A mesmerizing and haunting tale that compels you experience Ireland in a fresh and new way. Moira is summoned to her mother’s homeland for reasons she cannot explain. Her mother is deceased and yet, Moira heeds the call to save her. She agrees to serve as the village teacher and receives a mixed welcome. There is mystery and intrigue surrounding her mom’s life and disappearance and she’s determined to clear her name, even if it puts Moira’s name and life at risk. Sean is the type of charming hero you can’t help but fall for and hope the boy gets the girl. Moira finds herself while there and along the way, finds her way home. I love the internal dialogue between Moira and the Holy Spirit and the memories she reflects on from her mom. A highly recommended debut historical fiction novel.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own, freely given.

Wonderful book! I loved the story and the setting. This books takes you back to Ireland in the 1920s. I loved how Moira in a way came home, even though she wasn’t born there. I liked how she had to deal with the rumors about her and her mother but she had good people who stood by her through it. I liked the romance but I liked that it wasn’t the whole story. I liked that there was a good blend throughout the story. I also liked seeing some of the history of Ireland. I thought the author did a great job!

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

I enjoyed reading this book. It was about an Irish girl who returns to Ireland to teach. This was on the request of her mother in America. There was a good storyline and interesting characters. There were lots of problems and sadness but l was pleased it had a happy ending. I do recommend that you read this book.

I liked this historical novel that takes us to an interesting time in Ireland. Deibel has done a good job of immersing us in the culture, legends, and superstitions. I liked learning about the celebrations and rituals, such as those involved in mourning. This aspect of the novel was by far its strong point.

The spiritual issues explored in the novel were good too. Moira wonders why God would lead her to a place that seemed initially good but then became a place of trouble for her. Some of that trouble came because Moira chose to do a hard thing, loving and helping the unlovely. It put her in danger.

This is a good debut effort. Deibel's writing style is easy to read and her characters were well done. I recommend it to readers who would like to experience an Ireland village of a century ago. I look forward to Deibel's next novel.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book through I Read With Audra. My comments are an honest and independent review.

Oof. Not going to lie, this was painful.

I went in expecting a light and fluffy read set in the gorgeous country of Ireland, and I suppose I got that but it was so cringey to read that I truly struggled to get through it. I wound up skimming through the later parts, but I read enough that I feel pretty qualified to at least list my pros and cons. I'll alternate between those, in no particular order.

Pro: the vocabulary is really good, and some of the descriptions of settings are clever.

Con: A lot of the dialogue is very cringe. There are quite few info dumps, and the characters always seem to say exactly what they're thinking.

Pro: the food is spot-on. Made me hungry for a big Irish breakfast. The British bacon that looks like American ham is very accurate (and a constant disappointment every time I order bacon here in Scotland).

Con: The romance is excruciating. So much insta-love it gives me physical pain, plus a brief enemies-to-lovers plot (and the briefest, least suspenseful love triangle I've ever seen). Here is a quote from literally her third interaction with the love interest, at a point where he's been nothing but really unpleasant to her:
Heat seeped across her cheeks. Why was she so shaken by this man? Until a moment ago, he'd done nothing but give her a hard time. He'd practically insulted her. And now she was blushing?
Pro: I liked learning about some Irish traditions, like their superstitions and some traditions I can't go into for fear of spoilers. I assume they're relatively accurate, since the author has apparently lived in Ireland for quite a few years.

Con: God literally talks to the main character throughout the book. Like He literally speaks in her head, giving her pep talks and reminding her that she is under His wing, and sends her dreams sometimes. I never enjoy storylines that use God as a plot device, because it feels weird for authors to assume they know how God would behave in any specific situation. But this psychic link was just next-level, and I really wasn't a fan.

Pro: The love interest gets better as the story goes on until I actually almost root for him. Which doesn't sound very positive, I know, but he's horrible at the beginning. Like he grabs her when she's running from a creepy old guy, won't let her leave, and keeps trying to engage her in conversation (granted, he doesn't know about the creep, but he still has no right to demand her attention!). And then he later makes her feel guilty for being rude to him in that scene! Like, seriously? But like I said, by the end of the book I kind of root for him (though I still think he's way too controlling/overprotective).

