Dear Inmate

Set in 1854 Massachusetts Dear Inmate is the second in The Paddy Series, a beautiful series I am so happy to have discovered! The opening begins with a bang and the story contains angst, tension and turmoil throughout with the powerful Know-Nothings group against the Irish and slavery abolitionists. The Irish are not only ostracized but also abused and the Black people are enslaved and forcefully deported. Thankfully the Irish revolt and stand up for those without a voice to fight for freedoms. As the author notes, some characters are based on real people, as are some events. Despair is beautifully balanced by romance, friendships, loyalty and hope.

Rosaleen has now matured into a loyal young lady whose resolve is strengthened by gaining tiny steps in the big war (which is often uphill). Her confidence has blossomed and she and those closest to her take on the crowds and get involved politically, though extremely challenging and exhausting. Who does one trust?

My favourite aspects of this book are the relationships, especially the sweet one between Rosaleen and Angel which is told through letters in which Rosaleen is a mentor of sorts. I was invested in the characters the entire time. The mystery element is also enjoyable as are the Dear Paddy references. Learning more of the Fugitive Slave Law is interesting as well.

My sincere thank you to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this wonderful book. Though not necessary to enjoy Book 2, do read Book 1 as well for context. I wonder what Book 3 will reveal! What a great entry point for new Historical Fiction readers as well as for those who, like me, have read it for years.

This was a really enjoyable read. It was a well researched and well written storyline that was based on some real people/ real events that I hadnt known about, or known much about before this book. If you like hostrical fiction that has an element of mystery then this a book for you.

Determined to make a difference, Rosaleen continues writing her anonymous Signed, A Paddy letters to spread the word about the harsh, intolerable conditions Irish immigrants and others experience in Lowell and elsewhere. The Irish are being harassed and arrested for questionable reasons, and many end up at the poor farm. When Rosaleen discovers that numbers of people sent to the poor farm are being released under suspicious circumstances, she is determined to find out why those released early are not returning home. Not everyone can be trusted and getting more involved can be dangerous. Reading Rosaleen’s story reminds us of the hopeful proof that one person, then two people, and more, can work to make positive change.

Thank you, Net Galley and Lisa Boyle, for this opportunity to read an advance reader copy of Dear Inmate. My own print copy is on preorder, and I am looking forward to the next book in the Paddy Series!

If you haven’t read Lisa Boyle’s book Signed, A. Paddy, book 1 in the Paddy series, you need to go ahead and pick it up, because you will definitely want to read book 2 Dear Inmate. Lisa Boyle has done it again as she brings back Rosaleen, an Irish immigrant living in Lowel, MA.

Dear Inmate starts off with dramatic action and won’t let go of you until the end and will still have you wanting for more. To watch Rosaleen and her friends growth through these two books will have you running through a gamut of emotions. This story will have you asking the question, how do you know who your true friends are and can they be trusted? Not everyone is what they seem.

Lisa Boyle does a masterful job in the telling of this story and the struggles of not only Irish immigrants but the struggle of others too. Rosaleen continues with her secret letters from Signed, A. Paddy and will have you rooting for her success. Boyle also sets the reader up for book 3 of this series so be ready to read them all.

Thank you #netgalley and #victoryediting,netgalleycoop for allowing me to read this ARC. All opinions expressed above are my own.

An amazing book loved the characters and hoe they have developed between the books.
Please note you have to read Signed A paddy the previous book before reading this one else you won't understand anything .the current book starts a few years after the first with both main characters married and rise of extreme anti immigrant parties

The much anticipated sequel to Signed, A Paddy... he writing was INCREDIBLE! I’ve never highlighted so many sections of a book before, but there were just so many beautifully written passages that I knew I indeed to save to come back to.

Lisa Boyle is an Indy author I found through a book tour and I am so glad I did. In our second book about the life of Rosaleen she is still trying to better he loves of those around her. But at what cost? I will forever be a fan of this author.

Dear Inmate is the second book in the Paddy Series. I love that we get to continue following Rosaleen as she fights for her fellow Irish immigrants and corruption. This book is so rich in historical details. I enjoyed getting to learn more about a time period that I don't know much about.

Book 2 in the series picks right up were book 1 ended. I loved continuing on the characters journeys alongside them. If you haven't read book 1 Signed, A Paddy yet, I highly recommend you grab a copy.

Book two in this series continues to be just as engrossing and as book 1. I really enjoyed following Rosaleen to see where life takes her. Very strong and inspiring protagonist. Historical fiction at its finest. Thank you netgalley and publisher for this arc in exchange of an honest review.

Even though it had been almost a year since I read Book 1 of this series (Signed, A Paddy), I feel like I picked up where I left off with Rosaleen, Emmett, Mr. Joyce, and the rest of the crew. Historical fiction was my first reading love, and it was fun to read about a time and place I don't know too much about - the life of Irish immigrants in Massachusetts in the 1850's. I loved that this book had love, mystery, action, and everyday life. The ending was great because it wrapped things up nicely but still left the reader wanting more!

I loved every bit of Lisa Boyle’s debut novel “Signed, A Paddy” and the second book in this series, “Dear Inmate”, did not disappoint. In The first installment we meet Rosaleen, a young girl who is forced to flee Ireland and the famine after her parents die. The author really does a fantastic job developing her character and I continued to be amazed at her strength, courage and perseverance. The author does an excellent job describing the struggles Irish immigrants endured daily, the blatant prejudice and maltreatment, yet no matter what was thrown Rosaleen’s way, she continued to fight the oppression around her. So young and so brave. I couldn’t help but stand by her and cheer!

Thank you to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced readers copy of this fantastic book. Highly recommend for historical fiction fans.