Instant Fires

In Heidelberg, Germany, during a hot July, Ute Pfeiffer, who has given up on love, falls for Seanie Donnellan, a strange and charming young man with emotional aches of his own. As her father returns to a kind of childhood and her mother's longing spills over in the revelation of a family secret, Ute must decide if falling in love is something that happens to other people or if it's a choice only she can make.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 308 pages
Publication date: 09 September 2022
Publisher: New Island Books

In the picturesque city of Heidelberg, Germany, during a scorching July week, two kindred spirits embark on a tender journey that intertwines the allure of romance with the heaviness of their family legacies. After enduring fifteen years in a loveless marriage, Ute Pfeiffer has returned from her homeland of Ireland to confront a deteriorating father, Julius, and a distant mother, Christa. The last thing she desires is to fall for another Irishman, especially after her heart has been shattered by a previous relationship. However, when she witnesses Seanie Donnellan driving over a hen in her parent's yard, a subtle transformation sweeps over her guarded heart.

Ute, who has surrendered her hopes of finding love, and Seanie, who has never truly experienced it, are two individuals who are unaware of the unspoken family history that unfolded during the war. Seanie, with his enigmatic nature and profound emotional struggles, challenges Ute's preconceived notions and ignites a glimmer of hope within her. As her father reclaims a sense of childlike wonder, and her mother's longing manifests in the revelation of a family secret, Ute finds herself at a crossroads. She must ponder whether falling in love is a mere happenstance or a decision solely within her own power.

Through their shared experiences and the unraveling of their pasts, Ute and Seanie discover the transformative power of love and the courage it takes to embrace it. They navigate the complexities of their relationship, facing challenges and triumphs along the way. In the end, they realize that love is a choice that can be made, and it is a journey that allows individuals to grow, heal, and find true happiness.

Weight: 336g
Dimension: 134 x 214 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781848408364