 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.
 Reviewer: Marie Edwards I’ve been a fan of Jennifer Deibel since her debut book, A Dance in Donegal. With each book, she brings the Emerald Isle to life and brings readers along the journey. The culture and Gaelic language are all presented. It’s as if in telling these stories, Deibel is preserving what might’ve been lost forever. Heart of the Glen is the author’s fifth novel, and is set in Ireland in 1912. And the cover closely matches that of her debut novel. Green is such a color closely associated with Ireland it’s hard not to be drawn to the book. This is the third one set in County Donegal, Ireland. The books are not connected, though. This is similar to The Irish Matchmaker in that it has a farmer and there is a devastating storm in it. It might be confusing for some readers. I had to go back and re-check The Irish Matchmaker. Using authentic Gaelic names, Deibel creates rich and warm characters that readers will remember long after the book is over. The characters come to life and become friends we want to see over and over again. Maybe even have a cuppa with. We’re certainly interested in their dreams and future, even their past. Her attention to details also brings the book to life. The description of the crafting of tweed is also a metaphor for how God weaves his way and miracles into our lives. Heart of the Glen parallels the story of Gideon with Owen and Saoirse’s lives. As this is a Christian Romance, there are going to be strong and prevalent themes of faith in it—forgiveness being one of them. This is interesting, as this was the theme of a recent church service. So forgiveness isn’t a new theme. Also, there is a moment when Owen searches for Saoirse, and it is a parallel to Jesus leaving the flock of 99 lambs to recover the missing one. Saoirse is running from a past that she holds herself accountable for. In that way, I strongly related to her. Since the passing of my mother, I’ve felt responsible in that there were some decisions I wondered about. The Christian themes are stronger in this book than her previous ones, which I don’t mind. In addition to it being a romance, it is also a tale of redemption, spiritual growth, God’s grace, and transformation. Fans of the author are sure to enjoy this. I know I’m eagerly awaiting her next novel. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Revell through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion. Reviewer: Jeanette Durkin Wow! This book is amazing! I was immediately drawn into the story from the beginning. The imagery is delightful! I could easily envision myself in the hills of Dunlewey surrounded by pastoral scenes filled with sheep and wild flowers. The characters are written brilliantly! I really can't decide who is my favorite! They all became like friends to me, and I was genuinely invested in their stories. Saoirse touched my heart the most. For a long time, she has carried a burden of guilt for an accident that claimed the lives of her family. As her life becomes intertwined with Aileen, Owen, and Birdie, she starts down the road to healing. Owen is 😍! At first, he's not compassionate or friendly. He's literally scratched and clawed his way through life to provide for himself and his sister. He also has an enemy in his life that threatens his livelihood and his life. Aileen cracks me up! She doesn't mince words. She's tough but loving. I love Birdie's gentle and calming nature. Many spiritual lessons are learned by Saoirse and Owen. Both realize that God loves them, and He has a plan for them. As Owen reassures Saoirse that she's not a curse, he starts to realize that he has not been cursed. Their sweet romance made my heart dance! The author's note is a definite plus. She reiterates God's love and forgiveness. She also talks about giving your heart to God! I've never been disappointed by reading Jennifer Deibel's books! I look forward to the next one! I was provided a complimentary copy of the book from Revell through Interviews & Reviews via Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Reviewer: Joy Hannabass When Saoirse Fagan lost her entire family, she decides to take a job in Drumboe Castle, but upon her arrival she learns she’s not needed there. What is she to do? She knows no one, has no transportation or a place to go. Jennifer Deibel does a phenomenal job writing this book, Heart of the Glen. I felt so bad for Saoirse and found myself trying to figure out how to help her. I think she was my favorite character, however, all the characters were so well created and their development as the story unfolds was spot on. I didn’t find that the Gaelic words bothered me in reading this story. I read many books with other languages used, with a glossary in the front, and I find it interesting to learn a little bit of a different language. But this is just my take on it. The story moves smoothly and at a good pace, and I enjoyed getting to know Owen and his sister, as well as Saoirse. Owen’s knowledge of weaving was so fascinating. I really enjoyed the conversations about this craft. That was their income. I found the slow paced romance enlightening. The characters needed each other, though they didn’t know it. I don’t want to post spoilers, so I’ll stop here. This book is an excellent read, and I do like that the author explains the Christian life throughout the characters, but it’s done in such a way that it isn’t flashy. Heart of the Glen is getting five stars from me. I can’t wait for the next Jennifer Deibel book to be released. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell through Interviews & Reviews. I am not required to give a five star review. This is my opinion only.  Reviewer: Nikita Wells “He needed to choose once and for all to trust the One with the pattern to take this mangled, jumbled mess in which he found himself and use it to create something that would declare His goodness, power and beauty to all who would look upon it.” Heart Of The Glen is a cozy and heart-warming read. One of my favorite things was the slow burn romance in this book, and how the characters weren’t perfect, but were made perfectly for each other. Also, I thought the term “eejit” (idiot) that Owen uses to refer to himself was priceless. The amount of Gaelic words in the story did make it a bit challenging to read though, even with the glossary in the front of the book. I did however recognize a few words like ceili (a type of Irish dance) and goitse (“Come here, or come!”) that I learned from my Dad who has some Celt ancestry and has played a wide variety of Irish and Scottish tunes since I was a little kid. I really liked the book’s central theme of God’s grace too. Thank you to Revell Books for the complimentary paperback I received to review through Interviews & Reviews. I was not required to write a positive review, and the thoughts above are my own. Reviewer: Paula Shreckhise This was a delightful, atmospheric story. I could hear the Irish lilt as I read and gleaned a new insight into old Irish customs. Saoirse is a troubled soul haunted by the loss of her family. She is taken in by Aileen and Owen McCready after her employment opportunity falls through. Owen is a master weaver and sister Aileen helps on the sheep farm while he plies his trade. After someone attacks Owen, it is up to Saoirse to learn how to weave the tweed that will save the farm. I loved the setting and the characters in this novel. They are stalwart and have a faith that is long-standing, and it sustains them through difficulties. A couple, Bridie and John, are the voice of spiritual wisdom, and showed friendship and hospitality. The portrayal of Stout, the sheepdog, was a highlight. I could just picture him herding the sheep in response to the whistle commands Owen used. This book was a joy to read. It kept me turning pages, especially during the tense moments. The romance built slowly and was very sweet. A great addition to the list of novels by this talented author. A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Revell via NetGalley through Interviews & Reviews. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own. 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. 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. 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. 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. Leave a Reply. |
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