This story starts with Saoirse (incidentally, you pronounce that as seer-sha, which is definitely NOT the mess I was saying in my mind!) who gets dropped off to serve in a mansion that is completely closed up. No one's there, and her ride already left. She wanders the countryside and is then picked up by someone else. Which leads to everything else. I'm not giving anything away here.

I have always wanted to visit Ireland (did you know there are no snakes there? That's my kind of place!), and after reading one of Jennifer's books, I feel like I've been there.

I love the way faith is interwoven throughout the story, and how Owen sees the parallel between his own life and that of Gideon's. I love how God shows up. But I love that in general. 😉

I also enjoyed reading about the weaving process, and learning about the singing so they can find and keep the rhythm while weaving. That's fascinating to me.

If you love Irish romance, Jennifer Deibel is a must read author!

It did take me a while to get into the book-over halfway. And there was an inconsistency about drawing the parallel to Gideon, plus something about the weaving that didn't seem realistic (no spoilers), which is why I'm not giving this 5 stars.

~I was given a complimentary copy of this book. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.~

Do you have a favorite book, movie, or TV Show that is set in Ireland? I’ve read so many good ones. One that has stuck with me is The Pull of the Stars by Emma Donoghue.

Saoirse Fagan arrives at Drumboe Castle to start a new job as a housemaid and finds it abandoned. A tragedy has taken her family and home, and she is not sure what to do or where to go. She wanders on the road until a young woman, Aileen, finds her and invites her to stay in her barn. Will Saoirse find out what path life wants her to take?

My thoughts on this novel:
• I loved the Irish setting for this novel.

• I loved the romance between Saoirse and Aileen’s brother, Owen.

• This novel had a slow build and forced proximity romance tropes. These are both tropes I enjoy.

• I thought the details on weaving were fascinating.

• I also loved Stout – Owen’s dog in the novel. He’s a very faithful dog and also loved Saoirse. They know she’s a good person as the dog loves her.

• There is a landslide in the novel, and it made for a harrowing read.

• Saoirse carries a lot of guilt about the death of her family. She struggles and work through it by talking to her new friend Bridie as well as listening to Father Cunningham’s sermons.

• I was disturbed on how Owen was attacked repeatedly, and his sheep almost taken. Desperate times lead to desperate men.

• This novel is a sweet and clean romance.

• There is a great author’s note at the end of the novel about the inspirations for the story.

• There is also a preview of last year’s book by the author, The Irish Matchmaker. I want to read this book.

Overall, Heart of the Glen by Jennifer Deibel was a sweet historical romance with a great Irish setting and theme of forgiveness.

Book Source: Review copy from Revell Books as part of the Austenprose PR Book Tour. Thank-you! Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Heart of the Glen is a Christian historical fiction with strong themes of friendship and romance.

I struggled a bit with the pacing of this story, finding it too slow for my taste. However some might really enjoy this aspect of this relaxing and reflective read. What I did love was the village of Glentornan, its people, culture and social intricacies. I was thrilled to learn the real life backstory of this mysterious village and the author did a beautiful job of weaving reality with fiction. The characters of Saoirse, Owen and Aileen were Ernest and endearing, and each had their journey to conquer. Overall this is a heartfelt read that is likely to appeal to appeal to anyone looking for a warm and thoughtful read. 3.5⭐️

Thank you Revel! for a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed are my own.

What would you do if you lost your entire family and everything in the world that belonged to you, and you felt like it was all your fault? Where would you go? This is the situation that Saoirse Fagan faces at the opening of Heart of the Glen. Her initial instinct is to pack her bags and head to a new job far away, but upon her arrival, she finds that the new job is no longer an option. Feeling cursed as she wanders the Irish countryside, Saoirse winds up getting taken in by a brother and sister struggling to keep their farm and tweed business afloat. It doesn't take long because Saoirse becomes as valuable to them as they are to her - but she can't shake the feeling that they'd sever ties with her if they knew her true story.

This was such a beautiful story sharing the message of the hope of redemption. The relationships in Heart of the Glen are so heartwarming to discover, from Saoirse's friendship with Aileen, to her budding romance with grumpy Owen. Even the loyalty of Stout the sheep dog will warm your heart!

