MY REVIEW:
“Irish Meadows” is an interesting first novel that takes place mostly on Long Island, New York. At first the story seems to feature Brianna O’Leary but before long her sister Colleen quickly gains a very important role. With the O’Leary horse farm facing financial difficulties, father James believes it can be saved if both daughters marry well and a well-placed marriage of foster son Gilbert would not hurt the chances of a successful bank loan. With all his manipulation, James fails to consider the desires of others involved in his planning.
As another reviewer stated, I much preferred Brianna at the beginning and thought Colleen was not at all nice – especially to her sister. Somewhere along the way, my preference did an about face and I realized that Colleen was not the villain I had thought but was acting out of misplaced guilt and shame. A love interest that took her entirely by surprise changed her outlook and helped her find true faith. Brianna, on the other hand, became more rebellious and found it difficult to trust Gilbert or Colleen. I was more and more frustrated with Gilbert as he allowed James to manipulate his life rather than stand up for what he really wanted.
All-in-all, “Irish Meadows” was an intriguing story that held my interest. Of all the characters I think I liked Rylan the best, even if he vacillated about what he wanted for awhile also. Pick up a copy to find out for yourself how things turn out for Irish Meadows and the O’Leary family. There might be a few surprises in store.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Faced with an uncertain future, sometimes all you have left is the courage to dream.
Brianna and Colleen O’Leary know their Irish immigrant father expects them to marry well. Recently he’s put even more pressure on them, insinuating that the very future of their Long Island horse farm, Irish Meadows, rests in their ability to land prosperous husbands. Both girls, however, have different visions for their futures.
Brianna, a quiet girl with a quick mind, dreams of attending college. Vivacious Colleen, meanwhile, is happy to marry—as long as her father’s choice meets her exacting standards of the ideal groom. When former stable hand Gilbert Whelan returns from business school and distant relative Rylan Montgomery visits Long Island during his seminary training, the two men quickly complicate everyone’s plans.
As the farm slips ever closer to ruin, James O’Leary grows more desperate. It will take every ounce of courage for both sisters to avoid being pawns in their father’s machinations and instead follow their hearts. And even if they do, will they inevitably find their dreams too distant to reach?
Learn more and purchase a copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Susan Anne Mason’s debut historical novel, “Irish Meadows,” won the Fiction from the Heartland contest from the Mid-American Romance Authors Chapter of RWA. A member of ACFW, as well, she lives outside of Toronto, Ontario, with her husband and two children.
Find out more about Susan Anne at http://www.susanannemason.com.
Susan Anne Mason’s ‘Irish Meadows’ Kindle Fire Giveaway and Author Chat Will Brianna and Colleen have the courage to stand up to their father’s schemes to save their horse farm and instead pursue true love? Don’t miss Irish Meadows, the newest book by Susan Anne Mason! As the farm slips ever closer to ruin, their father grows more desperate. It will take every ounce of courage for both sisters to avoid being pawns in their father’s machinations and instead follow their hearts. And even if they do, will they inevitably find their dreams too distant to reach?
Join Susan in celebrating the release of Irish Meadows by entering to win her Kindle Fire giveaway and RSVPing to her September 1st author chat party!
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A Kindle Fire HD 6
- One copy of Irish Meadows
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on 9/1. The winner will be announced at the Irish Meadows Facebook party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Susan and other readers, as well as for a chance to win some great prizes!
