The heart-warming read from the bestselling author of Light a Penny Candle

The Lilac Bus

Maeve Binchy has a gimlet eye for the seething cauldron of  emotions which lies beneath the surface of everyday life

An adept storyteller with a sharp eye for social nuances and a pleasing affection for her characters

Has a lovely warm heart... Her prose is magnificently simple and lucid

Touching, gossipy and as warming as a feather bed

Compulsive reading ... Ms Binchy has the true story-teller's knack

Maeve Binchy was born in Dublin, and went to school at the Holy Child Convent in Killiney. She took a history degree at UCD and taught in various girls' schools, writing travel articles in the long summer holidays. In 1969 she joined the Irish Times and for many years she was based in London writing humorous columns from all over the world. She is the author of five collections of short stories as well as twelve novels including Circle of Friends, The Copper Beech, Tara Road, Evening Class and The Glass Lake. Maeve Binchy died on 30 July 2012. She is survived by her husband, the writer Gordon Snell.

'Maeve Binchy has a gimlet eye for the seething cauldron of emotions which lies beneath the surface of everyday life' Irish Independent 
 
'An adept storyteller with a sharp eye for social nuances and a pleasing affection for her characters' Sunday Times 
 
'Has a lovely warm heart . . . Her prose is magnificently simple and lucid' Evening Standard 
________________ 
 
Every Friday without fail, the lilac bus transports the same seven people from the bustle of Dublin to spend the weekend in the quaint village of Rathdoon. 
 
Each passenger has their own reason for making the trip. What is Judy hiding? Why is Rupert so unwilling to return home? And why has driver Tom orchestrated the lilac bus's trip in the first place? 
 
As friendships are forged and secrets revealed, it soon becomes clear that there's more to these unsuspecting characters than meets the eye . . . 
________________ 
 
Readers can't get enough of The Lilac Bus . . . 
 
***** 'This was the first Maeve Binchy book I ever read and by far my favourite.' 
***** 'This is a real 'comfort read' and I'd forgotten how much I enjoy this author.' 
***** 'If you are in need a good story, a kind story, a story with heart and a little intrigue, you won't go wrong with The Lilac Bus.'

A wonderful love story from the bestselling author of Light a Penny Candle

Echoes

A wonderful love story from the bestselling author of Light a Penny Candle and Circle of Friends

Ambition, betrayal, love. A wonderful love story from the bestselling author of Light a Penny Candle and Circle of Friends. 
 
'A powerful story of love and jealousy' SUNDAY TELEGRAPH 
'A master storyteller' MARIAN KEYES 
'I have returned to read Maeve Binchy time and time again' LORRAINE KELLY 
'Compulsive reading... Binchy has the true story-teller's knack' OBSERVER 
_________________ 
 
Growing up in a quiet seaside town, Clare O'Brien and David Power shout their hearts' desires into the echo cave, praying their destinies will carry them far away from Castlebay. 
 
Years later, their paths cross again. David, following in his father's footsteps, is studying medicine and Clare has won a scholarship to University College. 
 
But eventually Castlebay will draw them back and, against a backdrop of empty grey skies, sea-spray and howling winds, this drama of ambition, betrayal and love will reach its turbulent conclusion. 
_________________ 
 
Readers love Echoes . . . 
 
***** 'Maeve Binchy is a first class story teller, and ECHOES is one of her best. If you pick it up, you will not be disappointed.' 
***** 'I was transported by this book and also its characters stuck with me. 5 stars.' 
***** 'A warm, page-turning novel that makes you sad when it ends.' 
***** 'Maeve Binchy is always a pleasure and this book is no exception.' 
***** 'Just a wonderful and beautifully told story.'

Compulsive reading... Ms Binchy has the true story-teller's knack

From the bestselling author of Light a Penny Candle

Circle Of Friends

An enchanting novel of fierce loyalty and love in changing times, from the bestselling author of Light a Penny Candle

It's an absolute classic and belongs in the annals of Irish literature with all the greats.

