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Gallaghers of Ardmore #2
Tears of the Moon
A talented songwriter, Shawn Gallagher spends his days lost in reverie and wonder, oblivious to the wiles of women and the ways of the world. He claims that he's content with his life, but his music tells a different story—one of loneliness and desperate longing…
No one understands why Shawn doesn't put his musical gift to profitable use—least of all Brenna O'Toole, a fiercely independent tomboy who has been secretly in love with him for years. But it is only when Shawn gives in to the mysteries of magic that he gets the chance to fulfill his destiny as a man and a musician—as the song in his head keeps time with the beating of a woman's heart…
No one understands why Shawn doesn't put his musical gift to profitable use—least of all Brenna O'Toole, a fiercely independent tomboy who has been secretly in love with him for years. But it is only when Shawn gives in to the mysteries of magic that he gets the chance to fulfill his destiny as a man and a musician—as the song in his head keeps time with the beating of a woman's heart…
346 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1999
1671 people are currently reading
8252 people want to read
About the author
Nora Roberts
1,209 books59.7k followersNora 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 988 reviews
July 12, 2023
Second in the trilogy and just as beautiful and entertaining as the first. In fact this one is probably more entertaining since there is a whole lot of humour in the constant bickering between the characters and the outrageous fights.
The author chooses to make a match between Sean Gallagher, younger brother, chef by trade, songwriter by choice and a dreamer, and Brenna O'Toole, a childhood friend, hands on partner in her father's building business and the most practical girl ever. Things are obviously never going to run smoothly between these two, but can love win anyway?
Nora Roberts performs her usual magic, setting a beautiful scene, including Irish folktales and fairies, and writing a great story, fun characters and excellent dialogue. Five stars again. Now on to the third book!
The author chooses to make a match between Sean Gallagher, younger brother, chef by trade, songwriter by choice and a dreamer, and Brenna O'Toole, a childhood friend, hands on partner in her father's building business and the most practical girl ever. Things are obviously never going to run smoothly between these two, but can love win anyway?
Nora Roberts performs her usual magic, setting a beautiful scene, including Irish folktales and fairies, and writing a great story, fun characters and excellent dialogue. Five stars again. Now on to the third book!
August 22, 2019
2 Estrellas y siento no poder darle más, pero este libro no me ha gustado, no ha sido lo que esperaba, y si no le pongo menos es porque es de Nora Roberts y puede leerse y disfrutarse como todos sus libros. Simplemente éste libro no me ha llegado como otros suyos.
El primer libro de la serie “Joyas del Sol” sí que me gustó. Me gustó que ésta trilogía se ambientara en un pequeño pueblo en la costa de Irlanda, que los protagonistas fuesen unos sencillos dueños del pub; y como en muchas trilogías de Nora Roberts, que tuviese una pequeña historia paranormal con el fantasma de Lady Gwen y Carrick, el príncipe de las hadas. Según cuenta la leyenda, tres historias de amor verdadero podrán darles a estos últimos su segunda oportunidad, de modo que de esto va la trilogía.
En “Lágrimas de la luna” tenemos la historia puramente irlandesa, con unos protagonistas que son irlandeses de pura cepa. Shawn es el mediano de los hermano Gallagher, el cocinero del pub, que en sus ratos libres disfruta componiendo música; también es un solitario, algo terco, pero disfruta con su vida sencilla y no ha necesitado salir de Ardmore como sí hicieron sus hermanos. La protagonista es Brenna O’Toole, la joven pelirroja que conocimos en el anterior libro y tan atípica por eso de que Nora Roberts nos la ha querido presentar tan masculina: es mecánica y te hace todo tipo de chapuzas junto con su padre. Brenna es el prototipo de protagonista femenina marimacho que no sabe sacarse partido y que tampoco sabe ser femenina; y aún así oculta un secreto: ha estado toda la vida enamorada de Shawn.
Por tanto tenemos una historia de las de amigos desde siempre, pero que en algún momento se dan cuenta de que están enamorados. Vale, a mí sencillamente no me ha servido, porque he visto más un instalove en ésta historia que otra cosa. Shawn veía a Brenna como una amiga, una hermana, nunca se había parado a preguntarse si era guapa bajo esas pintas de marimacho o si realmente le gustaba algo de ella, y apenas se da cuenta de que la desea hasta que ella se lanza en sus brazos ¿Por qué decide Brenna, tras toda la vida enamorada de él lanzarse a sus brazos? Primero porque piensa que acostándose con él podrá olvidarlo y seguir con su vida, y segundo, porque su jovencísima hermana pequeña está locamente enamorada de él y así no se le adelanta. Siento si soy cruel, pero así es como lo presenta la historia.
Sinceramente, la historia me ha decepcionado mucho, porque no me ha gustado el romance, ni me ha convencido, y no he podido con los personajes femeninos de éste libro, salvo con Jude; Jude sí me gustó en su historia. Pero Brenna y Darcy me están causando semejante rechazo que temo al libro de Darcy (y está esperando en la estantería, que quizás cometí la imprudencia de comprarlo). El motivo de que me causen rechazo es que no me las creo, son personajes de chiste, son histéricas, son exageradas, son histriónicas, no puedo con gente así; Brenna es el cliché de marimacho y metomentodo, y Darcy me apena decirlo pero me parece un putón verbenero, está a la espera de encontrar un hombre rico para que mantenga su fabuloso estilo de vida y la saque de ése pueblucho vulgar. Lo siento, pero ésa actitud no va conmigo.
Lo he acabado porque es de la señora Roberts, y ya que tengo el libro de Darcy esperando tendré que darle una oportunidad. Sí me ha dejado intrigada lo que pasará con Carrick y Lady Gwen, a la vez que le venida al pueblo del señor Magee y ése teatro al que se ha comprometido con los Gallagher, y apuesto que el tal Magee es el rico productor teatral que encandilará a Darcy por sus muchos millones: sinceramente ¡Qué pena!
