Synopsis:
A successful attorney in a posh London neighborhood, Megann McCarthy thought she'd escaped the slums of Belfast forever. Until Michael Devlin needs her help. Years before, her love for the Irish charmer had nearly torn her apart, but not he's part of a past she never wants to revisit. However, she an't leave him defenseless against a murder charge-even if uncovering the truth puts her life in danger too.
She'll risk everything to save Michael- and she's not the first of her family to put it all on the line for a man she loves. As Meghann delves further into Michael's case, further in the history that binds them so irrevocably, she slips into the unfolding drama of centuries before...of another woman's desperate fight to free her rebel husband from the clutches of Queen Elizabeth. Stakes are high, but the reward is the love of a lifetime. And the Irish never give up.
I love anything Irish and this book is no exception! I was held captive within the pages of this story over the course of a week and each time I had to close my Kindle I was anxious to get back to these characters. I thought Baker did a beautiful job using the supernatural element within the context of the story. I believed that a past ancestor, Nuala, came forward to the present through the mists to help guide Meghann as she fought for the freedom of Michael. It made perfect sense because Ireland is steeped in mystery and folk-lore. I loved the history lessons within the pages and found myself making so many notes and then looking up the information. The love story unfolded gently and that too was very real and believable.
This author has not steered me wrong yet and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend her books and especially this one to any of my friends. I would, however, tell you to read the glossary terms in the back of the book before you start! I am not knowledgable at all in regards to the struggle between the Catholics , Protestants, and the British state. Nor did I know much about the IRA, Sinn Fein, and Belfast RUC. And believe me, you have to know a bit more than U2's Bloody Sunday song so getting a little background information doesn't hurt.
Author: Jeanette Baker
Source: review copy from Sourcebooks Casablanca
Genre: Historical fiction/Romance
Pages: e-book
Published: January 1, 2012
*Uncorrected eARC via NetGalley
Disclaimer:Thank you toSourcebooks Casablanca/NetGalley for sending me a review copy. I was not compensated for my review. My thoughts on this book were in no way influenced by the author or publicist.They are my personal reflections based solely on MYexperience while reading this novel.
Review Book #3
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Glad to hear that you enjoyed this one...
ReplyDeleteIt was a great rad and not at all fluff!
DeleteIt has been a zillion years since I read it, but one of my favorite books about all that is Trinity by Leon Uris. I have to reread it. It was a lot of history but more than that a great romance!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like one I need to check out for sure. After reading this one I would like to delve into this part of history a bit more.
DeleteI'm a sucker for books set in Ireland, too, so I'll definitely keep this book and author in mind.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed it and it had some meat to the story!
DeleteIrish themes are definitely a draw for me, too! Love that she included a glossary...can always use a painless history lesson ;-)
ReplyDeleteI enjoy painless history lessons too! This was a solid book
DeleteI love love everything Irish :D
ReplyDeleteWell, then you just may love this one!
DeleteSounds like a really good one. I've never read this author but the book is going on the list. (The Staci list) Haha
ReplyDeleteSourcebooks is re-issuing her books and I'm thrilled about it! If it wasn't for them I wouldn't have read her books and I've enjoyed each one!
DeleteOh, I need to read this book - it sounds fantastic! Great review, Staci!
ReplyDeleteHi Donna! Thanks for taking the time to stop by today. I really liked this one a lot and if you enjoy this genre then this would be a great choice!
DeleteNot a book for me but I always enjoy stopping by to read your enthusiastic reviews!
ReplyDeleteOh most definitely not your type of book!!! But I thank you for taking the time to leave me some love!
DeleteThis one sounds good. I see you are reading a book by Sandra Dallas. I really like her. I can't wait to see what you think of this one.
ReplyDeleteI love Dallas, too! This one is stellar!
DeleteLove everything Irish! This sounds like a winner! Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteIMHO, I thought this one was fantastic!
DeleteThis was my first Jeanette Baker book, won't be my last!
ReplyDeleteHer books are great, aren't they?
DeleteI think I have one of this author's books on my shelves. I'll have to check it out since she sounds like a really good author.
ReplyDeleteShe is pretty good...I have 2 more by her that I will read this year.
DeleteSounds like a very nice story. Loved your review!
ReplyDeleteIt was a great story...
DeleteTime travel romance...of course it's got to be Ireland! Sounds like a great read. I'll do my research first.
ReplyDeleteWhere else, right????
DeleteI'll have to make sure to pick up a book by this author since you love her so much.
ReplyDeleteI knew you'd love this one and I'd have to add it to my wishlist ... bad Staci lol. It has all the elements I love :)
ReplyDelete