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    A Dance in Donegal
    A Dance in Donegal
    A Dance in Donegal
    Audiobook9 hours

    A Dance in Donegal

    Written by Jennifer Deibel

    Narrated by Pilar Witherspoon

    4/5

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    About this audiobook

    All her life, Boston-born Moira Doherty has relished her mother's descriptions of the Emerald Isle. When her mother dies unexpectedly in the summer of 1920,
    Moira is compelled to fulfill her dying wish—that she become the teacher in Ballymann, the beloved village in Donegal, Ireland, she's heard so much about.

    After an arduous voyage, Moira begins a challenging new job in an unfamiliar and ancient country. Though a few locals offer a warm welcome, others are
    distanced by superstition and suspicion. Rumors about Moira's mother are unspoken in her presence but threaten to derail everything she's journeyed to
    Ballymann to do. Moira must rely on the kindness of a handful of friends—and the strength of Sean, an unsettlingly handsome thatcher who keeps popping up
    unannounced—as she seeks to navigate a life she'd never dreamed of … but perhaps was meant to live.
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherRecorded Books, Inc.
    Release dateFeb 2, 2021
    ISBN9781705017180
    Author

    Jennifer Deibel

    Jennifer Deibel is the author of A Dance in Donegal (winner of the Kipp Award for Historical Romance), The Lady of Galway Manor, and The Maid of Ballymacool. Her work has appeared on (in)courage, on The Better Mom, in Missions Mosaic magazine, and in other publications. With firsthand immersive 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.

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    Reviews for A Dance in Donegal

    4/5

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    • 5/5
      A well woven story full of Celtic charm... And what a fabulous reader! She moved effortlessly from character to character so much so that you forgot she was reading and identified with the characters.. well done Ms Witherspoon!
    • 5/5
      This is a beautiful story. Don’t miss this one. ❤️
    • 4/5
      Good story but there were quite a few missing details I just couldn't get past. The narration of the audio book was excellent. Five-star narration.
    • 5/5
      Not my normal genre, but thoroughly enjoyed this book. Well crafted, and fantastic narration!
    • 5/5
      This book is filled with heart. The characters linger with you long after the last written word. It is so refreshing to read a story that is filled to the brim with a love for God and the people in this small town.
    • 3/5
      I suppose there is a place for faith based books but I've never been a fan of romances and a romance sprinkled with references to scriptures and the Lord's will is just not my style. On the plus side this book is set in Ireland and a lot of the characters speak with an Irish brogue that is quite charming.Moira Doherty moves to Ballymann, County Donegal, Ireland from Boston after her mother dies. Her mother grew up in Ballymann and it was her wish that Moira would go there. Before she died she arranged for Moira to take the teaching position at the village school. When Moira arrives in Ballymann she finds that not everyone welcomes her. An old man she encounters her first morning frightens her and then one of her students, Aedeach, threatens to disclose her secret. Thankfully some of the locals seem to feel kindly to her. In particular Sean McFadden, a thatcher, looks out for her and Moira finds him very handsome. Aedeach misses school for a week so Moira goes to find out why he is not attending classes. She finds him in a cold, stinking, ramshackle hovel with a racking cough and a high fever. After deliberating overnight she decides to nurse him and Peg, wife of Sean's employer Colm, accompanies her. It appears that Aedeach has the Spanish flu which rampaged through Donegal a few years before. The rest of the village, including all of her students, refuse to come close to Moira. She also hears rumours that her mother may have become pregnant while working at the local manor and some people obviously believe those rumours. However Moira is certain that she is doing the Lord's work and she is also certain that her mother was blameless. Eventually the truth comes out and Moira is accepted by everyone and she and Sean have a dance during which he proposes.
