We know that history is often written by the victors in a war, but this novel gives us a glimpse into the events of the Mexican-American War from the perspectives of those who experienced defeat, conquest, and occupation. Our narrators are the real life figure John Riley, an Irish immigrant who joined the U.S. Army in the 1840s and found himself the target of the kind of harassment and abuse he experienced from the English in his home country; and Ximena, a Mexican indigenous healer who becomes a nurse for the Mexican Army. Riley defects to the Mexican side after the beginning of the war, forming an artillery company of fellow Irish defectors that named themselves the San Patricio (or Saint Patrick's) Battalion. From that base, Grande constructs a love story that weaves in and out of the battles, privations, and separations occasioned by war. This is a generally refreshing look at a war we learn too little about in a standard school curriculum, and the plot moves along briskly. The weakness of the novel comes in deficient character development: the dialog, emotions, and reflections of the characters are painted with a broad brush, often falling into cliché. However, it's easy to overlook this flaw and enjoy the novel for its stirring story and foray into the lives of those who experienced this war as an invasion and subsequent large scale theft of land. Thanks to Atria Books for providing an advance reader copy for my review.

This was an interesting book, I learned a lot about Mexico and United States relations in the mid 1800's, and I did not know that Mexico territory once existed up to Oregon, until they were forced to give up territory north of the Rio Bravo which included California. This follows two people, John Reilly and Ximena Catalan, he is in the United States army, he's originally from Ireland and came to America to earn enough money to bring his wife and child over to escape the harsh poverty and hunger in Ireland. Ximena is a healer, her grandmother taught her which herbs and plants to use to heal and she has a reputation as a good one. John and Ximena eventually meet up after he deserts from the American army after being treated poorly by the Officers in charge, he then joins the Mexican army to try to stop the invasion by the Americans. The parts of the story that dealt with the fighting between the two sides were brutal to read, there was a lot of death on both sides, the Mexicans lost every battle they fought and usually ended up retreating and leaving guns and cannons for the Americans to add to their side. It's a sad part of Mexican history that the generals in charge of the fighting were so poorly capable and were more interested in their own wealth and prestige. Overall I enjoyed the book and would recommend especially to learn a bit about the history. Thank you to #Netgalley and #Atria for the ARC.

A Ballad of Love and Glory
• by Reyna Grande


A Ballad of Love and Glory an epic historical fiction opens in 1846 during the time of the Mexican-American War. The United States, fueled by its belief in a Manifest Destiny, has provoked a war and is seeking to expand its borders into the sovereign territories of Mexico. The novel explores a period of history that is largely unknown, although the outcome of this conflict and its impact are felt to this day. The love story between John Riley an Irish national and desserter from the US Army and Xemena a Mexican nurse and talented healer, provides some of the storylines warmer moments. Their blossoming relationship, and deep friendship with the men of the St. Patrick’s Battalion, bring to life the human cost of the conflict. To be clear, this is not just a love story, it is a novel heavy with the day to day horrors of the battlefield, strategy, the hubris of leaders, and the politics of war.

A Ballad of Love and Glory is sure to be a hit with fans of realistic historical fiction. Grande’s work is well researched and carefully rendered. She has created a rich cast of characters inspired by actual historical figures that will leave you feeling like you are struggling right along beside them. Readers will cheer, cry, rage with frustration as well as feel the rise of hope and joy. It is evident that Grande has a great love of her native country, it’s complicated history with her adopted country, and pride and compassion for her people.

Look for it - Pub Date 15 March 2022. I’d like to thank @writerreynagrande, @netgalley and @AtriaBooks for the gift of this digital arc.

#ABalladofLoveandGlory #ReynaGrande #arc #comingsoon #netgalley #saintpatricksbattalion #historicalfiction #warstories #loveinthetimeofwar #latinixwriters #diversespines #ownvoicesauthor #ownvoicesbook #ownvoicesreviewer #myreadinglife #idratherbereading #booksofbookstagram #mmdbookclub

Set during the Mexican American war, this book is a love story between not just a man and a woman, but also the love of a people for their country. In a time when honor means more than a man’s life, it focuses on the Irish immigrant soldiers who dared to cross the Rio Grande, deserting the American army to fight for Mexico’s independence.
I appreciated Reyna Grande’s authenticity while drafting this story. You can tell she has taken great pains in her research and the beauty of Mexico itself is richly drawn. I enjoyed meeting the characters; John Riley, an Irish soldier desperate to bring his family away from the harsh living conditions in Ireland, has deserted the American Army to fight for Mexico’s freedom. Ximena, a beautiful Mexican widow, nurses wounded soldiers as she tries to survive her own tragedies. The story is heavy in history, and especially the political arena surrounding this specific timeframe. Battle scenes are keenly depicted; the horrors of war vividly described. True historical figures are woven tightly into the story; I felt I knew Santa Ana personally once I finished this novel.
Regardless, I had a tough time connecting with this story. The budding romance between John and Ximena was lovely, and the surrounding characters were engaging and believable. However, the heaviness of war scenes and army politics were distracting to me, as was the length of the novel itself. Others interested in the technical areas of this time of Mexican American history may enjoy this novel much more.
Thank you Netgalley, Atria Books, and Reyna Grande for early access to A Ballad of Love and Glory.

Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for the ARC!

Now, I don’t often read historical fiction, but I’m glad I took a chance with this one. They don’t really teach much about the Mexican-American War in history class, it was great to read from the perspective of Ximena, a Mexican healer, and John Riley, an Irish Immigrant, in the Yankee Army who is considering fighting for the Mexican side instead.

While this was a beautiful and absolutely devastating love story, it was also quite interesting to read about the Saint Patrick’s Battalion, and I got quite emotional and attached to these men.

This is a good read, and I learned a lot about a war that’s seldom taught in at least the part of the US where I live.

Beautiful story.

The Texas/Mexico border is about to be shifted once again in 1846. Not satisfied with the annexation of Texas, American/ Texan forces led by Zachary Taylor seek to provoke the Mexican American War. Among the forces going South are American soldiers, Texas rangers and immigrants, mostly Irish and some Germans. John Riley is one of those troops. He stands out by his experience, height and ability to rally his men. He also stands out by his hatred for the British and his dreams of helping his family in Ireland survive the famine. Riley again sees in the American army brutality not only against the Mexicans but even against Irish troops serving with the Americans. It’s just like the British back in Ireland. Seeing more similarities with the Mexican cause and its Catholic values, Riley deserts….an action punishable by execution.

Meanwhile, in a border area of Mexico, Ximena lives with her husband on a ranch. She assists as a gifted healer and dreams of peace, since her family’s flight from San Antonio. Her peaceful existence comes to an end when her husband is murdered by Texas rangers who then burn her ranch. Ximena must flee again.

John and Ximena eventually meet against the turbulent background of war. John is accepted as an experienced leader in strategy and armaments, and is named to lead the St. Patrick’s Battalion, formed from deserters, like himself. Ximena’s skills as a healer and ability to converse in Spanish and English make her valuable to the war effort. Together they embark on a relationship against tremendous odds and personal sacrifice.

The author does a true service in depicting a time not usually explored in historical fiction with a romantic element. The narrative shifts between John and Ximena, and also in some detail to flashbacks. At times the gruesome toll of the warring factions became overwhelming. Battle details and strategies also dominated…..after all, this is a story of war. The ending of this conflict is well-known, but the emphasis on the real character (enhanced through fiction) of John Riley and the San Patricios is not so widely appreciated. The narrative seemed to drag at times, and the passion of their relationship only seemed more vital because of the horrors of war. This is a book for those wishing to learn more about this era in history with the emphasis on the war, politics and a deep strand of romance. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing this title.

A Ballad of Love and Glory by Reyna Grande is aptly named, her characters, John Riley and the St. Patrick's Battalion and Ximena, the Mexican healer at their heart, are at once very real and ethereally mythic in the midst of the Mexican American War. The novel fluctuates between quiet moments and intense action, heartbreak and rage and hope and joy. Grande's characters, rooted in history, come alive on the page and as readers we are witness to their complexities, many that transcend time and are eerily familiar, so that we revel in their victories and share in their grief. Ximena and John quickly become our champions and if the story ever falters or slows, it is because Grande has made us care for them so much that we dread what comes next on the chance it isn't what we wish for. From a historical perspective we know how the greater national story ends - with the ceding of half of Mexico's land to the United States - but the journey there is truly a soft, bittersweet song.

Mixed feelings on this one. I went into it thinking it was a romance, but it's actually a historical novel with romantic elements. The information about the war is detailed and precise, and the author is very capable. But this was more for history buffs than romance readers. I confess I didn't finish it, not because it's not well done, but because it's hard for me to read so much suffering even with the redemption aspects. Thanks to Netgalley and Atria Books for allowing me to read it in exchange for an honest review..

I received this from Netgalley.com.

Set in 1846 and inspired by actual events of the U.S.-México border War. The book is filled with real historical people and the impact the war had on their lives. I think the author had a personal connection and needed to tell this story, and the history is well depicted, but I never felt deeply connected with the characters.

2.75☆

A fascinating, intimate story of a Mexican nurse and Irish soldier in the Mexican American War. As steeped in history as it is relevant to today, fans of historical fiction, love in the face of war, A Ballad of Love and Glory is a at once a love letter to Mexico's land and a searing look at a too often ignored period of America's history.

Breathtaking. I knew I would love this novel before I even started it, but I somehow loved it THAT much more after I finished.

