A Dance in Donegal

December 15, 2020
Moira Doherty may have made the biggest mistake of her life. Moira thought she was doing the right thing by honoring her late mother's wish that she travel to Ireland to become the new teacher in Ballymann, the place where her mother was born and grew up. Unfortunately, from the moment Moira arrives, she finds life in the small seaside village a challenge, especially given the less than friendly welcome she receives from many of the locals. However, with the help of some new friends, including handsome thatcher Sean McFadden, she gradually finds herself adapting. But will an old family secret destroy the new life Moira is carefully building for herself in Ballymann? Deibel's exemplarily executed debut is a touching tale of love and forgiveness that also beautifully captures the warmth and magic of 1920s Ireland. The author's flair for vivid characterization is especially striking in Moira, whose realistic struggles with her faith give her memorable depth and relatability.

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February 1, 2021

DEBUT Moira Doherty literally follows a dream and moves from Boston to Ballyman, in rural Ireland, to become a teacher. The superstitious ways of the locals and their Gaelic-infused English present challenges for the prim and sheltered young woman. As she begins to make friends, Moira also uncovers secrets about a nearby manor house and a scandal that may involve her deceased mother. When one of her problem students falls ill with symptoms similar to the Spanish flu, Moira must make a difficult choice--follow her conscience or take the easy way out. VERDICT God's redemptive love is the highlight of this debut work, although the Gaelic names and colloquialisms can be hard to follow for North American readers. Fans of historical Christian romances in the vein of Kristi Ann Hunter and Jen Turano will want to keep an eye on Deibel.--Christine Barth, Scott Cty. Lib. Syst., IA

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