Gentle Breezes, Soft Rain

Gentle Breezes and Soft Rain Home Again in Ireland These connected stories about a couple's holidays and longer stays in Ireland, over several decades of married life, offer a deeply personal and autobiographical account, written by Irish born Caroline and her English husband Chris. It is bursting with humour; the pleasures and difficulties and simple little drama's that a young married couple can get into, in that beautiful emerald isle, especially when joined by parents, family and friends. However this is also a fascinating travel book for those readers wishing to know more about the real Ireland, straight from the horses mouth, so to speak (no pun intended). For difficulties, just read Chris Page's account of their 'Romantic Holiday' in a traditionally Irish gypsy caravan, especially with three small children aboard, and with Queenie, a very stubborn and headstrong shire horse. For pleasures, there are the gorgeous hills and vales, mountains and lakes, and of course the wonderfully nostalgic Irish folk songs. For drama's, every one of Caroline's well-remembered and skilfully crafted tales is filled with love, laughter and pathos; in tribute to her late mother and father, who insisted on accompanying them whenever possible, and even when it was almost too late. And if you've ever wished to know Ireland, read and enjoy this remarkable book, and you will surely see that country in a whole new light. For as Chris says: he hopes that unlike England; Ireland never loses it's true identity and culture, and for those people who have never been to Ireland, he knows that if you get the chance you will want to re-visit, for you can never have enough. Harry Riley