I’m of Irish ancestry, and I’m a teacher. So I went into this book with high expectations. For the most part, those expectations were met. I loved how Moira met her many challenges with faith and the Bible, especially sacrificially serving someone who had so seriously wronged her. I enjoyed the descriptions of the landscape and verbal drawings of the characters. I loved how an older couple took Moira under their wings and helped guide her through many adjustment challenges in the village. The romance was somewhat predictable, but enjoyable nonetheless.

I gratefully received an ARC from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased review.

I enjoyed the storyline and the writing. I felt like I was in Ireland knowing everyone and seeing everything. I would recommend this book.

If you choose to read this book, I would definitely suggest reading it in the audiobook version. The narrator is well-versed in the pronunciations of all of the Irish names and words that are included. I read the first 75% with the audiobook, then finished it on my tablet. It was beyond helpful to hear the names and words because they aren't pronounced anything like they look!

Moira Doherty travels from her Boston home to the tiny town of Ballymann where her mother grew up to take the open teaching position. Although she's never been there, she feels like she knows the place because of her mother's stories. Thrilled to be walking where her mother walked, and fulfilling her mother's last wish that she take this position, Moira is willing to overlook the suspicious reception she receives. While a few locals welcome her warmly, and offer unconditional friendship, it's the rumors about her mother that are keeping the others from extending friendship. Can she show them, through her actions, that she was raised to fear the same God they revere?

As Moira relies on the few friends she has, she also increasingly relies on the strength of Sean McFadden. The more time she spends with him, the more she sees a man she could love. Will the mystery surrounding her past succeed in derailing her future?

I enjoyed this story so much! Listening to it was an unexpected treat that made me feel like I was tramping the hills of Ireland right along with Moira and Sean. The mystery builds to a dangerous climax that was a bit shocking, and yet, showed Moira's faithfulness to the God she serves.

If you enjoy historical fiction, this was a beautiful story of the power of forgiveness, and what can happen to someone who lives a life of deception. Set in 1920s Ireland, the story takes place after the Spanish Flu has already ravaged the country, so it is actually quite timely in its handling of that pandemic. I definitely recommend!

Powerful and atmospheric. Historical.fiction fans will be delighted.
Many thanks to Revell and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

What a beautifully written debut novel! This story drew me in from the beginning with its lovable characters and vivid descriptions. It is a story that will challenge and change you.

Moira is a beautiful young American woman who goes back to her mother’s homeland of Ireland to teach just months after her mother’s passing. She is forced to grown up fast as she travels to a foreign land to navigate learning to live by herself as well as learn a new language and customs.

We travel the difficult journey that Moira faces as she learns who she can and cannot trust, rumors of her mother’s past, and learns to put all her faith in following God. Her responses to all she faces are real and identifiable to the reader. We gleam so much from Moira and her friends as they navigate all life throws at them.

This is one of my favorite books that I have read this year. This book challenged the way I think about things and convicted me. It is one that I will definitely want to go back and read again.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Revell through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

3.5 stars

The pacing felt a little slow, though I appreciated the steady way in which Moira needed to acclimatize to her new home couldn’t be rushed.

Arriving in Ireland, after being raised in Boston, was bound to be unnerving and a major change. For Moira who had come to work in the village school as a teacher even simple things as being able to read and pronounce the names was overwhelming. But secrets, kept even from her, about her Mother’s past were just itching to catch up with her. With the support of a few, she is able to navigate her new life whilst encountering some truly terrifying experiences.

You’ll feel a lot of heart in this story, packed out with biblical passages that despite there being many of them, in this case compliment the plot well. A historical fiction, with a light romance that I thoroughly enjoyed.

Thanks to Revell & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy. This is my honest review.

A gentle, heartwarming read, this light historical romance transports the reader to a seaside village in 1920s Ireland. A young teacher from Boston arrives to take up a post in the village where her mother grew up. She finds herself caught up in an old mystery and isn’t welcomed by all the villagers. The author has a deep passion for Ireland and she evokes a beautiful sense of place that really made me long for home.