El primer libro de la serie “Joyas del Sol” sí que me gustó. Me gustó que ésta trilogía se ambientara en un pequeño pueblo en la costa de Irlanda, que los protagonistas fuesen unos sencillos dueños del pub; y como en muchas trilogías de Nora Roberts, que tuviese una pequeña historia paranormal con el fantasma de Lady Gwen y Carrick, el príncipe de las hadas. Según cuenta la leyenda, tres historias de amor verdadero podrán darles a estos últimos su segunda oportunidad, de modo que de esto va la trilogía.
En “Lágrimas de la luna” tenemos la historia puramente irlandesa, con unos protagonistas que son irlandeses de pura cepa. Shawn es el mediano de los hermano Gallagher, el cocinero del pub, que en sus ratos libres disfruta componiendo música; también es un solitario, algo terco, pero disfruta con su vida sencilla y no ha necesitado salir de Ardmore como sí hicieron sus hermanos. La protagonista es Brenna O’Toole, la joven pelirroja que conocimos en el anterior libro y tan atípica por eso de que Nora Roberts nos la ha querido presentar tan masculina: es mecánica y te hace todo tipo de chapuzas junto con su padre. Brenna es el prototipo de protagonista femenina marimacho que no sabe sacarse partido y que tampoco sabe ser femenina; y aún así oculta un secreto: ha estado toda la vida enamorada de Shawn.
Por tanto tenemos una historia de las de amigos desde siempre, pero que en algún momento se dan cuenta de que están enamorados. Vale, a mí sencillamente no me ha servido, porque he visto más un instalove en ésta historia que otra cosa. Shawn veía a Brenna como una amiga, una hermana, nunca se había parado a preguntarse si era guapa bajo esas pintas de marimacho o si realmente le gustaba algo de ella, y apenas se da cuenta de que la desea hasta que ella se lanza en sus brazos ¿Por qué decide Brenna, tras toda la vida enamorada de él lanzarse a sus brazos? Primero porque piensa que acostándose con él podrá olvidarlo y seguir con su vida, y segundo, porque su jovencísima hermana pequeña está locamente enamorada de él y así no se le adelanta. Siento si soy cruel, pero así es como lo presenta la historia.
Sinceramente, la historia me ha decepcionado mucho, porque no me ha gustado el romance, ni me ha convencido, y no he podido con los personajes femeninos de éste libro, salvo con Jude; Jude sí me gustó en su historia. Pero Brenna y Darcy me están causando semejante rechazo que temo al libro de Darcy (y está esperando en la estantería, que quizás cometí la imprudencia de comprarlo). El motivo de que me causen rechazo es que no me las creo, son personajes de chiste, son histéricas, son exageradas, son histriónicas, no puedo con gente así; Brenna es el cliché de marimacho y metomentodo, y Darcy me apena decirlo pero me parece un putón verbenero, está a la espera de encontrar un hombre rico para que mantenga su fabuloso estilo de vida y la saque de ése pueblucho vulgar. Lo siento, pero ésa actitud no va conmigo.
Lo he acabado porque es de la señora Roberts, y ya que tengo el libro de Darcy esperando tendré que darle una oportunidad. Sí me ha dejado intrigada lo que pasará con Carrick y Lady Gwen, a la vez que le venida al pueblo del señor Magee y ése teatro al que se ha comprometido con los Gallagher, y apuesto que el tal Magee es el rico productor teatral que encandilará a Darcy por sus muchos millones: sinceramente ¡Qué pena!
March 21, 2015
“Ah, kiss me, love, and miss me, love,
and dry your bitter tears. (Irish Pub Song)”
First book Jewels of the Sun, Jude and Aidan's book
Once again, we are drawn into the beauty of Ireland, Gallagher's Pub, and our friends in the Gallagher and O'Toole clans, plus the other quirky people of Ardmore Bay.
Now it's Shawn and Brenna's turn... their journey isn't a smooth one, both are stubborn to a fault. Shaun's a dreamer and does things in his own way and smart as a whip. Brenna's smart as well, fiery, plain-spoken, good with her hands, and practical.
Opposites in every way but also oddly complimenting each other. Each has their own faults but that also makes them more endearing.
It was fun watching them bicker with each other, like watching a tennis match.. made me wish I could have recorded them ;-).
There's a bit of a business deal going on, Trevor Magee wants to build a theater of sorts (not cinema) in Ardmore and has his eye on the land behind Gallagher's Pub. Watching them work the deal and fitness so they get good terms was very wonderful and occasionally amusing to watch. Shaun's part was particularly genius, I was high fiving him the whole way through.
We get a small sense of Magee here, not enough to judge him yet but I'm intrigued to see how he'll be in book three. He seems a good man, and I'm excited for Shawn to see what Magee will think of his music.
Shawn's music is beautiful, passionate, and magical. You don't see much of his lyrics here, but you get a sense of everything through the glimpses in his head... poetic is another word I would use.
"When something comes out of you, it's precious. There was a fear of others finding it wanting. It was safer not to risk it. I was afraid something that mattered to me."
The ending was wonderful, just simply romantic... suited them both well :).
“Ireland is a land of poets and legends, of dreamers and rebels. All of these have music woven through and around them. Tunes for dancing or for weeping, for battle or for love.”
“You don't fix a man the way you do a fault in a pipe or a leak in a roof. You take him as he is, Mary Brenna, or you don't take him at all...adjustments can't be all made on one side, darling, else the balance goes off and what's being built just falls down.”
Would recommend :)
and dry your bitter tears. (Irish Pub Song)”
First book Jewels of the Sun, Jude and Aidan's book
Once again, we are drawn into the beauty of Ireland, Gallagher's Pub, and our friends in the Gallagher and O'Toole clans, plus the other quirky people of Ardmore Bay.
Now it's Shawn and Brenna's turn... their journey isn't a smooth one, both are stubborn to a fault. Shaun's a dreamer and does things in his own way and smart as a whip. Brenna's smart as well, fiery, plain-spoken, good with her hands, and practical.
Opposites in every way but also oddly complimenting each other. Each has their own faults but that also makes them more endearing.
