Jewels of the Sun

Gallaghers of Ardmore #1

by Nora Roberts

In her new trilogy, New York Times #1 Best Selling author, Nora Roberts returns to the lush, green hills of Ireland, where love is forever touched by magic - And where the Gallagher siblings explore the depth of their fiery hearts.

Determining to reevaluate her life, Jude Murray flees America to take refugee in Faerie Hill Cottage, immersing herself in the study of Irish Folk and discovers hope for the future of the magical past.

Finally back home in Ireland after years of traveling, Aidan Gallagher possesses an uncommon understanding of his country's haunting myths. Although he's devoted to managing the family pub, a hint of wildness still glints in his stormy eyes--and in Jude, he sees a woman who can both soothe his heart and stir his blood. And he begins to share the legends of the land with her--while they create a passionate history of their own...

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Fiction, Fantasy, Contemporary, Paranormal, Ireland

347 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published November 1, 1999

About the author

Nora Roberts is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than 200 novels, including Hideaway, Under Currents, Come Sundown, The Awakening, Legacy, and coming in November 2021 -- The Becoming -- the second book in The Dragon Heart Legacy. She is also the author of the futuristic suspense In Death series written under the pen name J.D. Robb. There are more than 500 million copies of her books in print.

Reviews

[Sasha Alsberg · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my very first Nora Roberts book and I enjoyed it! I love the concept of it having Celtic folklore in it (and fairy princes). I also really liked the main character, Jude, she had such great character development throughout the novel! The way she thought was so much fun to read and I relate to her in many ways.
Aiden, the romantic interest, I liked him at first but was disappointed that he just wanted to lust over her at the beginning/middle of the novel. I thought he would be more intellectual and would be interested in her for her mind and their shared love for folklore (where there was but not the main drive they had for their romance). I love books about romance, I just expected more from the romance in this one. I want to read a romance where the main characters aren't just driven by sex the whole novel but be able to relate to each other on another level, or else it doesn't seem convincing. (Although sometimes I do want to read a sexy sexy book with just sexiness in it)
My expectations for this book were fit more for a novel that was clearly focused on folklore and the history behind it. I thought Aiden would be more of a deeper character but I mainly got the feeling that he was a sex driven man. I loved the sexy times in this book but was just let down by how to romance progressed. Aiden really didn't get redeemed for me until the very end. I felt like that was a bit too late. I WANTED TO LIKE HIM MORE!
What made up for what Aiden lacked was the other characters. They were rich and so colorfully brought out on the page. I also adored the setting of the novel and how Nora Roberts describes the landscape and setting of Ireland (MAKES ME WANT TO GO THERE!)
I also loved the underlying storyline of the Fairy prince and his love who had been waiting for him for 300 years, cursed by him to walk the lands until she would be released from her endless mourning.
3.5/5 stars!!!

[Maureen · Rating 3 out of 5]

** 3.5 stars **

[Maria Clara · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/Leer a la Roberts siempre es un placer y, aunque está historia me ha gustado, se nota que es antigua; tanto en la trama como en su pluma. Sin embargo, Nora sabe cómo enganchar al lector.

[Mai · Rating 1 out of 5]

Talk about rose tinted glasses! This woman can't weave a decent plot to save her life, she just keeps spewing out this tired old read-on-an-airplane-then-bin-it-while-feeling-slightly-dirty formula. This series really takes the biscuit, the cake and hogs all the crisps when it comes to ridiculous over romanticising of Ireland. Ardmore is a nice place to visit but the airy fairy "Oh, look at the leprechauns, Seamus" crap described in this book doesn't even come close. Why the hell do non-Irish authors persist in drooling all over us with this saccharine bull? For God's sake, research, then write! I wish there was someway I could give this book no stars.

[Phrynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nora Roberts can always be counted on to make me cry happy tears at some point in every book she writes and this one was no exception. Maybe her books are little bit formulaic and her characters are interchangeable, but she writes them all so brilliantly that each one seems original when you are reading it.

