A Worthy Heart

November 9, 2015
In the second installment of Mason’s Courage to Dream series, Maggie and Gabe Montgomery leave Ireland to visit their older brother Ryland and his family in New York. The expectation is that their sojourn will be brief, but Maggie is in no hurry to return to their hometown, Cork, where everyone seems to know her business. Adam O’Leary, Ryland’s black sheep brother-in-law, returns from prison hoping to redeem his reputation and make amends with his family. Though Adam fails to meet his father’s expectations, he quickly garners Maggie’s attention. Gabe is similarly besotted with Aurora Hastings, a young woman who is more interested in becoming a nurse than seeking the fortuitous marriage her father has in mind for her. The romantic couplings become apparent early on, but Mason keeps the story interesting by interjecting a few jilted suitors, some parental disapproval and deceit, and an outbreak of typhoid fever. Adam’s struggle with forgiveness, which includes forgiving himself, creates some thought-provoking content within this thoroughly pleasant historical romance. Agent: Natasha Kern, Natasha Kern Literary Agency

February 1, 2016

Rylan Montgomery's sister, Maggie, leaves Ireland and travels to America to avoid an unwanted suitor and find her fortune. Arriving at the orphanage run by Rylan and his wife, Colleen, Maggie agrees to assist in the classroom. Her plans are threatened by the arrival of Neill Fitzgerald, who wants to take her back to Ireland and make her his wife--by force if necessary. Meanwhile, Adam O'Leary, Rylan's brother-in-law who's recently been released from prison, has returned home to a bittersweet reunion with his parents. He will do anything to be restored to his family's good graces, but falling in love with Maggie is an unexpected surprise. VERDICT Fans of Irish Meadows will not be disappointed in this follow-up, which renders a skillful mix of tense family drama, historical romance, and memorable characters that will stay with readers.

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