It was fun watching them bicker with each other, like watching a tennis match.. made me wish I could have recorded them ;-).
There's a bit of a business deal going on, Trevor Magee wants to build a theater of sorts (not cinema) in Ardmore and has his eye on the land behind Gallagher's Pub. Watching them work the deal and fitness so they get good terms was very wonderful and occasionally amusing to watch. Shaun's part was particularly genius, I was high fiving him the whole way through.
We get a small sense of Magee here, not enough to judge him yet but I'm intrigued to see how he'll be in book three. He seems a good man, and I'm excited for Shawn to see what Magee will think of his music.
Shawn's music is beautiful, passionate, and magical. You don't see much of his lyrics here, but you get a sense of everything through the glimpses in his head... poetic is another word I would use.
"When something comes out of you, it's precious. There was a fear of others finding it wanting. It was safer not to risk it. I was afraid something that mattered to me."
The ending was wonderful, just simply romantic... suited them both well :).
“Ireland is a land of poets and legends, of dreamers and rebels. All of these have music woven through and around them. Tunes for dancing or for weeping, for battle or for love.”
“You don't fix a man the way you do a fault in a pipe or a leak in a roof. You take him as he is, Mary Brenna, or you don't take him at all...adjustments can't be all made on one side, darling, else the balance goes off and what's being built just falls down.”
Would recommend :)
March 28, 2014
This one... As hard as it may seem, it's even better that Jewels of the Sun. Nora keeps excelling herself. It was so good I finished it in one day. So good, i'll probably re-read... in very short notice.
If Aidan and Jude were cute and flammable... Shawn and Brenna are simply sensational and so flammable it turned out explosive. I mean a dreamer and a doer... They are faded to collide. To complete the mixture add a since-infants friendship. Really, Nora could go wrong, but as her usual way handled it masterly. They are friends... but of course one side wants more than the other.
I'll say ityet again
Nora's books are generally good. I don't get much disapointments (I can't even remember one right now, but I'm sure there were some I didn't quite like) but when I read something like this... Makes me wanna thanks my Mamma all over again for introducing me to Nora. So much I would be missing... So maybe it's not a high call to my intelligence as my Dad would say... Buy Tess? Dracula? Great Expectations? No problem it's alright. But this romance books make just so happy. They are quite a break. I will continue reading them and proud of. You should too.
If Aidan and Jude were cute and flammable... Shawn and Brenna are simply sensational and so flammable it turned out explosive. I mean a dreamer and a doer... They are faded to collide. To complete the mixture add a since-infants friendship. Really, Nora could go wrong, but as her usual way handled it masterly. They are friends... but of course one side wants more than the other.
I'll say it
January 28, 2018
This book is not as good as the previous one of the trilogy. But, I liked it anyway.
January 2, 2024
"Life's a gamble, isn't it? And that's half the fun of living."
This book didn't really catch my attention until the latter half of the story. Not because the writing wasn't spectacular, it always is, but because it didn't hit the same way the first book did. I just adored Jude and Aidan, and as it always seems to be, it was difficult to move on from them into another couple's story.
I just wanted more, even while I was getting more. And I didn't much connect with Brenna the way I did with Jude. I knew that was going to be my struggle going into book two, which helped a bit, and i inevitably fell in love just like I always do.
I don't condone a lot of Brenna's reactions in this story which is why I can't get myself to go above four stars, but that doesn't take away from how special the continuance of this series was. I loved learning more about Shawn, Aidan's brother, and just adored the way he spoke about music and how it all comes to him. I think if the story felt more like his rather than Brenna's, it would have easily hit that 5 star mark for me.
Nonetheless, another wonderful read from Nora Roberts. Will absolutely come back to this series in the future.
This book didn't really catch my attention until the latter half of the story. Not because the writing wasn't spectacular, it always is, but because it didn't hit the same way the first book did. I just adored Jude and Aidan, and as it always seems to be, it was difficult to move on from them into another couple's story.
I just wanted more, even while I was getting more. And I didn't much connect with Brenna the way I did with Jude. I knew that was going to be my struggle going into book two, which helped a bit, and i inevitably fell in love just like I always do.
I don't condone a lot of Brenna's reactions in this story which is why I can't get myself to go above four stars, but that doesn't take away from how special the continuance of this series was. I loved learning more about Shawn, Aidan's brother, and just adored the way he spoke about music and how it all comes to him. I think if the story felt more like his rather than Brenna's, it would have easily hit that 5 star mark for me.
Nonetheless, another wonderful read from Nora Roberts. Will absolutely come back to this series in the future.
July 12, 2025
4/5
It’s the only book by this author (whom I absolutely adore) that I’ve rated less than 5 stars (and I really hope it’s the last).
I loved the chemistry and passion between Brenna and Shawn, and I was just as enchanted by Ireland, with all its stories and fairy tales.
The only reason I lowered my rating was the lack of emotional expression from both of them, and Brenna’s cowardice.
I actually liked her more in the previous book, but here she just seemed to overcomplicate everything....
It’s the only book by this author (whom I absolutely adore) that I’ve rated less than 5 stars (and I really hope it’s the last).
I loved the chemistry and passion between Brenna and Shawn, and I was just as enchanted by Ireland, with all its stories and fairy tales.
The only reason I lowered my rating was the lack of emotional expression from both of them, and Brenna’s cowardice.
I actually liked her more in the previous book, but here she just seemed to overcomplicate everything....
July 31, 2019
3.5 ☀️ RTC. It was a beautiful, cliché but romantic trip to Ireland.
