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Emerald Ballad #1
Song of the Silent Harp
Nora Kavanagh, left a widow by the Irish Potato Famine, turns for help to rebel Morgan Fitzgerald, who arranges for her and her son to make a dangerous voyage to New York
412 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 1991
101 people are currently reading
572 people want to read
About the author
B.J. Hoff
51 books148 followersBJ Hoff’s writing is known for her historical settings, her unforgettable characters, and her lyrical prose. She is the bestselling author of numerous historical fiction series, including the Riverhaven Years, the Mountain Song Legacy, the Song of Erin saga, the American Anthem series, An Emerald Ballad series, and her newest book Harp on the Willow.
Her five-volume Emerald Ballad series was the first major work of fiction to bring the Irish immigration experience to the CBA marketplace, and the work that first brought BJ an international reading audience.
Her readers know they can expect to meet some memorable people in her novels and also know that many of those people will be immigrants; Irish immigrants particularly but not exclusively.
BJ admits to a passion for building worlds. Whether her characters move about in small country towns or metropolitan areas, reside in Amish settlements, secluded mansions, or coal company houses, she creates communities where people can form relationships, raise families, pursue their faith, and experience the mountains and valleys of life.
She’s intent on making her historical novels relevant to the present by developing characters and settings that, while staying true to the history and culture of their times, reflect many of the spiritual trials and social problems faced by contemporary readers. Her novels are meant to be stories that build a bridge from the past to the present.
Her literary awards include the Christianity Today’s Critics Choice Book Award for fiction; a Gold Medallion Award finalist; and a number of Excellence in Media Silver Angel awards. Her books have been translated into many foreign languages, and she frequently hears from her international readers in countries such as Ireland, England, Norway, and Germany.
A former church music director and music teacher, BJ writes from her home in a small town in east central Ohio. She and her husband share a love of music, books, and time spent with their family: two daughters and three lively young grandsons.
Her five-volume Emerald Ballad series was the first major work of fiction to bring the Irish immigration experience to the CBA marketplace, and the work that first brought BJ an international reading audience.
Her readers know they can expect to meet some memorable people in her novels and also know that many of those people will be immigrants; Irish immigrants particularly but not exclusively.
BJ admits to a passion for building worlds. Whether her characters move about in small country towns or metropolitan areas, reside in Amish settlements, secluded mansions, or coal company houses, she creates communities where people can form relationships, raise families, pursue their faith, and experience the mountains and valleys of life.
She’s intent on making her historical novels relevant to the present by developing characters and settings that, while staying true to the history and culture of their times, reflect many of the spiritual trials and social problems faced by contemporary readers. Her novels are meant to be stories that build a bridge from the past to the present.
Her literary awards include the Christianity Today’s Critics Choice Book Award for fiction; a Gold Medallion Award finalist; and a number of Excellence in Media Silver Angel awards. Her books have been translated into many foreign languages, and she frequently hears from her international readers in countries such as Ireland, England, Norway, and Germany.
A former church music director and music teacher, BJ writes from her home in a small town in east central Ohio. She and her husband share a love of music, books, and time spent with their family: two daughters and three lively young grandsons.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
June 16, 2014
This book and the others in the series was extremely hard to put down once reading. I love the details it gave and the history. I learned so much through these books and couldn't have otherwise if so much detail hadn't been given. After reading this series I tried another by a different author and I couldn't get past the 5th chapter. It lacked the detail and authorship of BJ Hoff's books. I'm currently reading "American Anthem" and while it's not as great as "The Silent Harp", it's still hard to put down.
April 4, 2017
A charming tale of old Ireland.
June 20, 2016
I have always felt, and I still do, that "Song of the Silent Harp" could stand alone. Of the five books in this series, it's really the only one where romance and the typical formulae for Christian fiction seem to have been mostly ignored. It doesn't need the following four books to remain a good book in its own right, and it really is a very good story and is, I feel, pretty original for the genre.
Not like I'm widely read in Christian fiction, but I do know most of it makes me hurl.
It's always interesting though to come back after years and re-read something simply because your perceptions and maturity will change so much in between, say, age seventeen and, say, age twenty-five. There are things I don't think I really picked up on before or really understood on a personal level. I always found Evan to be a bit soppy back in the day, for instance, and now I think just the opposite. He is actually quite a strong and believable character - the kind of man you'd actually marry rather than the kind of man the romance novels want you to think you'd want to marry. That was a mouthful. Anyway.