In Jewels of the Sun American Jude Murray and Irishman Aidan Gallagher reminded me very much of Eve Dallas and Roarke, and that is not a bad thing! The Irish setting was delightful, the characters were good fun, and I enjoyed the traditional Irish folk tales which were a strong feature of the whole story.

Five stars for good, honest, well written entertainment.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two years after her divorce and dissatisfied with her life, Jude Murray quit her teaching job and left Chicago, heading for Ireland and the original home of her grandmother. Staying in Faerie Hill Cottage, the little cottage which was said to be haunted by a three hundred year old ghost called Lady Gwen who was waiting for her lover to return, Jude thought she'd be uneasy with the situation. But it wasn't long before she was friends with the lovely Brenna O'Toole and Darcy Gallagher, both delightful women. It was Aiden Gallagher, owner of the local pub, who made her heart flutter...

As Jude set to writing of the legends and fables of Ireland, she knew in her heart this was what she wanted to do. But with only six months in Ireland, she wasn't sure what her future would be. Aiden told her stories of Ireland from long ago, and he was a lovely man with it. But would he be in Jude's future?

Jewels of the Sun is the 1st in the Gallaghers of Ardmore trilogy by the prolific Nora Roberts and I enjoyed it very much. It was good seeing how Jude gradually gained her courage and strength, the tenacity to be herself, as we move through the book. I found the Irish characters fun, sometimes laugh out loud amusing, and am looking forward to #2 soon. Recommended.

[Marisa Sauco · Rating 4 out of 5]

Devorado y disfrutado. ❤

[Jazzypom · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yeah, as a Brit, I'm going to say this: I am ambivalent when American writers write about Europe, especially the lands of their blessed ancestors. Nora Roberts is probably one of the reasons why, because her romanticism, blatant sentiment of Ireland gives me the heebie jeebies. The musical quality of the accents (check), the supposed magic that lies 'neath every knoll, the air charged with the hum of the good people, and everyone is either kissing a blarney stone or drinking the blessed Guiness. I do remember reading that Ms Roberts went to Ireland as an adult, and it was the home of her ancestors, and thus began her literary love affair with Ireland.

So Jude (Nora's female prototype no. 1 - the timid, mousy type, waiting to be bolstered by the Tomboy type, or the strictly a female type) comes to Ireland, licking the wounds from a marriage gone flat, a teaching career that doesn't have her heart in it, and an unhappy family (interesting in it's own way). She meets Aiden, who's back from a spell abroad, and her being there on the emerald Isle stirs the spirits of the faieres.

You see, long ago, the good folk walked alongside of men, and the Prince of the fairies fell in love with a mortal woman. But alas, his pride made him hold his tongue, and so he sought to show his feelings through precious stones, and thrice he was rejected. The only way these two lovers can be together is if the Gallaghers (two sons and a girl) find their loves on the isle, and pledge their troth, so to speak.

This story is fairly straight forward, and I rather liked the cheerful town. I didn't really like Jude much, and her metamorphosis (from timid to bold - sort of) didn't move me at all, and when she got mad at Aiden because he (understandably) got her passive aggressive signals mixed up, I wondered if he'd have the stones to dump her and get with me instead. I'd be your black Kate Moss tonight, Aiden.

Oh well.

[Marcie pollack · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this trilogy for the first a few years ago and fell in love with all the characters and their stories. Nora Roberts has a magical touch that draws the reader in and makes them feel involved with the lives of the characters in her stories. I waited to read these after they were all out and read them one right after the other. When I was done with the third book I was slightly saddened to know I would not be involved with the lives of Jude and Aiden, Brenna and Sean, and Darcy and Trevor. They became like friends and I could wait to see what they were up to next.