January 20, 2009
I am NOT a big romance fan...but I am a big fan of most things Celtic. I actually read this series a while back - I discovered them in the Honor section of my local library and when I realized the plots took place in Ireland, I decided to borrow them. Like I said, I'm not a big fan of romantic novels, but I have read enough of them to be able to say that this is the only series of the genre that has really stuck with me (except maybe the Three Sisters Island trilogy by the same author). Roberts has an incredible writing style - very beyond the usual fluff and slap and tickle of other romance writers; and I think that's why I've enjoyed many of her stories so much. [She also writes crime/mystery novels under the pseudonym J. D. Robb.:]
I love the way Roberts uses Irish lore and tradition to make these books as magical as the land they take place in. They are love stories, so of course they all end happily - but there's just enough suspense and turmoil and sheer reality in the lives and relationships of the characters to make them believable - and that's her strong suit, I believe. This particular book is my favorite from the trilogy. I'm not exactly sure why, but since the first time I read it I've adored it.
I love the way Roberts uses Irish lore and tradition to make these books as magical as the land they take place in. They are love stories, so of course they all end happily - but there's just enough suspense and turmoil and sheer reality in the lives and relationships of the characters to make them believable - and that's her strong suit, I believe. This particular book is my favorite from the trilogy. I'm not exactly sure why, but since the first time I read it I've adored it.
March 27, 2021
I liked Brenna and Shawn together. I want more of the Fairy Prince Carrick though!
Review posted on Got Fiction? Book Blog
This is the second book in the Gallaghers of Ardmore series and this series is one you’ll want to read all at once. Each book has a character living in Faerie Hill Cottage, this time it’s Shawn. He’s moved out of the family home and is staying in the cottage while his brother Aidan and sister-in-law Jude are in the Gallagher home. The cottage comes with its very own ghost, although Shawn hasn’t seen her.
Shawn Gallagher is the cook at the family’s pub, and a songwriter, but he only shares his music with his family. Brenna O’Toole is practically family. She grew up with the Gallaghers and is best friends with Shawn’s sister Darcy. But that’s how Shawn sees her-as a little sister. Brenna and her dad are who people in Ardmore call for everything from a busted septic line to building a house. And Brenna wears work boots, a cap, and baggy work clothes all the time since she’s basically a construction worker/plumber/handyman/jack of all trades. Shawn loves to irritate her, but never really looks deeper to find out why.
Brenna is tired of waiting on him, and as one of her sisters is home from uni, she tells Brenna she wants Shawn. Brenna realizes that it’s now or never. She needs to Shawn to know how she feels, and to know if he’ll ever feel the same back. Her little sister flirting with him was the kick in the pants she needed. And Shawn…doesn’t know what hit him. Brenna is definitely not his sister, and she’s all grown up and he somehow never wanted to notice….probably would mean examining why he likes to annoy her.
When she kisses him he’s gobsmacked and just frozen. She leaves him standing there, and she stomps off he didn’t care. Meanwhile he’s rooted to the spot.
Obviously between her kiss, and a visit from the fairy king, Shawn realizes he needs Brenna. He doesn’t want to look too closely as to why, but he needs her in his life. And because he didn’t try to kiss her back, she decided to go on a double date with Darcy and Shawn takes one look at her in a dress and heels and he’s done for. Jealous and miserable, he wants her.
What I love about Nora Roberts’ trilogies is that each set of characters is so different from the last. Where Jude was reserved and calm, Brenna is fiery and has no filter. Aidan took one look at Jude and knew, whereas Shawn has been looking at Brenna for her whole life and needed a little nudge to really see her. And the two couples are both parts of the curse…and the fairy king is still waiting on the third couple to help break the spell, Wonder what the next book holds…
Review posted on Got Fiction? Book Blog
This is the second book in the Gallaghers of Ardmore series and this series is one you’ll want to read all at once. Each book has a character living in Faerie Hill Cottage, this time it’s Shawn. He’s moved out of the family home and is staying in the cottage while his brother Aidan and sister-in-law Jude are in the Gallagher home. The cottage comes with its very own ghost, although Shawn hasn’t seen her.
Shawn Gallagher is the cook at the family’s pub, and a songwriter, but he only shares his music with his family. Brenna O’Toole is practically family. She grew up with the Gallaghers and is best friends with Shawn’s sister Darcy. But that’s how Shawn sees her-as a little sister. Brenna and her dad are who people in Ardmore call for everything from a busted septic line to building a house. And Brenna wears work boots, a cap, and baggy work clothes all the time since she’s basically a construction worker/plumber/handyman/jack of all trades. Shawn loves to irritate her, but never really looks deeper to find out why.
Brenna is tired of waiting on him, and as one of her sisters is home from uni, she tells Brenna she wants Shawn. Brenna realizes that it’s now or never. She needs to Shawn to know how she feels, and to know if he’ll ever feel the same back. Her little sister flirting with him was the kick in the pants she needed. And Shawn…doesn’t know what hit him. Brenna is definitely not his sister, and she’s all grown up and he somehow never wanted to notice….probably would mean examining why he likes to annoy her.
When she kisses him he’s gobsmacked and just frozen. She leaves him standing there, and she stomps off he didn’t care. Meanwhile he’s rooted to the spot.
Obviously between her kiss, and a visit from the fairy king, Shawn realizes he needs Brenna. He doesn’t want to look too closely as to why, but he needs her in his life. And because he didn’t try to kiss her back, she decided to go on a double date with Darcy and Shawn takes one look at her in a dress and heels and he’s done for. Jealous and miserable, he wants her.
What I love about Nora Roberts’ trilogies is that each set of characters is so different from the last. Where Jude was reserved and calm, Brenna is fiery and has no filter. Aidan took one look at Jude and knew, whereas Shawn has been looking at Brenna for her whole life and needed a little nudge to really see her. And the two couples are both parts of the curse…and the fairy king is still waiting on the third couple to help break the spell, Wonder what the next book holds…
October 19, 2017
Me gustó. Me faltó un poquito más de emoción en esta pareja.
May 22, 2015
This book was my fave of the trilogy. Having read Nora Roberts for about ten years now, I have come to know her plots, craftiness and penchant for trilogies! This Irish trilogy is one of my top five written by Roberts.
Edited and Updated 5/22/15
I love the two main characters Sean and Brenna (the gorgeous artist and the tomboy). They are the middle characters of the trilogy that surprisingly made me connect the most. There's Brenna,the son her father never had, with her crowd of sisters. Then there's Sean,the devil-may-care middle child, and one of the three famous Gallaghers of Ardmore. This couple has to overcome their own pride and misconceptions of each other in order to find their HEA.