I also found Nora's character really annoying and pessimistic throughout most of the first book, something I don't recall noticing before, either. And I think I felt very connected to Daniel Kavanagh on many levels back in the day, and I still do.
All in all, a grand story.
Not like I'm widely read in Christian fiction, but I do know most of it makes me hurl.
It's always interesting though to come back after years and re-read something simply because your perceptions and maturity will change so much in between, say, age seventeen and, say, age twenty-five. There are things I don't think I really picked up on before or really understood on a personal level. I always found Evan to be a bit soppy back in the day, for instance, and now I think just the opposite. He is actually quite a strong and believable character - the kind of man you'd actually marry rather than the kind of man the romance novels want you to think you'd want to marry. That was a mouthful. Anyway.
I also found Nora's character really annoying and pessimistic throughout most of the first book, something I don't recall noticing before, either. And I think I felt very connected to Daniel Kavanagh on many levels back in the day, and I still do.
All in all, a grand story.
September 6, 2010
The Song of the Silent Harp by B.J. Hoff
Emerald Ballad Series #1
My rating: 3/5
I chose to read this book because I am quite interested in Irish history as a person of Irish descent. In particular, I had never read any fiction set around the potato famine so I decided to give this series a try Hoff does an excellent job of incorporating history. I learned much about the era from reading this book. I would love to see more CBA books set in Ireland.
Song of the Silent Harp is also a story of the glory and strength of the immigrants travelling to the United States in the 19th century. Between the potato famine, plagues, poverty, racism, swindlers taking advantage of new immigrants and thwarted relationships…there is not much happiness between these pages. I found this read to be slightly draining because there was very little positive that happened in the entire book.
I found the pace of this story to be slow and the sentences wordy. The last hundred pages picked up and I was desperate to find out if the emigrants would arrive safely in New York Harbor.
I would recommend this book for those who are particularly interested in Ireland’s history as I did learn much about the history of Ireland and was captivated by the beauty of the land.
Emerald Ballad Series #1
My rating: 3/5
I chose to read this book because I am quite interested in Irish history as a person of Irish descent. In particular, I had never read any fiction set around the potato famine so I decided to give this series a try Hoff does an excellent job of incorporating history. I learned much about the era from reading this book. I would love to see more CBA books set in Ireland.
Song of the Silent Harp is also a story of the glory and strength of the immigrants travelling to the United States in the 19th century. Between the potato famine, plagues, poverty, racism, swindlers taking advantage of new immigrants and thwarted relationships…there is not much happiness between these pages. I found this read to be slightly draining because there was very little positive that happened in the entire book.
I found the pace of this story to be slow and the sentences wordy. The last hundred pages picked up and I was desperate to find out if the emigrants would arrive safely in New York Harbor.
I would recommend this book for those who are particularly interested in Ireland’s history as I did learn much about the history of Ireland and was captivated by the beauty of the land.
March 14, 2014
Just arrived from USA through BM.
I couldn't finish it, I really tried hard but definetily christian historical fiction is not my cup of tea.
I couldn't finish it, I really tried hard but definetily christian historical fiction is not my cup of tea.
September 12, 2010
The story of The Hunger, the Irish famine of the 1800's. The author has accomplished an amazing and detailed research of the famine in Ireland. The book is laden with the visual horrors of the famine, the hopelessness, the slow dying from starvation, the indifference of the landowners, and the entitled belief of some of the English that the Irish were simply of no account and less than human. The story is of 3 friends from a poor village in Western Ireland, 2 boys and a girl. Michael leaves for America before the troubles, Morgan the poet becomes an outlaw, and Nora marries a good man and has a family but never gets over her love for Morgan. The story is of the Kavanaugh family, an old family with a special harp. The first chapter starts out with a little background when in the 1600's Eoin Kavanaugh took the family harp and escaped the Cromwell massacre at Drogheda; then it jumps to Killala in January 1847. Who will survive the famine, who will stay behind, who will marry Nora, will she make it alive to America aboard the ship that isn't what it seems. The first in The Emerald Ballad series drops one right into the middle of the Kavenaugh family tragedy of starvation, love, hate, hopelessness, and an enduring though often broken faith.