Two elements of Jennifer Deibel stories that I always look forward to are her deep dives into Scripture and her showcases of unique elements of Irish culture. In Heart of the Glen, she features the story of Gideon and relates his perseverance and faith to a more modern setting (albeit still a century+ removed from the current day). Her insights always give me so much to think about, and the message of this story is so important to hear! The cultural and historical elements featured in this story are the Irish tweed industry and the unique story of the town of Glentornan in County Donegal. I learned so much reading this book, and I'm so glad I read it!

Another wonderful heartfelt novel set in Ireland. Saoirse has just gotten to Drumboe Castle for her new maid position, a new start from the tragedy she left behind. But all is dark and a neighbor informs her that the lord of the castle passed away last week. Now what? She has come all this way and now has no position and cannot go back home. When a stranger finds her walking, she kindly offers to give her food and shelter for a day or two until she can find a position elsewhere or decide on where she is going to head to next. Aileen and Owen and hardly keeping things afloat, but the two siblings always seem to find a way. Carrying on their family's legacy, Owen is a weaver and so when he becomes injured protecting their land and sheep, worry comes with how he will keep a roof over their heads and food on the table. Wanting to offer all she can in return for Aileen's kindness, Saorise offers to learn the weaving and help Owen. There is no way he has time to train this stranger that his sister has taken pity on. He has enough to worry about trying to do things himself! After a terrible storm has wiped out the town, and helping others Owen realizes that maybe having Saorise help won't be so bad after all. God always has a plan and Owen needs to trust it. As the two work together they realize they are both carrying a burden from the past but trusting in another can often lessen that burden. I really enjoyed this novel and the scenery that the author always paints of Ireland. Thank you to Austenprose for the tour invite. This review is of my own opinion and accord.

Jennifer Deibel always does such a great job with whisking the reader away to Ireland and immersing them in the culture and the land, and this book did exactly that. I felt like I devoured Heart of the Glen and I would have to say this was probably my favorite read by this author so far. I found it so enjoyable that I’m sure I will go back and listen to it in audio format at some point because I find her books to be so entertaining when around aloud in an Irish accent. The one I do in my head is not nearly accurate enough. I do appreciate the glossary of terms so I know what the characters are saying but I know I am so butchering the pronunciation!

I adored Saoirse and Owen together. I wish I could fully put into words why, but I feel like they just “fit,” if that makes sense! Man, each of them were fighting their own internal battles between Owen trying to keep his family afloat and Saoirse running from the guilt of her past. Just the subtle ways they came together to comfort and support each other, while each trying to unravel just what God’s plans meant for them and the world around them in general was just beautiful. And their chemistry was amazing! It wasn’t like “light the page on fire” explosive, but it was just so sweet and tender that it hit me in the feels in a different way. When they were working together in the weaving shed, I mean, come on! I will say I wish there was more at the end! I am begging for an epilogue here!! But I guess that just shows you that I loved the story and did not want it to end.

This was a delightful, atmospheric story. I could hear the Irish lilt as I read and gleaned new insight into old Irish customs.
Saoirse is a troubled soul haunted by the loss of her family. She is taken in by Aileen and Owen McCready after her employment opportunity falls through. Owen is a master weaver and sister Aileen helps on the sheep farm while he plies his trade. After someone attacks Owen, it is up to Saoirse to learn how to weave the tweed that will save the farm.
I loved the setting and the characters in this novel. They are stalwart and have a faith that is long-standing, and it sustains them through difficulties. A couple, Bridie and John, are the voice of spiritual wisdom, and showed friendship and hospitality. The portrayal of Stout the sheep dog was a highlight. I could just picture him, herding the sheep in response to the whistle commands that Owen used.
This book was a joy to read. It kept me turning pages, especially during the tense moments. The romance built slowly and was very sweet. A great addition to the list of novels by this talented author.
* A complementary copy of this book was provided by Revell on behalf of the author, and by NetGalley through Interviews and Reviews. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

Thank you to Revell Fiction for the ARC of Heart of the Glen by Jennifer Deibel. All opinions are my own.

I enjoyed this beautiful story set in an immersive early-1900s Ireland. The romance was sweet, the setting was beautifully described, and the faith themes were interwoven so thoughtfully.