    • 5/5
      Title: A Dance in DonegalAuthor: Jennifer DeibelPages: 352Year: 2021Publisher: RevellMy rating: 5 out of 5 stars.If you like stories set in Ireland that have the flavor of the Gaelic language, with a touch of romance and a flair of mystery, here is the book to read. The novel is a debut by author Jennifer Deibel who has herself been immersed in the Irish culture shares the richness of the Emerald Island through this tale. The lead character is a young woman currently living in Boston with her mother; her name is Moira Doherty. Moira’s mother has been sharing stories of Ireland for all of Moira’s life. They stirred in her heart the desire to go there someday. Well, for Moira that day has arrived. After losing her mother and not sure what she is to do, she senses the Lord telling her to go forward with her plans. With her head filled with stories of her mother’s homeland along with the ache of her mother’s death, Moira steps into her future. From the moment she lands on the island, she encounters a different language with some very different customs and beliefs. Moira is welcomed into her temporary place of residence as she acclimates to the area in preparation to teach the children of the town’s school.Throughout the book there is something in Moira’s past that she is unaware of, but all the people in town seem to know and look at her with questioning eyes. Moira is a young woman with hopes to understand what has drawn her to the very town her mother grew up in and what secret lies in her mother’s life that is impacting Moira’s life now. Moira is befriended by most of the local town’s people though she has a few of them who are threatening her with revealing her secret, the secret Moira doesn’t know.The climax in the book is well written and comes with such heart-pounding force I couldn’t help but continue reading to see how it would be resolved. The book started out slow for me but quickly progressed as I was drawn into the mystery of what lay behind Moira’s life. The author has another Irish romance novel forthcoming, and a teaser is included in the back of the book. I look forward to her next book that I hope includes the flavors of faith, romance and a touch of mystery. Note: The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility.
    • 5/5
      I love reading about the Emerald Isle and A Dance in Donegal is an enjoyable new book that indulges my fascination with Ireland. After her mother's sudden death, Moira Doherty leaves Boston to accept a teaching job at Ballyman in Donegal, Ireland. Author Jennifer Deibel poignantly describes Moira's alternating feelings of sorrow, excitement, and anxiety over this sudden change in her life plans, and we also witness Moira's puzzlement upon meeting some of the residents after her arrival. Why would these strangers be suspicious of someone they don't even know? This is Deibel's debut novel and her lyrical words paint a beautful picture of a small fictional village as it might have been in 1920. Gaelic words and references to Irish customs add to the book's authenticity, and mystery and romance help to increase its appeal. If you enjoy historical fiction with intriguing characters and a strong faith element, you will want to add A Dance in Donegal to your TBR list!I received a complimentary copy from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review and these are my honest thoughts.
    • 3/5
      “When someone seems bent on making your life miserable, heap coals of kindness on their head.” Oh how I wish this motto rang true throughout the story of A Dance in Donegal by Jennifer Deibel. Deibel transported me back in time to a quaint little village called Ballymann in 1920 Donegal Ireland. I enjoyed smelling the peat fires, hearing the ocean waves crashing on the rocks, seeing the sheep grazing on the hillsides, walking through the countryside, and visiting with the townsfolk as they went about their daily lives. As a reader I could tell this author had lived in Ireland and loved it as it resonated throughout the story. If I could rate this book solely on my virtual trip to Ballymann through Deibel’s prose it would be a hands down 5 star review no questions asked. Unfortunately A Dance in Donegal is not a travel book. Thus I have to consider my connection with the characters. Regrettably this didn’t happen for me at all with the two main characters Moira Doherty and Sean McFadden, who the entire story revolves around. My heart weeped for Aedach and how he was treated by the townsfolk. I was flabbergasted how they could ever think so little about another in need, which all but a handful of townsfolk in Ballymann did about Aedach. For me Moira and Aedach’s rapport was more heartfelt and believable than Moira and Sean’s. Colm Sweeny’s knack for always knowing the right thing to say no matter the situation saved this story for me. My favorite was the conversation between Colm and Sean about what one does for a living. The conversation was very touching and full of wisdom. “Ya see, lad, it doesna matter a lick if ye’re a priest, a barkeep, or a thatcher by trade. When ya seek to love the Laird wit’ all yer heart, soul, an’ mind, and then seek ta love others selflessly, ye’re a man who will make a difference in this world one pairson at a time.” This brought tears to my eyes reminding me of my Dad, who was a dairy farmer, and a lot like Colm Sweeny. Honorable mention goes to Colm’s wife Peg, and her friend Brid. For me the supporting characters well outshined Moira and Sean.Last but not least, the finale leaped from scene to scene making my head spin rushing to end. This sudden change of pace made me question if I was reading the same author. Waiting weeks to write this review I personally do not remember the ending at all. Plus for me it would have been better to have the glossary of Irish terms and phrases at the beginning of the book instead of the end to help understand the language better. I sincerely wrestled with this one as I never felt moved or totally immersed with characters Moira and Sean and their relationship, or the feeling that I could not put A Dance in Donegal down. Sadly my rating is 3 out of 5 stars for this debut. I enjoyed it, but it fell a bit short in character development for me. If you enjoy reading Historical Christian Fiction, please, please, do give Jennifer Deibel’s debut a look, as many others really enjoyed A Dance in Donegal’s magical trip.I received a complimentary copy of this book courtesy of Revell through Interviews & Reviews and NetGalley.  Plus I was a participating member of the author’s private launch team on Facebook.
