Jack Flynn is a farmer, strong and aggressive, proudly independent. But, on his lonely smallholding in Tipperary in the new Republic of Ireland, he is slowly dying of tuberculosis. Jack engages the services of the local matchmaker, and purchases a young wife who can bear him sons to inherit his land. His choice, Caitlin Spillane, is less than half his age, attractive and intelligent, and resents bitterly the obedience forced upon her. When Donal Kelly, a young firebrand and IRA activist, arrives in the village, he is determined to liberate Caitlin from her husband - by any means.
'Therese Down is an exciting new talent - a wonderful wordsmith who weaves compelling stories around evocative landscapes and unforgettable characters who stay with you long after you've finished reading.' -- Pam Rhodes
'Beautifully written, with crisscrossing, captivating storylines, 'Only With Blood reveals tenderness and trauma, accompanied by welcome touches of transformation. A great read!' -- Catherine Campbell
'Rich in historical detail, Only with Blood vividly recreates the Ireland of the 1940s. Part family drama, part political thriller, this well crafted book will introduce you to characters you can really care about.' -- Gerard Kelly, author of The Boy Who Loved Rain Haunting Publishers Weekly
Author
About Therese Down
Therese Down is currently working as the Head of English in a Sixth Form College and has been teaching English Literature and Language for over twenty years in a range of schools and colleges. She is also author of Only with Blood.
