Jennifer Deibel, an author of Christian historical fiction, has gained firsthand knowledge of Irish history, culture, and superstitions through many years of living in Ireland. I have thoroughly enjoyed three of her stand-alone books: Maid of Ballymacool, Lady of Galway Manor, and A Dance in Donegal. All three are set in Ireland during the early 1920s and 1930s. The characters in these books are either Irish or American expatriates, and the history, culture, and superstitions greatly affect their lives.
Maid of Ballymacool tells the story of an orphaned young woman, Brianna Kelly, who works as a maid at Ballymacool House, a boarding school. She has lived in Ballymacool house since she was an infant and is curious about her unknown past. The headmistress of the school despises Brianna and verbally and physically abuses her, and Brianna does not know the reason behind the headmistress’s smoldering hatred. A socially prominent family named Wray sends their son, Michael, to temporarily reside at Ballymacool Boarding School. Michael’s unruly cousin is a student, and the headmistress cannot discipline her. Michael soon crosses paths with Brianna and wonders why she looks so familiar. If you are curious about how Michael and Brianna’s relationship develops, and why she seems familiar to him, read this intriguing novel.
Lady of Galway Manor begins with this strange sentence: “No one ever tells the truth about love." Stephen Jennings is a young man descended from the Claddagh family who designed the famous Claddagh ring. He works in the family jewelry store but would rather work almost anywhere else. He harbors bitterness toward a woman who broke his heart, so he wishes to work in another city. He sees his father converse with a beautiful young lady in the store. He learns her name is Annabeth, that she is British, and that she wants to be an apprentice at the store. Stephen believes that all beautiful women have inner ugliness, and he also has animosity against the British. Stephen treats Annabeth gruffly, but she remains determinedly optimistic about becoming an apprentice. What will be the outcome of this working relationship, and why does Stephen resent the British? Read this wonderful story if you would like to know how this situation unfolds.
A Dance in Donegal is about Moira Doherty, who lives in Boston at the beginning of the story. Moira's Irish mother recently died, and persuaded Moira to move to Ireland before her death. Moira has recurring dreams about her mother saying to her, “Come to Ireland and save me. This dream solidifies Moira’s decision to move to Donegal, where her mother once lived. The village needs a local teacher, so Moira accepts the position. Moira has a rocky beginning in Donegal. Most of her encounters with the local people are either strange or hostile. One man expresses his frustration with Moira when she almost runs him over with her horse and buggy during a blindingly dark, rainy night. She later encounters an older man who tells her that she is the image of her mother. He also lunges at Moira and claws at her sleeve. What will become of Moira, and how will these local men shape her stay in Ireland? Read this intriguing book to learn the future of Moira.
How well do you know Irish history and culture. Take this quiz to test or increase your knowledge. The answers to the quiz are at the end of this article.
Add a comment to: Intrigues on the Emerald Isle: Christian Historical Fiction by Jennifer Deibel