Con: There's this whole plotline later in the book (minor spoilers) where she cares for a schoolboy who is very sick. Like, almost dying. And I have two issues with this storyline. First, she initially doesn't want to help him because he has been horrible to her. Her friends frame it as an ethical dilemma where she is the only one with the power/responsibility to save him when she literally has no more moral responsibility for his health than they do (and helping him would mean completely abandoning her teaching responsibilities). Second, when she starts nursing him the entire town turns on her. Their motives are a bit vague, jumping back and forth between slut-shaming (you know, because she's spending so much time alone with a teenage boy!), moral admonishment (I think they wanted her to let this clearly neglected boy die because he'd acted out?), and genuine fear of catching the Spanish Flu from her (this one I'm on board with - she spends way too much time hugging people for me to be comfortable in 2021). I hate how this whole "town turns on her" storyline is resolved, too. I hated most of the townspeople and how shallow and judgemental they were, and I was rooting for Moira to ditch them all and just get out of there.

Pro: I like the little touches of cultural differences, like how Moira and her new friend Sinead get confused because the Irish call staple products messages. I have had so many arguments with my Scottish friends about stupid vocab differences, so this is very realistic and was a fun inclusion.

Now I have a few more cons left on my list, and no more pros. So let's finish this.

Con: How on earth does Moira not have any aunts, uncles, cousins, etc. either in Ireland or America? The Irish are not known for their tiny families.

Con: I don't like the plot twist at the end. I think it's a bit silly and anticlimactic and honestly a bit obnoxious.

Trigger Warning (sexual assault)
Final (and, perhaps, biggest) con:  There is way too much assault in this book. Not something I enjoy reading, and sometimes it seems to basically just be included as a plot device.

So there you go. I don't really recommend this book, but you've got the list of my thoughts on it to help you decide for yourself. If you do read it, I'd love to know what you think in the comments. 

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

What a lovely, faith filled read set in 1920s Ireland.  
This is sort of a coming-of-age tale of a young woman, Moira Doherty, who returns to her ancestral roots after her mother's passing in Boston.  She is a new teacher and has a lot to learn about the local customs in the small village of Ballymann.  I was drawn to the vivid descriptions: "The amber light from the setting sun set her silvery gray hair alight."  Scripture was never far away throughout the chapters: "A sense of confirmation took root with her. I will never leave you. I will never forsake you."  And, Oh! The tea moments ["cupan tae"] are many: "Mrs. Martin returned carrying two teacups, a kettle, sugar, milk, a few biscuits, some piping hot brown bread, and a dish of butter, all precariously yet perfectly balanced on a decorative tray. "Have a seat, darlin'.  Would ya like a little cuppa?" the spry old woman asked, setting it all down on the table. "Yes, please. Moira sighed. The idea of tea brought relief to Moira's tired bones. "Mother made sure I knew the value of a good cuppa." Mrs. Martin chuckled. "She always did enjoy her tea, so she did." Her shoulders quaked with quiet laughter."
The character of Sean McFadden was charming and honorable, as were some others, but many others were not.  There is a good balance of both, but one scene may give pause to anyone who has ever experienced sexual abuse; not overly detailed, but you understand the intent.
Fun Quote: "You'll never plow a field by turnin' it over in yer mind"
Glossary of Terms found in the back:  I recommend reading those first. 
For a first time author, I would say Jennifer Diebel knocked it out of the park!  I am happy to recommend A Dance in Donegal thanks with to the publisher for a gifted copy. All opinions are mine alone without expectation or compensation. 
5 stars = Excellent 
Reviews posted & pending approval at: Amazon, B&N, BAM, CBD, GooglePlayBooks, Kobo, as well my IG

A Dance in Donegal will probably be in my top ten of best reads for 2021. I adored this book. The story is so so good. The historical details were so vivid, I felt as though I was transported back in time in the gorgeous and beauty of Ireland. I loved Moira right from the start. 

A Dance in Donegal is getting a very well deserved from me. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading books clean Historical Fiction. I will be eagerly waiting for more by Jennifer Deibel in the future. She has earned herself a new fan. 

I received A Dance in Donegal from the publisher. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

This book was the perfect read to escape back to one of my favorite countries. Moira‘s story was one that you often hear about but with so much more tucked within the pages. I loved her story and often times felt like I was spying on her, as if I was living her story right along side her. Loved reading it!

“Smack in the middle of what God is askin' is the best place for any of us to be.”

It seems God has led Moira Doherty to Ireland to not only fulfill her mother's dying wish, but to pursue her dream of becoming a teacher. Many thoughts fill her mind on how things will be for her, but she finds that sometimes dreams shift & become more than she ever thought they'd be.  