    • 5/5
      I felt like I was on the journey with Moira as she travels to Ireland to become a teacher in her mother's homeland. As she gets there, she faces many new idea and customs. Many are very welcoming to her and others hold strong to superstitions and the past. I would hard enough to give up all and travel to a new country, but to face what Moira had to would make it even more daunting. I was glad that she was able to find others along the way to help her on her new journey. I received a copy to read, the review is mine.
    • 5/5
      Could it really be that this is Jennifer Diebel’s debut novel? A Dance in Donegal by Revell is so gloriously rich in Irish culture, lore, and the magic of the Emerald Isle itself, a reader who is even the slightest fan of historical romance and mystery will be swept away. I certainly was.In 1921, Moira Doherty leaves Boston to teach school in her deceased mother’s hometown of Ballymann, in Donegal. What starts as an adventure becomes an arduous trial as Moira finds the Irish folk distrusting of her and her motives. With a very small handful of friends, Moira must decide who or Who she will please and learn to live well with the consequences.Sean McFadden, the young, searching, roof thatcher, is such a quiet gem. Thoughtful, humorous, quick to learn from his mentor, Colm, Sean is a deep well as opposed to the babbling brook personality of a certain returned barrister.I love the warmth of Brid, and the great depth and wisdom of both Peg and Colm. What it would be like to have them for friends!I love how God’s quiet voice speaks His Word into Moira’s heart, calming her and giving her peace. Comforting Scripture is quite naturally sprinkled throughout.“Once again, the words allowed a sense of peace to settle over Moira’s heart. She might not know what the future held, but she knew the One Who did, and she knew of His love for her.”Forgiveness, obedience despite consequences, and grace vs. judgment are all themes Diebel presents well.So many Notable Quotables. Here are a few:“When ya seek to love the Laird wit’ all year heart, soul, an’ mind, and then seek ta love others selflessly, ye’re a man who will make a difference in this world one person at a time.”“Smack in the middle of what God is askin’ us is the best place for any of us to be.”“The Laird can change even the coldest man’s heart.”“It doesna matter what the world says I am. It doesna even matter what I believe myself to be...if I believe in the Laird Jesus Christ and what He did fer me, I canna be condemned.”I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. I am voluntarily leaving my thoughts, which are solely my own.
    • 3/5
      This is Jennifer Deibel's debut novel and I must say, she is a promising writer. I aksed to read and revew this book through Revell Reads Program and this review is my own opinion. I must also say I rarely give 5-star reviews as those are for the very best books which are few and far between. I give this book a 3.5. The story started slow in my opinion. I was feeling like I would not enjoy the book, but I was actually surprised. The story does need work, but for a first attempt, it is well done. I liked the concept of the story and Ms Deibel is very descriptive in her telling. The book was very well edited with no glaring errors. The main characters were fairly well developed though it took me a while to actually like the main character, Moira Doherty.This is a Christian book and that shone through.What I did not enjoy was how long it took to get to the real story. I felt the book did not flow as well as it could have. I also felt there was a section just past the middle that was not needed at all. A new character introduced for something not needed and distracting. I feel that with some more practice, Ms Deibel will become a well-loved author and very successful.