I haven’t read a lot of books set in Ireland, and I loved how well this author described the setting with historical detail. I also enjoyed learning about weaving and all the intricacies that go into mastering that craft.

The romance was definitely a slow burn, but it was so wonderful to watch these characters grow spiritually and then finally realize how God had brought them together. I loved their sweet interactions and their time spent together in the weaving shed.

I think my favorite aspect of this book was how the author included Christianity in such a thoughtful way that encouraged my own faith. While the characters often struggled with their relationship with God, I loved all the reminders of God’s faithfulness even amidst their trials.

Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone who would love to be immersed into this beautiful Irish setting and be encouraged in their faith.

From the first chapter, I was transported to the beautiful landscape of Ireland. Deibel is a master storyteller and her stories are not to be missed!

Irish words and phrases!
Sweet romance!
Christian themes and messages!
Trial and tribulation, but working with others and faith to overcome!

Lived all the characters in this book and their fantastic story!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Christian Historical romance
Ireland
1910
Weaver
Forced proximity
Secrets
No spice

This was my first book by this author. This is a Christian historical romance. It is set in Ireland in 1910. Our heroine has secret and runs across our hero and his sister. They are scraping by and she spends time with them in this forced proximity, no spice romance. Our hero is a weaver and it was really interesting to read about that and try to imagine and picture things that go along with that craft. This book grabbed my attention from the first. This is a slow burn book and romance. However, I felt the last quarter of it dragged on a bit. This book had a very strong Christian theme, which I appreciated. All in all, it was a good read.

"Saoirse Fagan had blood on her hands. She turned them over in her lap and studied her palms and fingertips. The crimson stain couldn't be seen, but it was there. She knew it. Could feel it seeping into her bones, forever changing who she was" (location 68). Saoirse feels she brings bad luck wherever she goes. So when she has a chance to help someone, she's all in. But then again, maybe she caused the trouble in the first place. Who knows? She's a very sympathetic character. I liked her.

This story was a little slow paced for me but I read a ton of suspense so it might not feel that way to everyone. It felt like it was more about the message of what Owen needed to learn than about the people but it was written well and it was moving and satisfying.

There were some fun nods to Irish culture and I loved the pancake flipping race. I could picture it and it made me laugh.
Thank you to Revell for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

What a wonderful Irish tale; so rich with history, faith, emotion, and plenty of tea!
QUOTABLE:
"His words had soothed her raw and weary spirit like a cup of tea after a trying day."

I am immensely satisfied with Owen and Saoirse's story and all the turmoils they had to overcome. Additionally, I loved Stout, the dog. I happily recommend yet another of Jennifer Deibel's books.
☘Heart of the Glen
Release Date Jan 21, 2025
Published by Revell a division of Baker Publishing
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I received an eVersion from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion without expectation or compensation.

Heart of the Glen is a story of finding hope in despair and redemption in the midst of the fallout of our own mistakes. Jennifer Deibel writes stories in which tragic circumstances are part and parcel of the narrative. Set in Ireland, this tale begins with a young woman’s guilt and grief and moves through the pain and challenges of an entire community.

Perhaps more than I remember from other novels, this book carries a strong reflection on the Scripture and how God often uses tragedy to bring about His triumph, with the story of Gideon taking a central role.

It’s a story of friendship and a story of finding love. It doesn’t have a happily ever after ending and yet the ending is completely satisfying in the sense that God is at work in each and every life, making a way forward, even while the characters are having to lay down things that they would cling to along the way.

I enjoyed the book. It was thought provoking and really highlighted how easy it is to believe the lies that we tell ourselves rather than trust in the Lord. It also highlighted the beauty of community and the faithfulness of God in the midst of all the brokenness of the world.

I received a free digital copy and am giving you my honest opinion of the novel.

💚Heart of the Glen by Jennifer Deibel

When Saoirse Fagan arrives at Drumboe Castle to start her new job as housemaid, she is dismayed to learn that the lord of the house passed away a week prior. Already running from the tragedy that claimed the lives of her family members, Saoirse wanders the road through the darkening glen with nowhere to go until Aileen McCready offers her a lift and a place to stay for the night.

