This novel takes the reader back to the year of 1920 in the setting of Ireland. Two families share the pages of this story. One family proud Irish jewelry makers. Father and son partnering in a business of beautiful creations of the Claddagh. They know hard work, tragedy, and trial. They are determined and stubborn. The other family with nobility arriving from England with a look into Ireland that isn't up to their standards. They have lived lives of luxury and in want of nothing. They live expecting more than they give to others.
These two families will learn lessons of prejudice, injustice, and the truth of what happens when we make assumptions about others, believing what we have been taught for generations, and how to bring about change of the old into the new by discovering heart lessons from being forced to look into their own heart, facing truths that is not always easy.
The theme of this novel is friendship, love, and loyalty. The characters find that these gifts do not come cheap. They come with a price. One has to give of themselves, trust others, and begin to see the world through a lens of love that covers all injustice. They realize before giving to others they first have to do a work in their own heart. That's where it all begins.
These pages are filled with history. The author leaves the reader experiencing Ireland and a people of long ago. As the Irish fight for their independence a romance begins and grows between the two main characters. It isn't only the Irish seeking their independence. These characters are seeking their own kind of independence. In doing so they find a truth in needing others and leaning on others for dependence in times when standing alone seems so frightful. We see their lives take shape as they learn not only to forgive others, but to forgive themselves.
I love how the author brings these two characters together. We get to see them grow as they each face obstacles that is holding their freedom ransom. We see a romance build from friendship and the beauty that leads to love.
For me this was a sweet novel. The characters were transparent and strong. They were characters that I enjoyed getting to know. When I can see myself within a character I love it all the more.
I give this sweet gem 🌟🌟🌟🌟 four stars.
This novel was a gift from Revell for sharing my review with you.
Jennifer Deibel is the author of A Dance in Donegal. With firsthand 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.
Find more about Jennifer and more books at Revell.