‘I find myself yearning for the rain-soaked watercolour writing of Maeve Binchy […] Circle of Friends is a good place to start’

‘What better books to raise the spirits than the gentle, insightful Irish tales of Maeve Binchy’

A beloved classic [. . .] the central themes of friendships and first loves remain relevant at any age. This nostalgic, coming-of-age tale is always worth another read.

As gripping as a blockbuster, but infinitely gentler and wiser

'What better books to raise the spirits than the gentle, insightful Irish tales of Maeve Binchy?' HELLO! Magazine 
_____________________________________________ 
TROUBLE IS BREWING FOR THIS CIRCLE OF FRIENDS 
 
Generous-hearted Benny Hogan and the elfin Eve Malone have been best friends for years, growing up in sleepy Knockglen. Their one thought is to get to Dublin, to university and to freedom... 
 
On their first day at University College, the inseparable pair are thrown together with fellow students: beautiful but selfish Nan Mahon and the handsome Jack Foley. 
 
But trouble is brewing for Benny and Eve's new circle of friends and, before long, they find passion, tragedy - and the independence they yearned for. 
_____________________________________________ 
'I absolutely adore Circle of Friends - my 'fave Maeve' - and I have returned to read it time and time again' LORRAINE KELLY 
 
'If any author can help you survive lockdown, it's Binchy... Sheer bliss from every page' VAL HENNESSEY, IRISH DAILY MAIL 
 
'I find myself yearning for the rain-soaked watercolour writing of Maeve Binchy [...] Circle of Friends is a good place to start' JENNY COLGAN, GUARDIAN Best Comfort Reads 
 
'Binchy's novels are never less than entertaining' SUNDAY TIMES 
 
'Full of warmth and pure delight' WOMAN &amp; HOME 
 
'A beloved classic . . . This nostalgic, coming-of-age tale is always worth another read' IMAGE READS, 5 Brilliant Novels to Devour Again

Firefly Summer

'Firefly Summer is warm, humorous, sad and happy. Reading it is a joy' Irish Independent

Every summer the four Ryan children play in the ruins of Fernscourt, the once-grand house on the bank of the river. 
 
But when the estate is bought by Patrick O'Neill, the wealthy Irish American, his grand plans for its development threaten to shatter the peace. A new luxury hotel promises to breathe new life into the village, and yet it could also spell disaster for the Ryan family. 
 
And as old values and traditions begin to crumble away, no-one - not even Patrick - can predict what his big dreams will do to the heart of their quiet village. 
_____________ 
 
'Wonderfully warm and involving' KATIE FFORDE 
 
'If any author can help you survive lockdown, it's Binchy' DAILY MAIL 
 
'Firefly Summer is warm, humorous, sad and happy. Reading it is a joy' IRISH INDEPENDENT 
 
'I find myself yearning for the rain-soaked watercolour writing of Maeve Binchy' JENNY COLGAN, GUARDIAN Best Comfort Reads 
 
'Binchy's novels are never less than entertaining' SUNDAY TIMES 
 
'What better books to raise the spirits than the gentle, insightful Irish tales of Maeve Binchy?' HELLO! Magazine 
_____________ 
 
Readers love Firefly Summer ... 
 
***** 'Maeve Binchy never disappoints. I loved this book.' 
***** 'Date I finished this book is impossible to say, as I've read it so many times.' 
***** 'I loved this book! Such a great story!' 
***** 'Firefly Summer keeps readers engaged with the quotidian but never dull lives of Irish village life.' 
***** 'This is what good fiction does, gives you a story, draws you in, and won't let go and Binchy is at the height of her powers with this novel.'

Light A Penny Candle

A timeless bestseller from one of Tom Hanks' favourite authors

'The ideal doorstopper to occupy long, dark evenings’

She was just so aware of everyday people, and when I read her first book, Light a Penny Candle, I swore I knew every character in the book. I have read and re-read most of her books. I could not pick one, just all Maeve Binchy. She helps me switch off!

