Saturday, February 20, 2021

Book Review: A Dance in Donegal by Jennifer Deibel

About the Book:

All her life, Boston-born Moira Doherty has relished her mother's descriptions of the Emerald Isle. When her mother dies unexpectedly in the summer of 1920, Moira is compelled to fulfill her dying wish--that she become the teacher in Ballymann, the beloved village in Donegal, Ireland, she's heard so much about.

After an arduous voyage, Moira begins a challenging new job in an unfamiliar and ancient country. Though a few locals offer a warm welcome, others are distanced by superstition and suspicion. Rumors about Moira's mother are unspoken in her presence but threaten to derail everything she's journeyed to Ballymann to do. Moira must rely on the kindness of a handful of friends--and the strength of Sean, an unsettlingly handsome thatcher who keeps popping up unannounced--as she seeks to navigate a life she'd never dreamed of . . . but perhaps was meant to live.


My Thoughts:

I wanted to enjoy A Dance in Donegal by Jennifer Deibel. The setting shined as the narrative described Donegal, Ireland, in lyrical imagery that painted pictures in my imagination. With lots of Gaelic words (keep the glossary bookmarked) and a unique culture, the story had potential. Unfortunately, neither Moira’s acclimation to Donegal nor her budding romances captivated my attention. As I read the story, I noticed filler and predictable scenes.

While A Dance in Donegal by Jennifer Deibel did not suit me, I recognize that reading tastes differ and some Christian Fiction readers will enjoy this novel.  



 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.


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