A Dance in Donegal in Clearly Christian Readathon

Feb 24, 2021 Melmo2610 rated it it was ok

Shelves: 2021

I wanted to love this book. A historical set in Ireland?? What's not to love? Unfortunately for me the story fell flat. Moira wasn't my favorite as a leading lady, so there was a disconnect there for me. Then the absolute hatefulness of some of the characters turned me off as well as the twists the story took at the end. I loved the setting of Ireland and the characters of Peg, Bridge and Colm were my favorite elements of the story. While this wasn't my cup of tea overall, the teaser for the nex ...more

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Feb 15, 2023 Elaine rated it it was amazing

Shelves: audio-book

Being part Irish myself, I enjoyed listening to this book set in Ireland. Moira grew up in Boston, but after her mom dies, Moira moves to her mother’s hometown in Ireland to be a teacher. Not everyone welcomes her though. There seems to be a mystery surrounding why her mom left years ago. Faith and the Bible is weaved throughout the book. I have to admit that the willingness to forgive so quickly was a little unrealistic to me, but maybe that just shows my lack of faith. It was a lovely book tho ...more

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Jan 19, 2021 Victoria rated it really liked it

Shelves: books-owned

A Dance in Donegal was absolutely delightful! The fresh new storyline was like a breath of country air after being in the city too long. This story will make you fall in love with and yearn for the green hills of Ireland. I could not predict all the different turns this book took and to me that is a sign of a well written story. In a world with so many stories full of bold, confident men, it was refreshing to read about Sean, so quiet and dependable. I loved Moira’s adventurous spirit and how sh ...more

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Jan 24, 2021 Patsy rated it it was amazing

I couldn’t put it down!

In just a little over 300 pages, Jennifer Deibel has succeeded in pulling me deeply into the lives of the people of Ballymann, and I want to know more...

...More about Moira, the strong yet vulnerable adventurer whose reliance on God, faith, forgiveness, and willingness to learn left me wondering about her earlier years in Boston and what is next in store for her in Ireland.

...More about the people Moira met here: more of Peg and Colm’s love story; how Sean and Declan beca ...more

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Jan 13, 2021 Elly rated it really liked it

This was a heartwarming and quick read. I loved the beautiful story of redemption that was woven through the book. As a former teacher, I enjoyed the storyline of Moira connecting with her students, too!

The abundance of Irish language did detract a bit. I didn't realize there was a glossary until I finished the book! I would have liked to see it up front.
...more

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Jan 22, 2021 Jodi rated it really liked it

A Dance in Donegal is Jennifer Deibel's debut novel! When you are debut author I feel like cover design is so important in order to draw in readers. The cover of A Dance in Donegal completely caught my eye and beckoned me to join a literary journey to the captivating coast of Ireland. Jennifer Deibel did a marvelous job painting the rocky landscapes and the changing moods of the ocean with her vivid word pictures. The addition of Irish words and customs added richness and realism to the story an A Dance in Donegal is Jennifer Deibel's debut novel! When you are debut author I feel like cover design is so important in order to draw in readers. The cover of A Dance in Donegal completely caught my eye and beckoned me to join a literary journey to the captivating coast of Ireland. Jennifer Deibel did a marvelous job painting the rocky landscapes and the changing moods of the ocean with her vivid word pictures. The addition of Irish words and customs added richness and realism to the story and also taught me some things about Ireland and its heritage/customs that I never knew.

When I started reading, I was getting some definite "When Calls the Heart" vibes and I was worried this was going to be a story that felt overly familiar. However, after the first third of the novel, the story takes many surprising turns and I was drawn into the tale more and more. This is Christian fiction and the message of trusting God, following His leading and forgiving those who hurt you are strong throughout.

My favorite quote happens to be from my favorite character, Peg; "I remember when it first dawned on me what God was truly sayin'." Peg continued. "It doesna matter what the world says I am. It doesna matter even what I believe myself to be-- and I have some dark thoughts when it comes to me own heart, to be sure. If I believe in the Laird Jesus Christ, and what He did fer me. I canna be condemned." We are often hardest on ourselves, and it was a great reminder to me that what God thinks of me and says about me in the Bible is more significant and truthful then how I perceive myself.

What did not work for me, was the lack of connection I felt towards the main character. I found I just did not care when bad things happened to her, and I wanted to care. I wanted to connect. I wanted to cry, or feel afraid, rejoice in her happiness or something! I felt more of a connection to the Sweeney's, who were secondary characters -- they added such a richness to the novel. I suspect this will not be a problem as the author wirtes more and settles into a writing groove, so to speak...and who knows...maybe you will feel completely the opposite from me and be totally connected to the character.

Overall, this was an excellent debut novel and I am looking forward to reading more from Jennifer Deibel in the future.

Thank you, Jennifer Deibel, Revell, and Net Gally for the free DRC of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own. ...more

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Feb 02, 2021 Anna rated it it was amazing

Shelves: made-me-cry, romance, christian-fiction, historical-fiction, books-i-own, 2021

“Smack in the middle of what God is askin’ is the best place for any of us to be. I know you want what’s best for the lass, but I think yer confusin’ the idea of best with the idea of safe.”
A Dance in Donegal, by Jennifer Deibel, is a stunning debut novel. In it, Moira Doherty moves to the small Irish village her mother grew up in, to fulfill her mother’s dream. Moira goes to become the teacher; upon her arrival, she learns of a dreadful rumor surrounding her mother. This complicates her attemp ...more

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Mar 15, 2021 Betsy rated it really liked it

This was a very enjoyable debut novel. Although I had trouble getting into it initially, I am glad I kept going because it then became difficult for me to put it down! The author’s vivid descriptions of the landscape and scenery made me feel as if I had taken a trip to Ireland through the reading of this book. I loved the way prayer, Bible verses and spiritual conversations were smoothly and naturally woven into the story, revealing the characters’ thoughts and struggles.

The romance was sweet, ...more

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Feb 18, 2021 Wendy Andrus rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

What a delightful story! I enjoyed the setting immensely, since I have Irish ancestry, myself. The dialogue made it easy to "hear" the Irish lilt in my mind. This story contains love, mystery, intrigue, and kept my attention throughout. I shed a few tears, but also found a touch of humor. I definitely recommend it! I look forward to reading more books by Jennifer. ...more

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Mar 11, 2023 DevotedToHope rated it it was amazing

Shelves: completed

Incredibly wonderful story! Absolutely love the faith content, the Scriptures, the prayers, etc. Do you love good stories and great writing? If you do, I encourage you to read this beautiful novel!!!

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