Maeve Binchy was born in Dublin, and went to school at the Holy Child Convent in Killiney. She took a history degree at UCD and taught in various girls' schools, writing travel articles in the long summer holidays. In 1969 she joined the Irish Times and for many years she was based in London writing humorous columns from all over the world. She is the author of five collections of short stories as well as twelve novels including Circle of Friends, The Copper Beech, Tara Road, Evening Class and The Glass Lake. Maeve Binchy died on 30 July 2012. She is survived by her husband, the writer Gordon Snell.

'Maeve Binchy! I love her stories and have since Light a Penny Candle.' TOM HANKS 
_____________________ 
 
A FRIENDSHIP NOTHING COULD DESTROY. 
 
Evacuated from Blitz-battered London, the shy Elizabeth White is sent to stay with the O'Connor family in Kilgarret, Ireland, where she strikes up an unlikely friendship with the lively, boisterous Aisling O'Connor. 
 
Neither of them were to know it would become the most important friendship of their lives. Their bond is unshakeable, enduring over turbulent years of change and chaos, joy and sorrow, soaring dreams - and searing betrayals . . . 
 
With warmth, wit and great compassion, Maeve Binchy tells a magnificent story of two women, bound together in a friendship that nothing could tear apart - not even the man who threatened to come between them forever. 
_____________________ 
 
'What better books to raise the spirits than the gentle, insightful Irish tales of Maeve Binchy?' HELLO! Magazine 
'Wonderfully warm and involving' KATIE FFORDE 
'If any author can help you survive lockdown, it's Binchy' DAILY MAIL 
'I find myself yearning for the rain-soaked watercolour writing of Maeve Binchy' JENNY COLGAN, GUARDIAN Best Comfort Reads 
'Binchy's novels are never less than entertaining' SUNDAY TIMES

Collected BBC Radio adaptations

Maeve Binchy: Collected Stories

A collection of readings and full-cast dramatisations from one of the world's most popular and bestselling storytellers.

Maeve Binchy (Author) Maeve Binchy was born in Dublin, and went to school at the Holy Child Convent in Killiney. She took a history degree at UCD and taught in various girls' schools, writing travel articles in the long summer holidays. In 1969 she joined the Irish Times and for many years she was based in London writing humorous columns from all over the world. She is the author of five collections of short stories as well as twelve novels including Circle of Friends, The Copper Beech, Tara Road, Evening Class and The Glass Lake. Maeve Binchy died on 30 July 2012. She is survived by her husband, the writer Gordon Snell.

A collection of full-cast dramatisations and readings from the bestselling author 
 
‘There’s nobody like Binchy for warming the cockles’ Times 
 
Maeve Binchy was one of Britain’s best-loved storytellers and this compilation of her finest fiction, as heard on BBC Radio, demonstrates all the warmth, wit and compassion that made her so popular. 
 
Firefly Summer is a moving, humorous novel about a sleepy Irish town facing monumental change, dramatised in six parts with a full cast including David Soul and Lorcan Cranitch. 
 
No Nightingales, No Snakes features full-cast dramatisations of five Maeve Binchy short stories, with a distinguished cast including Niamh Cusack, Sam Dale and Harry Towb. 
 
The Garden Party contains four short stories specially commissioned for BBC Radio 4, read by Niamh Cusack, Dervla Kirwan, Doreen Hepburn and Stella McCusker. 
 
The Homecoming comprises four more stories exclusively written for BBC Radio 4, read by Sean Campion, Joanna Myers, Patricia Hodge and Kate Binchy. 
 
Dealing with families, friendship, love, loss, sorrow and joy, these stories will delight all Maeve Binchy fans. Duration: 6 hours approx

The Homecoming & Other Stories

Four Maeve Binchy short stories, exclusively written for BBC Radio 4.

