Starred review from December 1, 2021
Stephen Jennings is peddling a lie: He works in his family's jewelry store and retells the legend of the Irish Claddagh ring, but he doesn't even believe in love. Living in 1920s Ireland doesn't help his cynicism as he watches his impoverished neighbors struggle, the result of British imperialism. When British aristocrat Anna De Lacy is assigned as Stephen's apprentice in the shop, sparks fly, but they both fight a growing attraction. De Lacy has been raised to view the Irish as uncivilized peasants, but as she studies the art and music of her new country, she begins to question the version of history she has been taught. Jennings struggles to trust the aristocracy, as violence against his own family has soured him against all English people. VERDICT Deibel (A Dance in Donegal) has found her rhythm, delivering a classic boy-meets-girl story that packs a powerful punch and avoids preachiness. The historical tale will ring true to readers looking to examine their own biases. Fans of Christian historical romance by Karen Witemeyer and Deanne Gist will enjoy this up-and-coming author.--Christine Barth, Scott Cty. Lib. Syst., IA
Copyright 2021 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
January 1, 2022
Stephen Jennings knows heartbreak, and now he wants nothing more to do with romance. Unfortunately, selling true love in the form of Claddagh rings is pretty much the basis of the Jennings' family business. Now, if watching besotted couples celebrate their love isn't annoying enough, Stephen's father, Seamus, saddles him with a new apprentice, Lady Annabeth De Lacy. While she is a member of the British aristocracy, Anna wants to chart a different course in life, but getting Stephen to take her seriously seems to be an uphill battle. While Stephen and Anna try to find a way to bring down the temperature in the shop, things are heating up outside as some of the residents of Galway push the cause of Irish independence by targeting British officials, including Anna's family. Deibel (A Dance in Donegal, 2021) deftly weaves fascinating details about Irish history and culture into the plot of her latest sweetly romantic love story, with an underscoring of the importance of compassion and faith in our lives that could not be more timely.
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