The elegant society of early twentieth century
Long Island, New York, is beautifully depicted in Irish Meadows, Susan Anne
Mason’s debut historical novel. The setting reminded me of an American Downton
Abbey. Oh, and it has horses—lots of horses. Ever since I read Black Beauty, I’ve
loved horse stories.
The horse farm, Irish Meadows, is the
pride of James O’Leary, the tyrannical patriarch, and is in danger of bankruptcy.
The two older daughters, Brianna and Colleen, and former stable hand, Gilbert
Whelan, become pawns in James’s plot to save the farm by choosing their mates.
Irish Meadows is two love stories in one
book. Brianna and Gilbert are already secretly in love, but their keen sense of
duty keeps them apart. Colleen escapes her father’s choice of suitor by trickery
and falls in love with visiting seminary student, Rylan Montgomery, who plans
on becoming a priest.
Skillful writing, well-developed
characters, and riveting family intrigue make this turn-of-the-century
historical a memorial reading experience.
I was privileged to receive an advance
reader copy of Irish Meadows from Bethany House. Since I knew Susan Mason from the
Seekerville blog, I jumped at the chance to read this book. Though she’s new to
publishing, Sue’s a seasoned writer. Irish Meadows, Book 1 in the Courage to
Dream series, is available for pre-order now with a July release. I recommend
it for anyone who enjoys a love story where faith and courage triumph against
difficult odds.
What is your favorite setting in
historical fiction?
I seem to be reading a lot of books with horses lately. I love it.
ReplyDeleteHi Mary,
ReplyDeleteMe too, since I've been reading a lot of westerns, there have been horses. Even contemporary westerns have horses. Irish Meadows is the first eastern setting I've read in a while.