Moreover, Robert's expertly spins a tale of ordinary people in Ireland, with a tact-emphasis on dialect, surrounded by charming Irish folklore--namely Carrick: an otherworldly power who appears to entice, antagonize and reprimand human folly as well as his own. Carrick is an ingredient that makes this tale swirl with the sleepy, dreamlike and ghostly ambiance that whispers tales of the cost of love and what we mere mortals take for granted.
Edited and Updated 5/22/15
I love the two main characters Sean and Brenna (the gorgeous artist and the tomboy). They are the middle characters of the trilogy that surprisingly made me connect the most. There's Brenna,the son her father never had, with her crowd of sisters. Then there's Sean,the devil-may-care middle child, and one of the three famous Gallaghers of Ardmore. This couple has to overcome their own pride and misconceptions of each other in order to find their HEA.
Moreover, Robert's expertly spins a tale of ordinary people in Ireland, with a tact-emphasis on dialect, surrounded by charming Irish folklore--namely Carrick: an otherworldly power who appears to entice, antagonize and reprimand human folly as well as his own. Carrick is an ingredient that makes this tale swirl with the sleepy, dreamlike and ghostly ambiance that whispers tales of the cost of love and what we mere mortals take for granted.
July 12, 2019
"Tears of the Moon" is the story of Brenna and Shawn.
In this book, meet Brenna O' Toole, the oldest O'Toole daughter, tomboy of her family, not concerned about feminine wiles, handy with every tool out there who has been forever in love with Shawn Gallaghar, the middle Gallaghar sibling, utterly gorgeous, chef extraordinaire, totally whimsical and always lost in his music.
As they have known each other since childhood, Shawn has never noticed Brenna as a "woman", but she cannot help but notice him. As fate and Brenna's baby sister intervene, Brenna is forced to take the matters of her heart in her own hand. Proposing a purely sexual relationship to Shawn, she wants to get him out of his sister. But as the ghosts of the pasts weave their way into their life, Shawn and Brenna finally confess their love for each other, and iron out long standing conflicts.
A lovely book with role reversal between the hero and heroine. I loved how strong and loving Brenna was, her attitude towards her family- and how sweet and charming Shawn was- a nice, good looking beta male.
A good read.
Unsafe
3.5/5
In this book, meet Brenna O' Toole, the oldest O'Toole daughter, tomboy of her family, not concerned about feminine wiles, handy with every tool out there who has been forever in love with Shawn Gallaghar, the middle Gallaghar sibling, utterly gorgeous, chef extraordinaire, totally whimsical and always lost in his music.
As they have known each other since childhood, Shawn has never noticed Brenna as a "woman", but she cannot help but notice him. As fate and Brenna's baby sister intervene, Brenna is forced to take the matters of her heart in her own hand. Proposing a purely sexual relationship to Shawn, she wants to get him out of his sister. But as the ghosts of the pasts weave their way into their life, Shawn and Brenna finally confess their love for each other, and iron out long standing conflicts.
A lovely book with role reversal between the hero and heroine. I loved how strong and loving Brenna was, her attitude towards her family- and how sweet and charming Shawn was- a nice, good looking beta male.
A good read.
Unsafe
3.5/5
January 19, 2012
"As Lágrimas da Lua" é o segundo volume da Trilogia Irlandesa. Desta vez traz-nos a história de Shawn Gallagher e Brenna O'Toole.
Shawn e Brenna conhecem-se desde sempre. Mas agora, dez anos após Brenna ter começado a sentir uma atracção por Shawn, ela ganha coragem e faz uma proposta a Shawn que mudará tudo...
Este livro proporcionou-me bons momentos e umas boas gargalhadas. É impossível não nos rirmos com as picardias entre os protagonistas e não gostar do choque de personalidades. Eles são tão diferentes, como o dia e a noite, e no entanto é essa diferença de personalidade que os tornam perfeitos um para o outro, pois acabam por criar um certo equilíbrio. Brenna é muito terra-a-terra, prática, decidida, directa e depois de colocar algo na cabeça ninguém a demove, enquanto Shawn é um eterno sonhador, poeta, distraído, que vai adiando as coisas até achar que chegou o momento certo.
E paralelamente à história principal, continuamos a seguir a história do Príncipe Carrick e da sua amada Lady Gwen. Com este livro eles estão um passo mais próximos de ficarem juntos após trezentos anos de espera interminável. Confesso que sinto particular curiosidade em relação a este casal e a como o encantamento será quebrado, ansiando assim pela leitura do terceiro e último volume desta trilogia.
Apesar de ter gostado bastante deste livro e de achar que se encontra ao mesmo nível que o primeiro volume, continuo a gostar mais do primeiro. Acho que criei mais empatia com o Aidan e a Jude.
Shawn e Brenna conhecem-se desde sempre. Mas agora, dez anos após Brenna ter começado a sentir uma atracção por Shawn, ela ganha coragem e faz uma proposta a Shawn que mudará tudo...
Este livro proporcionou-me bons momentos e umas boas gargalhadas. É impossível não nos rirmos com as picardias entre os protagonistas e não gostar do choque de personalidades. Eles são tão diferentes, como o dia e a noite, e no entanto é essa diferença de personalidade que os tornam perfeitos um para o outro, pois acabam por criar um certo equilíbrio. Brenna é muito terra-a-terra, prática, decidida, directa e depois de colocar algo na cabeça ninguém a demove, enquanto Shawn é um eterno sonhador, poeta, distraído, que vai adiando as coisas até achar que chegou o momento certo.
E paralelamente à história principal, continuamos a seguir a história do Príncipe Carrick e da sua amada Lady Gwen. Com este livro eles estão um passo mais próximos de ficarem juntos após trezentos anos de espera interminável. Confesso que sinto particular curiosidade em relação a este casal e a como o encantamento será quebrado, ansiando assim pela leitura do terceiro e último volume desta trilogia.
