Review of The Maid of Ballymacool by Jennifer Deibel

About the Book ~

Brianna Kelly has worked at Ballymacool House and Boarding School 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 unearths an intriguing silver platter in the woods, she commits to learning its origins. Could the handsome newcomer hold the key? If so, their discovery could change everything.

For more information about Jennifer Deibel and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

Escape to Ireland! If you're looking for a captivating story that could be an Irish fairytale, then check out The Maid of Ballymacool by Jennifer Deibel!

The Maid of Ballymacool was so sweet and enchanting! Seriously, I just cannot emphasize the sweetness enough. This Irish Cinderella was like A Little Princess meets Downton Abbey. Additionally, the setting came alive with the vibrant energy that is all things Ireland, and I thoroughly enjoyed the blend of history and fiction. Michael's sense of justice and defense of those abused was one of my favorite parts of the story! However, there were some secondary characters whose motivations felt unclear, so their attitudes and actions felt jarring at times. 

Brianna's character explored rebuilding trust in people and God after abuse and betrayal. While there's no way in a fictional story to truly portray all the nuances and trauma triggers surrounding rebuilding trust, I thought the author did a good job for the scope of the story itself. Ultimately, Brianna and the reader are pointed back to God's faithful nature to bring life from death. 

Three Stars ~ The Maid of Ballymacool by Jennifer Deibel is a charming story with a beautiful message! The Maid of Ballymacool is a standalone, but the author has other books in her backlist for readers to enjoy. 

Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own.

See you next time, and God bless you guys!!!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer loves to write romantic and comedic stories that proclaim God’s deep love for us. She’s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and an avid blogger. In her spare time, Joy loves to sing (especially Disney songs), drink large quantities of coffee, and take flowery photos for Bookstagram. When Joy isn’t fighting with fictional people, she’s hanging out with her husband and their adorable little girls. Connect with Joy via www.vjoypalmer.com!

Connect with Joy on her website, personal blog, devotional blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Amazon Author Page!

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!

Review of The Lady of Galway Manor by Jennifer Deibel

About the Book ~

In 1920, Annabeth De Lacy's father is appointed landlord of Galway Parish in Ireland. Bored without the trappings and finery 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 make a career in his family's jewelry shop. The past has taught him to no longer believe in love and the "lies" the Claddagh ring supposedly promises. How can he peddle what he now finds offensive?

The war for Irish independence gains strength, and the De Lacy family is caught in the crossfire. As events take a life-threatening turn, Annabeth and Stephen will discover that the bonds of friendship, love, and loyalty can only be made stronger when put through the refiner's fire.

For more information about Jennifer Deibel and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

The Lady of Galway Manor by Jennifer Deibel reminds me of Leap Year with its snarky, bitter hero clashing with the highborn heroine meets Downton Abbey with Lady Sybil and Tom Branson's romance. Sprinkle in the history, culture, and the war for Irish independence, and you've got a vibrant romance waiting in The Lady of Galway Manor by Jennifer Deibel!

The Lady of Galway Manor was thoroughly engrossing! The author painted a lush and vivid description of Ireland. Despite the fact that this story is set in the 1920s -- another thing I loved! -- I felt like I could envision every detail in my mind's eye. Additionally, the culture and history were fascinating and immersive. I also really enjoyed how some of the secondary characters were challenged and grew throughout the story in addition to Anna and Stephen. 

I loved Anna and Stephen! I loved the way they reminded me of some of my favorite romances while still being their own characters. But most importantly, I loved the deep themes of love that the author explored in their romance. Not only did the author beautifully illustrate sacrificial, Christ-like love through the Claddagh ring while navigating the trenches of disbelief in love, but the author also challenged prejudices and hate that can burrow into the heart when one has declared everyone on the other side to be the enemy. Wonderfully done!

Five Stars ~ The Lady of Galway Manor by Jennifer Deibel was a vibrant, romantic, and cultured read! The Lady of Galway Manor is a standalone, and I look forward to reading other books by the author!

Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own.

See you next time, and God bless you guys!!!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer loves to write romantic and comedic stories that proclaim God’s deep love for us. She’s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and an avid blogger. In her spare time, Joy loves to sing (especially Disney songs), drink large quantities of coffee, and take flowery photos for Bookstagram. When Joy isn’t fighting with fictional people, she’s hanging out with her husband and their adorable little girl. Connect with Joy via www.vjoypalmer.com!

Connect with Joy on her website, personal blog, devotional blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Amazon Author Page!

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!

Review of 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.

For more information about Jennifer Deibel and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

You'll want to dance a jig after reading A Dance in Donegal by Jennifer Deibel!

The most delightful part of A Dance in Donegal is how it was like classic Christian historical romance meets Leap Year -- one of my favorite romcoms! The initial conflict between the hero (a sarcastic yet charming Irishman) and the heroine (an American with little knowledge of the Irish way of life) tugged a smile to my lips. Additionally, the romantic word paintings of Irish culture, language, and landscape only hinted at the alluring depths of the author's knowledge of Ireland. Truly grand! Add in a dash of mystery and plenty of conflict, and your eyes will be dancing through the pages! 

A Dance in Donegal surprised me, taking unexpected turns in the storyline. However, I was touched by how the author blended these twists and turns into not only a concise plot but also a striking spiritual message! While I didn't end up in love with the characters, Moira's spiritual journey was as arresting as the descriptive landscape surrounding her. After confronting the worst in herself, Moira faces the consequences of following God's call for her life -- the good, bad, and the ugly. This proved to be a glorious stage for God's redemptive grace, a soul stirring reminder of how God works in our lives!

Four Stars ~ A Dance in Donegal by Jennifer Deibel is a sweeping romance with depth! A Dance in Donegal is a standalone story, but I'm looking forward to reading the author's next sweeping Irish romance. However, please be aware that there is sexual abuse and sexual harassment in A Dance in Donegal that could be triggering.

Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own.

See you next time, and God bless you guys!!!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer loves to write romantic and comedic stories that proclaim God’s deep love for us. She’s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and an avid blogger. In her spare time, Joy loves to sing (especially Disney songs), drink large quantities of coffee, and take flowery photos for Bookstagram. When Joy isn’t fighting with fictional people, she’s hanging out with her husband and their adorable little girl. Connect with Joy via www.vjoypalmer.com!

Connect with Joy on her website, personal blog, devotional blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Amazon Author Page!

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!