March 21, 2009
1780's I believe was the first Irish potato famine when many Irish-born first set sail for America. Perhaps this is set later--not sure yet. Amongst a "find" of wonderful paperbacks brought into work this week. Dina & I are reading this series. Wonderful, wonderful quotations begin each chapter, from Yeats to Samuel B. Oldham (Dublin 1848).
"Last night we saw the stars arise,
But clouds soon dimmed the ether blue;
And when we sought each other's eyes
Tears dimmed them too!" George Darley (1795-1846)
TIME PERIOD: I recommend Manions of America, starring Pierce Brosnan & none other than the future Captain of the Enterprise as main characters of THAT film TV series (which I found on videotape a couple of years back).
"Last night we saw the stars arise,
But clouds soon dimmed the ether blue;
And when we sought each other's eyes
Tears dimmed them too!" George Darley (1795-1846)
TIME PERIOD: I recommend Manions of America, starring Pierce Brosnan & none other than the future Captain of the Enterprise as main characters of THAT film TV series (which I found on videotape a couple of years back).
February 4, 2019
First book in the series - The Emerald Ballad - by bestselling inspirational author BJ Hoff. The Kavanaghs are starving along with most families in County Mayo and all of Ireland. Nora has already lost her husband and her 6 year old daughter. Her oldest son is extremely ill and her youngest is targeted by a merciless "rent collector". Is their only hope in traveling to America?
January 20, 2020
I've been meaning to read this for over a year. Just recently I was overcome with the desire to read/learn about Irish people, which was the final motivation to actually start the book. I was in no way disappointed.
Setting: Killala, Ireland, 1847, also New York City. Every description was done so, so well: Ireland's relationship with England (and subsequently Irishmen with Englishmen), the national pride of the Irish, the history of the Irish people ... I also very much enjoyed reading about the Irish situation in the U.S.
Characters: What amazing, real, raw characters! I absolutely loved the passion they--especially Morgan and Daniel John--displayed for Ireland. Nora was an annoying character, admittedly, but she always acted within character. Without giving spoilers, her prayers were just so real. Oh, and I can't forget Michael Burke. It's unfair, really. He's an Irish policeman. In New York City. He could be terribly written and I would still love him. It's just that he was exceptionally written, so I loved him even more. (Totally personal, of course; if a reader doesn't particularly care for Irish policemen, then they might not care about Michael as much)
Faith content: Very good and natural. As I said, Nora's prayers were realistic. Morgan's struggle was also real. I loved the inclusion of the Protestant vs. Catholic tensions.
My one complaint is the somewhat graphic description of an amputation. Honestly, that could make one squeamish. Still, I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys learning about European history and immigration to the United States.
Setting: Killala, Ireland, 1847, also New York City. Every description was done so, so well: Ireland's relationship with England (and subsequently Irishmen with Englishmen), the national pride of the Irish, the history of the Irish people ... I also very much enjoyed reading about the Irish situation in the U.S.
Characters: What amazing, real, raw characters! I absolutely loved the passion they--especially Morgan and Daniel John--displayed for Ireland. Nora was an annoying character, admittedly, but she always acted within character. Without giving spoilers, her prayers were just so real. Oh, and I can't forget Michael Burke. It's unfair, really. He's an Irish policeman. In New York City. He could be terribly written and I would still love him. It's just that he was exceptionally written, so I loved him even more. (Totally personal, of course; if a reader doesn't particularly care for Irish policemen, then they might not care about Michael as much)
Faith content: Very good and natural. As I said, Nora's prayers were realistic. Morgan's struggle was also real. I loved the inclusion of the Protestant vs. Catholic tensions.
My one complaint is the somewhat graphic description of an amputation. Honestly, that could make one squeamish. Still, I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys learning about European history and immigration to the United States.
April 8, 2023
This author did a great job with descriptions of the potato famine and how it affected the people that it made my heart hurt for these people. They were evicted into the streets with thin clothing, little children and adults as well, and dying along the roadside. Nora is a widow and loses her daughter to the famine. She has no way to provide for her family. The atrocities that were dealt to the Irish people during the famine were severe. But Nora and her family are escaping by night to go to a ship that will carry them to America, the evictor is hot on her tail and Morgan is in jeopardy of being caught and hung. So things are tense. There is quite the ordeal before the boat sets sail - Thomas is shot and killed so Nora has his three children to look after now. Morgan has bought passage to America on the ship but the captain is running a slave trip with Chinese girls locked up in cabins. In the steerage, sickness breaks out and everyone is quarantined and locked down so no one can escape to go on deck for clean air. Often I found myself with my emotions high with how well the author describes the ups and downs of the ocean voyage. They make it to America but not how they intended and Nora and her family doubted Morgan knew what he was getting them into when he bought their tickets on the ship. Morgan was captured and has his own life threatening experiences. Just so much going on throughout the book that it kept me captivated and emotionally engaged that I didn't want to put it down. Can't wait to read book two in the series.