Apesar de ter gostado bastante deste livro e de achar que se encontra ao mesmo nível que o primeiro volume, continuo a gostar mais do primeiro. Acho que criei mais empatia com o Aidan e a Jude.
May 6, 2022
Какво да се прави, като родата е голяма и има книга за всеки от тях. Докато ги ожени всичките , няма да свърши :)
November 8, 2011
I liked Tears of the Moon a bit better than Jewels of the Sun, maybe it's because Brenna had rubbed off on me from the very start!We share the tomboyish nature but I must say she has a considerably harder head than I do or I just might be lying to myself.
Carrick sure had his work cut out for him with those two,them being Shawn and Brenna, enough said.The love was already there between them but they never realized that it was really love and not just love you feel to a childhood chum.They both had a mouth on them and they had me laughing my head off at some parts.What I really admire of Roberts' work is the friendly and welcoming atmosphere.I mean you could have people walking in and out of your house dropping in from the tea they're so fond of and having a chat in the kitchen over some homemade muffins.Nobody's a stranger and you can see it's a close-knit village and you the reader reading this series feels right at home.
Oh and the sceneries!They sounded so beautiful and keeps you wanting to see them in person!It's been a dream of mine to visit Ireland, but I must say reading about it and it's people and culture is as close as I can get... maybe for now,hey a girl can dream!
A highly enjoyable book Mrs.Roberts!
Carrick sure had his work cut out for him with those two,them being Shawn and Brenna, enough said.The love was already there between them but they never realized that it was really love and not just love you feel to a childhood chum.They both had a mouth on them and they had me laughing my head off at some parts.What I really admire of Roberts' work is the friendly and welcoming atmosphere.I mean you could have people walking in and out of your house dropping in from the tea they're so fond of and having a chat in the kitchen over some homemade muffins.Nobody's a stranger and you can see it's a close-knit village and you the reader reading this series feels right at home.
Oh and the sceneries!They sounded so beautiful and keeps you wanting to see them in person!It's been a dream of mine to visit Ireland, but I must say reading about it and it's people and culture is as close as I can get... maybe for now,hey a girl can dream!
A highly enjoyable book Mrs.Roberts!
August 6, 2017
I worked as a plumber for 7 years while in the military, and then worked in a hardware store for another 8 later. I'm just relaying this so I can explain one of my pet peeves when reading a book. It has actually led to projectile books against unsuspecting walls. I HATE it when an author doesn't do enough research before putting their characters in a home repair or building place. I've unstopped hundreds of toilets and sinks, repaired hundreds of faucets and shoveled gallons of shit, literally. I also know quite a bit about electrical, carpentry, etc. So I know when an author skips the basics so they can move on with the story it makes me livid.
Nora, the Queen of Romance, never skips the research. She is a genius!!! When our lovely heroine works on plumbing she does it perfectly. I would hire this girl in a second to repair a sewer line or anything else. She and her Dad take care of all the repairs and building in their wee Irish town. Nora has written a character that is both feminine and able to dig around in the muck. In her village she is valued for her abilities, not ridiculed for doing traditional 'men's work.' Not once!
*wistful sigh* I love this wee village.
Nora, the Queen of Romance, never skips the research. She is a genius!!! When our lovely heroine works on plumbing she does it perfectly. I would hire this girl in a second to repair a sewer line or anything else. She and her Dad take care of all the repairs and building in their wee Irish town. Nora has written a character that is both feminine and able to dig around in the muck. In her village she is valued for her abilities, not ridiculed for doing traditional 'men's work.' Not once!
*wistful sigh* I love this wee village.
June 27, 2011
Brenna in this book is not my favorite type of character. If she was a male character, there would have been outrage. It is not cute to hit people especially a boyfriend or a sister out of rage. She's a bully. Too much anger and violence comes out of her.If she came from such a loving family why was she this way. It's the only way she can deal with things. If she doesn't get her way, she just slugs you. Nice. Too hard headed and juvenile. The best line in the book was when Shawn told her to stop acting like a twit which is exactly what she is.
The bit with the sister was awful and so not necessary for the story.
The story has too much swearing, too much alcohol consumption. This is not the type of woman I want to read about.
In the other two books Brenna was a much nicer person. Not sure why Nora Roberts had to present her so badly in this one.
The bit with the sister was awful and so not necessary for the story.
The story has too much swearing, too much alcohol consumption. This is not the type of woman I want to read about.
In the other two books Brenna was a much nicer person. Not sure why Nora Roberts had to present her so badly in this one.
April 19, 2019
Having read book 1 to this trilogy and enjoying it immensely I been meaning to read book 2 before now but other books & review deadlines kept getting in the way.
This has been a thoroughly enjoyable story from start to finish, I loved getting reacquaintedwith all of the characters from book 1, seeing how they were and was new in their lives, a fair bit as it happens. It was also lovely to return to the mystery and magic of the local folklore.
It was also wonderful to revisit the Village of Ardmore in Ireland, which is the setting & location of the story. The author describes all the different places in such a way, making it all sound so idyllic and picturesque, I just wanted to be there to experience it all myself.
I'm very much looking forward to reading book 3, the final book to the trilogy.
This has been a thoroughly enjoyable story from start to finish, I loved getting reacquaintedwith all of the characters from book 1, seeing how they were and was new in their lives, a fair bit as it happens. It was also lovely to return to the mystery and magic of the local folklore.
It was also wonderful to revisit the Village of Ardmore in Ireland, which is the setting & location of the story. The author describes all the different places in such a way, making it all sound so idyllic and picturesque, I just wanted to be there to experience it all myself.
I'm very much looking forward to reading book 3, the final book to the trilogy.
December 19, 2022
Re-read 2022
One of the few books I felt like picking up to read after being burnt out by how much I had to read during my final semester of college. I'm glad I could enjoy losing myself in these books again.
Re-read 2018
I wanted to read some of my favorites while on break from college. I needed some of my comforts reads after a rough Fall semester.
