In 1920, Annabeth De Lacy's father is appointed landlord of Galway Parish in Ireland. Bored without all the trappings of the British Court, Annabeth convinces her father to arrange an apprenticeship for her with the Jennings family--descendants of the creator of the famed Claddagh Ring.
Stephen Jennings longs to do anything other than run his family's jewelry shop. Having had his heart broken, he no longer believes in love and is weary of peddling the ÒliesÓ the Claddagh Ring promises.
Meanwhile, as the war for Irish independence gains strength, many locals resent the De Lacys and decide to take things into their own hands to display their displeasure. As events take a dangerous turn for Annabeth and her family, she and Stephen begin to see that perhaps the "other side" isn't quite as barbaric and uncultured as they'd been led to believe--and that the bonds of friendship, love, and loyalty are only made stronger when put through the refiner's fire.
Travel to the Emerald Isle for another poignant and romantic story from the enchanted pen of Jennifer Deibel.
Review
This was such an interesting story that illustrated the contrasts between the English and the Irish at a time when the Irish were looking for freedom. The British saw themselves as benevolent and taming the savage. The Irish saw their culture oppressed and misunderstanding from their "rulers"
At the heart, this is a story about people and about love. The look into the jewelry shop and into the area was fascinating. I was drawn in and found myself wanting to spend more time in this little town. The people were real and cared for each other.
Annabeth and her family were faced with difficult circumstances and through that were able to grow and learn who to trust. The story was well written and felt historically authentic. The conflict was well written and the story flowed well. I felt like I was there.
I received an eARC through NetGalley and this is my honest review.