The author built such a beautiful cast of characters, from John and Ximena to Maloney and Dalton (and everyone in between). I felt myself standing alongside John in battle and healing the wounded alongside Ximena. The blossoming of their love was beautiful and painful, scary and hopeful. So much to love about this book. I cannot recommend it enough!!!

When I first began reading this, I definitely couldn’t put it down. The going back and forth between the perspectives of the main character were nice and kept me interested. But the overall story was dry and started to get me uninterested. Maybe because romance type of novels aren’t my thing. Maybe because I felt that it was going slow and I needed something to happen for it to pickup and it felt as if it were never going to come. For me, I didn’t love this nor finished. But for other that are big fans of romance, this could definitely be a favorite or a good book.

This book detailed a part of history that I was unfamiliar with, the Mexican-American War. It is based on true characters and is amazingly told. This book will keep you reading deep into the night with the emotions it engenders, the ending you need to know. Very descriptive and illuminating. Perfect for lovers of Historical Fiction.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the ARC (kindle edition) in exchange for an honest review.

I found this to be a well-researched story of the Mexican-American War. I personally did not find it comparable to A Long Petal of the Sea nor Cold Mountain. Of course, Cold Mountain is one of my most favorite books ever so it would take a spectacular book to bump that out of it’s all time slot.
The descriptions of the battles were very well told and the atrocities done by the American officers was absolutely horrendous. I am always appalled when I read about what takes place during times of war, not always by the enemy, but by the officers that are supposed to be setting the example. I admired Ximena Salome’, what a brave woman. The other main character, John Riley did the best he could do with what he had to endure.
If you enjoy this time period or want to know more of this war in the 1840’s. I would highly recommend.
Received an ARC from Atria Books and NetGalley for my unbiased review – This one comes in with 4 stars.

Keep your eyes peeled for this beauty of a book that comes out on March 15, 2022! If you love historical accounts of war infused with romance, you will enjoy this novel! I found this novel to be very interesting as I learned about the battle for land between the USA and Mexico. Reyna Grande’s vision for telling this story and important piece of history came together beautifully. ❤️ I especially loved the descriptions of the 19th century Mexican cities, culture and fierce loyalty of the soldiers.

A Ballad of Love and Glory is a historical fiction about war and love. The region along the Rio Grande river is under siege as the USA attempts to expand their territory into Mexico. John is an Irish immigrant serving the US army. He later defects due to the poor treatment of the immigrant soldiers. He makes a daring move and swims across the Rio Grande to join forces with the Mexican army in return for promised land and citizenship. Conditions on the Mexican side are much better for John. John meets Ximena, a healer and visionary, who nurses wounded soldiers. The attraction to one another is instant. As Ximena and John fight for Mexico, their love grows deeper but so does the turmoil around them. Will their love withstand the devastation of war?

Thank you to @netgalley and @atriabooks for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. 🙏🏻 I throughly enjoyed this book and will be recommending it! Great job @writerreynagrande ! 👏🏻

#bookadoration #bookstagram #canadianbookstagram #aballadofloveandglory #reynagrande #historicalfiction #netgalley #atria #atriabooks #writerreynagrande

A classic historical fiction, this is perfect for fans of authors like Isabel Allende. This novel initially drew me in because it was about an event and group of people in history I was not aware of. I love stories that teach me something new and also make you realize that there are so many connections in this world that unite the most unexpected of people.
A tale of two lonely people in the midst of war, John Riley and Ximena are admirable characters on their own as well as together. I really loved that there were a lot of character exploration outside of their romance and that the author spent a lot of time talking about the political situation at the time, making this novel just as great for history lovers.

“A Ballad of Love and Glory” and an epic historical fiction cast against the Mexican-American War in 1846. The story follows John Riley, an Irish immigrant who has seen his fair share of war- fighting with the British army before coming to the US to eventually be drawn back into battle in hopes of making enough money to move his wife and son to the US too. But as the campaign wears on, and under constant discrimination and disdain as a second-class person, John realizes he may be on the wrong side of the US-Mexican fight.
Ximena is a Mexican healer, who has also seen her fair share of death and destruction. She has no love for the US and their continued push southward into sovereign Mexican territory. Her husband goes to fight back the Texas Rangers bent on destroying their ranches and homes… but perishes. As she and her grandmother flee, it sets off a chain of events integrating her presence into the war and into John’s life.
The author’s descriptions are strongest when expanding on the natural beauty of the landscape and in the earnest pain and suffering of the soldiers. It heightened the atmosphere of the story to practically smell the air and see the colors around every scene. Truly though, the research and integrity of the storyline is what is most compelling for this novel. The author has done a phenomenal job creating her characters inside of the context of the time/place. It is difficult to read at times, knowing that so much of the events and letters are based in fact, and feeling the despair and regrets of choices made and consequences received. But it is a fantastic addition to historical fiction - and fills a gap in time that has not been so thoroughly addressed before.

Such a fabulous book with incredible writing. It really swept me away. Rarely do I read books like this but I thought I would try something different. I am so glad I did. A Ballad of Love and Glory is a book set against a historical backdrop and tells the story of a Mexican army nurse and an Irish soldier who fall in love. They have to beat the odds and ultimately do everything they can to be together. An amazing love story that will spark your imagination and pull at all your feelings. High recommendation from me!

There are two main elements of A Ballad of Love and Glory that piqued my interest in it story. One is that it highlights such an important (and under-discussed) time in history. Like Reyna Grande herself, who describes not learning about the Mexican-American War until college, I don’t believe I learned about it until college either. My first memory of hearing much about it was in a novel I was assigned during my junior year, George Washington Gómez by Américo Paredes. However, my knowledge of of the war was still lacking, and I’ve always found fiction to be an immersive way of learning.

A Ballad of Love and Glory is set during a real event, and it stars two real-life people, fictionalized here. As Mexico faces a looming war with the United States, Ximena is a curandera – a healer – who wants to help her country as she can. Dangerous as it may be, she works to heal the soldiers injured in battle. John Riley, an Irish immigrant, was fighting on the American side until he decided to switch and fight on behalf of Mexico. He was joined by numerous other immigrants – from Ireland, Germany, Poland, and more – who deserted the U.S. Army in favor of Mexico.

The second element that drew me to A Ballad of Love and Glory is that it highlights an intercultural, interracial couple. Ximena is a Mexican woman and John is an Irish immigrant, yet they bond over their shared beliefs. Both are Catholic, both believe in Mexico’s right to freedom from oppression, and both believe in their duty to serve their countries. I love seeing how two people who seem so different can have so much in common. (This is like my husband and me: He’s Peruvian and I’m an American woman of mainly English and Irish descent.)

In some ways, A Ballad of Love and Glory is a love story, but that romance generally takes a backseat to the war between Mexico and the U.S. Indeed, much of the focus is on the soldiers, battles, strategies, weapons, and so on. While we follow John and his role during battle, we also follow Ximena and her efforts to save and heal as many soldiers as she can. The reader gets plenty of detail on the different battles, who was leading the Mexican army during each one, and the politics of the war. We also get John’s perspective as an Irishman whose own country has been controlled by England for far too long. He draws comparison between Ireland and Mexico and their respective fights against the English and the Americans.

Early on, it was painful to read about how terribly John and his fellow immigrants were treated by the American soldiers they fought alongside. The Americans were so hateful and unforgiving, treating the immigrants with immense disrespect, hatred, and violence. Sadly, the U.S. does have a history of racism and aggression, something we still see to this day. It was no wonder when John and his immigrant compatriots deserted the U.S. Army to fight alongside people who gave them respect and kindness. Further, Mexico was more in line with John’s Irish beliefs and morals.

In the midst of all this hardship, John and Ximena do find solace and love in each other. It is a bit taboo at first. Ximena’s husband dies shortly before she meets John. However, John still has a wife and son back home in Ireland. He feels guilty for his growing feelings for Ximena, delaying a relationship between them. Is it wrong for him to find comfort in Ximena? His guilt plays a large role in A Ballad of Love and Glory – not just in his potential relationship with Ximena, but also in his role in leading his fellow immigrants to desert the U.S. Army and fight alongside Mexico. Is it his fault if they get killed in battle?

Although the book explores a lot of emotional depth and the turmoils of war, something about A Ballad of Love and Glory does also feel a tad distant, like we’re always kept just at arm’s length. I found myself wishing it was a bit more involved with the characters’ inner lives and feelings. Getting a first person narrative rather than the third person used in the novel may have made it more connective. This is no slight against Reyna Grande’s writing; she’s clearly talented and offers a contemplative novel here. But my personal preference is generally for something more immersive in the characters.

A Ballad of Love and Glory is ultimately a bittersweet novel. Given its wartime setting, and given the outcome of that war, you should go into this book knowing that it will dive into sadness, pain, and suffering. Some beloved characters won’t survive to the end; seeing Mexico torn apart, bit by bit, is horrible. But despite all of that, the novel also offers hope and love, and it ends with a light at the end of the tunnel. There is some happiness to be found even in the harshest of circumstances.

I thoroughly enjoyed A Ballad of Love and Glory, from its setting in Mexico to its intercultural examination. I learned a lot about the Mexican-American War, and I discovered eye-opening comparisons between two seemingly disparate countries. This is a book worth reading as soon as it’s available.

5 stars
Not at all what I expected. I do feel there is a audience for this book. It is not for me. Thanks for the ARC of this book.