Their love was as undeniable as it was impossible.
The cottage on Bailey Street has held onto its secrets for 150 years.
Then: John Boyle O’Reilly was a convict who believed he had nothing left to give. Jessie was the girl who proved him wrong.
Now: Rebecca only came to meet her biological father. But echoes of passion, heartache, and courage from the past awaken long-buried desires — especially when it comes to a certain handsome history professor.
From Liverpool and Ireland to the sunburnt shores of Western Australia, love will find its way home.

Lynsey McDonnell, born in the UK to Irish parents, grew up living above a pub in the north of England before emigrating with her family to Western Australia in her teens. Her fascination by what (and who) it takes to shift from feeling untethered and uprooted to feeling ‘home’ feeds into the themes of her novels.
 
As a chartered accountant and chief financial officer, Lynsey’s work has taken her across several industries and countries, but her passion has always been books.

Lynsey lives in Perth, WA with her husband and two teenaged children.

Selected for the prestigious Curtis Brown Creative Write Your Novel course (2024) and awarded a Fellowship with the Katharine Susannah Prichard (KSP) Writers’ Centre (2025).
Serves as Chief Financial Officer for a large community services organisation. Over 630 LinkedIn connections. Amy Harmon, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of ten novels, has provided a testimonial. Tess Woods, author of The Venice Hotel, the Australian top 10 bestseller, shortlisted for the ABIA general fiction book of the year, has provided a testimonial.

Author touring podcasts, libraries, bookstores and festivals before and after release. Hawkeye’s publicity team: socials (Tiktok, Instagram, Facebook), paid advertising, reviewers, national media release. Book trailer on youtube.

‘Spanning across generations and continents, Bailey Street is bold, entertaining, heartbreaking and sexy. A masterful debut told in a fresh and original voice by an author to watch!’ Tess Woods, Australian top 10 bestselling author

‘This stunning debut sweeps readers into Australia’s past and present with a dual timeline narrative that is as illuminating as it is compelling. With prose that shimmers on the page, the author brings to life characters whose warmth and resilience linger long after the final chapter. Beautifully crafted and deeply engaging, this is historical fiction at its finest – immersive, educational, and indelible.’ Amy Harmon, New York Times bestselling author

‘While this compelling dual timeline deftly explores the importance of preserving history and understanding where we come from, Lynsey McDonnell has written a multi-layered love story as comforting as warm soda bread. Try not to swoon!’ Camille Booker, award-winning author

‘This beautifully crafted narrative reveals the glimmering threads of history we all carry within us. It’s romance, but not as you know it. A richly layered delight you’ll devour.’ Anne Freeman, award-winning author

‘What an adventure! From the wilds of Southwest WA in the 1800s, to Fremantle in 2018, this is a fabulous genre blend of historical fiction, romance and a splash of mystery as a story buried by history is unravelled. Two timelines, two love stories that had me misty-eyed and feeling all the feels. Evocative and gripping. Highly recommend.’ Holly Cardamone, award-winning author

‘An enchanting blend of historical and contemporary fiction. I defy any reader not to fall instantly in love with – and alongside - McDonnell’s heroines. This is a story that gets the balance between fact and feeling just right.’ Emily Paull, author

‘Arresting characters and splendid plots combine to create a captivating tale, well told.’ Joanne Patmore, Author

‘Prepare to be completely captivated by Bailey Street. An intricately plotted love story and family drama filled with rich history. Written with such an eye for detail for the craft, an absorbing setting, and characters that leap from the page with so much life. Expert storytelling of a historical love full of passion and desire, which bleeds into the present storyline with ease.’ Josh Hortinela, author

‘A moving and powerful debut, rich with heart, history, and the kind of love and resilience that outlasts centuries. A fresh, imaginative perspective on the John Boyle O’Reilly story, breathing new life into an often forgotten chapter of history. A striking debut from an author poised to become a standout voice in historical fiction.’ Amanda Walsh, journalist and writer

‘A truly captivating debut novel. Striking a fine balance between the modern-day hustle and bustle of the radio industry, the luscious landscapes of Ireland, and rich depiction of a slice of West Australian history. This story champions independent women of their generations with heart, heroism and humour.’ Rebecca Perrie, journalist and writer

‘An enthralling novel that masterfully captures the dynamics of a forbidden love story while traversing timelines and countries. The beautiful sense of symmetry between the timelines is skilfully crafted and takes readers on an immersive journey that will stay with them long after they finish reading.’ Deb Jordan, author

‘As each strand develops, the intrigue grows. A masterful dual timeline story that had me hooked from the first page.’ Anna Fursland, writer

‘Fast paced and evocative, this cleverly woven romance comes with a fine sprinkling of humour. Bailey Street is an irresistible story.’ Kathleen O’Reilly Johnston, author

‘I fell in love with this gorgeous book filled with fascinating history, forbidden love, and the desire to live life on one’s own terms.’ Jo Skinner, author