    • 3/5
      Moira's mother's dying wish was that her daughter go to Ireland and teach in the town she grew up in. Moira doesn't want to leave Boston behind but she keeps having ominous dreams and she finally feels compelled to go abroad. Set in 1920 this historical romance features a lovely backdrop, the Irish town of Donegal. When she arrives in the Emerald Isle it's not all sunshine and roses however. Many are skeptical of the "yank" and one of her students has set out to make her miserable. Moira thanks God for the few friends she makes and is determined to make it work. But that resolution becomes harder and harder to achieve as rumors of her and her mother begin to surface. Just what kind of reputation did her mother leave behind when she sailed to America? One constant in her new life is Sean, a nice and gentlemanly thatcher. Is there something more than friendship there? There are definitely some dark and unexpected moments in this inspirational historical romance, but Moira always turns towards God and makes the most out of hard circumstances.
    • 5/5
      It is the 1920’s and Moria is on the cusp of an exciting future, all looks bright. She has just graduated and qualified to be a teacher. Her mother’s beloved village in Donegal, Ireland has offered her a teaching job. Instilled with her mother’s never dying love of her hometown, she is going to go. Then suddenly her mother dies. After several months she decides to go ahead and move and take the job. She is nervous and a bit frightened being all alone in the world, but she knows this would make her mother happy.Greater obstacles than just moving to a new country face her. There are odd quirks to the language, superstitions, customs and a very different culture. Upon arriving the locals treat her with contempt and she hears odd murmurings about her mother, but has no clue about the reasons. She purposes to soldier on and throw her life and heart into educating the children. She also wants to ferret out the truth about her mother. She does find some loving and supportive friends to carry her through. I was endeared to those characters. I found their compassion and making her a part of their homes comforting. Sean McFadden was one of those friends. He became her protector and listening ear. What impressed me the most was Moria’s diligence in seeking God and His Word for strength and guidance. I love the scriptures quote and how she applied them to her problems. Throughout I see Moria grow not only as a woman but also as a Christian. Very inspiring! As the story unfolds there are many twists and turns, not to mention big surprises. I wish I could share more but I don’t want to give away the story!I received a copy of this book from Revell in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have stated are my own.
    • 2/5
      There are some books you lose yourself into instantly and cannot put down. Unfortunately, this book was not one of them. Even though I did not enjoy reading it, I will do my best to give it a fair and honest review. I think the best way to classify this book is Christian Fiction and Romance. Neither of these are genres I enjoy reading, which may explain why I did not enjoy it. This was completely my mistake for not doing better research before picking this up - I was expecting more of an Irish historical drama - and so I expect that other readers who enjoy these genres may end up with a totally different evaluation of this book. This book covers the story of Moira, a young girl of Irish heritage living in the Boston area who, upon the death of her mother, returns to her mother’s native Ireland to re-visit her cherished memories and at the same time, to uncover the terrible secret surrounding her mothers departure from Ireland.What I felt that the author got right - I love books set in Ireland and the author did a good job of laying down the backdrop of the story. The setting felt authentic and was captured well, both in captured time and in place. There was some lovely language describing the Irish countryside and village that was nice to read and very engaging. Also, the basics of the plot had potential - there was some intrigue around the “secret”, and I was curious to read more. Unfortunately, that’s about all I ended up enjoying in my read of this novel. I found the plot heavy-handed and predictable, and it made for very slow reading. I found Moira as a character, incredibly annoying. Her internal dialogue consisted largely of negative self-talk, or even worse, an ongoing internal conversation with God, consisting almost entirely of bible quotations. As I am not a reader of Christian fiction, I did not find this interesting, informative or fun to read, although as I said before, others may disagree. Sean, the male protagonist, had no personality, with no backstory or character revealed - his only features, aside from his instant and unwavering feelings for Moira, consisted of his handsomeness, combined with his strength/skill/heroics. I am sorry to say that I personally would not recommend this novel, although I am sure there are many readers who would enjoy it Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher Revell, and the author for an advance review copy of this book.
