Irish Linen

by Candace McCarthy

Meghan McBride owed her life to the elegant stranger who saved her from a brutal attacker on the long voyage from Ireland to America. Now, in need of a man's protection, she agrees to pose as Lucas Ridgely's bride-to-be. And though Meghan is expected to marry a man who waits for her in America, it doesn't take long for her false betrothal to Lucas to seem more real than her true engagement. Original.

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Historical Fiction

352 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published August 1, 1996

About the author

Candace McCarthy loved to read romances from the first moment she picked one up over twenty-four years ago. She began to write one after reading a story that made her laugh. Her enjoyment prompted her to put pen to paper. She thought, "Wouldn't it be great if I could bring the same pleasure to other readers?" Sound corny? Maybe, but it's true. And she's been writing them ever since.

Candace has over 20 books to her credit—fifteen novels and three novellas. Among her titles are Irish Rogue, Irish Lace, Fireheart, and Wild Innocence, which are just a few of the titles published by Zebra Books. She has been listed among the Favorite Top Ten List for Affair de Coeur Magazine, and her book, White Bear's Woman, a Zebra Lovegram, won the National Readers' Choice Award for the Best Long Historical Romance of 1998.

At home, she lives with her husband and her dog Jameson, a cute mixed breed.. She has a grown son, who recently married. She enjoys arts and crafts, music, gardening, and her Teddy Bear collection. And she loves to hear from her readers.

Reviews

[Asil Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Over the years I have had to continuously downsize my collection of books. It has always been a very emotional experience for me. This book has stayed with me for over 10 years now. I have always made sure that it is one of the few that stays with me. I loved everything about this book. I picked this book up on a whim from a paperback trader book store. I have never regretted it. Over the years I pull it off the shelf, and its like reading it for the first time all over again. Very well written. Now that I am a Goodreads member, I will be looking for more books written by this author!

[Ellyn (Mrs. Darcy in my Dreams) · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars. The ebook was overflowing with typos. Got to be very annoying. I never felt the chemistry of the H/h came through. Don't think I'll try this author again.

[Linda C · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meghan McBride's father dies on the way to America from Ireland leaving her vulnerable to men like the first mate who attacks her. Lucas Ridgely aids the young woman and claims her as his fiance for the length of the voyage to protect her. Meghan is engaged to Rafferty O'Connor, a friend of her father's who has paid their passage. Before the end of the voyage Lucas asks Meghan to become his mistress, but she refuses. When Rafferty does not meet her at the dock, Lucas delivers her to the paper mill rooming house where Rafferty boards. Rafferty gets her a job at the mill owner's house as a lady's maid. She loses that job and gets one at a textile mill. This is an interesting look at immigrant life in the mid-nineteenth century. However, since Meghan is beautiful she is the prey of several men, as are several other women in the story. It put a lot of emphasis on sexual predators in positions to take advantage of poor female immigrants. Even the hero for much of the book. A little over the top for me.

[Erika Franck · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book was my 1st romance...I will be reading more because of this book. Not over the top like another book I read after this which i will not name. Te story waas great kept me wanting for more.

[Katy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I usually don't read romances. I enjoyed the writing for this one. The story was engaging though the male-lead, Lucas, was less than impressive with his proposition setting the tone for his character. Meghan had a very strong will and desired to do the "right thing" which is admirable. She was going to honor her father's wishes and in the process, she improved the lives of several women who were dealing with a supervisor who sexually harassed them.