As a fan of historical fiction, I enjoyed learning more about the invasion of Mexico and liked the strong female character at the center of the story. The novel dragged at times because the descriptions of battle were so lengthy and the romance between Ximena and Riley was melodramatic.

It was a good story and I would have enjoyed it more if the pace was faster, but as this is the author’s first work of fiction, I imagine she wanted to include all the details of her thorough research. In future novels she will surely find a way to describe the experiences of her characters with the same depth as she masterfully writes her own in previous works.

The Saint Patrick Brigade

In the year of 1846 the Mexican-American war was fought over the Annexation of Texas and the boundary of the Rio Grande River. This is a forgotten war, but it was fought all the same.

In the American army were many immigrants from foreign countries fighting as soldiers for the Americans. They were treated very cruelly over ever minor incident, beaten, branded and other inhumane treatment. One soldier, John Riley, an Irish immigrant fighting in the American army defended the army until his friend was murdered trying to escape the cruel treatment. He then escaped and joined the Mexican army. After he joined the Mexican army he recruited fellow Irishmen to leave the American army and join the Mexican army. When there were enough men Santa Anna gave John Riley his own brigade called the Saint Patrick Brigade. They were gunners and manned the large cannons.

This is a story of the war, the two armies and the men who fought on both sides. The Mexican people living in the towns where the war was fought and even the resistance fighting outside the army itself. It was a horrible time of hunger and bloodshed.

John Riley met a Mexican war nurse named Ximena and fell in love. They both fight to su
rvive the war and to survive their love for each other. Will they live or will the war take their lives.
It was interesting to read about a war I never even knew about. Everyone knows about the Alamo, but this is a different war after the Alamo. I love learning new historical facts and it was quite interesting about the Irish fighting in this war as they neither belonged to the U.S. nor to Mexico.

I think all war is bad and a horrible experience, but it goes on even today. How nice it would be if there were no more wars. Sadly that will never happen as long as there are power hungry men in the world. My wish would be for peace and acceptance for everyone.

I really did enjoy reading this book, it took me longer than most as I kept having to look up places and facts but that made me more informed about the history of our country and that of the countries of Mexico and Ireland as well. I love to read and if I can learn something while enjoying my read that is an inspiration for me to read more.

I would definitely recommend this book as a great Historical Fiction read.

Thanks to Reyna Grande for writing a great story, to Atria Books for publishing it and to NetGalley for making it available to me.

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!