The answer to Maggie Montgomery's dream of seeing America has arrived at just the right time. Not only will she be reunited with her beloved brother Rylan, but she'll finally be able to escape Neill Fitzgerald and his increasingly unwanted attentions. She's intent on never returning to Ireland, hoping to build her future in the land of opportunity and perhaps find the love of her life.
While visiting Irish Meadows, she meets an intriguing man she thinks is a stable hand. Only when her brother demands she stay away from Adam O'Leary does she learn he's Rylan's brother-in-law, recently released from prison. Nonetheless, Maggie can't seem to make her stubborn heart conform to her brother's request.
Adam O'Leary has never felt worthy of his place in the family. Now a free man, Adam's only desire is to earn back his family's trust. Falling in love with the newly arrived Maggie, however, was never in his plans. Despite everyone's efforts to keep them apart, the two develop a bond it seems nothing can break--but they soon discover the past isn't easy to overcome.
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. Also a member of ACFW, Susan lives outside of Toronto, Ontario, with her husband and two children. She can be found online at www.susanannemason.
MY REVIEW:
This is book two in the "Courage to Dream" series and it stood alone as it's own story so you aren't lost if you didn't read book one. However, I think you'll want to read book one, too!
This is a powerful story and full of strong characters that I really enjoyed. I especially liked Maggie because she is very wise and yet loving. I also liked Adam because although he had a past that made some reject him but he is finding his way to a new life and I loved that Maggie didn't reject him because of his past. I really liked the redemption theme of this story.
Maggie is only supposed to be visiting America from Ireland but has determined in her mind from the beginning to stay in America. I liked the complications that this causes in the story, too.
Not only is this a story of Maggie and Adam but there is the story line of her brother, Gabe. I found his character very interesting as he's a fireman in Ireland and then finds work as one in New York City. There are a couple of romance stories going on in the book and this makes the book move right along.
I really liked this story. I loved how faith played such an important part of some of the characters lives and the importance of forgiveness. It was a book that was hard to put down and I'm giving it 5 out of 5 stars.
*This book was provided to me for my honest review by Bethany House
Blessings - Julie
great review
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