I loved Moira, she didn't succumb to the veiled whispers behind her back or the furrowed brows of some of the townsfolk as she walked past. Instead, she constantly reminded herself of God's promises & turned to scripture for comfort. My other two favorite characters were Peg & Colm who were foundational to the story (at least in my opinion). They were strong in faith, in character, were loved by everyone and two of Moira's biggest supporters. Sean is our hero; he will surely draw you in with his lilting speech & clever wit. It's quite entertaining to see the banter between Moira and him. 

With lyrical prose, Jennifer Deibel drew me in to this richly layered story. Ballymann is steeped in Irish traditions & superstitions and I savored learning about them. The lavishly drawn scenery painted vivid pictures in my mind as I walked in Moira's shoes. Each character was brought to life as the author introduced them. A truly mind-blowing debut by an author to keep an eye on. In conclusion, this novel is a feast for the senses! 

Two more favorite passages:

“I remember when it first dawned on me what God was truly sayin'”, Peg continued. “It doensna matter what the world says I am. It doesna matter even what I believe myself to be—and I have some dark thoughts when it comes to me own heart, to be sure. If I believe in the Laird Jesus Christ, and what He did fer me, I canna be condemned.”

“I know ye feel responsible for what happened, but ye canna live in defeat. Ye love the Laird, and ye follow hard after Him. Not a man on earth can condemn ye.”

*I received a complimentary copy and was not obligated to leave a favorable review. All opinions are my own. *

The story opens in 1920 in Boston. Twenty-three year old Moira's mother had recently died.  Before her death, she had recommended Moira for a teaching position in her home village of Donegal, Ireland. Even though she didn't understand her mother's reasoning or motivation, Moira knew it was important to her mother.  After being offered the position and after much hesitation, Moira crossed the ocean and arrived County Donegal. Could this courageous woman make a life in this totally foreign place?  

From the beginning of the narrative, there is an under current.  Not all the villagers were welcoming.  Some were outright threatening. It became obvious it was because of something to do with her mother, but no one would tell her what it was.  She was grateful for those that embraced her for they  and her faith gave her the strength to try to adapt.  Amongst the puzzling and odd occurrences as well as violence there were incredible acts of kindness and even romance.

This story is so well told that readers are pulled into the story from the beginning.  Every aspect is vividly brought to life, be it a room or the magnificent scenery.  Readers follow the characters through situations that force them to take a deeper look at who they are and who they want to be.  Friendship, family, trust and betrayal all factor into their lives.     Perfectly paced, this fascinating story  deals with faith, forgiveness and love.  Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell and NetGalley.  The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

A Dance in Donegal by Jennifer Deibel has Moira Doherty traveling to Ballymann, Ireland to teach.  Her mother had made the arrangements before she passed.  Some of the townspeople welcome Moira to her mother’s hometown, while others shun her and eye her suspiciously.  Moira has a feeling that there is something about her mother’s past that she failed to disclose.  Soon Moira has a group of close friends and Sean McFadden, the handsome thatcher, has caught her eye.  Will her mother’s secrets, though, mess up Moira’s new life?  A Dance in Donegal captures the beauty of Ireland.  You can tell Jennifer Deibel loves Ireland from her beautiful word imagery.  The Gaelic words and Irish customs helped to capture the locale.  Moira Doherty was a naïve young woman when she began her journey.  I liked the growth she experienced.  I also enjoyed the cast of colorful characters.  I like how the author described Moira’s emotions (very realistic).  God, faith, scripture, and prayer are incorporated into the story.  Moira brought her troubles to the Lord through prayer.  She relied on Him for comfort and guidance.  The romance was sweet and heartwarming.  I was glad that the author added the mystery into the story because it gave it additional depth.  A Dance in Donegal is a charming debut novel.

A Dance in Donegal by Jennifer Deibel is a great proper romance with an Irish twist and education on some of the culture and traditions or Ireland around the turn if the 20th century.   I started reading this book and it didn’t draw me in very quickly but once I got to about the halfway point I couldn’t put it down.  I really enjoyed Moira following the Lord and the path that he set out for her no matter what others thought of her.  Knowing that He is the only one that matters and that His plan is THE plan.  In Jennifer Deibel’s debut novel she really has painted a wonderful picture of the town and people of Ballymann and I am excited for any future novels that might come in the series.