The idea of using a folklore story about the Faerie Prince "Carrick" and his unfortunate attempts at winning the heart and hand of the human he fell for "Lady Gwen" was great. Carrick's mistakes build the foundations for the three stories and makes it a very beautiful tale. It is pretty much a given who the major players will be, but the way they go about falling in love with each other, the mistakes they make even with the ghosts and faeries meddling to keep them on track makes these stories very refreshing. I loved being able to loose myself in the books not having to think and just enjoy the tales and heartfelt romance. They are a nice change from typical romance story! I hope one day Nora brings these couples back for some new stories.

I just recently re-read these stories and fell in love all over again!

[TL *Humaning the Best She Can* · Rating 5 out of 5]

(Actually 334 pages, with preview of book two after)



Nora Roberts does it again! beautiful, almost musical language.. weaving everything into a picture you can't help fall in love with. I laughed, cried a bit, and raged with them.

I really felt at home with these people and this setting. I want to fly to Ireland now and sit in Gallagher's pub and have a pint.. .chat with everyone, watch the occasional fight ;-).

I'm gushing yes :-P But this novel was just so wonderful for me, exactly why I love her writing so much sometimes.

Jude and Aidan were two stubborn but good-hearted souls who found their way to each other. The journey isn't smooth at all, they have their fights/squabbles... it was alot of fun to watch.

There were a couple times I wanted to smack Aidan upside the head for certain things and I actually commended Jude on one occasion, if I was there I would have bought her a drink :).



Jude flees Chicago for a 'break' of sorts for six months in her relative's cottage in Ireland. Her grandmother is convince she'll find herself there in six months, Jude's not so sure of that.

Not to overuse the word but I loved watching Jude growing more confident and comfortable in herself. I was proud of her when she decided to go after her dream despite the doubts nagging at her.

Aidan Gallagher, wow... I fell for that man and his family from the get go. *My nerd side showing, Darcy kept popping up in my head as Darcy Lewis sometimes haha* It's hard to describe completely, but I admire their loyalty to each other and their friends, the musical talent, and the seemingly boundless energy from Darcy (I need to bottle that for myself) sometimes.

His attempts to woo Jude were sweet, even if he went about it the wrong way a couple times.

The ending, I was crying happy tears, I'll just say that... one of the most romantic things I've read in awhile.



Yup, that was me :)

Would highly recommend! *waves* Happy reading!

Now here's some Ireland spam... I need to go there someday dangit!

[*CJ* · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I’m lost in love with you. I think I was the moment I saw you, maybe somehow before I ever did. You’re it for me. There was never one before, there’ll never be another after.”

"Jewels of the Sun" is the story of Jude and Aiden.

I LOVED THIS SO MUCH!! What a GREAT book. I need to laugh and cry and sing all at once. So full of emotions..

*Deep breath*

In this book, a lost heroine gives up everything she has ever known and escapes by travelling to Ireland, and find happiness, as her grandmother had always suggested. There, she is enchanted by the beauty and serenity of the place, learns about magic and folklore, meets ghosts, makes friends for life and discovers the true meaning of introspection and finding one-self, all the while falling in love with the charming Irish bar owner Aiden.
The book has so much to adore- so many breathtaking scenes- from the hero gifting the heroine a puppy, to the heroine understanding girl friendships; from the vividly heartbreaking tales of the past, to the yearnings of the present; from passionate lovemaking to fights, heartbreak, groveling, swoon-worthy confessions and a HEA. I also loved the instances when the heroine finds herself, where her awkwardness meets her inner strength, her finally giving into her secret passions- and how the hero was sweet, caring and possessive at the same time, while being sexy and charming. The sex scenes were so GOOD!

I cannot find one negative thing about this book. One of the best things I've ever read.

I cannot wait to read about Sawyer and Darcy. Rooting for you, my estranged ghostly soulmates.

