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Gracelin O'Malley #1-3
The Gracelin O'Malley Trilogy: Gracelin O'Malley, Leaving Ireland, and 'Til Morning Light
This “elegantly written” trilogy follows an unforgettable Irish heroine from the potato famine through immigrating to America (Eileen Goudge). “An epic saga that sweeps you into the life of a remarkable woman,” Ann Moore’s trilogy of breathtaking historical novels covers Gracelin O’Malley’s life from the 1845 Famine and the Young Ireland movement to the mass emigration to America, culminating in the wild frontier of 1850s California (Romantic Times). Through it all, Gracelin’s indomitable spirit and Moore’s “vivid historical detail” prove most hauntingly memorable (Kirkus Reviews). Gracelin O’ As the potato famine devastates Ireland, Gracelin openly defies her English husband by feeding the desperate souls who come to their door, and secretly sides with the rebels who call themselves the Young Irelanders—including her beloved brother, Sean—as they fight to free their homeland from the yoke of English rule. “Lyrical, pitch-perfect prose . . . Historical fiction at its finest.” —Publishers Weekly Leaving Forced to flee Ireland, Gracelin takes her young daughter with her on an arduous transatlantic voyage to New York City. As she tries to make a new life for herself and her daughter, she reunites with her brother and befriends a runaway slave, getting swept up into the volatile abolitionist movement. “Moore blends romance and adventure. . . . Strong and likable characters and a well-paced story will make readers look forward to Gracelin’s next appearance.” —Booklist ’Til Morning With her two children, Gracelin travels to post–Gold Rush San Francisco to meet the sea captain who has proposed to her. But when she arrives, he is nowhere to be found. Although destitute in a dangerous city, Gracelin vows to make a secure life for her children and find her brother. “Readers who have been following the story of Gracelin O’Malley will be thrilled with the concluding volume in Moore’s trilogy.” —Booklist
1413 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 3, 2018
708 people are currently reading
700 people want to read
About the author
Ann Moore
33 books129 followersAnn Moore grew up in the misty Pacific Northwest region of Washington State, spending childhood summers on Vashon Island. She is the internationally published author of three historical novels that encompass the 1845 Irish Famine, Young Irelander uprising, and the Irish emigration to America; her fourth novel, a contemporary mystery, is set on a remote island in the San Juan archipelago. Ann lives in Bellingham, Washington, with her family, among good friends and excellent dogs. Follow her on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for all things bookish.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
August 6, 2018
Engrossing story telling
A lovely, heart wrenching, tear evoking story. I was sad to have to say goodbye to the O'Malley and McDonough families, but I suspect that I will carry them in my heart for quite some time. Beautifully written story of the triumph of the human spirit entwined with well researched historical settings.
A lovely, heart wrenching, tear evoking story. I was sad to have to say goodbye to the O'Malley and McDonough families, but I suspect that I will carry them in my heart for quite some time. Beautifully written story of the triumph of the human spirit entwined with well researched historical settings.
August 12, 2018
A sweeping peek at the history and challenges of the Irish
Such love and courage portrayed in a true daughter of Ireland. Well developed characters live out lived that intertwine and show the strength of family and God
Such love and courage portrayed in a true daughter of Ireland. Well developed characters live out lived that intertwine and show the strength of family and God
August 25, 2018
Wonderful trilogy that will keep you enthralled.
I loved this trilogy. I couldn't put it down. I learned so much about the trials that the Irish experienced during the 1800's and how they influenced America. Great story and characters.
I loved this trilogy. I couldn't put it down. I learned so much about the trials that the Irish experienced during the 1800's and how they influenced America. Great story and characters.
August 27, 2018
Ended to soon
I loved these books. A bit of everything, great love story, history Ireland and crossing the ocean, history of early America and on and on. Hated to see them end
I loved these books. A bit of everything, great love story, history Ireland and crossing the ocean, history of early America and on and on. Hated to see them end
August 10, 2018
Just fabulous to my estimation!
August 18, 2018
Loved it!
A good trilogy. A bit long in places but full of great characters. I feel like this hits on many different historical events but pulled them together.
A good trilogy. A bit long in places but full of great characters. I feel like this hits on many different historical events but pulled them together.
