Born in Fire

October 3, 1994
The first in a projected trilogy about the lives of three Irish sisters, Born in Fire gets the series off to a fine start, telling the story of talented glass-artist Maggie Concannon's contentious relationship with Dublin gallery owner Rogan Sweeney. Country-dwelling Maggie is otherworldly, prickly and outspoken, while Rogan is an urban sophisticate; nevertheless, the attraction that springs up between this unlikely pair is both believable and compelling, thanks to Roberts's (Private Scandals) skillful character development. Lacking melodramatic overtones or strange twists of fate, the plot may seem less than exciting, but the conflicts Maggie and Rogan face are refreshingly realistic and the characters themselves, well-rounded and likable, will keep readers engaged.

June 1, 1995
YA-Artist Maggie Concannon creates beautiful glass images through a blowpipe and with a fiery furnace, much as she herself was born and survived her mother's angry frustrations and resentment. Then Maggie falls in love with Rogan, her new agent, who brings her passion, fame, and riches. Roberts's unique characters come to life through their wordplay and tempers. A light, fast-paced novel set in the Irish countryside.

October 1, 1994
In this first novel of a planned trilogy, Roberts tells the story of a girl from an Irish village who gains international acclaim as a glass sculptress. Margaret Mary Concannon is sent to Venice by her doting father, Tom, to study glassblowing, even though every penny he spends on his beloved daughter is begrudged by her churlish mother. Tom's untimely death and his wife's ongoing bitterness prohibit Margaret Mary from reaching success in either art or marriage until the wealthy manager of an art gallery helps her to attain international acclaim and wealth; he also falls in love with her and plans to change her commitment to her art alone. Roberts' tale of passion in the Irish art world is a beguiling one. Brianna, sister of the sculptress, is a more devoted daughter and makes a home for her carping mother in her bed-and-breakfast in the Irish village. Brianna's story of love is promised in the sequel, "Born in Ice." The adventures of Tom Concannon's illegitimate daughter are to be told in "Born in Shame." ((Reviewed October 1, 1994))(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 1994, American Library Association.)