Helpful Score: 5
I LOVED this book. It was sitting on my bookshelf for a few years when I finally decided to read it last winter. I should have read it sooner! I couldn't put it down. I fell in love with the characters, the plot, the history . . . Gracelin is a trilogy--there are two other books to follow. I suggest reading them, too.
Stephanie M. (GusNBuster) reviewed Gracelin O'Malley (Gracelin O'Malley, Bk 1) on + 51 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 5
A wonderful, well researched story of the hardships and romance of the Irish before and during the potato famine of the 1840s. I cried and cried at the ending. Very good book!
Elisha D. (TomeRaider) reviewed Gracelin O'Malley (Gracelin O'Malley, Bk 1) on + 20 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
I absolutely loved this book. I fell in love with Gracelin's character and her family and friends. The best book I have read in a long time.
Helpful Score: 3
I'm an avid historic fiction fan. The plot was not obvious and simple like some romance novels are. This has romance, history, and suspense. I liked the main character Grace right away. If you love historic fiction, especially about Ireland and the struggles during the great famine you will enjoy this book.
Julia S. (simplicity) reviewed Gracelin O'Malley (Gracelin O'Malley, Bk 1) on + 33 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Excellent historical fiction, based in Ireland during the potato famine around the mid 1840's. Over 1 million people died of starvation and disease. The story is depressing, but seemed realistic and historically accurate. Gracelin O'Malley is an excellent character that you will appreciate.
Carol F. (cactusflowerwomen) reviewed Gracelin O'Malley (Gracelin O'Malley, Bk 1) on + 628 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I just finished reading this at 2 o'clock this morning and think it is one of the best books I have ever read. Not only is the book very well written, with lovely listing Irish language, but it also enlightens the reader to the harshness of the every day life of the Irish peasant farmer, and true horror of the 1845 Irish potato famine. Details of everyday life, of religious and political issues and mythical beliefs are incorporated into an incredibly moving story. The romantic angle is searing, and tragic, but really only a very small part of the picture. I couldnot put this book down, and I can't wait to read the sequels.
Helpful Score: 1
This novel is the first part of a trilogy. Though Gracelin survives tragedy after tragedy, Ann Moore has captured her story in nothing less than the most grippingly honest text. The novel flows so well that there is no time to get depressed. The reader is pulled swiftly out of sorrow into fear, into a small measure of happiness before they are plunged into righteous anger. Gracelin is an admirable character. She epitomizes the indomitable character that women hope to achieve, though her life is what we all wish to avoid. From famine to family crisis, this novel draws from its reader a hurricane of emotions. For this reason, it is a personal favorite of many. I highly recommend the entire trilogy to readers of all ages. Though it is not a religious novel, we all become better souls for having read this book. Well done to Ann Moore.
This book was amazing. Wonderfully written historical fiction, with so much passion! I am so glad I stumbled upon this.
Great book will definitely be reading more by this author.I was swept in to the wonderful history and strength of the Irish people. I'm not sure if there is a sequel but I hope so, I will being looking into it.
Set in 19th century Ireland, this was a riveting story of survival, love and inspiration. This was a fast read for me with many horrific twist & turns - it was very hard to put down. I'm looking forward to reading the sequels and to see how Grace's journey continues!
Great read and interesting story!
Cameron-Ashley H. (BigGreenChair) reviewed Gracelin O'Malley (Gracelin O'Malley, Bk 1) on + 454 more book reviews
Good character development and just the right amount of them, emotionally it 'gets you'--excellent historical detail. Great read by the fireplace.