A Dance in Donegal
by Jennifer Deibel
Back of the Book: “All of her life, Irish-American Moira Doherty has relished her mother's descriptions of Ireland. When her mother dies unexpectedly in the summer of 1920, Moira decides to fulfill her mother's wish that she become the teacher in Ballymann, her home village in Donegal, Ireland.
After an arduous voyage, Moira arrives to a new home and a new job in an ancient country. Though a few locals offer a warm welcome, others are distanced by superstition and suspicion. Rumors about Moira's mother are unspoken in her presence but threaten to derail everything she's journeyed to Ballymann to do. Moira must rely on the kindness of a handful of friends--and the strength of Sean, an unsettlingly handsome thatcher who keeps popping up unannounced--as she seeks to navigate a life she'd never dreamed of . . . but perhaps was meant to live.
Jennifer Deibel's debut novel delights the senses, bringing to life the sights, sounds, smells, and language of a lush country and a colorful people. Historical romance fans will embrace her with open arms.”
Impressions: There was a lot of Gaelic spoken in this book! It was fun to hear the sing song words of this language as I read. On the other hand, however, it was a bit frustrating not knowing what some of the phrases were as I was reading. 
Rated: Attempted assault
Liked: I appreciated how well the author wrote the culture into her characters. The superstition, the lit of the language, and the small-town gossip were so well written that the characters felt real. 
Disliked: I thought the big secret at the end was a bit “meh”. I also thought the great show of love at the end was sickly sweet. 
Quotes: “She might not know what the future held, but she knew the One who did, and she knew of His love for her.”- Amen and thank you, Lord!
“’ A man who lives only for himself is a man with few convictions,’ Colm continued.”
“’ Ya see, lad, it doesna matter a lick if ye’re a priest, a barkeep, or a thatcher by trade. When ya seek to love the Laird wit’ all yer heart, soul, an’ mind, and then seek ta love others selflessly, ye’re a man who will make a difference in this world on parison at a time.’” – I pray this for my boys.
“For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” 
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review shared here.

This is a debut novel. The setting is Ireland. Enough said. The way the author describes the setting is really well done. It’s evident she has a love for Ireland and it’s traditions as you read the book. I learned things I didn’t know. The characters are filled with superstitions. It makes it difficult for Moira, who was raised in America. Seeing her struggle and succeed is a big part of the book. There’s also great sadness attached to the characters. To avoid spoilers, that’s all I’ll say. Life is full of tragedies and triumphs and this book shows that and gives hope I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All views stated here are my own

In her debut novel, A Dance in Donegal, Jennifer Deibel whisks readers to Ireland where they and main character, Moira Doherty, are thoroughly immersed in the culture of Ballymann. Hailing from Boston, Ballymann is Moira's ancestral village and where her recently, deceased mother grew up. Filling the position of teacher in the village school, Moira looks forward to learning more about her heritage and seeing places her mother had described. Soon after arriving, she beings to experience unsettling things beyond the difference in cultures and how she feels around a certain village man. Committed to following what she feels is God's call, Moira is dismayed to find the village turning their back on her. A combination of her naivete and vicious rumors lands her in a devastating situation.

The use of many Gaelic words and inclusion of numerous Irish customs and folklore, makes A Dance in Donegal a treat to read. While you may not have access to an authentic peat fire, you will wish to brew a cuppa or two to enjoy alongside this lovely novel while you find out what happens to Moira.

I received a complementary copy of A Dance in Donegal from Revel via NetGalley.

Enchanting. Anyone who has been to Ireland or longs to visit will find an enchanting read in Jennifer Deibel's debut novel, A Dance in Donegal.  Having lived in Donegal herself, Deibel's vivid descriptions paint picture of the Emerald Isle so real it's only possible by one who has experienced the land, people, weather, and culture first-hand.  How lovely to have a bit of Gaelic sprinkled throughout the book, helping to flavor the well-told tale.  The peat, the rock walls and the thatch roofs add to the Irish charm!

Of course I loved reliving the Irish culture through Deibel's rich vocabulary and believable characters.  A Dance in Donegal follows the journey of Irish-American Moira Doherty who has heard of her mother's beloved Ireland for years.  After her mother passes away, Moira follows her mother's wishes and goes to Ireland to teach school in her mother's hometown.  She arrives on a dark and stormy night, and that sort of describes her first experiences in Donegal.  As Moira meets a variety of interesting personalities, tries to figure out who to trust, and navigates cultural and language differences, she grows and changes, learning as much about herself as she does about her beloved Ireland.

A Dance in Donegal includes everything a good novel should--happiness, sadness, conflict, intrigue, and of course, some plot twists.  Don't start reading the book unless you've got time to finish it.  It's that kind of book.

Thank you, Jennifer!  Can't wait to read the next novel, and the one after that!

Note: I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for this honest review.  The opinions expressed are my own.