Safe
5/5

[Sol (unlibroparamii) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Siempre me cuesta un poco calificar los libros de esta autora porque lo que me pasa es que hay cosas que me gustan mucho, como los personajes y las ambientaciones y otras que no como por ejemplo los eternos relatos de los protagonistas y todas las descripciones que hacen por hojas, como que se hace un poco repetitivo el relato. Es una cuestión de estilo de la autora que a mi por momentos me aburre un poco.
El libro me gustó, repito, me encanta las ambientaciones, los lugares que elige esta autora para contar sus historias y como sus personajes encajan perfecto en ese contexto, pero no me mató y creo que para continuar con la serie voy a esperar un poquito.
Confieso que estoy pasando un momento con la lectura en donde nada me esta enganchando demasiado...

[Randall Yelverton · Rating 1 out of 5]

Should explain why I read this. While pursuing my Library Science degree, I took a reader's advisory class where we sampled books from across various genres. I was assigned this novel for the romance section. This novel was objectively horrible. The worst novel I have ever read from cover to cover. Main character is supposed to be empowered heroine but is actually a ninny. Use of metaphor akin to high school poetry. How Roberts has reached such heights of popularity is a wonder. Make mine Austen.

[Alba Turunen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3’5 Estrellas, pero le bajo a tres porque el protagonista, pese a tener su encanto y su labia ha sido bastante cabezón hasta el final, y me alegro de cómo lo ha tratado ella. Hacía algún tiempo que no leía algo de Nora Roberts, y ésta vez le ha tocado a la trilogía Irlandesa.

Las últimas series que he leído de Nora Roberts deben de pertenecer a una época concreta de su trayectoria literaria, todas trilogías con un breve toque paranormal, ya sea algo de brujería, fantasmas o casas encantadas. En ésta trilogía ambientada en Irlanda, tenemos la historia de un fantasma, atrapada en una casa, que se enamoró de un príncipe de las hadas, y él no le correspondió como debía. Ahora él languidece y solo podrá llegar a ella hasta que tres parejas predestinadas se juren amor eterno.

“Joyas del Sol” es el primer libro de ésta trilogía, y sus protagonistas son Jude y Aidan. Jude es una mujer de Chicago pero de ascendencia irlandesa; su vida personal y profesional está en un bucle un tanto depresivo y necesita un cambio de aires. Tras una carrera profesional mediocre y que no la aporta nada, y un traumático divorcio con un hombre que no la quería, su vida está hecha añicos. Así que Jude decide tomarse un tiempo sabático, hacer las maletas y largarse a Irlanda, a la casa donde vivió su abuela de niña, en el pequeño pueblo costero de Ardmore.

En seguida Jude se enamora de Irlanda, la tierra de sus antepasados, de sus gentes, de su naturaleza, de su pueblo y de su nueva casa. En Irlanda espera que su vida mejore, o al menos encontrar la inspiración suficiente para cumplir uno de sus mayores sueños: escribir un libro.

Aidan Gallagher, y sus hermanos menores, Shawn y Darcy, regentan el pub del pueblo. Durante su juventud, Aidan fue un trotamundos, un hombre que quiso saber y conocer de todo cuanto lo rodeaba, hasta que se instalase definitivamente en su tierra. Aidan ama profundamente Irlanda, le encanta su trabajo y negocio familiar, y es un magnífico cuentacuentos. La noche en que Jude llega a la taberna Gallagher, todo se desmorona en la vida de Aidan; se siente atraído por la prima norteamericana, y no duda en ningún momento en ayudarla en su trabajo de investigación para que pueda escribir su libro.

A medida que vayan pasado las semanas y los meses, la relación de Jude y Aidan irá afianzándose cada vez más, y el lector se dará cuenta de que están hechos el uno para el otro. Pero como en toda historia romántica ¿Qué escollo puede haber entre ellos? Jude lo ha pasado muy mal en el terreno amoroso, y no entraba en sus planes volver a enamorarse, o convertirse en el pelele de un hombre, quiere ser ella misma, tomar sus propias decisiones y la delantera, sin que un hombre mande sobre su vida. Pero ¿Y Aidan? ¿Será digno de amarla?

