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Wow! Hope C. Tarr, Author of “Irish Eyes,” has written Historical Fiction at its best. I loved everything about this book. Hope C. Tarr has provided a well-written, researched novel with poetic prose that vividly describes the settings, the plot, and the dramatic characters. This book is memorable, thought-provoking, captivating, and intense. The timeline for this story starts in 1898 in the Aran Islands, Ireland, and goes to the present and future in New York City, America. This starts with the Spanish-American War and goes through World War One. The author also sweeps us away through two historical fires.
The author describes her characters as complex and complicated. They are flawed. There are characters that are manipulative and betray others. Some seem like a hero and then like an anti-hero. Some are dysfunctional. The female protagonist in the story, Rosie O’Neill, is courageous, determined, focused, and intelligent. She meets Adam Blakely, who comes to Ireland to bring her deceased brother’s possessions. Adam lives in New York and proposes to Rosie in Ireland when he is called back home when his father is sick. He promises to call for her.
Tragic circumstances prevent the two from meeting, and Rosie travels to New York, where she is rescued from a deadly hotel fire by a capable firefighter. Life changes for Rosie, and she is forced to move on and make difficult choices.
I appreciate how the author discusses important topics such as forgiveness, second chances, loyalty, honesty, the importance of family and friends, love, and hope. I highly recommend this thought-provoking, captivating, and heartfelt novel. I look forward to reading other novels from this author.
Linda's Book Obsession: 