Second in the breathtaking Irish trilogy from the #1 New York Times bestselling author.

Nora Roberts returns to Ireland in this tale of a talented musician and the beautiful tomboy who's been secretly in love with him for years.

This one has a different feel from the first in this trilogy, Jewels of the Sun. I think it's that it starts out in omniscient, with a slightly Irish voice.

Add to that the fact that I don't like slow deliberate heroes (or perhaps I just don't like them the way Nora writes them)--they always seem a little stupid to me.

And I didn't like that Brenna didn't respect Shawn, though that was a conflict between them that was worked out in the course of the story, but still. To me, love without respect is pretty much just lust.

And of course, there were the dreams. I hate, hate, hate dreams in fiction. They're just as boring in a book as they are when somebody's telling you about a dream they had once. It's fascinating if it's your own dream, but not otherwise.

A couple of other niggles as well--why do all Nora's heroines faint when they're pregnant? I'd be a little worried about that.

And what was so freaking urgent about taking flowers to Maude's grave? She was still going to be there tomorrow. Gah.

Anyway, most of my quibbles are just matters of taste, so I'm only docking this one a star. Once we get past the beginning with all its 'poetic' language (Not a direct quote, but this sort of thing: "For he was ever a poet." Who talks like that?), then it's typical Nora, with the community relationships, etc.

Oh. I also loathed Brenna's sister, and thought Brenna was a twit for letting the little witch bother her. But again, that's just me.

I ordered a paperback and was sent an audio tape. I am returning the item.

What a wonderful Irish story. Its filled with fun, happiness, sadness, love and a bunch of Irish Fairies. Great read...especially of you love Irish tales.

A lovely story about childhood friends who move past the platonic brotherly/sisterly relationship they've cultivated over the years into an abiding love firmly rooted in friendship and appreciation of the other. I love Nora Robert's style of writing! It oozes with Irish charm and magical folklore.

Irish Trilogy - Book 2

The second story brings Shawn to find his destiny. After Jude and Aidan marry, he takes up residence in the haunted cottage where continues with his compositions and music. He is perfectly content until fate puts Brenna in his way.

Brenna O'Toole has always loved Shawn, but has never done anything about it. When she decides to stop sitting on the sidelines and take control, she pushes Shawn beyond his limit.

It takes magic and a ghost to get them to resolve their differences, and love each other.