Bethany House Publishers, 2015
Reviewed By Diana Flowers (No Spoilers!)
5 stars ~
Double The Romance!
In this mesmerizing Irish family saga, author Susan Anne Mason sweeps the reader away to a lovely and affluent estate—the O'Leary stables in 1911 Long Island, New York. After three long years, Gil Whelan is glad to be back home again. He had come to Irish Meadows as a small child where he had been taken in by the O'Leary family and treated as the patriarch's own son. Now he has come back to repay the debt and start his own farm.
Two beautiful O'Leary sisters as different as night and day; the coquettish and manipulative Colleen, and sweet, green-eyed Brianna must marry well to help save their father, James O'Leary's opulent horse farm. When Rylan Montgomery, a handsome, charming young priest arrives at Irish Meadows as well—a journey of angst-filled, entangling romance begins, throwing a wrench into James' plans to save his farm. Will Brianna, Colleen, and even Gil all become as puppets dancing to Papa O'Leary's tune or will their own plans and matters of the heart take over? And will Colleen ever mend her scheming, conniving ways?
I am definitely a new fan of Susan Anne Mason's amazing writing! I was pleasantly surprised at her ability to tell a story with exciting plot twists and complicated, seemingly impossible romantic situations interspersed with humor and heartaches by the number! The realistic characters are not sugar coated and struggle with a distorted sense of loyalty and obligation to Mr. O'Leary, trust issues, and childhood trauma resulting in shame and a lack of self-esteem. However, each must painstakingly work their way through these presumably insurmountable issues and ooh, the drama that ensues! An enchanting tale with two romances for the price of one (!) and a beautiful story of God's redemption and inner healing...Irish Meadows is definitely one not to be missed! I absolutely loved it!
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Thanks to Net Galley for a copy of this novel in exchange for my honest opinion.
GIVEAWAY: Susan Mason has graciously offered a paperback copy of Irish Meadows to one blessed commenter! US entrants only in this particular giveaway.