Aileen’s brother, sheep farmer and weaver Owen McCready, is known for his intricate and impeccably woven tweed. But when he’s injured, his entire livelihood is endangered. A new—and distracting—mouth to feed adds fuel to the fire, and Owen struggles to keep his family afloat. Though Saoirse is eager to help, even offering to learn the weaving craft, Owen is hesitant to accept aid from this strange young woman, no matter how inexplicably magnetic he finds her.

But Saoirse is not one to give up easily. She’s determined to convince the McCreadys that they need her—perhaps as much as she needs them.

🍀 About This Book:
- Christian Historical Romance
- Stand Alone Novel
- Ireland, 1912
- POV: Saoirse and Owen
- Forced Proximity
- Grumpy/Sunshine Dynamics
- He has a dog
- He’s a sheep herder and weaver
- She’s running from tragedy
- Published 2025
- Parents Guide: kissing, and some mild violence

🐾 My Thoughts:
This was such a beautiful story! Cami and I have some Irish ancestry so I’ve always felt a pull toward stories from this area. The stories make me feel connected to those who came before me. I felt like I got small glimpses into what life was like for them. There are strong themes of faith and forgiveness in this book. The question “Why do bad things happen to good people?” is addressed. I love how the author tied biblical stories to her characters and their individual circumstances. That is the magic and power of scriptures! The romance was sweet and included some swoony kisses. I would love to have Aileen as a best friend. This book was a page turner!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is the book for lovers of historical fiction and admirers of Ireland. The vibrantly atmospheric and immersive descriptions of the Irish countryside, along with the high concentration of Gaelic vernacular throughout, makes this book feel like you’ve stepped within the borders of Ireland itself.

I did not end up pushing through to the end because by 25% through I felt the plot was moving much too slow for my tastes and I wasn’t connecting to the characters. Also, I personally found the Gaelic and high amount of Irish-cultural references confusing. There was an increasing amount of references to superstitions and cultural mystic beliefs, which I found surprising for a Christian-centered book.

This book wasn’t my cup of tea, but I think certain readers could really enjoy it!

Thank you to the author & Revell publishing for the complimentary book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

Owen & Saoirse

This book is the definition of faith filled! Oh, it’s sooo good!!

Saoirse, on the run from her past faces obstacle after obstacle. To the point where she believes that she’s the cause of it all. And who can’t relate to that? We all have those moments where we believe we’re to blame. So God leads her to Owen and Aileen. And Owen has some lesson learning to do himself.

And their story comes together, like finely woven fabric - fitting perfectly with Owen’s job as a weaver. Owen and Saoirse only saw the back of their tapestries, but God saw the front. The beautiful part, while they saw the tangled knots. And through lessons from Gideon, they both learned to trust God and rely on him.

Beautifully done, Jennifer!
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Revell for the chance to read and review early.

Jennifer Deibel weaves a poignant tale of loss, healing, and recovered hope. Saoirse Fagan travels far to a new post as a housemaid only to discover that lord of the house has died, and the manor is shut tighter than a drum. Now what? As she begins a lonely trek to who knows where, she is picked up by Aileen and offered the humble abode of a barn for the night. Saoirse has deep wounds from the loss of her family and no real place to go now that her job has dried up. So, she accepts and thus begins a tale of hope and healing. Aileen's brother, a crusty bachelor, finds Saoirse early one morning and is fit to be tied - he can barely support himself and his sister, and now another? After a rough and tumble beginning, the three settle into a routine. But Saoirse's past has left wounds unhealed and when a budding romance begins, she is too weighed down with guilt to move forward. Can an insightful priest, a loving friend, and promptings from the Lord bring about healing? Travel back to early 20th century where the times are difficult but love and community and faith triumph over hardship. This expertly woven tale will tug at your heartstrings and offer many points to ponder.

4.5 stars.

Set in 1912, Heart of the Glen by Jennifer Deibel is a captivating historical Christian romance.

Saoirse Fagan has no idea what her future will be when her new employment falls through. She is wonderful woman who has endured her share of tragedy. She is a hard worker but she worries that her bad luck will follow her.

