A very well written inspirational book. Good plot and character dynamics. Loved the setting. I recommend this book to fans of historical books. I received an advance ebook from the publisher and Netgalley and this is my unbiased review.

A Dance in Donegal is Jennifer Deibel's debut novel! When you are debut author I feel like cover design is so important in order to draw in readers. The cover of A Dance in Donegal completely caught my eye and beckoned me to join a literary journey to the captivating coast of Ireland. Jennifer Deibel did a marvelous job painting the rocky landscapes and the changing moods of the ocean with her vivid word pictures. The addition of Irish words and customs added richness and realism to the story and also taught me some things about Ireland and its heritage/customs that I never knew.

When I started reading, I was getting some definite "When Calls the Heart" vibes and I was worried this was going to be a story that felt overly familiar. However, after the first third of the novel, the story takes many surprising turns and I was drawn into the tale more and more. This is Christian fiction and the message of trusting God, following His leading and forgiving those who hurt you are strong throughout.

My favorite quote happens to be from my favorite character, Peg; "I remember when it first dawned on me what God was truly sayin'." Peg continued. "It doesna 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." We are often hardest on ourselves, and it was a great reminder to me that what God thinks of me and says about me in the Bible is more significant and truthful then how I perceive myself.

What did not work for me, was the lack of connection I felt towards the main character. I found I just did not care when bad things happened to her, and I wanted to care. I wanted to connect. I wanted to cry, or feel afraid, rejoice in her happiness or something! I felt more of a connection to the Sweeney's, who were secondary characters -- they added such a richness to the novel. I suspect this will not be a problem as the author wirtes more and settles into a writing groove, so to speak...and who knows...maybe you will feel completely the opposite from me and be totally connected to the character.

Overall, this was an excellent debut novel and I am looking forward to reading more from Jennifer Deibel in the future.

Thank you, Jennifer Deibel, Revell, and Net Gally for the free DRC of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.

This was absolutely delightful. The characters were lovely. The plot was captivating and engaging to the very end. I highly recommend this quick and delightful read. Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the advanced copy of the book.

This book follows Moira as she moves from the United Sates to Ballyman in Ireland for a teaching job.

Early on, we detect there is some sort of mystery surrounding Moira's mother, whom had immigrated from Ireland to the United States before Moira was born. Many people believe her mother to have been involved in a scandal.

As Moira maneuvers through the challenges she faces with the move, about her mother's past, and learning the language and building relationships, we see how she handles each situation with respect and prayers.

This book is religious and very well written.

This book was rich in all things Ireland and Irish culture.
I definitely felt immersed as I read this book.
For me while the setting was vivid I had a hard time truly connecting with any of the characters. I really crave on page chemistry between the main characters, especially in a romance. This kind of writing and how the Christian faith was incorporated reminded me kinda of the old "Lori Wick " days. At least in structure that's how it felt.
If you want a Irish experience with a good dose of drama, this may be the read for you, it just wasn't me cuppa.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through Netgally, all opinions are my own and honest.

I liked this book. By far the strength of the novel lies in the portrayal of the country and people. There are far too many novels with Irish settings that are horribly inaccurate. This one will carry you off to Donegal for sure. Complete review will appear after its release at www.novelpastimes.com

Debut books are so important to any author as they become the measuring stick by which all their future work will be measured by. If the first one is good, they will instantly gain a following and will have no trouble getting their future works promoted. But a poor debut novel is hard to come back from, not impossible, just hard. Jennifer Deibel does not need to worry on this score, A Dance in Donegal was absolutely delightful! The fresh new storyline was like a breath of country air after being in the city too long. This story will make you fall in love with and yearn for the green hills of Ireland. I could not predict all the different turns this book took and to me that is a sign of a well written story. In a world with so many stories full of bold, confident men, it was refreshing to read about Sean, so quiet and dependable. I loved Moira’s adventurous spirit and how she so readily embraced her new home and family. This book seriously had one of the most beautifully perfect endings ever!