January 15, 2021
Song of her Silent Harp takes us to Ireland during the height of the potato famine. What pain and terror these people lived through at the hands of the blight and the English. The book is told from several different points of view and it gave a broad view of the situation.
Next the book takes us on a perilous voyage on an immigrant ship from Ireland to NYC. We see the horrors of the immigrant ships and the illegal activities that were being smuggled into the US during that time.
Throughout the book we return to Michael, a New York City policeman who helps us tour the city in a time of mass immigration. We see the slums and the depressing product of poverty and crime.
While this may sound like a very depressing book, there were threads of hope weaved throughout. Also, good always triumphed over evil which is one of the most redeeming qualities of Christian fiction! Helping it along were the strong and noble characters filled with courage, love and loyalty to friends and family through it all.
I am so excited to continue reading this series and find out what happens with these characters who have become my new friends.
Next the book takes us on a perilous voyage on an immigrant ship from Ireland to NYC. We see the horrors of the immigrant ships and the illegal activities that were being smuggled into the US during that time.
Throughout the book we return to Michael, a New York City policeman who helps us tour the city in a time of mass immigration. We see the slums and the depressing product of poverty and crime.
While this may sound like a very depressing book, there were threads of hope weaved throughout. Also, good always triumphed over evil which is one of the most redeeming qualities of Christian fiction! Helping it along were the strong and noble characters filled with courage, love and loyalty to friends and family through it all.
I am so excited to continue reading this series and find out what happens with these characters who have become my new friends.
August 19, 2017
I found this book hard to get into at first. All the sorrow and injustice was hard to take. Then I found myself wanting to know what happens to Nora Kavanagh and her family and friends. The plight of the Irish during the famine was so much rougher that I had imagined, if the things that happened in this book is to be believed, which I do believe.
After so much loss and pain, Nora Kavanagh sets out for America with her family and and friends to escape the famine and the abuse of the Lord who owned so much of the country. I don't think I could have endured all that Nora endured and kept my sanity or my faith in God.
The ending was very nice and heartwarming. Restored my faith in humanity and Nora found her faith in God again. If you enjoy lengthy historical fiction, this is the book for you. I hope you find it as good as I did. Enjoy!
After so much loss and pain, Nora Kavanagh sets out for America with her family and and friends to escape the famine and the abuse of the Lord who owned so much of the country. I don't think I could have endured all that Nora endured and kept my sanity or my faith in God.
The ending was very nice and heartwarming. Restored my faith in humanity and Nora found her faith in God again. If you enjoy lengthy historical fiction, this is the book for you. I hope you find it as good as I did. Enjoy!
January 23, 2018
This book was just amazing. The description of every character and the scenes around them was just incredible. Absolutely loved the depth of the description of the Irish Famine too as I have always found that part of history so fascinating. It really makes you grateful for what we have now after reading of the horrendous conditions based on historic accounts. You also fall in love with the main characters, and the plot takes so many turns you can't stop reading; I was desperate to learn the fates of the well loved characters. A beautiful, addictive read also beautifully showing the faithfulness of a God fearing people who reap the benefit of faithfully serving a God who rewards and loves on his people faithfully despite horrific conditions. I basically absolutely loved this read. One of the best in a long time!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 11, 2021
What a wonderful start ......
What an emotional roller coaster has begun in this first of the Harp Series. The agony of Ireland's history is no stranger the Characters are all introduced. With an Irish Dad right off the Boat from Kilkenny,I had a personal reaction to the suffering of the Irish Nation because I learned of it first hand. Dad at age 5 yrs with his 4 yr old brother,3 yr old sister his Mom and his Aunt came to America in the 1920s. It was much the same harrowing trip for all of them as well. Thankfully they had sponsors,and Family already here. I just can't imagine being cought up in the Drama these poor people lived through after starving for so long, and losing so much. This 1st book is a Testament to the Irish grit well done in this book, can't wait to read more !!