Como historia de Nora Roberts no decepciona, está muy bien llevaba, es fresca, es divertida; pero no es su libro que más me ha gustado. “Joyas del Sol” es un libro interesante que te hace enamorarte de Irlanda, y que demuestra todo lo que le gusta a la autora ésa tierra. Sus protagonistas son atractivos, y una vez conoces la historia de Carrick, el príncipe de las hadas, y del fantasma de Lady Gwen, en seguida sabrás quiénes son las siguientes parejas; por mi parte, creo que ha quedado bastante claro que entre Shawn y Brenna habrá algo en el siguiente libro, pero de Darcy aún no tengo mucha idea. Quizás ha sido Darcy quien menos me ha llamado la atención, no es un personaje demasiado creíble, me ha parecido una caricatura de mujer, con intención de hacer la gracia, pero sin conseguirlo, me parece que a Nora Roberts le va a costar hacerla cambiar si quiere que me guste en su libro.

De nuevo, ha sido un placer volver a leer a Nora Roberts, y no tardaré en continuar leyendo ésta serie en un futuro próximo.

[Whisper19 · Rating 1 out of 5]

I just finished reading Jewels of the Sun by Nora Roberts with my two reading buddies from the “Two Neurons or Less” book club, and let me tell you, two neurons were too much for this one. Because it seems to me that Nora didn’t use that many when writing this.

1.5/5
reasons for 1star rating:

- idiotic main character
- creepy, rapey love interest that believes that after a woman says no to a marriage proposal (of sorts, he LITERALLY told her “I need a wife”) all she needs is some persuasion. (hello Mr Collins from P&P)


-idiotic side characters (one of who actually takes main character’s shoes off her feet to try them on. just NO)

- random supernatural elements
- the fact that a professor of psychology is writing a scientific article about stories preserved in oral tradition of a random village in Ireland.


- the fact that Robers uses the word “female” 24 times in a 360page novel. TWENTY FOUR! examples of which are too good not to put here:

“She felt marvelously weak and female.”
*
“Then she opened the cream she’d bought in Dublin and slathered herself in it. It never failed
to make her feel female.”
*
“The house smelled female.”
*
“She looked up, her face stunning and filled with sheer female delight.”
*
“Torn between yet another layer of shock and a wave of pure female amusement that she wasn’t the least bit proud of.”
*
“he makes me feel something I’ve never felt before. Outrageously and completely female.”
*
“the nerves that jumped in her belly were tangled with excitement, then swallowed by pure female delight” (is this similar to Turkish delight? does it come in rose flavour?)
*
“I love when you do that because it makes me feel all female and fluttery.”


- mindboggling metaphors and descriptions: “The, as soon as she realized her mistake, the heavy skies burst open, as if a giant hand had plunged a knife into their heart.”

The reason the rating is 1.5:

- the main love interest gets punched in the crotch


All in all this was a horrible book. I recommend it to no-one.

[Bithi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the myth on which the story is based as much as the story itself. This is a truly magical story of love.

[Abril Sol · Rating 2 out of 5]

And this is why I don't read adult romance.... This was just lame. The whole story made no sense, the characters, oh boy!, the characters.I can't believe how different Nora's writing style is when she writes under the J.D. Robb penname. I'm telling you, I don't like Nora, I'll just remain faithfull to J.D.'s novels.

[Cyndi · Rating 4 out of 5]

For these books we are in an adorable wee town in Ireland. Three hundred years ago a fairy prince fell in love with a beautiful woman. Now three couples have to break the curse on them by finding their own true love.

