Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 706 KB | Release Date: August 17, 2012 | Publisher: Koa'e Press | Obtained: Amazon.com"The Last Bride in Ballymuir" [Ballymuir Series, Book 1] [Previously published as "The Homecoming"] by Dorien Kelly
My Book Summary : Michael has just gotten out of prison after being locked away for a crime he didn't commit. The only place open to him is his sister's house in Ballymuir, because she believes he's innocent and has hopes for him to make a new start for himself. However, what Michael never expected was to fall for Kylie, a woman who could run for sainthood if she tried but has her own bag-full of secrets that seem to get in the way. Will they be able to weather the storm heading for them, a mixture of people from both their pasts coming for them, or will everything and everyone pull them apart for good?
My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars! A sweet suspenseful novel about a man and woman trying to overcome their pasts while learning to place their trust in someone new.
In truth, I was surprised that this novel was a contemporary romance because when I was searching on Amazon.com I think I found this in the historical romance listing. Yet nevertheless, this novel reeled me in with its plot, hooked me with its main characters, and made me want more with its entertaining secondary characters.
Michael is a brooding, protective, softhearted man who has nothing to loose when he arrives in Ballymuir but when he meets Kylie he finds he has everything to gain if only he's willing to try. Kylie is a sweet, loving, forgiving woman who has had to put up with a lot of heartache and drama in her life, then when she meets Michael, she finds that everything she thought she wanted for herself instantly changes into wanting something more.
I loved them together and I'm really happy with the way this novel plays out. I would recommend it to anyone who likes contemporary romances, especially ones based in Ireland. =0)
Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here :
Author's Series Extras : Pinterest: Ballymuir Novels
Book Teaser(s) :
“You’re no farmer,” he said.
Kylie gave an apologetic sigh as she ladled out the soup. “Nor a chef, either.” Putting a bowl at the place she’d set for him, she said, “I’m a primary teacher at Gaelscoil Pearse—one of the local All-Irish schools. An bhfuil Gaeilge agat?”
A smile, almost too brief to be seen, passed across his face. “I speak a word or two, but none that I’ll be trotting out for an expert like you. And now you’re teaching it to the young? It’s a grand thing you’re doing.”
She felt her face color at the compliment; she received them so painfully seldom. Kylie smiled her thanks. “Milk? It’s fresh this morning.” At his “please,” she busied herself pulling two clean glasses from the shelf and the milk from her small refrigerator.
The milk, at least, would be right. The bread was another issue. On her pay, store bought was an impossibility. Home-baked, on the other hand, was a punishment. She sawed frantically at the loaf, wishing not for the first time that she’d had a mother long enough to teach her these basic things. With luck, Michael Kilbride had a forgiving nature because he’d have much to forgive after this meal. ~ within Chapter 1
“You mean you can cook this well and you’ve not shared with me? You’ve bloody well betrayed me in my own kitchen.”For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Dorien, then please check out her website.
Michael just looked back over his shoulder at her. “And how, exactly, did you think that dog of yours has grown fat as a sausage roll? And more important, how’d you think I avoided starvation? Though it was a near thing,” he added before deftly flipping the eggs, leaving their yolks perfectly intact. “And as for sharing with you, you’ll note I’m not much for tofu or whatever that gelatinous block of white stuff you live on is.”
Vi grabbed a pot of raspberry preserves. “The stuff in the fridge? I don’t live on that! I’m just keeping it till I remember what it is, or until it has a life of its own—whichever comes first.”
Michael laughed. ~ within Chapter 20
