Irish Meadows

Starred review from June 1, 2015

James O'Leary, a child of Irish immigrant parents, knows what it's like to have grown up in poverty. So he has striven to make his Irish Meadows stables a profitable business by serving Long Island's wealthiest residents. He also has plans for his two daughters to marry well. But Coleen, the compulsive flirt, and Brianna, her spirited younger sister, have their own dreams. When New York State outlaws horse raising, the stable falls into a precarious financial situation; James's machinations to save his business all but destroy the potential love matches of his two daughters and alienate his son along with the rest of the O'Leary clan. VERDICT Winner of the Fiction from the Heartland contest from the Mid-American Romance Authors Chapter of Romance Writers of America (RWA), this engaging debut is part historical romance, part family drama, and all about the power of faith and love to move mountains. The spirited O'Leary clan is well drawn and appealing, ready to band together during times of trouble. Mason's enjoyable read lays the groundwork for the next installment, which promises to be just as strong as the first.

Copyright 2015 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.