    • 5/5
      It is hard for me to believe this was a debut novel. The descriptions of Ballyman and Ireland were beautifully written and the characters much more developed that I would have thought for a debut and so likeable! The plot was well-thought out and much more intricate that one would expect for debut. I loved this book, loved the characters, and felt deeply involved in the story. I can't wait for Jennifer Deibel's next book.
    • 3/5
      I wanted to enjoy A Dance in Donegal by Jennifer Deibel. The setting shined as the narrative described Donegal, Ireland, in lyrical imagery that painted pictures in my imagination. With lots of Gaelic words (keep the glossary bookmarked) and a unique culture, the story had potential. Unfortunately, neither Moira’s acclimation to Donegal nor her budding romances captivated my attention. As I read the story, I noticed filler and predictable scenes.While A Dance in Donegal by Jennifer Deibel did not suit me, I recognize that reading tastes differ and some Christian Fiction readers will enjoy this novel. Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
    • 4/5
      I’ve visited Ireland several times and love the country so much. The customs, the food, and mostly the people. So, upon learning that A Dance in Donegal had an Irish setting, I was sold. I love much about this book. The pacing slows a bit toward the middle, but the characters are genuine and interesting, the setting (as I’ve already stated) is superb, and I even love the title and cover art. I enjoyed Moira’s journey in Ireland and could picture the scenes well. I wish there was more emphasis on the positive parts her teaching, but all the same I was drawn to her story and the mystery that surrounded her mother. And I love how the townsfolk’s reception was mixed, bringing questions and anticipation as a reader. Mostly, I enjoyed the faith and forgiveness that flows throughout.Dɪsᴄʟᴏsᴜʀᴇ: I ʀᴇᴄᴇɪᴠᴇᴅ ᴀ ᴄᴏᴍᴘʟɪᴍᴇɴᴛᴀʀʏ ᴄᴏᴘʏ ᴏғ ᴛʜɪs ʙᴏᴏᴋ. Mʏ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ ᴡᴀs ɴᴏᴛ ɪɴғʟᴜᴇɴᴄᴇᴅ.
    • 5/5
      A Dance in Donegal by Jennifer DeibelMoria's Irish mother has told of all of her happy adventures in Ireland when she was a girl. Her mother finds out there is an opening to teach school in the small village she came from and talked Moria into accepting the teaching position.Ireland is much wilder than Moria's old home in Boston. The people are friendly, but some are a little stand-offish and hard to get to know. Moria loves her teaching position, she's given a small chalet nearby, where she can peacefully live.There is trouble afoot. someone is trying to scare Moria away. It could be one of her students who has made her job harder, by being disrespectful to her, at school, and in public. Sean is a thatcher, he's lived his entire life in the village. He meets Moria on her first day in the village and liked her from that first moment.Engaging characters and original story, makes this be a wonderful title. Many thanks for the complimentary copy of #ADanceinDonegal from #netgalley with no obligation to post a review.
    • 4/5
      Moira Doherty, daughter of an Irish immigrant, grew up in the United States. Her mother's dying wish for Moira to return to the village of Ballymann from whence she came, and she arranged for Moira to become the village's schoolmistress. Sean McFadden, a thatcher's understudy/apprentice, comes to her rescue on more than one occasion as she encounters problems. A surly pupil alludes to something in Moira's mother's past which seems impossible to Moira. She feels the village turning against her, but some godly friends stick by her side. The book describes Moira's personal and spiritual journey as she overcomes the adversity she faces. This book is better written than many works of Christian fiction. While certain plot elements seemed a little underdeveloped, the book still held together well and kept me engaged. Some people might call this one "preachy," but most overtly Christian elements seemed to flow naturally from the moment's circumstances. I enjoyed the story and its charming setting. I received an advance reader's copy from LibraryThing Early Reviewers in exchange for an honest review.
