What Once Was True by Jean Grainger

 genre: historical fiction

Sure, Kate and her family don't own Robinswood, the giant manor house.  But her Ma and Da run it, and despite being the child of servants, Kate grows up alongside Sam, the future Lord.  When what will become World War 2 comes to Ireland, it arrives just as Sam and Kate's life at Robinswood would be changing anyway, as the old money is gone and a new world order is on the cusp on the home front.  

This is a super fast read.  It's not just Kate's story, it's the story of her family - two two sisters and her parents as well as Sam's family.  Everything is changing for everyone and it's a story of letting go of the past and being brave enough to imagine a new kind of future - all while knowing there is a war raging.  It's got its romantic moments and its tender moments.  All the characters, especially the Lady of the manor, are a bit one dimensional and sometimes it's maybe a bit over the top but it was some delightful brain candy and the history reads very true to everything else I've read, so I appreciate that.  Could've used a bit more editing but overall, this was an enjoyable book - but not so enjoying I'd need to read what comes next - the ending is just fine.