The Maid of Ballymacool by Jennifer Deibel

I so enjoyed this book! I loved the setting.  I loved the characters.  And as I read the story and the strict rules and regulations, reminded me of my mom's experiences as a young student.  It is a beautiful story and Brianna lives a life of servitude at the Ballymacool house and school for girls.  The secrets will keep you guessing and so if you like a little mystery with your romance, you will love this book as well.  I loved the Christian feeling of this book and how the circumstances of her life show that there is importance to our lives - no matter our station in life.

I received a copy of this book and was not required to leave a review.  All thoughts are my own.

The Lady of Galway Manor by Jennifer Deibel

I really enjoyed this historical fiction taking place in 1920.  As Lady Annabeth appears in the jewelry shop of the Jennings family to become an apprentice, Stephen is not happy about it.  He is a bit offish towards Lady Annabeth and doesn't appreciate her being there.  But as time has it, there is a slow attraction forthcoming which after a certain event builds the romance during a time of strife between the Irish and the English.

It was an engaging story which kept my attention throughout.  I have previously read the book A Dance in Donegal by this same author and I enjoyed the attention to detail of the locations and the events taking place there in history at that time in her books.  I loved the Irish brogue that appears throughout and the character Seamus was really one I enjoyed getting to know.  He was a stable and kind character.  And of course there were characters that caused difficulties for Annabeth and Stephen.  It was a good book that I would happily recommend to others.

I received a copy of this book from the Publisher.  All thoughts are my own.

A Dance In Donegal by Jennifer Deibel

 

Wow!  This was the first book that I have read from this author.  But it won't be the last.  What an amazing book.  I was instantly engaged on page 1 and honestly, it was impossible to put down.  The book tells the story of Boston-born Moira, whose Irish mother has told her of her life in Ballymann, Ireland.  After her mother's passing, Moira is headed to Ballymann as a teacher at their school.  She isn't instantly greeted by people that want to get to know her, rather the people have superstitions, and have an instant dislike for her, with the exception of a few, who welcome her with warmth and love and open arms.

The descriptions are vivid and you become totally involved with her life, the events that happen, and feelings she is feeling.  It's a story of great emotions, of highs and lows, fear and everything in between.  It's a story of faith, and forgiveness.  

There is a little village map at the beginning of the book, which I enjoyed and could visualize the locations of story happenings. I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to reading many more books from this talented writer!

I received a copy of this book from Revell Publishing.  All thoughts are my own.