What a coming out novel! Rich with details, Jennifer Deibel transports readers to 1921 Ireland.. A tiny town where traditions, superstitions, and loyalty run deep. Enter an American immigrant set on teaching their children and learning more about the town where her mother grew up. But secrets flit around on fairy wings and cause trouble wherever they land.
Moira wants only to learn more about the mother she has recently lost, finding all her stories coming to life as she sees more of the area where she grew up. She also loves teaching and the new position in town gives her the chance to share her knowledge and love of learning. But the townspeople seem hesitant and unsure of this outsider in their midst. And a number of them remember her mother and the secrets and shame that followed her out of Ireland. Moira wants to learn more about these secrets but no one is willing to share with her, except veiled threats from the old town drunk. Sean has just returned to his home town after time in the big city and he couldn't be happier. But he feels God is calling him to more than thatching roofs. Then he sees the new school teacher and things start to fall into place. He wants to keep her safe and help her fill in the blanks to her mother's story. Through threats, illness, and lies they grow closer to each other but there is a final reckoning to face. Will they have the strength and faith to face it?
Jennifer Deibel brings Ireland alive with history and a beautiful language that leaps off the pages. The characters struggles and faith give them life, helping the reader learn and grow with them. I can't wait for the second book, by Jennifer Deibel, it is going to be another grand adventure! I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A Dance in Donegal is a lovely story that whisks you away to the grand land of Ireland. When she arrives, she makes a few friends, but as time goes on she finds that most of the people in town are completely turned against her, though she doesn't know why. She soon learns why, and her only friends are Sean, his boss, and his boss's wife, and one other lady in town. When a tragedy happens, the truth is exposed. A wonderful, clean story I really enjoyed! I loved the way the main character is able to extend forgiveness to some other characters that treated her horribly. Great book!

The highlights for me in this book were learning more about the Irish and the forgiveness and redemption that shone forth in the story.

Moira is a young woman from Boston whose mother has recently passed away. She keeps feeling like she should go to Donegal, where her mother had lived, and become a teacher. Unfortunately, she is not warmly received by the people there because of something in her mothers past. Will the secret be revealed and how will it affect those around her?

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.

A lovely debut from Jennifer Deibel! A Dance in Donegal, which is a magical title, truly made me feel as if I were in Ireland. It was wonderfully authentic, from the dialogue to the characters to the setting, but I never felt overwhelmed by the Irish brogue. Deibel’s writing was somewhat simplistic, yet deeply meaningful and amazingly detailed. Her themes of grace and mercy were well written, and the details of Irish life in the early twentieth century were perfectly portrayed.

Although I felt the religious themes were strong and meaningful, it did get a bit preachy at times. I also believe books should come with trigger warnings, as there is an attempted sexual assault that worried me with its extremity. However, readers can easily skip over that part, as it did not greatly affect the story as a whole.

I am very excited to see what Deibel writes next! This is a very promising debut in the enchanting setting of Ireland, with solid storytelling and impeccable detail. Fans of authors such as Regina Jennings and Tracie Peterson won’t want to miss A Dance in Donegal! 3.5/5 stars

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This was a heartwarming and quick read. I loved the beautiful story of redemption that was woven through the book. As a former teacher, I enjoyed the storyline of Moira connecting with her students, too!

The abundance of Irish language did detract a bit. I didn't realize there was a glossary until I finished the book!

Jennifer Deible's debut novel is an absolute masterpiece!

In brilliant storyteller fashion, she sweeps you into Donegal, Ireland and the life of Moira Doherty.

Come along on this exciting tale of following where the Lord leads you and doing what He has called you to do, no matter what those around you may think.

This book is an excellent read for those who love historical fiction with Biblical Truths woven into the story.

I absolutely recommend it and am looking forward to the Author's next book!

***Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the digital ARC of this book. All views and opinions expressed in this review are my own.***

First off I can not believe this is Jennifer Deibel's debut novel. I hope we see a lot more from this very talented writer. She does a marvelous job of taking you to the Emerald Isle in the first few moments of the novel. I had the privilege of visiting Ireland, but not living there like the author. Reading A Dance In Donegal took me right back there. Jennifer paints such a beautiful word picture, you can see the green hills and hear the ocean waves. Her characters are well crafted. You can not help but want them as a friend and want the best for them. The romance between Moira Doherty and Sean was very believable. The love and family that is formed between the two, along with Brid, Peg and Comb was well worth the read. Warning,, make sure you have tissues handy.
I thank Revell for allowing me, through NetGalley, to read this book. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Reading this book was like stepping back in time and taking a holiday in the Irish countryside. The descriptions are vivid and really place the reader in the heart of the place where this story is set. The reader really walks alongside Moira, the heroine, as she journey’s to Donegal and begins a new career. It was really interesting to learn about the culture and everyday life as Moira settled in to life in a new place. I loved the dependency on faith prayer that Moira had. She was constantly bringing her burdens to the Lord. It was a great reminder that we will have trials, but God and his word will always be there for comfort and guidance during hard times. I enjoyed that Sean’s character brought some lightness and humor to this story. He was genuine and protective, which made me like him even more. This book has a bit of a mystery within the story about Moira’s mother that she works to find information about. It adds a layer of interest and a bit of foreboding until all the pieces fall into place. This book does lean on the heavier emotional side more than the romance. I think it is more of a journey of self discovery and finding her place, past and present with a bit of romance sprinkled in. There are some definite hardships and heartache along the way. I am always nervous to try a new author, but I thought this book was extremely well written and could definitely recommend it to readers who love authors such as Jocelyn Green or Laura Frantz.

Grieving the recent loss of her mother, Irish-American Moira Doherty leaves Boston to take up the post of teacher in the small Irish village of Ballymann in Donegal, a place her mother had often spoken of with deep affection. But the welcome extended to Moira is far from friendly and it seems a secret related to her mother’s past is going to impact Moira’s present with increasingly devastating results. Yet among the suspicious locals are people who become Moira’s close friends – and a green-eyed thatcher who she may just come to love.

Jennifer Deibel writes an engaging story with a real sense of place and some beautifully developed characters. It’s a bit of a shame that the school and most of the children feature very little, but the community itself is well described, and it’s not surprising to learn that it’s based on the Irish village where the author lived for two years. I could ‘see’ the village and nearby countryside in my mind’s eye as I read, and I loved the characters of Brid, Peg and Colm especially.

This is a book which is very strongly ‘Christian fiction’. In fact, it’s much more direct with the faith elements than many inspirational novels of the last several years. I liked the way Moira heard God’s voice/His prompting, and although I personally found some of the other elements a little more heavy going at times I can see this being appealing to many Christian readers.

There’s much here of how actions have consequences which can be much bigger than expected, and there are also strong themes of forgiveness. Almost the entire story shows the dangers of making assumptions about other people, for good or ill.

There are a few oddities – duvets are mentioned frequently, but were not used at all widely until the 1950’s, we don’t call carts, traps, carriages, gigs or wagons ‘rigs’ on this side of the Atlantic, and the final scene while lovely seems at odds with much of the rest of the story where what would be considered ‘proper’ in the 1920s is often mentioned.

I’d give this 4 stars. It’s a comfortable read to while away a winter evening and I look forward to the author’s next novel set in Ireland.

A lovely debut novel that carries the reader to Ireland in 1920. Moira Doherty makes the journey to Donegal to take up a teacher position after her mother dies at their Boston home. She is enamored of Ireland’s beauty and excited to blend in. But there are whispers behind her back, some thinly veiled threats and Moira has no idea what they mean. As she struggles to fit in and love her new home, she must lean into God like never before.

I enjoyed this very much. I loved ‘visiting ‘ Ireland and especially this village as Deibel spins her tale. I also found the traditions of the people quite interesting. Well written and populated with wonderful characters, this be is sure to be enjoyed. Recommended.

My thanks to Revell Publishing for a copy of this book via Net Galley. I received no compensation and the review here is expressly my own.