Owen McCready is a bit of a grump and there are plenty of things for him to worry about. He and his sister Aileen live on their family’s farm and it is always a struggle to keep it afloat. Owen is not happy when he has another mouth to feed when Aileen brings Saoirse home. After an altercation leaves him injured and unable to work, their unexpected guest proves to be an unanticipated boon.

Heart of the Glen is a wonderful novel of faith and self-examination. Saoirse is complex character who must overcome her long-held beliefs about herself. Owen is a bit gruff and he is battling with his faltering faith. Their relationship beautifully shifts from wary strangers to love but will their burgeoning relationship withstand events that are out their control? With interesting twists and turns, Jennifer Deibel brings this marvelous novel to a heartwarming conclusion.

I am in awe of the beautiful tapestry Jennifer Deibel has woven with her words. I was drawn into the vibrant landscape of Ireland, the intricate craft of weaving tweed, and the deeply-rooted Christian faith that runs like a golden thread through the story. If you’re looking for a novel that invites you to experience the delicate dance of forgiveness, love, and God's unshakable plans, then this book is a must-read.

Saoirse Fagan is a young woman haunted by tragedy, stumbling through life like a loose thread, unanchored and uncertain. When she finds herself stranded in the glen, she is taken in by Aileen McCready and her brother Owen, a skilled weaver. Owen’s world is one of delicate balance, where the slightest disruption could unravel everything he’s worked so hard to build. As their lives intertwine, Saoirse and Owen find themselves facing their own struggles—Saoirse with her past and Owen with his future, and both learning to trust in the unseen Hand that is weaving their lives together in ways they can’t understand.

The imagery of weaving is beautifully threaded throughout the narrative, not just in the literal sense as we see Owen’s meticulous craft of tweed, but in how God weaves lives together through His plan. As Saoirse navigates her new life, trying to find her place, the story continually asks a question that resonates: Can the lonely thread of her life be woven into a new and finer pattern?

Through the pages, the story echoes the timeless lessons of the story of Gideon from the Bible. Much like Gideon, both Saoirse and Owen find themselves in situations where their own strength is inadequate, yet God's power is all-sufficient. Saoirse’s whispered prayer—“Lord, help me”—struck me deeply, especially when she feared that God had turned away from her because of her past. How often do we, too, feel that our mistakes have made us too far from God’s grace? Yet, as Father Cunningham so powerfully reminds us, “Our Lord paid the price for all of our wrongdoings. All our mistakes and shortcomings. He paid our debts on the cross – one time, for all time – so you and I might be free from the chains that come from those missteps and shortfalls.”

Owen’s belief that “no tear is ever wasted in God’s economy” is a powerful testament to the story’s heart. It is a reminder that every hardship, every heartache, is part of the fabric of God’s design, and through it, He weaves something beautiful—even when we can’t yet see it.

What I appreciate most about this book is how it isn’t just a romance, but a journey of spiritual growth and transformation. Saoirse’s journey is as much about her internal struggles as it is about her connection with Owen. Their budding romance, though tender and real, is grounded in the belief that true love comes not from a perfect situation, but from trusting in God’s plan and growing in faith through the trials. As Saoirse reflects, “The only way out of this nightmare was through and forward.”

Heart of the Glen is a breathtaking exploration of how faith and redemption are woven into the very fabric of life. It’s a book that will challenge you, encourage you, and ultimately leave you filled with hope. The rich setting, the lovable characters (shout-out to Aileen and the rest of the cast who felt like old friends by the end), and the faith-filled narrative all combine to make this a novel that’s truly hard to put down.

Deibel’s talent as a writer shines through in every chapter, pulling readers into a world that feels as real as it does heart-stirring. Her intricate storytelling has a way of lacing together heartache, hope, forgiveness, and faith into a story that will leave you thinking long after you’ve turned the last page. If you’re looking for a book that will not only transport you to Ireland but also challenge and deepen your walk of faith, then Heart of the Glen is the perfect choice.

God’s hand is visible in the lives of Saoirse and Owen, and in the end, it’s a reminder that no matter how tangled our lives may seem, He is weaving something beautiful, just as He is weaving each of us into His greater plan.

I received a digital ARC of this book from the publisher, Revell, and NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review nor paid to do so. This is my honest and unbiased review. My thoughts and opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the writing and story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.