April 2, 2019
I'm delighted and surprised by how much I enjoyed this trilogy which follows Gracelin O'Malley through a life starting in Ireland just before the Potato Famine, through her immigration sea voyage from Ireland/England to the US and then wagon training from the East Coast of the US to the West Coast. This series was awfully ambitious and covered an impressive amount of geography and history in an entertaining way. Readers are along for the ride through history with Grace who gets pulled into the main ring via her romantic relationships and instant life long friendships with key individuals. The trilogy doesn't read like a bodice buster which I appreciate. Nor can I come up with any other device to get Grace in the thick of so many historically significant situations other than mesmerizing men who are useful drivers to the story. That said, a drinking game could be incorporated into the reading of this trilogy based on how many dashing gentlemen become mind numbed love zombies intoxicated by the most casual encounters with Grace. This series didn't get bogged down by too much historical delving yet touched on just enough to give the story shape and get me curious to explore more on my own. All the characters swirling around Grace's world come through so much misery with very little grumbling. Miraculous plot twists abound to insure this is a pleasant traipse through what could have been written as a miserable slog.
January 29, 2021
Excellent Irish trilogy! Always a bitter sweet experience coming to the end of a great Irish trilogy. Congratulations! Ann Moore! The people and characters become the readers family, so much a part of the readers soul, as only the Irish can. You share in and are drawn into their raw, human emotions, struggles, hardships, resilience, strength, courage, love and bond of family that they never give up on and will do anything for, as only the Irish do!
June 8, 2020
I've mostly been reading non-fiction, but decided I needed a vacation. This trilogy became my recreational reading for about a month. Now I find I miss tuning into the lives of these characters.
It's an inspiring Irish immigration family saga set in mid-1800's Ireland, New York City and San Francisco. In my opinion, an excellent read.
It's an inspiring Irish immigration family saga set in mid-1800's Ireland, New York City and San Francisco. In my opinion, an excellent read.
April 29, 2019
Loved every one!
November 24, 2018
A worthy trilogy of hope
We have all heard of Ireland's potato famine and immigration to America but not the truly stark reality of it. That was a dark time in history and these books tell of it in dark but courageous detail. Every book needs a hero/heroine and here is the best of them.
What Grace goes through with faith, fortitude, courage, strength, and sheer guts is enough for any reader.
You get tears, fears, anger, love and loathing all together rolled up in happy an unexpected endings. Have a box of tissues handy, you will enjoy the ride.
We have all heard of Ireland's potato famine and immigration to America but not the truly stark reality of it. That was a dark time in history and these books tell of it in dark but courageous detail. Every book needs a hero/heroine and here is the best of them.
What Grace goes through with faith, fortitude, courage, strength, and sheer guts is enough for any reader.
You get tears, fears, anger, love and loathing all together rolled up in happy an unexpected endings. Have a box of tissues handy, you will enjoy the ride.
July 26, 2018
Terrific characters. Great settings and dialogue. I could hear my grandmother in the cadence of the words. Delightful.
September 8, 2018
A good Irish saga.
October 18, 2021
It's been a long time since I escaped into the past via an epic historical fiction series; I was long overdue. I don't know how I missed the existence of The Gracelin O'Malley trilogy, but I stumbled over it recently while browsing the "bundles" category on the Barnes & Noble website. (1100+ pages for $2.99? Sold!) Many of my ancestors were Irish emigrants, and, sadly, I know only the basics about Ireland's history, so this was a perfect fit for me (and encouraged me to do further non-fiction reading on the subject when I finished). That said, this is not a series that features fairies and rainbows with pots of gold at the end. There is trauma, disease, disaster, devastation, violence, heart-breaking loss - courage, hope, persistence, and resilience. The main character, Grace, comes off as a bit of a Pollyana from time to time, but her positive attitude and pragmatism serve her well. There were a couple of chunks of time that were readily summed up rather than explored in the final novel, but I would have enjoyed spending more time with several of the minor characters who were cast into larger roles near the end.
November 23, 2019
I enjoyed the Gracelin O' Malley Trilogy by Ann Moore. I was pleasantly surprised at how strong of a character Grace was. I was initially a little judgemental because of the cover and nearly didn't purchase it, but I'm glad that I did. Grace survives through so much in her life from the Famine, Crossing the Atlantic, and heading west on the Oregon Trail.
The story is well written with a lot of satisfying details to make it feel believable. The friends are lovable, and the Villains are easy to hate. Granna and Jack were easily my favorite characters. I loved how the Epilogue brings the entire story full circle. I cried.
For my full reviews, check out:
https://linzthebookworm.blogspot.com/...
https://linzthebookworm.blogspot.com/...
https://linzthebookworm.blogspot.com/...