A Dance in Donegal is like a hot cup of tea on a chilly winter's night, and this beautiful debut novel, in my opinion, has already made a name for author Jennifer Deibel. If you've ever wanted to visit Ireland and have never had the chance, this book will make you feel like you have had the opportunity to do so. The reader can easily see the painful amount of research that went into the writing of it, and I truly wanted to take my time reading this one to savor each and every page.

We first meet protagonist Moira Doherty right after the death of her beloved mother in 1920's Boston. Her mother's dying wish was for Moira to travel to her hometown of Ballymann, Ireland to become the new school teacher. Moira chooses to honor her mother's wishes, but isn't quite prepared for the enormous task placed before her. Ballymann is steeped in superstitions, there seems to be a great mystery surrounding why her mother left Ballymann in the first place, and she finds herself isolated and struggling to fit in with the locals. Moira is determined to see her mission through though, and she'll soon learn that through faith in the Heavenly Father and amazing friends, she is capable of more than she could have imagined.

I thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful story, and could hardly believe that it's a debut novel. The setting is idyllic and atmospheric and had me totally wrapped up in this charming beautiful village. I loved how strong the scriptural basis for everything is within this story, and even though the locals of the village still partake in superstitions, God remains their first and foremost always, and I especially loved Peg, Sean and Colm. Perhaps my favorite part of the story, however, was Moira herself. I admired her bravery, her strength, and her unwavering faith no matter what obstacles come her way. She's the type of protagonist I wanted to cheer for right from the start, and I loved how the author chose to end her journey. I always admire stories where the romance plays a central part but isn't the entire story, and the romance within this one was definitely the perfect balance. 

I didn't know quite what to expect when I picked this one up, but wow did I end up being pleasantly surprised. Jennifer Deibel is an author I will definitely be reading more from in the future, and she's absolutely an author to watch out for within the Christian Historical fiction genre.

If you're a fan of historical fiction, Irish tales or stories with a strong faith component, then go ahead and pick this one up. I can guarantee you won't be disappointed.

Final Rating: 5/5.

Thanks so much to Revell publishing for allowing me to read and review this!

I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary advance reader copy of this novel from the publisher (Revell) via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Moira is a young woman from Boston who desires to fulfill her mother’s dying wish. Moria heads off to Ballymann, in Donegal, Ireland where her mother lived and taught. It is part of her mom’s past she was never told about and is surprised at the town folk’s reaction to her when she gets there. 

The author walks readers through this charming quaint town and gives them a glimpse of life in the past, with its beliefs and superstitions. Life is hard and things become harder for Moria when she stumbles upon her mother’s secret. There is a strong spiritual thread in this story that shows Moria doing the hard things like loving her enemies. I liked how the author took readers through beautiful countryside landscapes and shined the light on the community and it’s culture.

The author has a map of Ballymann, Ireland. It helps readers to picture the events that happened in the book. She also includes a glossary and pronunciation guide for all the Gaelic words. This is a great book to escape in and one to discuss for book club.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have received a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org

Jennifer Deibel pens her debut historical fiction novel, setting it in rural Ireland during the 1920s.

In A Dance in Donegal, Irish-American Moira Doherty travels to Ballyman, her mother’s hometown in rural Ireland, to teach in the village school following her mother’s recent death. Moira knows little of her mother’s earlier life in Ireland except the vivid descriptions Moira heard all of her life from her. 

Meanwhile, the villagers remember her mother and are not very welcoming except for a few. She is treated with suspicion and faces superstitions as she builds a life for herself. Handsome and dependable Sean befriends her, as well as his mentor, Colm and his wife Peg, while others believe the worst, based on hearsay about her mother. What will it take to change the others when Moira herself doesn’t know the truth? Will she solve the family mystery and find her place?

Deibel does an excellent job in creating the fictional Irish village, and the reader will enjoy the breath of fresh air with its pastoral setting. Although the book starts out slowly, it is refreshing to read a book with a slower pace. Delightful characters, descriptive narratives, and a few plot twists work together to show us God’s purpose in our circumstances. Faith elements are sprinkled throughout without it being heavy handed. Be prepared to read of God’s love and forgiveness as this story unfolds, and Moira discovers the truth behind the rumors. 

Recommended for adult collections in public libraries. Historical fiction fans will be delighted with Looking forward to the next book by Ms. Deibel, coming in Spring 2022!

Disclaimer: Book reviews are my honest opinion of books I either purchased or received free of cost from the publishers, publicists, and/or authors. I am not required to write reviews, nor to even post positive reviews.

A beautifully written, detailed, emotive and thought-provoking tale. I absolutely loved this story from start to finish..