[Ana María · Rating 2 out of 5]

Jude es una psicóloga de ascendencia irlandesa que vive en Chicago en un ambiente académico opresivo y estructurado. Luego de divorciarse tiene una crisis existencial en la que siente que siempre hizo lo que se esperaba de ella y se plantea que no sabe qué quiere de su vida. Para descubrirlo, decide ir al pueblo de Irlanda de donde procede su abuela y reflexionar. Se instala en la casa de una prima fallecida en la que vive el fantasma de Lady Gwen, que permanece en este mundo por una maldición del príncipe de las hadas, Garrick. Resulta que, si bien estaba enamorada de Garrick (y él de ella), no acepta su propuesta de huir con él y elige quedarse con los humanos a "hacer lo que se espera de ella" (casarse con un humano, tener hijos, etc. etc.).
Jude se instala y en el pub del pueblo conoce a Aidan, el dueño, un irlandés buenorro sin demasiada historia que la acosa bastante, en mi opinión. En definitiva pasa lo que tiene que pasar.
El conflicto de la pareja, básicamente, es el mismo que tuvo Lady Gwen con Garrick. Digamos que va por el lado de saber expresar los sentimientos.
Y bueno, Jude descubre que la humilde vida de un pueblo, en que los vecinos se visitan sin avisar, trajendo comida, haciendo amigas metiches, arreglando el jardín, cocinado galletas, recopilando leyendas irlandesas, etc. etc. es lo que le va.
Queda por arreglar el tema con Aidan. Bastante escenas hot, Jude se conecta bastante con Garrick y....
Me resultó una de las novelas más aburridas que he leído ultimamente.
No sentí que pasara nada. Y eso no lo considero nadismo. Es que simplemente no pasa nada.
Que una heladera rota, que aprender a hacer la colada, que juntada de chicas, que el perro del vecino, que hacer galletas, que los vecinos metidos, etc. etc.
Como es una trilogía, el asuntito de amor paranormal no se resuelve en este libro. Y, como no seguiré con la saga (Dios me libre), supongo que en el último libro Lady Gwen y Garrick arreglarán sus problemas de comunicación y vivirán felices por toda la eternidad.

[Jacob Proffitt · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've started to pre-judge Nora Roberts novels by decade. So far, that's been a reasonable predictor of my enjoyment of her novels. This one was originally published in 1999—on the cusp of her “reliably good, occasionally outstanding” period. And it is, in fact, reliably good.

While I have a kind of reflexive fondness for a Celtic background, I haven't found that it automatically enhances my enjoyment of a story. So while the presence of Ireland as almost a supporting character of the novel was interesting, it turned out to be less of a draw than I think Roberts intended. Her Ireland is a little too... ideal, maybe? in its pastoral perfection. The inconveniences never matter and the tight-knit community never intrudes except when it's charming—people seem always to be the best version of the applicable stereotype.

Which isn't to say that I didn't like Jude and Aidan. Jude was tediously un-self-aware about her “life” in Chicago, but that was at the heart of her character arc and didn't persist beyond reason. And Aidan's uncharacteristic bungling in the critical moment was completely understandable even as it was charmingly frustrating. The combination of their unfortunate weaknesses came to resolution beautifully, in the end, and without feeling in any way forced. In the end, the novel was satisfying without quite rising to the level of outstanding.

A note about Steamy: There were a few explicit scenes in the book and they were steamy enough to warrant the tag. The book has, above that, some of the best kissing scenes I've ever read. And without progressing any further than that, either. Very well-done. And appreciated...

[Juliana Philippa · Rating 5 out of 5]

(4.5 stars) Jewels of the Sun was an absolutely fantastic read. This is the first Nora Roberts book I've read, since I've always preferred historical romance over contemporary and have tended to avoid Nora Roberts and Danielle Steel like the plague. I'm so glad I decided to read this book - I had actually been in the library about to return it unread, when I started reading it and decided to give it a try.

A definite reread for me with absolutely wonderful main characters (give me an Irishman like Aidan any day! lol) and a great supporting cast. I've already requested from the library the second book in the series, which features Aidan's brother Shawn as the hero and Jude's friend Brenna as the heroine (can't wait!).

