The Kennedy Debutante

August 1, 2018
In her debut, Maher follows the exploits of a young Kennedy daughter before and during World War II.In the 1930s, Kathleen "Kick" Kennedy--one of the nine Kennedy children, including JFK--is taking London by storm as the daughter of the U.S. ambassador. As an American and an Irish Catholic, she's out of place in Protestant London. Still, Kick finds a group of friends who enjoy nothing more than partying every night as her father tries to convince everyone that entering into war with Hitler is unwise and unnecessary. Kick falls for Billy Hartington, the future Duke of Devonshire, although their different religions make it hard for her to imagine a future with him. When war inevitably breaks out, Kick and her family retreat to America, where Kick works in Washington as a secretary and then a journalist, desperately trying to get back to Billy as the world around them crumbles. Eventually, Kick is able to join the Red Cross and make her way back to London, but being reunited with Billy brings up hard choices. Is love worth giving up her religion, her family, and possibly her soul? Maher paints an immersive picture of America and London during wartime, full of remarkably vivid details--what people were eating, drinking, listening to, and wearing. Kick emerges as an immensely likable character, and casual readers and history buffs alike will love getting to know her. Her headstrong, lively personality propels the book forward even when it does get bogged down with slightly too much detail. Although Kick's life is often full of glamour and wealth, she also deals with more than her share of tragedy. Maher shows the true cost of war, both for those fighting and those left behind.A romantic and heartbreaking look at an often forgotten American figure.

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August 1, 2018

This work from newcomer Maher (This Is Not a Writing Manual: Notes for the Young Writer in the Real World) opens with Kathleen "Kick" Kennedy enjoying her first social season in England, where she meets Billy Harrington, the future Duke of Devonshire. She is Catholic, he is Protestant, and since neither wish to compromise their family's faith to be together, their romance is filled with miscommunication and lost opportunity, especially once World War II begins and Billy joins the military. Kick finds wartime purpose as a journalist, steadily gaining confidence and independence until tragedy strikes her immediate family and she's forced to reexamine and reprioritize her values yet again. Kick ultimately decides to follow her heart, ignoring peer and family pressure, only to face another personal tragedy almost immediately. VERDICT The Catholic-Protestant conflict seems quaint compared to the civil and political unrest in today's world, and the romantic tension fizzles in some places, but this coming-of-age story will attract fans of the Kennedy dynasty, of which Kick is one of the least-known members.--Tina Panik, Avon Free P.L., CT

Copyright 2018 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 24, 2018
Maher’s assured debut, set against the backdrop of World War II, explores the life of JFK’s younger sister Kathleen “Kick” Kennedy. In 1938, 18-year-old Kick is new to London, where her father serves as the U.S. ambassador. Her natural charm and intelligence quickly draw a loyal group of friends as well as the attention of the future Duke of Devonshire, the charming Billy Hartington, but their incompatible religious beliefs prove to be a roadblock. Just before Germany’s blitz on London, Kick’s family is forced to flee to America, but she wholeheartedly seeks a way to marry Billy without compromising her faith or the support of her close-knit family. Maher ably captures the charmed life of the vivacious, multifaceted Kick, who is equally at home amid the glitz and glamour of the 1930s London party scene and providing comfort for wounded soldiers. This immersive, rich portrait of a complex young woman from one of the world’s most famous families will hold readers in thrall.

September 1, 2018
Maher's absorbing debut traces six years in the life of Kathleen Kick Kennedy, the lesser-known sister of JFK and his other famous siblings. The novel opens in 1938 as 18-year-old Kick, living in London while her father is ambassador to Britain, makes her debut before the queen. Soon afterwards, she meets Billy Hartington, handsome heir to a dukedom and?unfortunately for the devoutly Catholic Kick?a staunch Protestant. The story follows the twists and turns of Kick and Billy's courtship, including the convincingly portrayed complications of a marriage between an Anglican and a Catholic, along with the buildup to the second World War and the complicated Kennedy-family dynamics. In Kick, Maher has created a likable, occasionally na�ve heroine who will intrigue readers who might be unfamiliar with this member of the Kennedy clan. While the book's closing chapters will necessitate tissues, and readers familiar with Kick's fate will find the ending bittersweet, this is an engrossing tale of the importance of family, faith, and love in the life of one remarkable woman.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)