I read Irish Eyes, by Hope C Tarr. Parts of this book I found exciting, interesting, and well written. There were also parts I found lacking in interest. Unfortunately, the first few chapters were challenging to get through. I considered not completing the book, but decided to push on through. I am glad I did! Most of the remaining storyline I loved. The story covers a number of years and I like the authors use of current events in the story. Overall, I enjoyed the book. I would give it a 3.5, so rounding it up to 4 stars.
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When the Spanish-American war claimed her brother’s life the last thing Rose expected was to have his best friend and fellow soldier, Adam, to turn up in her family’s pub in Ireland. Tumbling head over heels for each other their romance will irrevocably change the course of their lives. Spanning decades this story covers life, love and loss against the back drop of events of the turn of the last century.
I had to adjust my expectations while reading this. I didn’t realize, or rather I didn’t properly read the description to find out, this book spans a much longer time period then I thought. Mainly told from Rose’s perspective but we get glimpses into Adam’s view as well. There were so many significant historical events taking place around these two, and shaping their lives. There is something about watching events unfold when you know there is a major wrench coming to shift everyone’s plans.
Rose is a character you have to root for, because no matter what comes flying at her she digs her heels in and refuses to let life get the better of her.
Coming out December 7 2023.
Thank you to @hopectarr @netgalley and @lumebooks for letting me have an early copy for review.
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A really interesting premise and I enjoyed the walk down history lane, but at times it seemed like too much time had gone by and it was hard to keep track of as time went on. Rose, from Ireland, meets Adam through the death of her brother in the Spanish American War. The two develop a romantic relationship, but then Adam must return home to America to aide his father's illness. Rose soon follows Adam because she learns she is carrying his child, but once she gets to America things do not look as bright as painted to the outside world and reality sits in - things like terrible working conditions and the tenements. Rose eventually moves on from Adam, but things are not as they seem with that person either. A few interesting turns in this book for sure, and a good storyline for resilience.

Thank you to NetGalley and Joffee Books/Lume Books for giving me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A tale that transcends the years a very simple boy meets girl and they fall in love. Intertwined and developed into the most extraordinary tale of one lady's life it is both poignant and enthralling. I really enjoyed following roses life through the years and cried a few times throughout this novel, it pulls at heart strings. A 5☆ read, thank you netgalley for arc copy.

The beginning of this book captivated me. I was in love with Rose and Adam. I even understood delaying their inevitable reconciliation in NYC but to be honest, I was confused trying to remember who fathered which kids, etc. Also, the fact the kindhearted Fireman Joe who risked life and limb to save young women and toddlers was so easily turned into a vile politician really turned me off. It was such a drastic change to the character’s personality. The book spans a LONG period of time creating odd missing years in which we are just expected to pick up and just accept the current situation. Side note: Why on earth does Rose feel so utterly destroyed after giving birth to a daughter and later a son but there’s no mention of how carrying and delivering twins? Like that was somehow less traumatic than a single birth?

Despite the choppy plot and missing info, I did feel personally invested in Rose and Adam. Joe could have been amazing but turning him into such a stereotypical “Irish-American” prone to corruption seemed lazy.

Firstly thank you Netgalley for this Arc

Brilliant book by a lovely author. Lovely romantic books from different sides of the world

The author has written an enchanting romantic story that also has great historic references that are both captivating and engaging. You can envisage the scenes as they unfold due to the detailed descriptions provided. by the Author.
The story is beautiful and the book is very hard to put down.
I loved how real characters were included in the book and this also enhanced the way that it was written.
The only downside for me was the inhouse spoilers that were written in the text. Quotes such as 'I would later learn' made the next stages predictable.
I was really tempted to go to the last chapter of the book to see what happened but restrained myself and was not disappointed with the way that the book ended.
A great read

Such an enchanting and immersive historical romance read! Spanning many decades and following the life and fate of Rose, the reader travels from the Aran Islands to the bustling, rough streets of 1900s New York. Not a very nice place for a young, single Irish immigrant! Rose is fierce and determined, and you really watch her character evolve as she chases both love and a better life for herself and her family. Filled with heartbreak, wonderment and true love, I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves historical saga or historical romance.

Reminiscent of 'Brooklyn'. Lovely descriptions of the mystical, magical Aran Islands and the grim grime of New York at the turn of the century. The scope and time scale are ambitious and consequently presentation of historical accuracy and details are not as precise as could have been had the focus been more concentrated.