Heart of the Glen by Jennifer Deibel Review

 

Heart of the Glen by Jennifer Deibel is a wonderful historical romance set in the early 1900s in Ireland. It is told from the points of view of both Saoirse Fagan and Owen McCready.

We first meet Saoirse (pronounced Seer-sha) when she arrives in Ballybofey, County Donegal at a castle where she was supposed to be employed. However, she discovers that her employer has recently died and she is stranded with no where to go and no one to return to. We also know from the first line that she has “blood on her hands.” This leaves the reader wondering exactly what happened and why she is so alone.

We then meet sheep farmer and weaver Owen McCready, who has just been attacked by bandits on his farm in Dunlewey, County Donegal. His sister Aileen had discovered the wandering, abandoned Saorirse and offered to help her. Saoirse sees herself as a curse because of what appears to be bad luck that is following her; however, the MrCready’s see her as an answer to prayer as she came along at just the right time to help them in their time of need.

There is so much I loved about this book.

I loved the relationship between Saoirse and Owen and how it evolved while Owen taught her to weave in her effort to help them. And through this part of the storyline, I was able to learn more about weaving which was really cool. And I also loved how the author wove the object lesson of the tapestry into the story. I also loved the friendship that developed between Saoirse and Aileen. And then their was Stout, the McCready’s loyal dog. I loved reading about the way he watched over the sheep and helped herd them. And seeing the relationship he had with Owen and the one he developed with Saoirse.

I appreciated the relationships in their close-knit community and seeing them come together in times of need. And also the importance of faith in the Lord. I love the way Owen’s friend led him to see a parallel to the challenges in Owen’s life and that of a story from the Bible.

One of my favorite quotes is from one of their discussions:
“’I just wish I knew my story would turn out as well as his,’ Owen added.

The corner of John’s mouth made a clicking sound, and he nodded. ‘Well,’ he said, ‘I reckon that’s why it’s called faith.’”

I truly fell in love with these characters and despaired with them when hardships came, but was strengthened in my faith with the biblical reminders that were given to Owen and Saoirse.

This is only my second book by this author, but she is becoming one of my favorite authors, one who’s books I can’t wait to read more of.

I received an e-copy of this book through NetGalley and was not required to write a favorable review. These are my own honest thoughts.