Light a Candle (set of 2 books)

The Irish writer and journalist Maeve Binchy (1940–2012) is well known not only in her homeland but also around the world. In addition to short stories, Binchy authored over a dozen novels, her books consistently becoming bestsellers and winning prestigious international awards multiple times. Fame came to her after the release of her first novel "Light a Candle" (1982).
The book tells the story of two friends, their gradual coming of age against the backdrop of events occurring in the 1940s and 1950s on the British Isles, where two very different worlds collide: urban England and patriarchal Catholic Ireland.
Elizabeth was only ten years old when she had to leave her home. A war was raging in Europe, London was being bombed, and her parents decided to send their daughter to a safer place - to a distant Irish town. She was taken in by a large, busy, and lively family, and Elizabeth's life changed completely. But most importantly, she gained a close friend, Ashling. They managed to maintain their friendship for many years, believing that their relationship would withstand any difficulties and challenges...