Our 60s Meet Ups are always fascinating as we share our stories. At a recent Book Club , Anne Marie Foster started to tell us a story and we were mesmerised! It turned out that we were listening to the author of The Belle from Belfast who gave us the ‘behind the scenes’ drama of her book. So I now share this with you and know you will enjoy her near to real life story about her Mum in Ireland. Enjoy!

This story honours Isabelle who has shown great courage, heroism and bravery in circumstances of extreme adversity. It is both a remarkable true love story spanning 50 years and several continents, as well as the author s family journey to start a new life in a new country.Based on a true story, the names of people and some events have been changed to protect individuals, but all historical events listed are factual.

If this were a fairy story, it would begin with once upon a time , but there are no fiery dragons or wicked witches, Cinderella slippers or seven dwarfs. Instead, a love spell is cast which transcends all earthly boundaries. Heroism which can only be measured by that which is felt by the heart, and a dream that really does come true. The story is written in Belfast dialect and set in the Catholic district of the Falls Road post World War II and tells how the stunningly attractive, feisty and fearless Isabelle McKitterick, meets champion Irish dancer Jack Kennedy. The attraction is instant and electric and they fall head over heels for each other. They are the vogue couple that turn heads everywhere they go and soon decide to spend the rest of their lives together despite objections from Isabelle's mother. However, their planned engagement is abruptly and unexpectedly stopped in its tracks and Jack leaves for Canada with the argument between them unresolved.

The events that follow sees Isabelle marry a man she doesn t love and catapults her into a life of abuse and danger. With Isabelle turning 70 and time running out, Berny decides to find Jack Kennedy and clear her Mammy s name. In a remarkable turn of events Isabelle and Jack are reunited one more time and Jack finally gives her the diamond ring he has secretly kept for 50 years. This story honours Isabelle who has shown great courage, heroism and braveryin circumstances of extreme adversity. It is both a remarkable true love story spanning 50 years and several continents, as well the author's family journey to start a new life in a new country.

To purchase the book, click here.