buy it and hire the last Armstrong owner, architect Nico, to oversee its restoration.As Kate's fascination with the house grows, she and Nico begin to uncover its history and the fates of its occupants in centuries past. But then, as her husband's business empire faces ruin...

Present day—Kate and Nico Collins are filming a docudrama about life in their home Armstrong House in Ireland during its golden age at the turn of the century. When they discover a cover-up of a terrible crime involving Nico's great-grandfather Lord Charles Armstrong, they set out to solve a mystery over a century old.1888—Arabella Tattinger arrives to attend a glittering ball at Armstrong House as the family's younger son Harrison's fiancée. Her head is turned by the glamorous aristocratic family, and most of all by the eldest son and heir, the exciting but dangerous Charles. A chain of events unfolds from that night which casts the family into years of a bitter feud.1899—When American heiress Victoria Van Hoeven marries into the family, she is determined bring peace at last to the Armstrongs. But everywhere dangers are circling and secrets are ready to emerge from the shadows. Not just from outside the house but from within their golden circle. Victoria is stepping...