    • 5/5
      I was so excited to read this debut novel by Jennifer Deibel because I love all things Ireland, having lived there for a period of time myself. This book exceeded all of my expectations! I was easily transported back to early twentieth century Ireland by the wonderful descriptions of the beautiful setting. I could imagine the smell of the wet grass and the strong peat in the homes and envision the small town and its people. I very much liked the characters, especially Moira, as she navigated a difficult situation and her faith grew during her new adventure. The faith elements were very well integrated in the story and often made me pause and reflect on my own spiritual journey. The romance was well written and clean and I enjoyed getting to know Moira and Sean. And I think dear Peg was my favorite! As the story progressed, I had a hard time putting down the book, as I wanted to know more about the mystery of Moira’s past. I very much enjoyed this novel and look forward to more books by this author. Highly recommended!I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
    • 5/5
      I cannot believe that this is the authors debut novel. This has been one of my favorite books I have ever read. I loved the descriptions of Ireland. Moira and Sean were great together from the beginning. I loved learning about some of the Irish superstitions and what was done during a funeral. I could not put this book down. It was great to learn about what really happened to Moira’s mother all those years ago. I look forward to reading many more books by this author. I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
    • 4/5
      I received this book for free from the Early Reviewers in exchange for an honest review. This is the story of a young woman who moves to Ireland in 1920, shortly after her mother's death, to the village her mother left as a young woman herself, to become the town teacher. Unsurprisingly, she meets a young man, and a very gentle, circumspect romance unfolds. However, she also makes decisions that the town does not support, which combine with rumors about her "secret" to provoke a tragedy. There is a strong subtext around Christian faith that may be welcomed by some readers, while others might prefer to avoid that. A good perspective on Irish village life in the 1920's. It's also interesting to reflect on how people's shared, yet false, beliefs led to a tragedy in this story at the same time the US faced a deadly racist insurrection based on similar shared, false beliefs.
    • 4/5
      We walk the countryside in the village of Ballymann in Donegal, Ireland through the eyes of Moira Doherty as she takes in the beauty of what was formerly her mother’s home.Young Moira has left Boston with the ink barely dry on her teaching certificate, and has taken a job in the small village in Ireland, as the new teacher.We see how these people live, with the domes over their beds and learn why, the thatched roofs, and the superstitions they all seem too possess.There are a couple of young men whom Moira takes a fancy too, but she is just enjoying being in the home of her roots, but there are some that begin tormenting her, and one of her students is not very nice to her, but keep reading!There are some sweet happenings here, and others you will need the tissues handy for, but I loved the strong Love of God these people have, and how they shared their love with others.I received this book through LibraryThing and was not required to give a positive review.
    • 3/5
      Moira had always expected to go to her mother's homeland someday, but that day comes much sooner when her mother dies. Dreams of her mother begging her to go impel Moira to accept the post of a teacher in Ballymann. Life is not what she expects there and she must find the strength to endure what comes her way.I think the strength of this book lies with the author's ability to describe the setting. Ballymann comes to life as far as setting, dialogue, and the way of life for the time period. I wish I'd realized there was a glossary of Irish phrases in the bac. It would have been helpful in understanding what was being said a lot of the time.The plot itself was alright. Teaching was Moria's career, the reason for her being there, but there was very little of it. In fact, about halfway through the book, she chooses to care for a sick child for several weeks, leaving her students without a teacher. Moira becomes aware of the secret concerning her mother and spends more time worrying over it than doing anything to learn the truth. The secret is partially revealed and then "the truth" is resolved right before the end. it was not satisfying and felt contrived.The romance happens so fast and with very little deep conversation between the two. It was difficult to take it seriously.The book description had such potential. I was expecting to see Moira's struggles with learning a new culture and language, but this is glossed over. There were also a lot of more religious details that I was not expecting. It felt like the author was beating me (the reader) over the head with her faith.Clean but I am clearly not the target audience for this work. Readers looking for a quick, Christian romance might enjoy this one.I received an advanced copy from the publisher and all opinions expressed are my own.