This is the second book in one of my favorite series by this author. I try to re-read this one every year.
One of the few books I felt like picking up to read after being burnt out by how much I had to read during my final semester of college. I'm glad I could enjoy losing myself in these books again.
Re-read 2018
I wanted to read some of my favorites while on break from college. I needed some of my comforts reads after a rough Fall semester.
This is the second book in one of my favorite series by this author. I try to re-read this one every year.
May 16, 2015
Not as good as I expected I'm afraid... :/
There's always something important missing in this author's books. I can't really put my finger on it. The stories are enjoyable, sweet, easy to read but I can't FEEL them. I'm more of an angsty romance reader, I guess, and that's probably why I don't feel completely satisfied when I read books by Nora Roberts.
I'll still finish reading this series and I really want to try and read an standalone by this author next time.
There's always something important missing in this author's books. I can't really put my finger on it. The stories are enjoyable, sweet, easy to read but I can't FEEL them. I'm more of an angsty romance reader, I guess, and that's probably why I don't feel completely satisfied when I read books by Nora Roberts.
I'll still finish reading this series and I really want to try and read an standalone by this author next time.
April 7, 2009
I love the magic associated with this book. Not the type of spell casting magic but the kind that produces jewels out of no where, the kind that brings people together, and the kind that makes people stay on earth long after they have meant to left.
April 1, 2012
What an extremely annoying female character Brenna is. She can't carry a single conversation without flying off the handle. No growth or maturity at the end. Really wish I didn't spend the time reading this.
August 2, 2015
Nuestra reseña en A la cama con... un libro
2'5, 2'9, lo que quieras, pero a 3 no llega. Eh, que es aprobado!!! XDDDDD
2'5, 2'9, lo que quieras, pero a 3 no llega. Eh, que es aprobado!!! XDDDDD
February 25, 2025
**Content Warnings at the End of the Review**
As I am working through my physical TBR, that includes books that were given to me whether I wanted them or not. While I liked the first book in the Gallaghers of Ardmore series well enough, mostly because I too want to run away to Ireland, this one was not to my taste at all. In fact, it was so much not to my taste that it convinced me to unhaul the whole series unless the final book blows me away. Romance as a genre more than any other really lends a lot of subjective bias to a review and in this one, none of the relationship tropes were working for me. I understand that this was written in 2000 and romance was a much different landscape back then, but I honestly don’t think the two main characters have any business being together.
Tears of the Moon follows Mary Brenna O’Toole and the middle Gallagher sibling, Shawn. While Brenna has had a crush on Shawn for many years, she has not done anything about it as the two of them basically grew up together. When her younger sister Mary Kate returns from college and sets her eyes on Shawn, Brenna realizes that she is not comfortable looking at Shawn from afar anymore. Her plan is to have a one-night stand with him, get him out of her system, and then they can go on as friends. Shawn is a dreamer and is content with his life, spending days working at the pub and his free time writing music that he hasn’t shown to anyone yet. At first, he pushes against the idea of anything other than friendship with Brenna, but when he can’t stop thinking about her, they enter into a physical relationship on his terms. What neither of them expects is to find there is something else hiding underneath the physical need. Yet, with their very different approaches to life, Mary Kate’s emotions to consider, and an ancient Fairy Prince waiting for a spell to be broken to be with his love, it is unclear whether the two will be able to stay friends or if everything will fall apart.
There is not a lot of plot in this novel aside from the romance, but what there was held my interest. The plan to extend the pub into a theater with the money of a New York businessman showed the family dynamic well. It was nice to see the siblings together and working toward a common goal, using their own skills to make it possible. The parts of the novel that I liked Brenna the most were when she was with her family and working in construction. It showed her as competent and a whole person. Now, the attitudes around sex in this novel are a bit old-fashioned, even for 2000, but her family still loves and respects her even with those viewpoints. If this had just been a family drama, I might have liked it better.
Now for the relationship, which took up most of the novel and I did not enjoy. I get the saying that opposites attract, but I do not believe that Brenna and Shawn are going to last. The first thing that turned me off from the two of them was the physical violence that Brenna used against Shawn almost constantly throughout the novel, but especially in the beginning. If Roberts was attempting to paint her as a tomboy and someone that was considered just ‘part of the family’ there were better ways to do it. Brenna just felt childish and abusive, not quirky or funny. Then there is the fact that neither of them changes or grows at all so the issues between the two of them are just going to continue to be an issue. They both use manipulation to get what they want and it is never addressed, which does not sit well with me. I don’t think they should be together and this did not work as a romance. There was a part in the middle when they were together and the main issues hadn’t come up yet that I softened to them a little, which is why this is 1.5 stars.
I don’t have a lot else to say other than complaining about the same thing for paragraphs and paragraphs. I still loved the picture of Ireland that Roberts paints, though I have no idea how accurate it is. I will finish out the series, but then these books will make it to a Free Little Library or be sent to a new home by some other method. There are too many books to keep ones that made me this annoyed on my shelf. A 1.5 read rounded up to a 2, but take it with a grain of salt.
**Content Warnings**
Physical violence, sexual content
As I am working through my physical TBR, that includes books that were given to me whether I wanted them or not. While I liked the first book in the Gallaghers of Ardmore series well enough, mostly because I too want to run away to Ireland, this one was not to my taste at all. In fact, it was so much not to my taste that it convinced me to unhaul the whole series unless the final book blows me away. Romance as a genre more than any other really lends a lot of subjective bias to a review and in this one, none of the relationship tropes were working for me. I understand that this was written in 2000 and romance was a much different landscape back then, but I honestly don’t think the two main characters have any business being together.
