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.

Heart of the Lonely Exile by BJ Hoff

Evan Whittaker did not anticipate that one trip to Ireland would change his life forever. An unexpected immigration to America with Nora Kavanagh and her son certainly was not on his list of expectations. As he and Nora each struggle to find their places in this new land, Evan finds himself drawn to Nora. However, the handsome Irish policeman, Michael Burke, intends to keep his promise to Morgan Fitzgerald to marry Nora. Nora's childhood friendship with Michael is strong and her young love for Morgan Fitzgerald still abides deep in her heart. Meanwhile, the growing affection she feels for Evan is unexpected, but not unwelcome. The conflict in her heart escalates with the news of tragedy in Ireland. Nora must let go of the past to reach her future, but is she willing to?

I enjoyed reading Heart of the Lonely Exile. Many of the characters from the previous book returned and Annie Delaney was a delightful new addition to the cast of characters. I found the tone of this book to be lighter than the first even though it still deals with multiple tragedies. There is so much more to the plot of this book than I can cover here, but the the twists, turns, and characters create a poignant read. This book is a keeper that I will definitely read again!

Heart of the Lonely Exile is the second book in the Emerald Ballad Series by BJ Hoff. This book could certainly stand alone, but I recommend reading, Song of the Silent Harp, the first book in the series prior to reading this one.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Harvest House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Song of the Silent Harp by BJ Hoff

Ireland's inhabitants starve as the great potato famine rages. It seems not only England, but also God himself is punishing Ireland. Nora Kavanagh is sure that God is punishing her. Her husband and daughter have died. Her father-in-law and oldest son are terribly ill and she has no way to pay the rent. Her childhood friend, Morgan Fitzgerald, occasionally supplies her with food he obtained through less than honest means. When one of her two remaining sons is suddenly in peril, Nora has no choice but to leave Ireland and sail for America. Her hope lies with America and Michael Burke, another childhood friend who now serves as a policeman in New York City. Will she ever be free of the fog of despair that binds her? Will they even survive the journey to America? Sometimes the deepest and most genuine faith is born of adversity.

There is a notable difference between a book that drags because it is boring and a book that moves slowly because the author writes so vividly. Song of the Silent Harp belongs in the latter category. The author has a way of drawing the reader into each of the main characters. Although it seemed the novel was progressing slowly, I never lost interest in the book. Each character was well-developed and authentic. I would not call this book depressing, but it is a heavy read as it deals with the great potato famine in Ireland as well as sickness, death and lost love. I was pleasantly surprised that this book was far better than I expected it to be and I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Harvest House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."