Evacuated from Blitz-battered London, shy and genteel Elizabeth White is sent to stay with the boisterous O'Connors in Kilgarret, Ireland. It is the beginning of an unshakeable bond between Elizabeth and Aisling O'Connor, a friendship which will endure through twenty turbulent years of change and chaos, joy and sorrow, soaring dreams and searing betrayals...
Writing with warmth, wit and great compassion, Maeve Binchy tells a magnificent story of the lives and loves of two women, bound together in a friendship that nothing could tear asunder - not even the man who threatened to come between them forever.
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"Light a Penny Candle is one of Maeve Binchy's earlier published novels, I liked this book, but there is an improvement on her story-telling. This story is set in the time of WWII when British parents used to send their children away from the cities and bombs. In the case of Elizabeth, she was sent to Ireland where she meets her life-long friend Aisling. Light a Penny Candle brings one of Binchy's main themes throughout her books: strong friendships. And as always her stories are heart-warming and a pleasure to read."
— Ellie (4 out of 5 stars)
" Never finished this one...just couldn't really get into it. I've heard good things about Maeve Binchy's books, but wasn't too impressed with this one. "
— Stacey, 2/12/2014" I loved this book until the last few chapters, when the main characters were portrayed completely out of character for them, and the ending seemed rushed and unnatural. This was Ms. Binchy's first novel, and this perhaps accounts for it. I have read several of her books, and enjoy them immensely. "
— Dolores, 2/7/2014" This is a book I read many years ago. I do not remember the story, but, I remember I liked it enough to go on and read more of Maeve Binchy. "
— Fran, 1/30/2014" First book I ever from by Maeve Binchy. I was hooked instantly! "
— Jessica, 1/28/2014" Top five Binchy book for me, I loved the family in this book and want them to adopt me, sort of! I just really feel like her characters are real, live people that I actually know and love...sign of a great writer too me. "
— Emily, 1/17/2014" One of my favourite books by Maeve Binchy...perfect for relaxing! "
— Julianne, 12/31/2013" I loved this book. It had some good twists and turns. There were some tearful moments as well. I'm going to miss looking forward to a new Maeve book. "
— Ann, 12/28/2013" This is my absolute favorite of Maeve Binchy's books. It definitely has a dark side to it. "
— Beth, 12/28/2013" One of those books I have read again and again. "
— Peggy, 12/24/2013" Since I mentioned my favorite by Maeve, I mention my least favorite. Don't get me wrong it's an okay book, but no where new as good as her other works. "
— Cortney, 12/5/2013" I've been reading this author while recovering from surgery because they are so cozy and "feel good". I like the funny characters and the small Irish towns remind me of the small insular town in which I grew up. "
— Molly, 11/26/2013" I enjoyed this book very much all the way to the ending. I did not find the ending satisfactory. "
— Colleen, 11/26/2013" It was a great read, i found myself completely drawn in but the ending was a bit of a disappointment, to me it seemed a bit of a cop out. still all the best to elizabeth and aisling. "
— Ellen, 11/12/2013" I really enjoyed this book however Maeve Binchy doesn't allow her characters to have a whole lot of happiness. I would recommend the book however. "
— Linda, 11/2/2013" I read this one for Maeve! I hope she rests in peace. "
— Emac, 8/5/2013" maeve can do no wrong in my book. i locked myself in my room, didn't take any phone calls and totally emersed myself in this world. i laughed and cried and still miss my light a penny candle friends! "
— Emgriff82, 6/4/2013" I thought the book started slow but then picked up and really kept you wanting to read but then at the end it felt like the author just got sick of writing it and quickly ended the book. It was a let down. "
— Lisa, 9/22/2012" I think this is the 1st Maeve Binchy book that I've read and just shook my head at the end...it was very different from any of the other books of hers that I've read. I'm still not sure how I feel about that. "
— Kim, 8/7/2012" Best by far of Maeve Binchy's books. Intrigue and layers "
— MFC, 8/6/2012" Ms Binchy is always a good read some better than others but never less than a 4 star.... "
— Sharon, 8/5/2012" I would have loved this book more if it were about 200 pages shorter. I enjoyed the characters Elizabeth and Aisling ubt there stories dragged out a bit too much for me. "
— Emily, 3/10/2012" Interesting read, with good detail of the WWII and post-war times in England and Ireland. "
— Mary, 3/6/2012" LOVED THIS!!!!! It was my first Binchy Book. "
— Betsy, 1/5/2012" If you've never read Maeve Binchy, you might want to consider it. She just nails her characters and settings. She's my personal "comfort read" whenever I need solace. "
— Miya, 7/24/2011" I have seriously read this book 17 times. It is THAT good. "
— Jamie, 6/22/2011" One of the better books she has written lately. Was a great weekend read. "
— Kimberly, 5/22/2011" Typical Maeve Binchey. Like a cup of creamy cocoa - warm and soothing, but not much substance. That's not meant as a put down! "
— Melissa, 5/22/2011" Not one of her best. "
— Barbara, 5/21/2011" Love that Irish language. Relaxing read. I read one of Binchy's books every year just to get my Irish fix. "
— Margaret, 5/18/2011" Another heartwarming story of love and unique families .Binchy knows hiw to develop characters that are not perfect but through family and friends have the love and support to turn their life around. Many of her characters have connections to previous books so it's like coming home again. "
— Valovich, 5/17/2011" Not her best work but still a fun read. "
— Dia, 5/17/2011" Typical Maeve Binchy; a pleasant read with some familiar characters and some new ones, all going about their lives. "
— Vicki, 5/16/2011" this is a nice book, sweet story, but kind of slow (think At Home in Mitford). Has a lot of the same characters as a few of Binchy's other books, but not really a sequel. "
— Kristy, 5/15/2011" Binchy scores again with a complex, engrossing tale of friends and family in Ireland. She is always enjoyable and entertaining. "
— Carol, 5/14/2011" I can always depend on Maeve Binchy to deliver an enjoyable read. In each book, she creates several characters I care about, and worry about. This book is no exception. "
— Bobbi, 5/13/2011" I enjoyed this book which has a good plot. I always want that. <br/>The characters are too good to be true but very likeable. I will read more of her books. Sometime happy endings are just what I need. "
— Phyllis, 5/12/2011Maeve Binchy (1940–2012) was the author of numerous bestselling books, including Minding Frankie, Heart and Soul, Whitethorn Woods, and Circle of Friends, as well as Tara Road, which was an Oprah’s Book Club selection. She contributed to Gourmet; O, The Oprah Magazine; Modern Maturity; and Good Housekeeping, among other publications. Married to Gordon Snell, she lived in Dalkey, Ireland, until her death in July 2012 at the age of seventy-two, shortly after finishing A Week in Winter.