    • 3/5
      I enjoyed this book, it was a lovely story of a woman traveling to Ireland to teach and falling in love while uncovering her mother’s secrets. The characters seemed like a lot of fun and her trials were moving, but overall this book wasn’t a winner for me. I’ve read some Christian Fiction and I normally don’t mind it, I just found this book had an excessive amount of praying and talking to God and reciting scripture. I should have saved this book for next year as it fits 11 prompts of The 52 Book Club’s 2021 reading challenge.#1 – Set In A School#2 – Featuring The Legal Profession#7 – An Author With Only 1 Published Book#10 – Related To The Word “Fire”#12 – Title Starting With The Letter “D”#27 – First Chapter Ends On An Odd Page Number#43 – A Character With A Pet Cat#44 – Includes A Garden#47 – A Character With A Disability#48 – A Cover With A Woman Who Is Facing Away#51 – Published In 2021
    • 5/5
      What a lovely debut novel. Jennifer Deibel's A Dance in Donegal is a book that readers who enjoy historical romance stories will not want to miss. Moira's story is one of courage and inspiration as she moves from Boston to Ireland in the early 19oos. I can't imagine moving from all I've known to a place where I know nobody. The author portrays Moira's emotions and reactions well, as they are realistic and relatable. The romance is sweet and satisfying although not free from conflicts. Good dialogue, interesting situations, and unique Irish customs help keep the pages turning. I felt like I was right there in the scenes. A Dance in Donegal is a captivating novel by a new author. I received a complimentary advanced reading copy of the book from LibraryThing and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.
    • 3/5
      In this novel, Moira Doherty, then living in Boston, lost her mother in 1920. Before dying, Moira’s mother arranged for Moira to get a job teaching in Ballymann, her old village in Donegal, Ireland. Moira wasn’t sure about going, but her late mother kept appearing to her in dreams, pleading with her to go to Ireland and “save her.” Moira could not ignore that summons, and in February of 1921, she arrived in Donegal to take up the teaching position. She didn’t understand why they gave her the job; the day-to-day language of the village was Gaelic, of which she couldn’t speak or understand hardly a word. Nevertheless, at age 23, Moira, who had her teaching degree for less than a year, looked forward to making a difference in children’s lives.Needless to say, upon her arrival, she immediately encountered a handsome young man, Sean McFadden, who was of course taken with her. She also heard a lot more voices - mostly seeming to be reassurance and guidance from above.As time passed, Moira finally learned secrets about her mother she never knew, and why her mother wanted her to come there and “save her.” She also found out about the appeal of dancing in Donegal.The author includes a small glossary at the back of the book, with a phonetic pronunciation guide.Evaluation: The stork wasn’t bad, but overall I found the prose to be unimaginative and with a little too much religious content for my taste. Kudos to the author though for bringing the Irish language into her story!
    • 3/5
      Moira Doherty leaves Boston in 1921 for Donegal, Ireland, after the sudden death of her beloved Irish mother. She has accepted a post as the new teacher in the school with a mixture of trepidation and excitement, knowing it was her mother's wish to return to her native home. What follows leads her to love and the unraveling of long-held mystery. For those of us who love Ireland, this is a wonderful novel to see that country, its customs, its language and people through her eyes. My thanks to LibraryThing and the publisher for this ARC.
    • 4/5
      Moira Doherty’s mother did one thing before she passed. She got her daughter a job teaching in the small Irish town of Ballymann. Despite the fact that she not only doesn’t understand Gaelic at all, Moira is determined to go see where her mother came from so she journeys from Boston to the complete unknown. Sometimes it’s better not knowing.The descriptions in this book are wonderful! The food, the scenery and the people all came to life for me while reading. A small romance intermingled with violence and history kept my attention.That said, I felt there was a bit much religion in this book. I am not against it, mind you; but just too many references – even for 1921.This is a good porch read. I’m sure you’ll enjoy the mystery.