Tears of the Moon follows Mary Brenna O’Toole and the middle Gallagher sibling, Shawn. While Brenna has had a crush on Shawn for many years, she has not done anything about it as the two of them basically grew up together. When her younger sister Mary Kate returns from college and sets her eyes on Shawn, Brenna realizes that she is not comfortable looking at Shawn from afar anymore. Her plan is to have a one-night stand with him, get him out of her system, and then they can go on as friends. Shawn is a dreamer and is content with his life, spending days working at the pub and his free time writing music that he hasn’t shown to anyone yet. At first, he pushes against the idea of anything other than friendship with Brenna, but when he can’t stop thinking about her, they enter into a physical relationship on his terms. What neither of them expects is to find there is something else hiding underneath the physical need. Yet, with their very different approaches to life, Mary Kate’s emotions to consider, and an ancient Fairy Prince waiting for a spell to be broken to be with his love, it is unclear whether the two will be able to stay friends or if everything will fall apart.
There is not a lot of plot in this novel aside from the romance, but what there was held my interest. The plan to extend the pub into a theater with the money of a New York businessman showed the family dynamic well. It was nice to see the siblings together and working toward a common goal, using their own skills to make it possible. The parts of the novel that I liked Brenna the most were when she was with her family and working in construction. It showed her as competent and a whole person. Now, the attitudes around sex in this novel are a bit old-fashioned, even for 2000, but her family still loves and respects her even with those viewpoints. If this had just been a family drama, I might have liked it better.
Now for the relationship, which took up most of the novel and I did not enjoy. I get the saying that opposites attract, but I do not believe that Brenna and Shawn are going to last. The first thing that turned me off from the two of them was the physical violence that Brenna used against Shawn almost constantly throughout the novel, but especially in the beginning. If Roberts was attempting to paint her as a tomboy and someone that was considered just ‘part of the family’ there were better ways to do it. Brenna just felt childish and abusive, not quirky or funny. Then there is the fact that neither of them changes or grows at all so the issues between the two of them are just going to continue to be an issue. They both use manipulation to get what they want and it is never addressed, which does not sit well with me. I don’t think they should be together and this did not work as a romance. There was a part in the middle when they were together and the main issues hadn’t come up yet that I softened to them a little, which is why this is 1.5 stars.
I don’t have a lot else to say other than complaining about the same thing for paragraphs and paragraphs. I still loved the picture of Ireland that Roberts paints, though I have no idea how accurate it is. I will finish out the series, but then these books will make it to a Free Little Library or be sent to a new home by some other method. There are too many books to keep ones that made me this annoyed on my shelf. A 1.5 read rounded up to a 2, but take it with a grain of salt.
**Content Warnings**
Physical violence, sexual content
Read
January 31, 2018Loved the Shawn and Brenna. A wonderful romance set in Ireland. Fun to get swept away!
February 15, 2013
This trilogy was an engrossing read for me. I was happy to have #2, “Tears of the Moon”, at hand when #1 was finished. I enjoyed finding out what fate and the magical mind of faerie Prince Carrick and Lady Gwen had in store for the lovely Brenna and Shawn. Of course we know they would end up together, but just how would it all play out and how would it affect the quest of Prince Carrick for his lost love of three hundred years.
I cared for the ‘alive’ characters, and also the eternal faerie prince and his wondering ghostly love, Gwen. Mistakes from the past doomed their being together. How simple and beautiful their love could have been if only….
In that suspended state of lost love, unless three special couples learned those important lessons, the magical spell of doom would never be broken for the faerie prince and his true, mortal love.
I loved it when the present day lovers were taught lessons, both magically dramatic and heartfelt from Carrick. The legends and folklore of Ireland and its magic kept my attention and had me rooting for all the characters. The second couple found answers in their love and the key to keep it special.
Two down and one couple to go. That’s all faerie Prince Carrick and Lady Gwen need…. On to book #3!
*And yes, these books DO need to be read in order.
I cared for the ‘alive’ characters, and also the eternal faerie prince and his wondering ghostly love, Gwen. Mistakes from the past doomed their being together. How simple and beautiful their love could have been if only….
In that suspended state of lost love, unless three special couples learned those important lessons, the magical spell of doom would never be broken for the faerie prince and his true, mortal love.
I loved it when the present day lovers were taught lessons, both magically dramatic and heartfelt from Carrick. The legends and folklore of Ireland and its magic kept my attention and had me rooting for all the characters. The second couple found answers in their love and the key to keep it special.
Two down and one couple to go. That’s all faerie Prince Carrick and Lady Gwen need…. On to book #3!
*And yes, these books DO need to be read in order.
May 23, 2015
Brenna's had a yen for Shawn since she was 14. Now the she's 24 and her feelings have only grown, so she tells him, "I think we should have sex." Shawn a dreamer and sensitive composer, finds himself attracted to pushy, single-minded, handy-woman Brenna
Love Darcy's tirade about what a woman has to go through in pregnancy and Shawn's retort "It just goes to proving God's a man."
When Prince Carrick talks about love, "the only one you'll ever want," Shawn admits that he's never wanted like that. The fairy prince says, "There's a pity for you, for you are not alive until you do."
Mr. O'Toole's advice, "Girl, if you don't go after what you want, you'll never have it. If you don't ask, the answers always no. If you don't step forward, you're always in the same place."
Love Darcy's tirade about what a woman has to go through in pregnancy and Shawn's retort "It just goes to proving God's a man."
When Prince Carrick talks about love, "the only one you'll ever want," Shawn admits that he's never wanted like that. The fairy prince says, "There's a pity for you, for you are not alive until you do."
Mr. O'Toole's advice, "Girl, if you don't go after what you want, you'll never have it. If you don't ask, the answers always no. If you don't step forward, you're always in the same place."
August 20, 2009
(3.5 stars) Not as good as the first book in this trilogy, Jewels of the Sun, but still an enjoyable and pleasant read. Thought I would really like it, because Shawn and Brenna's antagonistic friendship in the previous book was fun to watch, but didn't end up being as satisfying as I was anticipating. It was worth the read, though, and shouldn't be passed up if reading the full trilogy.
May 22, 2020
Holds up even better during a reread. I love the notion of friends falling for each other, and these two were such lively additions to the first book, it was enjoyable to watch them stumble towards each other. Special shoutout to Mollie O'Toole, Brenna's mother who is one of my favorite NR secondary characters ever.
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