A Dance in Donegal by Jennifwe Deibel - a book review

          

This historical romance is set in Ireland in the early 1900’s.  The author does a great job bringing the Irish countryside to life.  The story begins with a young girl’s journey to her mother’s homeland, from America.  The Irish language and customs are all strange and unfamiliar to her.  She relies on her faith to see her through the many trials and hardships she encounters.  There is a thread of mystery woven throughout that will keep the reader guessing.  There is also a very sweet romance that develops.  The author portrays the main characters as strong in their faith but also products of historical superstitions.  That was hard for me to balance and something the main character, Moira, has a hard time accepting.

There is a map and a glossary included which I always find extremely helpful.

              

 

  This is from the publisher’s website:

“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.”

Anyone who loves Christian, historical romance will love this book !!

GO HERE to read an excerpt

Read more about the author HERE

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell and Baker
Publishing Group through their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above 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.”