This book was a solid 4.5 stars up until about the last 3-4 pages ... my rating at this point seriously wavered and I almost lowered it to a 4, because the corniness of that last scene was almost nauseating for me and after not having encountered any of that mushiness that I so detest in the rest of the book, it took me completely by surprise and kind of soured the ending a little for me.

Also note: this does have a light paranormal aspect and though I'm not a paranormal romance fan, don't be turned off by this, since the book is definitely a jewel (no pun intended) and not to be missed.

[Nina Draganova · Rating 5 out of 5]

Безспорен майстор е авторката. Спомням си , как изкупувах всичките й книги през 90-те. Бях преляла от такива книги. Някъде четох , че тази сага е много хубава и реших да си я припомня. Нищо не си спомням . Приятна е за разпускане. Това , което не харесвам при американските авторки е , че всичко е най най , нереалистично и прекалено.

[Lexy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought that this book was good

[Alex is The Romance Fox · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have loved the books written by Nora Roberts and for me, she’s my ultimate romance author – in fact, she holds the largest number of books I have read by any author. Her stories are wonderful, filled with romance, love and engaging characters. Since the late 80’s I have journeyed in the worlds and characters she has created.

One of my all-time favorites is the Gallaghers of Ardmore Trilogy. Set in Ireland, with a blend of modern-time and fae fantasy, it’s a story filled with romance, love, family and friendship.
The Gallagher siblings, Aiden, Shawn & Darcy have to find their true loves as this is the only way Carrick, Prince of the Faeries, can reunite with his lost love for the last 300 years, Lady Gwen.

The settings are so vivid – I could feel the beauty and quiet serenity, the laughter, the music, the legends and stories, the harmony between the land, sea and sky. The lush green hill, with a sprinkle of fairy dust has one believing that magic exists here.

Jewels of the Sun is the 1st book and tells the story of Aiden, the eldest sibling runs Gallaghers, the family pub in the village, who after spending some years travelling the world, has return to the place he feels and calls home.

Jude Murray has come to Ireland after going through a divorce and giving up her job as a professor of psychology, and is staying at her late great-aunt’s cottage, Faerie Hill Cottage just outside the village. She wants to be alone and finds it a bit difficult to handle all the friendly and helpful people of the village, especially Aiden, who she feels an unexplainable attraction to.
She discovers the magic of the people and their stories, makes new friends, and slowly begins to see how empty her life had been before.

With a little help from Carrick, Aiden & Jude find each other, after some really awesome happenings.

I loved the build-up in their relationship…so sweet and lovely. Also seeing Jude’s world being transformed from cold and organized to loving and caring.

The secondary characters are stunning – Brenna…what a fabulous woman..and Darcy….Shawn…I couldn’t wait for the next book.

Oh, I have read this series so many times…..and each time love it just as much if not more than the first time. Yes, it’s filled with clichés and perhaps some readers may feel it’s a bit over the top…but for me….i read romance to escape, to enter a different world to mine….and the Gallaghers’ world is certainly that.

[C. (Comment, never msg). · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am romantic but not a romance reader. I am used to mystery or an exhilarating quest furnishing the axis to stories. Imagine: my enjoyment reached five stars! This authoress has published two-hundred-and-sixteen times. I doubted those could be any good but I love my first Nora Robert's book! Hurling despair into a story is its own cliché. "Jewels Of The Sun" shimmers by being a pleasurable journey, a refreshing change. Ireland was dreamlike, I myself cherish tending flowers, and the Irish swearing was hilarious. I tried it for the ghost, even though her appearances are rare in this story. There are goals to overcome but this novel doesn't have us twisting with discomfort.

