Dance in Donegal

 

All of her life, Irish-American Moira Doherty has relished her mother's descriptions of Ireland. When her mother dies unexpectedly in the summer of 1920, Moira decides to fulfill her mother's wish that she become the teacher in Ballymann, her home village in Donegal, Ireland.

After an arduous voyage, Moira arrives to a new home and a new job in an 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.

Jennifer Deibel's debut novel delights the senses, bringing to life the sights, sounds, smells, and language of a lush country and a colorful people. Historical romance fans will embrace her with open arms.

My thoughts: I loved the chance to return to Ireland with this story! The Ireland of the 1920's was very different from the one that I have visited, since this story is set in Northern Ireland at the start of their fight for Independence. I wish that the story had talked a bit more about what that could of been like! As it was, the story centers around Moira, who accepted a teaching position far from her home the death of her mother leaves her an orphan. I enjoyed the small taste of life in the Ireland countryside! There is some mystery and romance to accompany the small town feel of the story. I will warn, there is a scene where one of the characters is attacked, so it could be a trigger to some readers.

I received this book from the publisher. This is my honest review.

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