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The Irish Fortune #1
Under the Emerald Sky: Gripping historical fiction in 19th century Ireland
"Under the Emerald Sky reaches another level in storytelling, the kind where the characters remain with you long after you have closed the book." – The Historical Fiction Company
It’s 1843 and the Englishman Quinton Williams has come to Ireland to oversee the running of his father’s ailing estate and escape his painful past. There he meets the Irishwoman Alannah O’Neill, whose family is one of few to have retained ownership of their land, the rest having been supplanted by the English over the course of the country's bloody history. Seeing the injustices of Victorian Ireland, Alannah’s brother Kieran has learned to hate the English and imperialism. Aware of Kieran’s hostility towards the English, Alannah keeps her growing relationship with Quin a secret – but it's a secret that can't be kept for long from those plotting to end England’s oppression of the Irish people. In the face of hate and revenge, an action-packed romance ensues.
But all the while, Ireland is deeply troubled, steeped in the stark contrasts that separate the rich few from the plentiful poor – which will prove to have devastating consequences.
Can Quin and Alannah find happiness in a land teetering on the brink of disaster?
It’s 1843 and the Englishman Quinton Williams has come to Ireland to oversee the running of his father’s ailing estate and escape his painful past. There he meets the Irishwoman Alannah O’Neill, whose family is one of few to have retained ownership of their land, the rest having been supplanted by the English over the course of the country's bloody history. Seeing the injustices of Victorian Ireland, Alannah’s brother Kieran has learned to hate the English and imperialism. Aware of Kieran’s hostility towards the English, Alannah keeps her growing relationship with Quin a secret – but it's a secret that can't be kept for long from those plotting to end England’s oppression of the Irish people. In the face of hate and revenge, an action-packed romance ensues.
But all the while, Ireland is deeply troubled, steeped in the stark contrasts that separate the rich few from the plentiful poor – which will prove to have devastating consequences.
Can Quin and Alannah find happiness in a land teetering on the brink of disaster?
474 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2021
642 people are currently reading
722 people want to read
About the author
Juliane Weber
4 books22 followersJuliane Weber is a scientist turned historical fiction writer, and author of the Irish Fortune Series. Her stories take readers on action-packed romantic adventures amid the captivating scenery and folklore of 19th century Ireland. Juliane spent most of her life in South Africa, but now lives with her husband and two sons in Hamelin, Germany, the town made famous by the story of the Pied Piper.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
August 7, 2021
Under the Emerald Sky is an emotional glimpse into life in 1800s Ireland, just before the potato famine hits. Weber clearly put a ton of research into her work and it shows on every page! So much happened in this book, but the twist at the end had my head spinning!
Filled with action, betrayal, love, redemption, and loss, Under the Emerald Sky is a fantastic historical fiction! I look forward to the rest of the series!!
Filled with action, betrayal, love, redemption, and loss, Under the Emerald Sky is a fantastic historical fiction! I look forward to the rest of the series!!
May 28, 2025
The story of a land and its people!
This tale about Ireland gives evidence of the longstanding rift between Ireland and England. The treatment of the Irish by the English was horrific in many instances. The English needed their labor to grow the crops to be sent to England, but had no care as to the needs of the laborers! Once the crops were harvested, until spring planting the Irish had to find a way to feed the family. They were only paid their meager earnings during planting and harvest. Adding to the disparity between the landowners and the peasants, was and still is to some extent, the issues of Protestant and Catholic religions.
In the midst of all this love finds a way! This story is not without sadness, murder and mayhem, but tells the story of the strength and fortitude of a strong people!
This tale about Ireland gives evidence of the longstanding rift between Ireland and England. The treatment of the Irish by the English was horrific in many instances. The English needed their labor to grow the crops to be sent to England, but had no care as to the needs of the laborers! Once the crops were harvested, until spring planting the Irish had to find a way to feed the family. They were only paid their meager earnings during planting and harvest. Adding to the disparity between the landowners and the peasants, was and still is to some extent, the issues of Protestant and Catholic religions.
In the midst of all this love finds a way! This story is not without sadness, murder and mayhem, but tells the story of the strength and fortitude of a strong people!
March 13, 2021
A Great Read For Anyone Interested In Ireland and Irish History
If you enjoy action-packed historical romances, you’re in for a treat. Under the Emerald Sky contains no shortage of adrenaline-fueled moments. It also explores an interesting period of Irish history from a relatively neutral and sympathetic viewpoint.
The Opening
I liked the immediate introduction of conflict in the first chapter. The opening sentence is intriguing, and it leads to misogynistic conflict that quickly infuriates the reader.
The Characters
Alannah is a strong female protagonist, unusually educated and independent for her time. The way she is treated in the opening paragraphs immediately identifies her as the heroine of this tale and a sympathetic character. Her ability to speak both Gaelic and English is a useful plot device enabling her to spend time with her love interest.
Quin is an unusually open-minded person for his time. Too much so at some points. Despite being heir to a barony, he is willing to literally get his hands dirty in the mud alongside his tenant farmers. He is easy to like.
Kieran is the most interesting character by far. He is a misogynist and a moron. However, he is interesting during the story because of his complex character development arc.
During the first third of the book, I was concerned that this historical romance was too pro-British. I felt this because the two key Irish nationalists in the story are portrayed as evil misogynists while the lone Englishman is shown to be an open-minded philanthropist and the main Irish character, Alannah, appears to be against rebellion.
This is contrary to the historical record that quite clearly shows many of the greatest Irish nationalist figures were educated and independent women, some of them Anglo-Irish noblewomen. Fortunately, other antagonists are introduced in the latter part of the story who are English or Anglo Irish, so the story then becomes more balanced.
The Plot
This story is full of interesting plot twists and action. It ends with a satisfying HFN (happy for now) and a few loose ends which presumably will be cleared up in the sequel. The main plotline is a Romeo & Juliet trope, lovers from the opposing sides type romance.
For me, the pacing was a little slow. This is probably because I’m more used to contemporary romances and romantic comedies, and this story is filled with beautiful settings and lots and lots of historical details.
I also had a few plausibility issues toward the end. However, these reflect me as a critic as much as the quality of the novel. Specifically, there were villains identified that I thought should have been obvious for a long time due to the heavy foreshadowing.
Plus, the set-up of the main climax of the story seems quite implausible. It relies too much upon a series of coincidences, really bad decisions, and “feelings”. In some ways, it reminded me of the end of Jane Eyre, where Jane feels drawn to return to Thornfield Hall by voices imagined in the air.
The Setting
The setting is generally wonderful. I learned a lot about the condition of Ireland in the lead-up to the Great Famine, and it was all fascinating.
I especially enjoyed the festival scene and the wedding scene. They gave interesting insights into Irish culture at a time when Gaelic and old traditions were still strong.
However, I had two small concerns.
Several times in the first half of the book, Alannah travels on horseback and alone. There is no mention of her using a sidesaddle. This seems completely contrary to the customs of people in her social class at this time. Why not a buggy? A buggy is used in the later portions of the book.
On several occasions, we hear about Alannah’s socks. For example, she takes them off to walk along the riverbank barefoot. She is a grown woman and a noblewoman.
I count her as a noblewoman despite her lack of an actual title. Although her family are simply farm owners, it is shown quite clearly that they descend from Irish kings and have held the surrounding land for centuries. Also, her father was educated at Trinity College (equivalent to Cambridge or Oxford) and a local magistrate.
Wouldn’t she have worn stockings? I recall reading Charlotte Brontë’s essay about Bluestockings written around the time this story is set. But, I’m no expert on Irish noblewoman’s dress circa 1843, so I may be wrong.
The Prose
Weber’s narrative is clear and easy to follow. She uses two first-person viewpoints throughout the novel that show rather than tell the story to good effect. I found one tiny typo error where the author uses “check” instead of “cheek” in the sentence “He touched her check lightly with his index finger” in chapter 21. Other than this insignificant issue, nothing else spoiled my reading pleasure.
My Opinion
Anyone who enjoys historical romance or Irish culture will love this touching historic romance novel. It is action-packed, romantic, and a great way to learn about Irish history around the time of the Great famine.
Because of my personal taste, I feel this historic romance was a touch biased and a little slow paced. For this reason, I’m going to award it 9 out of 10 instead of 10. This will translate to 5 out of 5 on Amazon and Goodreads.
If you enjoy action-packed historical romances, you’re in for a treat. Under the Emerald Sky contains no shortage of adrenaline-fueled moments. It also explores an interesting period of Irish history from a relatively neutral and sympathetic viewpoint.
The Opening
I liked the immediate introduction of conflict in the first chapter. The opening sentence is intriguing, and it leads to misogynistic conflict that quickly infuriates the reader.
The Characters
Alannah is a strong female protagonist, unusually educated and independent for her time. The way she is treated in the opening paragraphs immediately identifies her as the heroine of this tale and a sympathetic character. Her ability to speak both Gaelic and English is a useful plot device enabling her to spend time with her love interest.
Quin is an unusually open-minded person for his time. Too much so at some points. Despite being heir to a barony, he is willing to literally get his hands dirty in the mud alongside his tenant farmers. He is easy to like.
Kieran is the most interesting character by far. He is a misogynist and a moron. However, he is interesting during the story because of his complex character development arc.
During the first third of the book, I was concerned that this historical romance was too pro-British. I felt this because the two key Irish nationalists in the story are portrayed as evil misogynists while the lone Englishman is shown to be an open-minded philanthropist and the main Irish character, Alannah, appears to be against rebellion.
This is contrary to the historical record that quite clearly shows many of the greatest Irish nationalist figures were educated and independent women, some of them Anglo-Irish noblewomen. Fortunately, other antagonists are introduced in the latter part of the story who are English or Anglo Irish, so the story then becomes more balanced.
The Plot
This story is full of interesting plot twists and action. It ends with a satisfying HFN (happy for now) and a few loose ends which presumably will be cleared up in the sequel. The main plotline is a Romeo & Juliet trope, lovers from the opposing sides type romance.
For me, the pacing was a little slow. This is probably because I’m more used to contemporary romances and romantic comedies, and this story is filled with beautiful settings and lots and lots of historical details.
I also had a few plausibility issues toward the end. However, these reflect me as a critic as much as the quality of the novel. Specifically, there were villains identified that I thought should have been obvious for a long time due to the heavy foreshadowing.
Plus, the set-up of the main climax of the story seems quite implausible. It relies too much upon a series of coincidences, really bad decisions, and “feelings”. In some ways, it reminded me of the end of Jane Eyre, where Jane feels drawn to return to Thornfield Hall by voices imagined in the air.
The Setting
The setting is generally wonderful. I learned a lot about the condition of Ireland in the lead-up to the Great Famine, and it was all fascinating.
I especially enjoyed the festival scene and the wedding scene. They gave interesting insights into Irish culture at a time when Gaelic and old traditions were still strong.
However, I had two small concerns.
Several times in the first half of the book, Alannah travels on horseback and alone. There is no mention of her using a sidesaddle. This seems completely contrary to the customs of people in her social class at this time. Why not a buggy? A buggy is used in the later portions of the book.
On several occasions, we hear about Alannah’s socks. For example, she takes them off to walk along the riverbank barefoot. She is a grown woman and a noblewoman.
I count her as a noblewoman despite her lack of an actual title. Although her family are simply farm owners, it is shown quite clearly that they descend from Irish kings and have held the surrounding land for centuries. Also, her father was educated at Trinity College (equivalent to Cambridge or Oxford) and a local magistrate.
Wouldn’t she have worn stockings? I recall reading Charlotte Brontë’s essay about Bluestockings written around the time this story is set. But, I’m no expert on Irish noblewoman’s dress circa 1843, so I may be wrong.
The Prose
Weber’s narrative is clear and easy to follow. She uses two first-person viewpoints throughout the novel that show rather than tell the story to good effect. I found one tiny typo error where the author uses “check” instead of “cheek” in the sentence “He touched her check lightly with his index finger” in chapter 21. Other than this insignificant issue, nothing else spoiled my reading pleasure.
My Opinion
Anyone who enjoys historical romance or Irish culture will love this touching historic romance novel. It is action-packed, romantic, and a great way to learn about Irish history around the time of the Great famine.
Because of my personal taste, I feel this historic romance was a touch biased and a little slow paced. For this reason, I’m going to award it 9 out of 10 instead of 10. This will translate to 5 out of 5 on Amazon and Goodreads.
Read
November 18, 2022Death is a Part of Life
Particularly enjoyed the first third. The ending was also quite engaging. The main characters were interesting and relatable. Learned a lot about life in Ireland in the 1800s. Recommended read. And how about that vibrant cover?!
Particularly enjoyed the first third. The ending was also quite engaging. The main characters were interesting and relatable. Learned a lot about life in Ireland in the 1800s. Recommended read. And how about that vibrant cover?!
April 19, 2021
Under the Emerald Sky by Juliane Weber is a dynamic historical adventure romance taking place in beautiful Ireland a few years before the potato famine. Irish revolutionaries pit themselves against the British occupation forces, and Alannah learns her brother has joined one of the more violent groups. Her brother expects her to be a pawn in their schemes, but she has other plans. She has fallen in love with the Englishman, Quinn Williams, and together they sabotage the scheme, and Alannah is free to marry Quinn. But as you read and learn about the history of the subjugated Irish, you also realize a threat is hanging over Quinn's and Alannah's happiness as they work to better things for their Irish tenants. Evil is lurking and you cannot help but wait for the shoe to drop. Over and over, the tension builds though things seem peaceful. Then in the blink of an eye, evil descends. The reader is given some good clues, but it is still sad when the villain strikes. Alannah and Quinn do overcome the evil, but they realize someone else was behind the villain's evil. But who? There are a couple of good suspects, and I look forward to Weber's next book when we discover who is the mastermind. A terrific read. You will love the romance and the Irish history.
Celia Martin
Celia Martin
May 31, 2022
Although this was an occupation that I would otherwise have enjoyed, doing nothing else left me feeling empty, unfulfilled, like a beautiful vase stashed away at the back of the cupboard, gathering dust.
“Quinton Fletcher Philbert Williams, at your service, ma’am,” he declared and bowed. “My parents felt it necessary to burden me with the greatest number of dreadful names they could come up with.”
And thus we are introduced to the two captivating main characters in the book, and from the first line to the last line, this is a book which excites and intrigues in the way a classic Historical Romance novel should do. This is a romance for the ages, and one I could not put down until I absorbed each and every event in Quinton and Alannah’s life.
Quinton, a very English gentleman (and devastatingly handsome to boot), comes to Ireland to oversee and restore his father’s holdings at the failing estate of Glaslearg. Many Englishmen held estates in Ireland, leaving the running to overseers and raking in the cash brought in by tenants while never stepping foot onto their properties, thus submitting many of the poor oppressed by heavy fees and very little sustenance. Quinton comes to Glaslearg as quite the different sort of Englishman, one who sees the suffering and wants to correct the ills wrought upon those in the estate’s care. One problem – he cannot speak Gaelic, and his tenants cannot speak English. Second problem – many of the Irish despise the English and are seeking a way to oust them from their island by any means necessary. Third problem – he is running from a past which shows up later in the story.
Alannah O’Neill, a beautiful strong-willed dark-haired Irish woman whose father doted on her, providing her with an education and bolstering her ambitions, succumbs to the oppressive hand of her brother, Kieran, after her father suddenly dies and leaves the farm to his son, and Alannah without a say in her future.
Kieran’s opinions about women were hardly unique, of course – in a male-dominated society that masqueraded behind superficial chivalry, prejudiced beliefs about women’s naivete and their excessive sensitivity were easily excused, if not actively encouraged. While many men genuinely seemed to love their female relations, a good number of these same men nevertheless recoiled at the thought of giving women more freedom.
But after hearing that the neighboring estate owner needs some help with the Gaelic-speaking tenants, she snatches up the opportunity to help out. The magnetism between her and Quin is evident from the start, and Ms Weber does a magical job of drawing the reader into this passionate romance reminiscent of early Victorian classic couples like Darcy and Elizabeth mingling with sexy couples like Jaime Fraser and Clare Randall.
Inevitably, their love grows at a galloping pace, and so does the troubles as Alannah’s brother threatens to marry her off to a good Irishman while spouting his disgust for the English. And then, when a dangerous associate of Kieran’s comes into the picture, someone whose violent ways and determination to rouse the Irish against the English brings near disaster upon Quinton and Alannah, their future and their love is tested to the fullest extent possible.
There are so many great things to say about this novel – the layers are so perfectly entwined, yet the story opens up like a blossoming rose as Ms Weber takes you by the hand and leads you through the travails of living during this turbulent time in Irish history – a time when the politics of the nobility held sway, where only a smattering of the Irish actually owned their own land, and how so many suffered from lack of decent food and housing. The author immerses the reader into the Irish landscape – you are there, gazing over the emerald fields, rooting for the success of Quinton’s efforts, and for this ‘forbidden’ love between an Englishman and an Irish lass to prevail; not to mention the rich description of how Guinness extra stout tastes on the tongue!
So many places with sublime imagery – such as page 260 where she traces ‘the star-shaped scar that marred the right side of his chest, just beneath the collarbone’ to the ‘long line that snaked its way along the left side of his abdomen... still an angry red.... tracing the line lightly with my index finger.’ - Just so exquisite and intimate in such a way that makes these character alive.
Or page 267 where the author relays the politics of landowners and tenants, doing so with such ease and not overburdening the reader with too much – just enough historical fact to add to the narrative, and this is done again and again, effortlessly.
I even loved the added tidbit on page 312 about how long it takes for an author to write a book, or how a ‘writer is led, be that to the amusement of some or the disappointment of others...’ - to which, I say, this novel is both entertaining and not a single page of disappointment. I know readers will find a treasure trove of their own favorite passages to read again and again.
The characters are SO believable, and the emotions, both intimate and public, are incredibly relatable; so much so that Under the Emerald Sky reaches another level in storytelling – the kind where the characters remain with you long after you have closed the book, and you are longing to know what happens next for them. I, for one, cannot wait for the next installment!!
Under the Emerald Sky by Juliane Weber receives five stars and the “Highly Recommended” award from The Historical Fiction Company
“Quinton Fletcher Philbert Williams, at your service, ma’am,” he declared and bowed. “My parents felt it necessary to burden me with the greatest number of dreadful names they could come up with.”
And thus we are introduced to the two captivating main characters in the book, and from the first line to the last line, this is a book which excites and intrigues in the way a classic Historical Romance novel should do. This is a romance for the ages, and one I could not put down until I absorbed each and every event in Quinton and Alannah’s life.
Quinton, a very English gentleman (and devastatingly handsome to boot), comes to Ireland to oversee and restore his father’s holdings at the failing estate of Glaslearg. Many Englishmen held estates in Ireland, leaving the running to overseers and raking in the cash brought in by tenants while never stepping foot onto their properties, thus submitting many of the poor oppressed by heavy fees and very little sustenance. Quinton comes to Glaslearg as quite the different sort of Englishman, one who sees the suffering and wants to correct the ills wrought upon those in the estate’s care. One problem – he cannot speak Gaelic, and his tenants cannot speak English. Second problem – many of the Irish despise the English and are seeking a way to oust them from their island by any means necessary. Third problem – he is running from a past which shows up later in the story.
Alannah O’Neill, a beautiful strong-willed dark-haired Irish woman whose father doted on her, providing her with an education and bolstering her ambitions, succumbs to the oppressive hand of her brother, Kieran, after her father suddenly dies and leaves the farm to his son, and Alannah without a say in her future.
Kieran’s opinions about women were hardly unique, of course – in a male-dominated society that masqueraded behind superficial chivalry, prejudiced beliefs about women’s naivete and their excessive sensitivity were easily excused, if not actively encouraged. While many men genuinely seemed to love their female relations, a good number of these same men nevertheless recoiled at the thought of giving women more freedom.
But after hearing that the neighboring estate owner needs some help with the Gaelic-speaking tenants, she snatches up the opportunity to help out. The magnetism between her and Quin is evident from the start, and Ms Weber does a magical job of drawing the reader into this passionate romance reminiscent of early Victorian classic couples like Darcy and Elizabeth mingling with sexy couples like Jaime Fraser and Clare Randall.
Inevitably, their love grows at a galloping pace, and so does the troubles as Alannah’s brother threatens to marry her off to a good Irishman while spouting his disgust for the English. And then, when a dangerous associate of Kieran’s comes into the picture, someone whose violent ways and determination to rouse the Irish against the English brings near disaster upon Quinton and Alannah, their future and their love is tested to the fullest extent possible.
There are so many great things to say about this novel – the layers are so perfectly entwined, yet the story opens up like a blossoming rose as Ms Weber takes you by the hand and leads you through the travails of living during this turbulent time in Irish history – a time when the politics of the nobility held sway, where only a smattering of the Irish actually owned their own land, and how so many suffered from lack of decent food and housing. The author immerses the reader into the Irish landscape – you are there, gazing over the emerald fields, rooting for the success of Quinton’s efforts, and for this ‘forbidden’ love between an Englishman and an Irish lass to prevail; not to mention the rich description of how Guinness extra stout tastes on the tongue!
So many places with sublime imagery – such as page 260 where she traces ‘the star-shaped scar that marred the right side of his chest, just beneath the collarbone’ to the ‘long line that snaked its way along the left side of his abdomen... still an angry red.... tracing the line lightly with my index finger.’ - Just so exquisite and intimate in such a way that makes these character alive.
Or page 267 where the author relays the politics of landowners and tenants, doing so with such ease and not overburdening the reader with too much – just enough historical fact to add to the narrative, and this is done again and again, effortlessly.
I even loved the added tidbit on page 312 about how long it takes for an author to write a book, or how a ‘writer is led, be that to the amusement of some or the disappointment of others...’ - to which, I say, this novel is both entertaining and not a single page of disappointment. I know readers will find a treasure trove of their own favorite passages to read again and again.
The characters are SO believable, and the emotions, both intimate and public, are incredibly relatable; so much so that Under the Emerald Sky reaches another level in storytelling – the kind where the characters remain with you long after you have closed the book, and you are longing to know what happens next for them. I, for one, cannot wait for the next installment!!
Under the Emerald Sky by Juliane Weber receives five stars and the “Highly Recommended” award from The Historical Fiction Company
June 26, 2021
This tale will pull you in.
This is a masterful work. Ms. Weber weaves multiple smaller storylines through the novel, combining them into a complex and captivating tale that will turn in unexpected ways.
This is a masterful work. Ms. Weber weaves multiple smaller storylines through the novel, combining them into a complex and captivating tale that will turn in unexpected ways.
March 23, 2021
Like a tv drama
Beautifully written. It was long but I loved the characters and the story. It was like watching a TV drama and I felt sorry to leave the MCs at the end.
Beautifully written. It was long but I loved the characters and the story. It was like watching a TV drama and I felt sorry to leave the MCs at the end.
January 17, 2022
It’s 1843 and the English nobleman Quinton Williams has come to Ireland to oversee the running of his father’s ailing estate and escape his painful past. Here he meets the alluring Alannah O’Neill, whose Irish family is one of few to have retained ownership of their land, the rest having been supplanted by the English over the course of the country’s bloody history. Finding herself drawn to the handsome Englishman, Alannah offers to help Quin communicate with the estate’s Gaelic-speaking tenants, as much to assist him as to counter her own ennui. Aware of her controlling brother’s hostility towards the English, she keeps her growing relationship with Quin a secret – a secret that cannot, however, be kept for long from those who dream of ridding Ireland of her English oppressors.
I’m not crazy about romance but I enjoyed how this story was presented. I loved the idea of the spunky, self-reliant heroine. Dealing with the blatant misogyny of the times illustrated in the book, having such a headstrong character is actually refreshing. Books based in bygone eras that deal with themes of sexism and inequality often have demure, weak characters who grow into their bravery and strength. This can be fun and triumphant, but I prefer the way Weber presented Alannah throughout. She was pre-packaged with a resilience that is very relatable to a modern-day rebel like myself, but she was also vulnerable and emotionally open to the reader.
Alannah was my favorite character but I did truly enjoy Quin. The character development in the story was well done and even the characters that I didn’t prefer were well fleshed out and felt real! Weber also excelled at making settings feel real. I loved the descriptions of places in the world she built but what really stood out to me was the emotion she attached to some of the locations. The feelings of pride for ownership, or the memories a place held were just as important as the place.
I found the book easy to read and loved the little touches of culture that Weber shared through the story. I loved the Irish and English ideals colliding and seeing Alannah and Quin navigate the expectations put on them by others, as well as themselves.
Overall, I enjoyed this story! I would recommend it to history buffs and readers who enjoy romance with some adversity mixed in.
I’m not crazy about romance but I enjoyed how this story was presented. I loved the idea of the spunky, self-reliant heroine. Dealing with the blatant misogyny of the times illustrated in the book, having such a headstrong character is actually refreshing. Books based in bygone eras that deal with themes of sexism and inequality often have demure, weak characters who grow into their bravery and strength. This can be fun and triumphant, but I prefer the way Weber presented Alannah throughout. She was pre-packaged with a resilience that is very relatable to a modern-day rebel like myself, but she was also vulnerable and emotionally open to the reader.
Alannah was my favorite character but I did truly enjoy Quin. The character development in the story was well done and even the characters that I didn’t prefer were well fleshed out and felt real! Weber also excelled at making settings feel real. I loved the descriptions of places in the world she built but what really stood out to me was the emotion she attached to some of the locations. The feelings of pride for ownership, or the memories a place held were just as important as the place.
I found the book easy to read and loved the little touches of culture that Weber shared through the story. I loved the Irish and English ideals colliding and seeing Alannah and Quin navigate the expectations put on them by others, as well as themselves.
Overall, I enjoyed this story! I would recommend it to history buffs and readers who enjoy romance with some adversity mixed in.
February 15, 2022
A fictional account of the rural Irish uprisings under O'Connell in the 1820s and of the start of the potato famine. The conditions people lived in were appallingly unfair. It was all people could do to pay their rents and then with church tithes on top it was impossible for them to keep their heads above water financially. Add to that the social injustices and cruel leasing regulations it is a wonder there was not more insurrection. Catholics were unfairly discriminated against. To say I enjoyed this book sounds as if I enjoyed reading about hardship, but it was the very hardship that made it so riveting. I also learned a lot about Irish history from a fictional perspective. Several povs, but this did not bother me.
April 24, 2022
A well-crafted story set in the rural Ireland of the mid 1800s. It’s a tale of a spirited young woman in a male-dominated society, her brother turned brattish and abusive, and her growing attachment to the English landlord of the farm down the road. Alannah is torn between loyalty and following her heart. The storyline and its sub-plots are played out with a – perhaps somewhat romanticised – background of the poor cottiers of the district eking out a bare living, their lives uneasily bound to those who own the land they work. The author presages the disaster which will soon befall those people in her next book. Gently written, a happy ending, looking forward to how Alannah deals with circumstances to come.
June 9, 2023
Great book!
I was quickly wrapped up in this book. I found myself reading before work, during my lunch hours, after work - whenever I had a few minutes. The research that went into this book is evident. The characters are believable, the story engrossing. I immediately downloaded the next book as soon as I finished this one!
I was quickly wrapped up in this book. I found myself reading before work, during my lunch hours, after work - whenever I had a few minutes. The research that went into this book is evident. The characters are believable, the story engrossing. I immediately downloaded the next book as soon as I finished this one!
January 7, 2023
Amazing read!
This is a beautiful historical romance with elements of mystery and suspense. I absolutely loved every page and couldn’t put it down. The ending left me hopeful for more excellence in the next volume.
This is a beautiful historical romance with elements of mystery and suspense. I absolutely loved every page and couldn’t put it down. The ending left me hopeful for more excellence in the next volume.
September 23, 2024
Great Read
I really enjoyed this book. It was great to hear about the old Irish customs plus the sentences in Irish and the history of that time, I couldn’t put the book down once I started
I really enjoyed this book. It was great to hear about the old Irish customs plus the sentences in Irish and the history of that time, I couldn’t put the book down once I started
March 14, 2022
A beautifully written example of historical fiction, the novel pulled me in from the start. I highly admired the lead female character and found her compelling. Certainly one for historical fiction fans to devour! Also, I have to say, the cover is gorgeous!
November 20, 2025
I love Irish historical storytelling!
I loved this, such a straightforward story, so all encompassing of the characters for the first half of the book. I really don't enjoy reading graphic love scenes but if you do, there are plenty of those also. One thing that I really liked,is that this was a real complete story, not a few chapters and then another book. That being said, I cannot wait for the second book of this series.
I loved this, such a straightforward story, so all encompassing of the characters for the first half of the book. I really don't enjoy reading graphic love scenes but if you do, there are plenty of those also. One thing that I really liked,is that this was a real complete story, not a few chapters and then another book. That being said, I cannot wait for the second book of this series.
March 12, 2025
Goid tale
I liked the plot and the characters. The people were described so well I could see them in my mind's eye
I liked the plot and the characters. The people were described so well I could see them in my mind's eye
August 5, 2023
Set in 1843, the main characters are a former Army officer, Quin Williams, and a young Irishwoman, Alannah O’Neill. There is enough hostility towards the British to mean their relationship has to be kept a secret. I was surprised to find the potato famine is reserved for the second book in this two-book series, so 'Under the Emerald Sky' develops the characters at a leisurely pace, although there are plenty of hints about what is to come.
I liked the unexpected twists and turns of the narrative, and how the back-story of the likeable protagonists unfolds to create memorable characters. Juliane Weber's storytelling blends romance and suspense to create a page-turning narrative that kept me hooked.
The evocative story would lend itself well to a screenplay, and several times I was reminded of my own visits to the Irish countryside. I enjoyed the book, and recommend reading it as a prequel to the second book in the series, 'Beneath the Darkening Clouds'.
I liked the unexpected twists and turns of the narrative, and how the back-story of the likeable protagonists unfolds to create memorable characters. Juliane Weber's storytelling blends romance and suspense to create a page-turning narrative that kept me hooked.
The evocative story would lend itself well to a screenplay, and several times I was reminded of my own visits to the Irish countryside. I enjoyed the book, and recommend reading it as a prequel to the second book in the series, 'Beneath the Darkening Clouds'.
March 18, 2023
The storyline and characters are wonderful. Personally I found it long. I was skimming over thoughts of the characters to get to the good stuff. Beautifully written and lots of intrigue. I just thought it was stretched out.
April 12, 2025
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to the next one in the series
March 18, 2024
An excellent book with appealing characters.
Under the Emerald Sky is an excellent book, with appealing characters and a love story that overcomes hardship and peril. Looking forward to reading the second book.
Under the Emerald Sky is an excellent book, with appealing characters and a love story that overcomes hardship and peril. Looking forward to reading the second book.
April 13, 2023
Engrossing
I did enjoy reading this book. I loved the multiple plots. But it's was just a bit to wordy and repetitive. I am actually looking forward to the next book in the series.
I did enjoy reading this book. I loved the multiple plots. But it's was just a bit to wordy and repetitive. I am actually looking forward to the next book in the series.
September 16, 2023
This novel should be edited down to 300 pages from 600. A truly good writer makes a considered choice in order to economically express an idea or image. Repeating the same words and phrases over and over frustrates the reader.
The formulaic Romance novel structure overshadows the interesting historical details that the author clearly researched.
The characters are caricatures.
I was attracted to this novel because it claimed to be historical fiction, one of my favorite genres. It is set in nineteenth century Ireland just before the Great Famine, a period of great interest to me. However, Weber’s writing style is pedestrian and thus the narrative is poorly executed. A good storyline is buried in superfluous words and numerous cliches.
There is a second novel in this Irish Fortune series but I don’t think I have the patience to plow through it, although the cliffhanger ending of this novel is tempting.
The formulaic Romance novel structure overshadows the interesting historical details that the author clearly researched.
The characters are caricatures.
I was attracted to this novel because it claimed to be historical fiction, one of my favorite genres. It is set in nineteenth century Ireland just before the Great Famine, a period of great interest to me. However, Weber’s writing style is pedestrian and thus the narrative is poorly executed. A good storyline is buried in superfluous words and numerous cliches.
There is a second novel in this Irish Fortune series but I don’t think I have the patience to plow through it, although the cliffhanger ending of this novel is tempting.
May 16, 2024
Under the Emerald Sky" by Juliane Weber transports readers to 19th century Ireland, where love and betrayal collide against a backdrop of political upheaval. Englishman Quinton Williams finds solace from his past in Ireland, where he meets the spirited Irishwoman, Alannah O’Neill. Their blossoming romance is shadowed by the tensions of imperialism and the struggle for Irish independence. Weber skillfully weaves together themes of love, resilience, and social injustice, creating a gripping tale that resonates long after the final page. With vivid prose and rich historical detail, "Under the Emerald Sky" offers an immersive journey into a tumultuous era, where passion and politics intertwine with devastating consequences.
October 10, 2024
Plodded along in many places, incomplete. Not gripping
I didn’t realize until the end that there were two more books that meant leaving so many loose threads and unanswered questions in this one. Not exactly a cliffhanger- my least favorite kind of book, but too much dangling. Many parts of the book were slow going. I had to skim in order to keep going to the end. There were several places where a few paragraphs were repeated. Because my ancestors migrated from Ireland, before the potato famine, I thought it would be more interesting.
I didn’t realize until the end that there were two more books that meant leaving so many loose threads and unanswered questions in this one. Not exactly a cliffhanger- my least favorite kind of book, but too much dangling. Many parts of the book were slow going. I had to skim in order to keep going to the end. There were several places where a few paragraphs were repeated. Because my ancestors migrated from Ireland, before the potato famine, I thought it would be more interesting.
December 18, 2023
This well-written and researched Victorian historical Irish novel with a lovely cover gave the reader an insight of the hardships, division, and the culture of the time. Although it is lengthy and written with a Victorian flair, it depicts the development of the characters over time in reference to overcoming disparity and threats to their well-being and way of life. Recommended for all those book-lovers of this era and setting for a fascinating week long + read.
October 21, 2025
I love historical fiction
The flow of the story, easy to put down and follow days later.
Concise, nice use of language.
I loved the main characters Alannah and Quin and the fact that there were few characters of note.
From a historical perspective there was just about enough to explain the situation in 19th century Ireland
Looking forward to Book number 2
The flow of the story, easy to put down and follow days later.
Concise, nice use of language.
I loved the main characters Alannah and Quin and the fact that there were few characters of note.
From a historical perspective there was just about enough to explain the situation in 19th century Ireland
Looking forward to Book number 2
January 2, 2026
This is a good story but as much as I’d like to know how it develops next, I can’t bring myself to plow through another of this author’s books. The writing style is unnecessarily detailed and repetitive; especially much of the dialogue. I found myself skimming through a lot of it only to find out at the end that it’s a “cliffhanger”.
January 20, 2024
A Good Read
I mostly enjoyed reading this book. It is a good love story between two unlikely people. It is set in a beautiful country during a time of struggle. After finishing the story there were still unresolved questions still unsolved. There was no mention of a sequel.
I mostly enjoyed reading this book. It is a good love story between two unlikely people. It is set in a beautiful country during a time of struggle. After finishing the story there were still unresolved questions still unsolved. There was no mention of a sequel.
April 5, 2023
Under The Emerald Sky by Juliane Weber has received a Chill with a Book Readers' PREMIER Award
www.chillwithabook.com
www.chillwithabook.com
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