What an emotional roller coaster has begun in this first of the Harp Series. The agony of Ireland's history is no stranger the Characters are all introduced. With an Irish Dad right off the Boat from Kilkenny,I had a personal reaction to the suffering of the Irish Nation because I learned of it first hand. Dad at age 5 yrs with his 4 yr old brother,3 yr old sister his Mom and his Aunt came to America in the 1920s. It was much the same harrowing trip for all of them as well. Thankfully they had sponsors,and Family already here. I just can't imagine being cought up in the Drama these poor people lived through after starving for so long, and losing so much. This 1st book is a Testament to the Irish grit well done in this book, can't wait to read more !!
October 14, 2018
I was sooo excited to find a new author to me. B.J. Hoff is a great writer of this Christian Historical Fiction story and I am looking forward to reading the rest of this saga soon. You may already know how the Irish suffered under the English reign and many starved to death or froze to death. This writer takes these circumstances and weaves mighty characters and circumstances that make it not only interesting and engaging, but heart-wrenching as well. Nora, a hardworking widow, Morgan, an Irish rebel running from God, an Englishman whose love for God moves him to help the Irish, and many more make this story intriguing. I am thankful to find such wonderful writing and more to look forward to from this author!
February 12, 2021
My sweet grandma recommended this to me! The bones of this book are five stars—set in Ireland during the Great Famine it follows two families, some of which come to America, the plot and history are fascinating. However, I find the writing lacking—lots of dialogue and the character development not as deep as it could be. I did appreciate the Christian references and weavings. There’s a scripture quoted in the beginning stating it’s better to die in war than hunger, and I think this book illustrates this exceedingly. I am unsure if I will continue the series because it took me forever to get through this one, but the history is one I will forever remember.
March 27, 2024
I loved this story. I am sure part of it is that the County of Ireland setting is the county from which my grandmother and my husband’s grandfather emigrated. They were not born til after the story takes place, but still it gives a taste of why they left 40 years later. The author gets you deeply involved with the characters and the story. I was sorry to see it end.
January 3, 2025
I’m hooked on this series. With my own ancestors leaving Ireland during this time period, this story brings clarity to the unknown, in respect to the hardships. Those hardships are beyond what I can comprehend.
The author is a writer with the rare ability to include details that allow the long cast of characters.
I’m ready for Book number 2!
The author is a writer with the rare ability to include details that allow the long cast of characters.
I’m ready for Book number 2!
August 20, 2019
Wow!
What a rich source of history brought to life through such believable characters! It made the horrific history of the Irish and other immigrants during this time, a tale that saddens my heart. Yet I can't wait to read the next in the series! I have my Kleenex ready.
What a rich source of history brought to life through such believable characters! It made the horrific history of the Irish and other immigrants during this time, a tale that saddens my heart. Yet I can't wait to read the next in the series! I have my Kleenex ready.
June 1, 2022
Best book I have read this season
I am so glad there are/will be sequels!!
New favorite author. A truly inspiring story of the potato famine and how it altered not only Ireland, but also the world receiving refugees. Awesome book
I am so glad there are/will be sequels!!
New favorite author. A truly inspiring story of the potato famine and how it altered not only Ireland, but also the world receiving refugees. Awesome book
June 12, 2017
Compelling, heartbreaking, uplifting unforgettable.
A great story of the trails and tribulations of Ireland under English rule and of God's love visible in all circumstances
A great story of the trails and tribulations of Ireland under English rule and of God's love visible in all circumstances
February 25, 2019
Depressing ! My life isn't so tough geeze.... Can't stand poetry so skipped most of it. Otherwise liked it.
March 23, 2019
Heartbreaking read.
April 19, 2020
Good book, Good author. Gave away
May 5, 2020
Enjoyed wouldn’t be a great word for this sad tale. Set in the time of the Irish famine, it was the story of one families journey of survival leaving Ireland for America.
June 9, 2020
Excellent historical Fiction. Set in Ireland during the famine and immigration to America. The story in historical details are riveting and very well written. Highly recommend it.
June 19, 2022
Beautiful, heartbreaking story! Truly enjoy the characters. Reading the next one!
August 2, 2022
Educational.
October 17, 2022
A good read.
December 20, 2023
I truly enjoyed this book. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews