Heart of the Glen

Author: Jennifer Deibel
Genre: Historical Romance
Pages: 352
Release Date: January 21, 2025
Publisher: Revell

When Saoirse Fagan arrives to start her new job as housemaid at Drumboe Castle, she is dismayed to learn that the lord of the house passed away a week prior. Already running away from the tragedy that claimed the lives of her family members, Saoirse wanders the road with nowhere to go until Aileen McCready offers her a lift and possibly a place to stay for the night.

Sheep farmer and weaver Owen McCready is known for his intricate and impeccably woven tweed. But when he's injured in an attack by bandits, his entire livelihood is endangered. A new--and distracting--mouth to feed adds fuel to the fire, and Owen struggles to keep his family afloat. Though Saoirse is eager to help, even offering to learn the weaving craft, Owen is hesitant to accept aid from this strange young woman, no matter how inexplicably magnetic he finds her.

But Saoirse is not one to give up easily. It may take extra effort on her part, but she's determined to convince the McCreadys that they need her--perhaps as much as she needs them.

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Reviewer: Billi Varela

Jennifer Deibel has a way of telling stories that leave you wanting to know more and wanting more books to read. She is a special author I have come to love reading books by. Looking for a book to end the year with, I really recommend this one.

There are not many books about rural Europe that I like, but this is one of them that made me fall in love with the scenery. It feels like I am transported there and can hear the animals.

I liked that the author provided a glossary of terms for the words she used in the book. It was very helpful.

I like the message of God in it. However, if that is not your thing, then this may not be the book for you. 

This was a sweet romance with kissing only. 

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell through Interviews & Reviews. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own. 

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Reviewer: Conny Withay

“Was this her doing? Did she bring her own special brand of bad luck–the deadliest sort–to the McCreadys?” Saoirse asks herself in Jennifer Deibel’s novel, Heart of the Glen.

This three-hundred-and-fifty-two-page paperback targets those interested in a historical romance involving two broken individuals who yearn to overcome their past guilt. With no profanity, topics of abuse, injury, and death may not be appropriate for immature readers. The beginning has a glossary of terms while the ending includes the author’s note, a teaser of another book by the writer, acknowledgments, a biography, and advertisements.

In this story, set in the rolling hillsides of Donegal, Ireland, in 1912, Saoirse has nowhere to go when she learns her next job no longer exists. When a woman named Aileen unexpectedly invites her to stay out of the rain in the family barn, the broken, insecure woman does all she can to help her new friend and her brother, Owen, who is a weaver, stay afloat to keep their farm. Through repeated tragedies that Saoirse feels she has caused, both she and Owen must forgive themselves and their pasts to find happiness and peace through God.

I always like reading historical fiction where I learn something, and this tale about finding love while making tweed bolts of cloth has the undertone of the Biblical story of Gideon and how he relied on the Almighty. Enjoyed were explanations of the weaving loom, shuttles, and weft yarn knots, as well as sheep tending, pancake flipping contests, and broom dances. I appreciate that the eternal plan of salvation was expressed in the author’s note.

Those who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ may not like this story, but it is core to how the two protagonists trusted the Lord for help and answers. Others may not like the foreign words, but the four-page glossary is helpful if one needs to stop reading to look something up. I found the ending abrupt and there were loose ends regarding bandits and the farm’s livelihood.

I am thankful that all pronouns of God were capitalized for reverence, but I wish a map of the area was added for clarification.

If you like a sweet love story of forgiveness while relying on God’s plan, no matter what the outcome, this one tenderly weaves threads of heartbreak and acceptance into the fabric of life in rural Ireland.

I received a complimentary copy of this book courtesy of Revell through Interviews & Reviews. I was under no obligation to give a positive review.

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Reviewer: Caronlyn Bryant

Heart of the Glen is a touching, inspiring story set in Ireland in 1912. Although I enjoyed the well-structured storyline, I found the two main characters Owen and Saoirse a little needy for my liking and difficult to connect with until late in the story.  

A beautifully sketched Irish setting with vernacular Gaelic dialog, well-crafted and relatable secondary characters (especially Aileen and Bridie), interesting historical detail, a dash of romance, and most of all a strong and encouraging faith thread kept me reading.  

The glossary of terms at the beginning of the book was a welcomed bonus. I think Inspirational Historical Romance fans will enjoy this book.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley through Interviews & Reviews with no obligation to write a positive review.

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Reviewer: Laura J. Davis

Heart of the Glen by Jennifer Diebel is an exceptional look at how God works in our lives when we are overwhelmed with obstacles, tragedies, and no options.

After Saoirse Fagan arrives to take a job as a housemaid, she discovers her employer is dead and no job is available. Unsure what to do, she wanders the road, hoping to find a village where she can find employment. When Aileen McCready spots her on the road, she offers to shelter her for the night. From there Saoirse meets Aileen’s brother Owen and one night of shelter turns into a longer stay.

I loved all these characters and was surprised by how much I related to them. When we are going through any kind of suffering that never seems to let up, it’s easy for our thoughts to wonder why God is punishing us. I loved how the author (through the help of the church Pastor and the Scriptures) showed how God works when He is trying to get us to draw closer to Him. And how, when tragedy befalls us, it is not because God is punishing us, but because He has greater plans for us. 

I was also very impressed with her comments at the end of the book on finding salvation through Jesus. 

Although I liked the book and its setting, the frequent use of Gaelic took away from the story. I was constantly having to flip to the front of the book to find out what the characters were saying. I feel less Gaelic would have made the story flow better. In addition, the abrupt ending threw me for a loop and felt too rushed.

​Although I have some criticisms, I still found this book to be very enjoyable and plan on reading more of the author’s work.

I received a complimentary copy of this book courtesy of Revell via NetGalley for my honest review.

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