The instant Irish Times Top Ten bestseller

A heartbreaking and life-affirming novel about small towns and second chances - from the international bestselling author of Four Letters of Love

'A rich and gorgeous book' The Times, The 10 best historical fiction books of 2024 'Irresistible ... A powerful pleasure' Karen Joy Fowler 'Deeply compassionate' Guardian 'Slow, rich, immaculate ... One of the most affecting books I've ever read' The Times 'I am such a fan of Niall Williams' work' Ann Patchett 'A beautifully written novel about second chances and familial love' Observer 'A story brimming with kindness and courage' Mail on Sunday 'A warm and life-affirming story about ordinary people going to extraordinary lengths' Irish Times 'Line by line, it may be the most beautifully written novel I've read this year' Washington Post

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Doctor Jack Troy was born and raised in the little town of Faha, but his responsibilities for the sick and his care for the dying mean he has always been set apart from his community. A visit from the doctor is always a sign of bad things to come.

His youngest daughter, Ronnie, has grown up in her father's shadow, and remains there, having missed her chance at real love - and passed up an offer of marriage from an unsuitable man.

But in the advent season of 1962, as the town readies itself for Christmas, Ronnie and Doctor Troy's lives are turned upside down when a baby is left in their care. As the winter passes, father and daughter's lives, the understanding of their family, and their role in their community are changed forever.

'My own life feels richer having read it' Mary Beth Keane 'A triumph ... There is so much to admire: the lyrical language, how landscape and destiny intertwine, the complex bonds of community' Ron Rash