Maeve Binchy is one of Britain’s most popular storytellers, and these four tales demonstrate the warmth and compassion that have made her many novels bestsellers.   In 'Homecoming', read by Sean Campion, the Brennans run Quentin’s restaurant in Dublin for the owner, who lives abroad. But what will happen when he suddenly pays a visit?   'Telling Stories', read by Joanna Myers, sees Irene’s fiancé turning up the night before the wedding with a face as white as the dress that is to be worn the next day. Then trouble starts...   In 'Needy', read by Patricia Hodge, Heather is painfully aware that Valentine’s Day declarations of love should be viewed with suspicion, even if the sender is the one she loves.   And in 'The Interview', read by Kate Binchy, Bessie is deaf and needs a place in a special school. But will she pass the interview?   Finely crafted and full of wit and charm, these are stories that no fan of Maeve Binchy will want to be without.

Garden Party, The & Other Stories

Four Maeve Binchy short stories, specially commissioned for BBC Radio 4.

Maeve Binchy is one of Britain’s most popular and bestselling authors, and this collection of four stories from the BBC Radio 4 archive shows her at her most insightful and imaginative. In The Garden Party, Helen envies her neighbour Debbie Kennedy’s garden – and her life – but discovers that things are not always as they seem; while The Special Sale sees lonely Yvonne arranging a special lunch for her friend Frank and his children on the day after Christmas. The Sensible Celebration finds Lorna about to throw a small party to celebrate the decade gone by: but as she plans, she starts to think about her life, and her marriage. Finally, in Dolly’s Mother, the beauty, grace and efficiency of her perfect parent have always made Dolly feel inferior – until the day of her sixteenth birthday. These four stories, never collected together in book form and unique to audio, are read by acclaimed actors Niamh Cusack, Dervla Kirwan, Doreen Hepburn and Stella McCusker. 
 
1 CD. 57 mins.

Victoria Line, Central Line

A vintage collection of short stories from the bestselling author of Light a Penny Candle and Circle of Friends

Millions of people travel on London's tube every day, yet we usually give our fellow passengers only a cursory glance. But each one of these nameless passengers has their own story to tell. 
 
At Notting Hill, the mysterious secretary, harbouring her secrets, travels to work; at Highburyand Islington, Adam has a sudden change of heart; and at Holborn, a disastrous reunion is about to take place... 
 
With her characteristic mix of compassionate humour and biting realism, this vintage collection of stories is Maeve Binchy at her very best

Dublin 4

A vintage collection of short stories set in the heart of Dublin, from the bestselling author of Light a Penny Candle and Circle of Friends

Compulsive reading . . . Ms Binchy has the true story-teller's knack

A society hostess entertains her husband's mistress to dinner; a country girl savours the delights of city life; a student faces the dilemma of unmarried pregnancy; and a drink-ridden photographer tries to relaunch a shattered career... 
 
This vintage collection of stories from the bestselling author of Light a Penny Candle and Circle of Friends is Maeve Binchy at her best - her trademark warmth, wit and compassion are unmistakeable.

Maeve Binchy

A family reunion threatens to reveal all their secrets…

Another unforgettable novel from the bestselling author of Light a Penny Candle and Circle of Friends. 
 
'What better books to raise the spirits than the gentle, insightful Irish tales of Maeve Binchy?' HELLO! Magazine 
_______________ 
 
An unforgettable novel from the bestselling author of Light a Penny Candle and Circle of Friends 
 
Desmond and Deirdre Doyle's silver wedding anniversary is drawing ever closer, and it falls to the couple's eldest daughter, Anna, to decide how best to commemorate the big day. 
 
No use asking her sister Helen, living in her London convent, or her brother Brendan, who has chosen exile on a bleak farm in the west of Ireland. 
 
But it is unthinkable not to have a party, even though for the Doyles, family occasions are more difficult than for most. And as the day draws nearer, so the tension mounts, until finally the guests gather at the party itself. . . 
_______________ 
 
Readers can't get enough of Silver Wedding . . . 
 
***** 'When I read a Maeve, I feel I have come home.' 
***** 'A clever and insightful read.' 
***** 'I love her style. Her characters are so rich.' 
***** 'One of my favorite writers, she understands people in a rare way.' 
***** 'An excellent read, as always!'

Maeve Binchy

Books by Maeve Binchy

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