{3.5 stars}

I'm very torn about how to rate this one, I really enjoyed the story but had a few issues with the structure of the story that kept this from being a perfect story for me. I tore through it because I love stories of Ireland and I found Moira to be so endearing and I was so invested in what happened to her.

When she arrives in Ireland, the mystery of her mother's life and why she left Ireland for America was so compelling. There were good clues along the way and how that story unravels is both interesting and slightly stress as was her fish out of water adventure to learn the language and customs of her new home. I appreciated the word of God being used so liberally and effectively throughout.

I had some small issues with the clarity of the language at times, Gaelic is quite hard and there wasn't always clear definitions or descriptions in the text itself. There was a glossary but in the text would have been helpful the first time a word or phrase came up would have been helpful.

But my major issue was that I struggled with the quickness of the changes in relationships between the characters there are a few times where friends quickly turn to enemies and vice versa. Emotions were very intense and easily changeable and that seemed like more a YA-type approach than I had anticipated going into this novel. They felt like teenage emotions and these characters were reported as older than that, perhaps it was just small town life but I found it really annoying and perhaps disingenuous. That rankled me a little bit at times, but I could see where it had its role in the plot. So as long as you're aware of that going in and it's not a bug bear for you then those parts may not bother you as much as they did me.

Overall a charming story of small town Ireland with a fun toe dip into the lore of magic of the land.

This novel was a little hard for me to get into. I am not certain if it was the writing style or the flat character, but it didn't keep my interest in the beginning and it almost felt like work to read it. Around 40% through the book did take a turn and was more interesting.

I received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.

Wow. Such a wonderful read. Beautifully written. Jennifer Deibel is now a new favorite author of mine with this debut novel.

This story teaches us so many biblical truths. Including... how to show God’s love to others - even sometimes your enemies. How God will lead you to exactly where you’re meant to be, even when you don’t fully understand why or what’s going on in the middle of the experience. How to show God’s love with the forgiveness of others...and so much more.

The faith content in this story was wonderful! I love the many scriptures being referenced throughout and the character growth as the story progressed.

Moira was such a beautiful character that had amazing character growth throughout the story. Seeing her help someone who meant her harm from the beginning....feeling moved by the Lord to do so....going through the criticism and judgement from everyone surrounding her.....dealing with loss and grief...and finding love in the process. This was quite a journey for her!

The best part of this story is truly the characters and the relationships built together. I absolutely loved the main characters in this story. They all felt like a true family together and were always willing to help others in need.

The next best thing about this story is the Ireland descriptions! I loved the setting so much. It felt like I was transported there in the time itself as I read the story, absolutely wonderful!

This is a 5 star read for me and I can’t wait to read Jennifer’s next story!
Thank you to NetGalley and Revell for allowing me to read an advance copy for free to review. I will be letting everyone know about this new favorite read! ❤️

This novel is rich is sights, scents, and sounds that transport the reader to 1920 Ireland. Deibel is an amazing writer who weaves together a plot filled with beautiful plot that in and of itself is worthy of praise. Moira's story is one of discovery as she discovers God's kind and forgiving hand. I also loved the way Irish culture was woven so seamlessly into the novel.

Moira Doherty loved the stories her mother would tell of her upbringing in Ireland. After her mother's death, Moira has the opportunity to move to her mother's home village to teach school and experience the Irish culture for herself.

This book reads like a debut novel, and since it is in fact a debut novel, one can't hold that against it too much. For about half the book, it seemed like the writing style would be my biggest complaint. However, around the 45% mark, things took a sharp turn to territory that I as a reader did not enjoy entering into. While I already did not relate to the main characters, suddenly they became intensely unlikable and their actions beyond comprehension. From that point, nothing proceeded naturally—not the characters, nor the plot, nor the emotional, spiritual, or physical journeys of the characters.

Each reader will have their own experience. Many have read this book and loved it. I wish I could have been one of them! If there is one thing in this book's favor, it's the strong descriptions of Ireland, which the author comes by authentically, having lived in the country herself.

Content warning: gossip, ostracism, leaving someone to potentially die alone, sexual assault, murder.

I received my copy of the book from Read With Audra. All thoughts in this review are my own.

I loved visiting Ireland, some place I would love to actually go. The Irish are full of superstitions and you wonder where the line is drawn between superstitions and God? This was something that Moira had to deal with in her new world. Many of her students and their families held to this beliefs but she had to keep reminding herself that God was in control

The author did a great job of keeping the reader guessing what the mystery was surrounding Moira’s arrival in Ireland. People were looking at her different. We do learn what might be behind this treatment early on but you know there has to be more to it and that kept me engaged.

Overall, an enjoyable read.

A copy of this book was given to me through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

The way Ireland is described in this book really makes me want to travel there again! Jennifer used such beautiful imagery to describe the Irish country, buildings and weather it was easy to imagine being right there with the characters.

Moira grew up in the United States and after her mother’s death, Moira gets a job as a teacher in her mother’s hometown of Donegal, Ireland. While she is there, she meets some very friendly and kind people to help her get the school set up and figure out the language, culture and superstitions of the area. She also meets some people who already seem to dislike her without even meeting her. Moira eventually finds out the reason these people are acting this way towards her and uncovers the real reason her mother hastily left her hometown and fled to the United States.

I really enjoyed following Moira on her journey becoming a teacher in a foreign country and discovering more about herself, her family, and her faith while she is there.

Moira travelled to Ireland after her mother died. The school teacher from her Mother's town where she had grown up had passed and they accepted Moira to take over. It's quite a journey in distance from Boston and culturally as well. Interesting and lovely to learn the customs of the area. There is also a hidden secret that keeps Moira puzzled and in danger. Some of the residents of the village know about Moira's mother, or at least they know what they were told. God brought Moira there for a purpose though, and she grows as a person along the way. So does Sean who has recently returned to the town. Become immersed in a lovely small town in Ireland, its people and customs.
I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
#ADanceinDonegal #NetGalley

What a beautiful story! Rich in detail and compelling storytelling, this read was captivating. This is one of those heartwarming books to keep on the shelf and read when needing comfort. Beautifully written.

Thank you to Netgalley for an Arc. My opinions are of my own.

This is a lovely debut story about the enchanting country of Ireland, back in the early 1900s.
Ireland is a country that has long been at the top of my 'places I want to visit' list, and I knew I'd have to read this one. Jennifer Deibel transports the reader to that beautiful, lush, green countryside so long ago. This novel contains vivid details of the land, and lots of interesting words and language, as well as culture, from those long ago days.
Moira was an intriguing heroine. She'd never been to Ireland, but was brave enough to go, simply because it was her dying mother's wish for her. She went to a country of which she knew very little of, including their language, to teach young children in a school. Yes, it was quite the adventure!
The small Irish village was beautiful...but Moira quickly learned there was a lot more to Ballymann and its inhabitants than what met the eye. And what about the rumors that were circulating about her mother, which caused the people to treat her distantly? Moira was determined to get to the bottom of things and discover the truth of what really happened.
This story is captivating and enchanting, and will leave you with a bit more of a hunger to visit Ireland.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Beautiful and atmospheric descriptions. I can appreciate the authenticity of this book due to the author having lived in Ireland herself. Having ancestry that has come over to America from Ireland I was most excited to read this book. It's unbelievable this is a debut author, she truly writes like she has written for many years. I loved seeing the character growth. It's a miracle, we start out one way like some of the characters in this book and God plants the seed of change in our heart making us better people. I am really looking forward to the next book she puts out.

Published February 2nd 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.

“When someone seems bent on making your life miserable, heap coals of kindness on their head.” Oh how I wish this motto rang true throughout the story of A Dance in Donegal by Jennifer Deibel.

Deibel transported me back in time to a quaint little village called Ballymann in 1920 Donegal Ireland. I enjoyed smelling the peat fires, hearing the ocean waves crashing on the rocks, seeing the sheep grazing on the hillsides, walking through the countryside, and visiting with the townsfolk as they went about their daily lives. As a reader I could tell this author had lived in Ireland and loved it as it resonated throughout the story. If I could rate this book solely on my virtual trip to Ballymann through Deibel’s prose it would be a hands down 5 star review no questions asked. Unfortunately A Dance in Donegal is not a travel book.

Thus I have to consider my connection with the characters. Regrettably this didn’t happen for me at all with the two main characters Moira Doherty and Sean McFadden, who the entire story revolves around. My heart weeped for Aedach and how he was treated by the townsfolk. I was flabbergasted how they could ever think so little about another in need, which all but a handful of townsfolk in Ballymann did about Aedach. For me Moira and Aedach’s rapport was more heartfelt and believable than Moira and Sean’s. Colm Sweeny’s knack for always knowing the right thing to say no matter the situation saved this story for me. My favorite was the conversation between Colm and Sean about what one does for a living. The conversation was very touching and full of wisdom. “Ya see, lad, it doesna matter a lick if ye’re a priest, a barkeep, or a thatcher by trade. When ya seek to love the Laird wit’ all yer heart, soul, an’ mind, and then seek ta love others selflessly, ye’re a man who will make a difference in this world one pairson at a time.” This brought tears to my eyes reminding me of my Dad, who was a dairy farmer, and a lot like Colm Sweeny. Honorable mention goes to Colm’s wife Peg, and her friend Brid. For me the supporting characters well outshined Moira and Sean.

Last but not least, the finale leaped from scene to scene making my head spin rushing to end. This sudden change of pace made me question if I was reading the same author. Waiting weeks to write this review I personally do not remember the ending at all. Plus for me it would have been better to have the glossary of Irish terms and phrases at the beginning of the book instead of the end to help understand the language better.

I sincerely wrestled with this one as I never felt moved or totally immersed with characters Moira and Sean and their relationship, or the feeling that I could not put A Dance in Donegal down. Sadly my rating is 3 out of 5 stars for this debut. I enjoyed it, but it fell a bit short in character development for me. If you enjoy reading Historical Christian Fiction, please, please, do give Jennifer Deibel’s debut a look, as many others really enjoyed A Dance in Donegal’s magical trip.

I received a complimentary copy of this book courtesy of Revell through Interviews & Reviews and NetGalley.  Plus I was a participating member of the author’s private launch team on Facebook.

A Dance in Donegal is a historical fiction novel set in a small town in Ireland and filled with its culture and traditions. It's well-written and lovers of "the auld Irish ways and language" will delight with the details of town life in 1920s Donegal.

When Moira decides to travel from Boston to Ireland after accepting the post as the new schoolteacher, she encounters a frosty welcome from most villagers which immediately has the reader wondering what happened with her mother in this village. Moira makes friends with some God-fearing neighbors and eventually comes to discover the mystery surrounding her mother and what it means to be a true Christian.

For the most part, I enjoyed this story which has a good pace and a great setting. Moira has a good heart and she is compassionate and empathetic, however, I did find her quite clueless for a schoolteacher. She looked confused when people whispered about her behind her back and did not take the initiative to ask her friends what people were speculating about until more than halfway into the story. It wasn't clear to me why her mother never disclosed to her what happened to her, and why in heaven's name she would want her daughter to go to a village she herself fled from. I felt that there were missing details to the story. I had so many questions that were never answered by the end of the book.

There was an incident with a dirt-poor student that had me wondering about his parents, and how could Moira and even her God-fearing friends wait to see what she decided to do when he was deathly ill before helping him. That whole episode had me somewhat shocked. As a parent, it really upset me. And there was another grave incident with a gentleman that I felt was unnecessary and did not add much to the story except to make me see how gullible Moira was.

This book is heavy on scripture, which felt preachy at times coming from a character who did not attend church and practiced Irish traditions clearly based on superstition and pagan origins. Apart from these foibles, I enjoyed being transported to an Irish village to follow the journey of a young woman searching for answers.