The story is well written with a lot of satisfying details to make it feel believable. The friends are lovable, and the Villains are easy to hate. Granna and Jack were easily my favorite characters. I loved how the Epilogue brings the entire story full circle. I cried.
For my full reviews, check out:
https://linzthebookworm.blogspot.com/...
https://linzthebookworm.blogspot.com/...
https://linzthebookworm.blogspot.com/...
December 4, 2019
Talk about not being able to put a book down!
This story of Gracelin O'Malley should be required reading in every high school. It brings out so many different aspects of life not found in most literature courses. From the graphic description of starvation in the 1840s Irish famine, it's causes, and effects on a nation and its people to the resettlement of its victims, new beginnings, and the abiding spark of hope, it captures the imagination.
This is a very human story that exposes and lances the boil of social injustice and prejudice.
Not a minute spent reading this saga was wasted.
This story of Gracelin O'Malley should be required reading in every high school. It brings out so many different aspects of life not found in most literature courses. From the graphic description of starvation in the 1840s Irish famine, it's causes, and effects on a nation and its people to the resettlement of its victims, new beginnings, and the abiding spark of hope, it captures the imagination.
This is a very human story that exposes and lances the boil of social injustice and prejudice.
Not a minute spent reading this saga was wasted.
May 19, 2019
Incredible journey through time
I can't sing enough praise about this trilogy. I was absolutely captivated from the beginning. It's an amazing account of Ireland, coming to America, love, loss, and faith. It really gave me an incredible perspective of my ancestors who came from Ireland in the mid 1800s. I hope it is one day made into a movie or, even better, a show with multiple long episodes to really sink into every detail and emotion from the books. Thank you, Ms. Moore, for this intricately woven tale.
I can't sing enough praise about this trilogy. I was absolutely captivated from the beginning. It's an amazing account of Ireland, coming to America, love, loss, and faith. It really gave me an incredible perspective of my ancestors who came from Ireland in the mid 1800s. I hope it is one day made into a movie or, even better, a show with multiple long episodes to really sink into every detail and emotion from the books. Thank you, Ms. Moore, for this intricately woven tale.
August 30, 2020
The past is prologue
Uplifting. Heartbreaking. Eerily familiar in how some themes keep repeating themselves throughout history. Bigotry. Racism. White supremacy and privilege that transported itself from England to America. What's also true is the theme of bravery, patriotism, the courage to speak truth to power and fight for justice. Adventure. Redemption. Forgiveness. Faith. Woven through it all ... Love ... of family ... of country ... of freedom ... of possibilities ... of dreams come true.
Uplifting. Heartbreaking. Eerily familiar in how some themes keep repeating themselves throughout history. Bigotry. Racism. White supremacy and privilege that transported itself from England to America. What's also true is the theme of bravery, patriotism, the courage to speak truth to power and fight for justice. Adventure. Redemption. Forgiveness. Faith. Woven through it all ... Love ... of family ... of country ... of freedom ... of possibilities ... of dreams come true.
March 24, 2022
Whew! Quite the adventure in this one. The phrase “a sweeping romantic saga” really fits this book, and although it’s a little soapy (how many obstacles can be placed in the path of true love?), it’s packed with enough historical reference to save it from being just a romance novel. Grace’s story personalizes the struggles of the Irish people under British rule and during the Famine of the 1840’s. This is a trilogy and should be read that way to understand all the backstories of the numerous characters.
August 24, 2019
Loved it!
My ancestors were O’Malley, possibly from Co. Cork which added a special bond to this book. It is so well written it felt like I was right there with them during the famine, on the boat crossing over, landing in New York and traversing across country. I felt their hunger, pain, loss and joy. I recommend this wonderful book for everyone. You don’t have to be Irish or an O’Malley to enjoy!
My ancestors were O’Malley, possibly from Co. Cork which added a special bond to this book. It is so well written it felt like I was right there with them during the famine, on the boat crossing over, landing in New York and traversing across country. I felt their hunger, pain, loss and joy. I recommend this wonderful book for everyone. You don’t have to be Irish or an O’Malley to enjoy!
August 8, 2022
I didn't get to read the first two installments of this trilogy (wish I had), but the third was very good. The author caught me up on what had happened before. A very nice historical fiction involving the emigration of the Irish in the U.S., family separations, class distinctions, and settlement of the west. Some of the story was a bit trite, but I found myself always rooting for the main character.
