Heart of the Glen by Jennifer Deibel ~ a book review.

 

This story begins in the early 1900’s, in Ireland. Saoirse Fagan has had to leave her job and is set to begin a new one as maid in Drumboe Castle.  Upon arriving, she discovers that the castle has been closed down and there is no job available.  She has no family and can’t return to her former job. She has no money and no where to go so she begins walking, taking shelter on a nearby farm. Aileen McCready, the farm owner’s sister happens upon her and gives her shelter in their barn, unbeknownst to her brother Owen. Owen raises exceptional sheep for their wool and weaves much sought after fabric. His farm is often raided and sheep stolen, He is unable to catch the man he knows is responsible. He reluctantly agrees to let her stay with them, even though he doesn’t completely trust her because of the secrets she keeps.

Owen’s hand is severely injured after a vicious attack and he is unable to weave. He fears if he can’t complete a large order, he will lose his farm. Against his better judgement, he teaches Saoirse how to weave. They work many hours together and begin to have feelings for each other but both are reluctant to allow them to develop.

The author does a great job of transporting the reader to the old Irish countryside and culture. There is a glossary that helps the reader with some of the Irish words and terms. The characters are very believable and relatable.

Will their faith withstand the obstacles thrown in their way? Can they learn to trust each other? Will Saoirse ever forgive herself for what ever happened to force her away from home?

This is a story of trust in God, faith, love, courage and determination.

This is from the website:

“Can the lonely thread of her life be woven into a new and finer pattern?

When Saoirse Fagan arrives at Drumboe Castle to start her new job as housemaid, she is dismayed to learn that the lord of the house passed away a week prior. Already running from the tragedy that claimed the lives of her family members, Saoirse wanders the road through the darkening glen with nowhere to go until Aileen McCready offers her a lift and a place to stay for the night.

Aileen's brother, sheep farmer and weaver Owen McCready, is known for his intricate and impeccably woven tweed. But when he's injured, his entire livelihood is endangered. A new--and distracting--mouth to feed adds fuel to the fire, and Owen struggles to keep his family afloat. Though Saoirse is eager to help, even offering to learn the weaving craft, Owen is hesitant to accept aid from this strange young woman, no matter how inexplicably magnetic he finds her.

But Saoirse is not one to give up easily. She's determined to convince the McCreadys that they need her--perhaps as much as she needs them.”

Go HERE to read an excerpt 

Go HERE to learn more about Jennifer Deibel and her books.

 

 

 

 

I received a complimentary ARC** of this book from Revell via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed  are my own.

**A word about ARC books.   Advanced Reading Copies (ARCs) are a preview copy and are not a finished product. They may differ from the final published work and may include additional editing. My reviews may include some things that vary from the final published book.

 

 

 

When Stars Light the Sky by Elizabeth Camden ~ a book review

 

This story begins in New York City in 1898. Inga and her immigrant family from Bavaria, have been robbed and swindled hours after leaving Ellis Island. They take refuge inside a church where they are befriended by a very well-to-do couple.

The story then jumps ahead to 1914. Her parents have died and Inga has been working as a wireless operator. The couple, the Gerard’s, that had helped her family in the church have taken her under their wings. Mr. Gerard has become the ambassador to Germany. He employs her as his secretary and they move to Germany. Mr. Gerard is not liked by his staff and especially Benedict Kincaid, his chief diplomatic counselor.  Inga’s Bavarian ancestry gives her an understanding of the culture that the Gerard’s have found challenging. Benedict doesn’t trust her and doesn’t want her involved. While the Gerard’s are living in Germany, war is declared. It is discovered that Inga has never attained her American citizenship and there is a very real possibility that she will not be allowed to leave Germany.  In order to get around that, she and Benedict enter into a marriage of convenience. As the wife of an American citizen, she is able to obtain passage out of the country. During the dangerous escape out of Germany, they begin to recognize they have feelings for each other. However, Benedict has his heart set on becoming an ambassador but Inga has no interest in leaving America again. Will they acknowledge their feelings for each other? Will they be able to have a life together?

This book is based on the real life memoirs of Mr. Gerard and deals with international diplomacy, pre WW1 tensions, and politics.

Elizabeth Camden’s books are always entertaining but while this one is a clean romance, it  includes references to intimacies that some may find too intense. The element of faith is not overly prevelant.

This is from the publisher’s website:

“In a world on the brink of war, two hearts must navigate shadows of uncertainty.

Inga Klein's carefree life in New York takes a dramatic turn when she sails for Berlin, Germany, to serve as the secretary for America's ambassador. Amid the glamour of life at the embassy, she continually finds herself at odds with the straitlaced and imposing Benedict Kincaid, the diplomatic chief of staff who harbors deep misgivings toward the German-born Inga.

As Europe hurtles toward World War I, Benedict's determination to keep America out of the conflict adds to the already tense atmosphere. Despite their relentless sparring, Inga and Benedict succeed in keeping the embassy afloat through one crisis after another. But when they run out of diplomatic options, a marriage of convenience may be Inga's only hope of escape from the impending war.”

Go HERE to read an excerpt 

Go HERE to learn more about Elizabeth Camden and her books 

 

 

 

I received a complimentary ARC** of this book from the Bethany House and Baker Publishing via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed  are my own.

**A word about ARC books.   Advanced Reading Copies (ARCs) are a preview copy and are not a finished product. They may differ from the final published work and may include additional editing. My reviews may include some things that vary from the final published book.