The Liffey Flows on by

Book excerpt: A family saga of love, tragedy, and war spanning four generations, The Liffey Flows On By is a page-turner that transports readers back to Ireland in the early 1900s.The story revolves around the Butlers, a wealthy Irish family living on a large estate bordering the River Liffey. With a family tradition of disregarding society’s class distinctions, the Butlers’ lives are interwoven with those of their estate staff. And indeed it is these relationships that repeatedly save the Butler family.At the novel’s centre are Tom Butler, who with his twin brother fights in the First World War and loves the beautiful Rachel; his son Milo who with his best friend fights in the Second World War and finds love in an unexpected place; and Maggie Flynn, their cook housekeeper who dispenses advice but holds secrets of her own. Throughout the years, the River Liffey, quietly flowing by their property, has a profound importance in all their lives, especially for Milo.Weaving drama, humor, and historical events to create a story with as many twists and turns as a river, Niki Phillips brings Ireland to life with rich dialogue and memorable characters that will leave readers wanting more.