Review: The Maid of Ballymacool by Jennifer Deibel

 

The Maid of Ballymacool 

by Jennifer Deibel
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Blurb: 

Brianna Kelly was abandoned at Ballymacool House and Boarding School as an infant. She has worked there since she was a wee girl and will likely die there. Despite a sense that she was made for something more, Brianna feels powerless to change her situation, so she consoles herself by exploring the Ballymacool grounds, looking for hidden treasures to add to the secret trove beneath the floorboards of her room.

When Michael Wray, the son of local gentry, is sent to Ballymacool to deal with his unruly cousin, he finds himself drawn to Brianna, immediately and inescapably. There is something about her that feels so . . . familiar. When Brianna finds a piece of silver in the woods, she commits to learning its origins, with the help of Michael. What they discover may change everything.

Fan favorite Jennifer Deibel invites you back to the Emerald Isle in the 1930s for this fresh take on the Cinderella story, complete with a tantalizing mystery, a budding romance, and a chance at redemption.

My Review: 

I have loved previous books from Jennifer Deibel and was excited to have the opportunity to read her newest, The Maid of Ballymacool. After reading this one, her writing just keeps getting better and better. I adored meeting Michael and Brianna and going back in time to the beautiful Ireland. Their story was full of delight, mystery, and romance. I thought it was a great retelling to the Cinderella tale. I loved every single page of it.

I am giving The Maid of Ballymacool five stars. I believe fans, readers and lovers of the clean historical fiction genre will definitely want to read this one. I think most will love it as much as I did. I would love to read more upcoming releases from Jennifer Deibel in the future.

The Maid of Ballymacool from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

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Review: The Lady of Galway Manor by Jennifer Deibel

The Lady of Galway Manor by Jennifer Deibel

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Blurb: 

In 1920, Annabeth De Lacy's father is appointed landlord of Galway Parish in Ireland. Bored without all the trappings of the British Court, Annabeth convinces her father to arrange an apprenticeship for her with the Jennings family--descendants of the creator of the famed Claddagh Ring.

Stephen Jennings longs to do anything other than run his family's jewelry shop. Having had his heart broken, he no longer believes in love and is weary of peddling the ÒliesÓ the Claddagh Ring promises.

Meanwhile, as the war for Irish independence gains strength, many locals resent the De Lacys and decide to take things into their own hands to display their displeasure. As events take a dangerous turn for Annabeth and her family, she and Stephen begin to see that perhaps the "other side" isn't quite as barbaric and uncultured as they'd been led to believe--and that the bonds of friendship, love, and loyalty are only made stronger when put through the refiner's fire.

Travel to the Emerald Isle for another poignant and romantic story from the enchanted pen of Jennifer Deibel.

My Review: 

I have always had the pleasure of reading books by Jennifer Deibel in the past. I was excited to get my hands on her newest release, The Lady of Galway Manor. I was not disappointed. I enjoyed going back in time to 1920 at the Irish Galway Parish. I have always been fascinated with the Claddagh design and was delighted that it part of the story. I admired Annabeth’s strength and courage. I loved it when she meets up with Stephen and thought they had great chemistry. The danger involving the Irish independence kept me on the edge of my seat. My grandmother grew up in Ireland during that time, so the history of those times had me intrigued.

I am giving The Lady of Galway Manor five stars. I have no doubt that lovers of clean historical romance will love this one as much as I did.

I received a paperback copy of The Lady of Galway Manor from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

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Blog Tour and Giveaway: A Dance in Donegal by Jennifer Deibel

About the Book

All her life, Boston-born Moira Doherty has relished her mother's descriptions of the Emerald Isle. When her mother dies unexpectedly in the summer of 1920, Moira is compelled to fulfill her dying wish--that she become the teacher in Ballymann, the beloved village in Donegal, Ireland, she's heard so much about. After an arduous voyage, Moira begins a challenging new job in an unfamiliar and ancient country. Though a few locals offer a warm welcome, others are distanced by superstition and suspicion. Rumors about Moira's mother are unspoken in her presence but threaten to derail everything she's journeyed to Ballymann to do. Moira must rely on the kindness of a handful of friends--and the strength of Sean, an unsettlingly handsome thatcher who keeps popping up unannounced--as she seeks to navigate a life she'd never dreamed of . . . but perhaps was meant to live.

About the Author

Jennifer Deibel is a middle school teacher whose work has appeared on (in)courage, on The Better Mom, in Missions Mosaic magazine, and other publications. With firsthand immersive experience abroad, Jennifer writes stories that help redefine home through the lens of culture, history, and family. After nearly a decade of living in Ireland and Austria, she now lives in Arizona with her husband and their three children. You can find her online at www.jenniferdeibel.com, Facebook (@JenniferDeibelAuthor), and Instagram (@jenniferdeibel_author).

What Others are Saying

"Jennifer Deibel's debut is rich in atmosphere, family mystery, and sweet romance. A gem!" ~ Julie Klassen, author of The Bridge to Belle Island "With an authenticity born of having lived in Ireland herself, the author deftly paints a lush landscape, colorful customs, and memorable characters with personal journeys of their own. This impressive debut marks Jennifer Deibel as an author to watch." ~ Jocelyn Green, Christy Award-winning author of Veiled in Smoke "Fans of Catherine Marshall's Christy will want to clear room on their favorites shelf because this one's earned a place alongside!" ~ Kristy Cambron, bestselling author of The Paris Dressmaker and The Butterfly and the Violin Book Trailer Book Giveaway

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My Review

A Dance in Donegal will probably be in my top ten of best reads for 2021. I adored this book. The story is so so good. The historical details were so vivid, I felt as though I was transported back in time in the gorgeous and beauty of Ireland. I loved Moira right from the start.  A Dance in Donegal is getting a very well deserved from me. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading books clean Historical Fiction. I will be eagerly waiting for more by Jennifer Deibel in the future. She has earned herself a new fan.  I received A Dance in Donegal from the publisher. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.