Jude, from Chicago, USA, accepted a handy career and relationship in her milieu; dubious her parents would understand leaping for dreams. I am doing that. You should see people's faces when they ask the habitual: "Where do you work"? "I'm home, making my dream come true"! Readers who expect fictional strife might undervalue momentous turning points: Jude allowing herself to write inventively. To eventually ask an agent if they would like to read it, was climactic! I was moved emotionally when Jude gratefully discovered she had underestimated her parents.

The other part that warmed me very deeply was the delight I took, along with Jude, in appreciating she had girls with whom to laugh, over an evening. It's rare after thirty to spend the night and breakfast together. I treasure silly home visits with friends. A little advice was included when Jude mailed her manuscript that I take to heart: not fretting over the results but letting the news arrive when it is ready. If it is not an acceptance, just go ahead and make changes to your work until someone is keen to publish it.

[Nikoleta L. · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked absolutely nothing about this book. There was one moment when I thought I might enjoy the Irish countryside, but no.
Disliked the characters. Every single one of them. Some I disliked because they were annoying (MC), some because they were rapey (love interest), and some because no effort was put into them (Darcy, Mollie, Brenna…).
Why, oh why did you give it two stars then??? I don’t effing know!!! It just isn’t one-star bad. I can’t explain it.

[HippieWitch · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always Nora writes such beautiful romantic stories. I wanna go to Ireland one day and experience the beauty it offers. I want to go to the small towns and not the big city’s. This was a cute read. Recommend if you like romance novels

[Heather myfriendsdontread · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you loved the movie “Leap Year” with Amy Adams and if you’re interested in reading a comforting romance book set in Ireland that feels like a hug - this is absolutely wonderful.

Jude moves to a small town in Ireland for 6 months to get space and find herself after her husband had an affair and left her just 6 months after they got married. She had also quit her job that she hated and is looking for her purpose and direction in life.

While there she meets Aiden, the owner and bartender at the local pub and the two of them fall in love with each other.

This book is incredibly cozy and comforting with detailed descriptions of the landscape, tons of Irish accents and phrases, myths and legends told to her throughout the book, and completely adorable banter and flirting.

This felt so comforting and satisfying to read and now I want to read exclusively Irish romance novels.

A few things to note:

#1 - This is a character driven book. Don’t expect lots of action or for it to be plot driven.

And #2 - I would not consider this to be a spicy book. You won’t find super detailed or graphic scenes in this book. It’s a 1/5 on my spicy scale, which means it’s not fade to black, but it’s very tame. There is little to no detail.

Read this book for the vibes, not for the spice!

#3 - It’s written in third person which I normally don’t like, but I loved this book so much that I didn’t even notice that.

I hope you read this and enjoy it ! I’m now officially a Nora Roberts fan 😍

[Liza Wiemer]

A wonderful romance by the brilliant Nora Roberts. Get swept away!

[SnooRegrets · Rating 5 out of 5]

Re-read, still giving five nostalgia stars.

I just always like this couple. I read this one at least fifteen year ago and loved. I still really, really enjoyed it and can ignore a few points that weren‘t as convincingly done.
Jude isn‘t exactly my kind of character in the beginning, although I do love her „eat-pray-love“ character development. She is neurotic and stiff and has very little self esteem. It was great that not only Aidan was the cause for her change to a freier, braver Person, but also the two new girlfriends she found in Ardmore.
Everyone who knows me, also knows that I am a sucker for well done female friendships and Nora Roberts has quite a few books that show how important those are.

Aidan was a charming, poetic bar owner I simply like although he is kind of a blockhead towards the end. This was one of the things that annoyed me a little in this re-read since every local idiot could see connection between the stories and especially what went wrong in the end. Duh.

The book has a charming, fairytale like atmosphere, sometimes too sugary sweet, but still enjoyable. One would wish there still places like that out in the world, but I am pretty sure the author rather exaggerated her view of Ardmore.

I just like Nora Roberts stories, the lack of woman shaming, almost no other woman drama, rarely douchebag heroes. Especially her „romance only“ books are just so fluffy, cute and sweet reads.