Dance in Donegal review
I was drawn to this book by the cover because I love Irish history, and read any book I can on that subject, plus I am a Christian so this was something I looked forward to reading!. This book was well worth my time! It was one of those books that I could curl up with a hot cuppa and just ready steadily through. There were a few heart stopping parts, but mostly it was just a steady read, which I really enjoyed!
It begins with Moira Doherty, who is a second generation Irish living in Boston in 1920, and who heard all about her mother's first love which was growing up in County Donegal, Ireland. Her mammy didn't share much personal info, but did tell of the beauty of Ireland in the country and the people! Moira grew up hearing all about the "halla" where the county folk would gather for a traditionbut "Céilí—[KAY-lee]— a party with music, dancing, and often storytelling" which was one heck of a party! Moira dreamed of seeing one for herself one day, and finds herself heading to Ireland to accept a teaching position which her mother arranged right before her death! Moira's mother dies, so she decides she has nothing left in Boston, and has her teaching certificate, so she accepts the position to go back to teach in the very place her mom grew up! But she has a dream after her mother passes in where Moira's mother asks her to go to Ireland to save her. Were there secrets that she didn't know about? What was she heading into?
Now Moira wasn't sure what to expect, but she knew the Lord was guiding her, and wanted her to go to Ireland, but not everyone was welcoming to her. She ends up being tested to her limits as she has to go through some very hard circumstances. At one point she asks the Lord why did He send her there!! But God brings a few people into her life to help walk this part of the journey like Brid, who is the landlady who first takes her in while her cottage is being prepared! She finds a good friend in Brid, and she is always ready to listen and offer godly counsel.
One of the first experiences Moira has is with an old man named Buach who knew Moira's mother when she was young. He is bent on making Moria's life miserable because he holds a grudge against her mother, and is determined to make Moira pay!
At first the village people accept her, but there are rumors about her mom that could potentially destroy Moira, and cause most in the village to turn away from her, but those who are her true friends stick closer than a brother!
Moira loves the school children, but one in particular isn't happy about her being there and causes a lot of trouble for Moira. She again is tested greatly through her relationship with this lad, but God has a plan in all of this, and much to teach Moira through it! This lad's name is Áedach and he also is bent on making his teacher's life miserable! But God sends someone to help her with Áedach, a handsome roof thatcher named Sean. Sean is well respected in the community and keeps an eye on the new teacher in town with whom he is very drawn to. They become fast friends, and that friendship deepens but some obstacles stand in the way.
Áedach ends up falling gravely ill, and God calls Moira to do something that will go against everything her head tells her, but her friend Brid reminds her that when Lord asks you to do something she tells her: "“Listen, pet,”she continued. “Ya have to do what the Laird (Lord) directs ya to do. Ya also have to be willing to accept the consequences of yer obedience.” So with that advice, Moira obeys, and in the story we see God work beautifully through her obedience, but this obedience seems to cost her dearly!
Sean introduces Moira to his dear friend andmentor Colm, who has taught him how to thatch roofs, which in 1920 was the main way houses were roofed. Colm and his wife Peg are strong Christians and are instrumental in helping Moira and Sean navigate the waters of life and love.
Moira must overcome a lot, and really search her heart as she goes through many hard things while living in Ballymann. She loves the people and the lifestyle of this country village, but old secrets from her mother may ruin her whole livelihood there.
This is a story of courage, obedience, serving others, love, forgiveness, and restoration. I was really touched by how Moira relied on the Lord and others to not give up, but to stay the course, and eventually life in Ballymann became the place she belonged. She didn't run away when things got hard, or when many turned away, but she relied on God and her friends to help her get through! This story deals with the harsh realities of life, but shows how God uses all circumstances good and bad for His purposes! I loved the way Moira obeyed God, and how her and Peg lovingly helped Áedach when no one else would. Also I loved how important marriage is as we see in the relationship between Colm & Peg, and how friendship should be as we see in Moira's relationship with Brid! Sean really cared about Moira, and saw that his job was to love and serve her. This book shined the love an example of Christ all through a beautiful story! This book was a good read, and I would recommend it!

#adanceindonegal #netgalley

I liked the idea of this story and was so excited to read it. The story has a woman, whose mom has recently passed and she's offered a teaching position in the town that her mom grew up in. She's excited to find out more about where her mother grew up. There's a mystery to solve and a little romance.

A Dance in Donegal by Jennifer Deibel is a great historical fiction that has a wonderful plot, romance, a stunning backdrop with a dash of mystery thrown in to create an enjoyable read.

The book starts off in Boston during the 1920s where we meet Moira whom has just graduated from school to become a teacher. She ends up on a quest to her mother’s hometown village of Ballymann in Donegal, Ireland. Here Moira encounters so many new things: a different culture, societal culture and customs, the local inhabitants (some more welcoming then others), mystery surrounding her mother’s past presence here that is shrouded in questions and whispers, and possibly even love.

I love the awakening of Moira throughout this novel. Learning her profession, making friends, finding a partner/romance, facing questions of where she came from, who that makes her, what is her purpose in life, where does she fit in, and where is her home. I really enjoyed her finding herself, her place, path, and solidifying her faith. I also loved how the author was able to draw the reader in with the MC on her journey to the end of the novel. I really wanted to see how it would all wrap up.

I enjoyed the complex and rich array of characters. They were well thought out and added perfectly to my favorite part of the novel:

The location: Ireland. It was wonderful to be able to read and visualize such a beautiful place. Taking a peak into this rich culture, the people, customs, religion, daily lives, the food (oh my the food!), and the stunning landscapes at times took my breath away. The inclusion of the wonderful Irish Gaelic really added to the story as well. It is such a beautiful language. The author has a real talent in being able to give the reader a fully immersive experience to make one feel as if they were actually there right along with her, experiencing it all for the first time together. I absolutely loved imagining life within the villages of this gorgeous country within the early part of the 20th century. I learned so much about this time period there just from reading this novel.

An excellent book that has me yearning to travel to Ireland myself to find out where my own Grandmother is from.

5/5 stars

Thank you NetGalley and Revell Publishing for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR, Instagram, and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 2/2/21