March 23, 2019
Gracelin O’Malley Trilogy:
I thoroughly enjoyed the trilogy. This is a great story for fans of historic fiction, for anyone interested in Ireland in the 1800’s, and for those interested in immigrant history.
I liked the author’s handling of moral dilemmas and social structures.
I would read more by this author!
I thoroughly enjoyed the trilogy. This is a great story for fans of historic fiction, for anyone interested in Ireland in the 1800’s, and for those interested in immigrant history.
I liked the author’s handling of moral dilemmas and social structures.
I would read more by this author!
April 13, 2019
Fantastic reading! Could hardly put it down.
Great storyline! Loved all the characters and there are a lot of them. Some not so nice and they paid for their nastiness! So worth the read! Fascinating how they are intermingled yet tied together. Ann Moore is a talented author I'd read again and definitely reccomend.
Great storyline! Loved all the characters and there are a lot of them. Some not so nice and they paid for their nastiness! So worth the read! Fascinating how they are intermingled yet tied together. Ann Moore is a talented author I'd read again and definitely reccomend.
July 11, 2019
Very satisfying novel.
This is the type of novel that I love to read, one that goes on and on, with lots of characters that make one need to pause and think about the characters again and again. I also appreciated the thought pro less of Mei Ling when trying to understand the concept of freedom.
Author's profile
This is the type of novel that I love to read, one that goes on and on, with lots of characters that make one need to pause and think about the characters again and again. I also appreciated the thought pro less of Mei Ling when trying to understand the concept of freedom.
Author's profile
August 18, 2019
The Trilogy
Reading a 1200 page trilogy on a kindle was a challenge, but this one was well worth it. At times a bit stretched out, but by far the most interesting, as well as historically accurate saga of a desperate time in the lives of the Irish. So very well written.Not at all sappy or insulting to the reader. Highly recommend it, even on a kindle!
Reading a 1200 page trilogy on a kindle was a challenge, but this one was well worth it. At times a bit stretched out, but by far the most interesting, as well as historically accurate saga of a desperate time in the lives of the Irish. So very well written.Not at all sappy or insulting to the reader. Highly recommend it, even on a kindle!
March 28, 2020
Gripping story
What a fabulous story, the reason we read historical novels. I certainly hope it's destined for the screen. With an Irish ancestry, I've heard of the tragedy of the Irish potato famine all my life, now it feels closer and even more of a miracle that our ancestors survived and made America our home.
What a fabulous story, the reason we read historical novels. I certainly hope it's destined for the screen. With an Irish ancestry, I've heard of the tragedy of the Irish potato famine all my life, now it feels closer and even more of a miracle that our ancestors survived and made America our home.
October 10, 2021
In August had the opportunity to visit Grosse Ilenesr Quebec City. An hour ferry boat there with a captain explaining how Grosse Île came to be. Heartbreaking what happened there. Spent the day on the Island. History that was never taught in school, even though Quebec City is an hour away from there. Captivating trilogy. Characters so strong. Sad to have finished reading this book.
October 16, 2021
Fantastic read
A fantastic read about Irish history, the hardship and struggles through the potato famine, the fight for freedom from English rule and appalling treatment and the hardships of emigration to America. All three books are wonderfully told, I couldn't put them down and am sorry to have finished them.
A fantastic read about Irish history, the hardship and struggles through the potato famine, the fight for freedom from English rule and appalling treatment and the hardships of emigration to America. All three books are wonderfully told, I couldn't put them down and am sorry to have finished them.
October 24, 2022
Gracelin O’Malley Trilogy
I loved the story and the history. We have traveled to Ireland and knew a lot of the history of the famine. This was much more descriptive of how things were for the Irish. The author did a great job on bringing the story full circle. But I don’t think I will ever read another trilogy as it was way too long. Cherie
I loved the story and the history. We have traveled to Ireland and knew a lot of the history of the famine. This was much more descriptive of how things were for the Irish. The author did a great job on bringing the story full circle. But I don’t think I will ever read another trilogy as it was way too long. Cherie
November 16, 2025
Loved this trilogy!
I thoroughly enjoyed The Gracelin O' Malley Trilogy and will read it again I am sure. I enjoyed the Irish history as well as East Coast and West Coast American history of the time frame. The characters in the story were all well developed. I recommend this book completely.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Gracelin O' Malley Trilogy and will read it again I am sure. I enjoyed the Irish history as well as East Coast and West Coast American history of the time frame. The characters in the story were all well developed. I recommend this book completely.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews