About the Book

All of her life, Irish-American Moira Doherty has relished her mother’s descriptions of Ireland. When her mother dies unexpectedly in the summer of 1920, Moira decides to fulfill her mother’s wish that she become the teacher in Ballymann, her home village in Donegal, Ireland.

After an arduous voyage, Moira arrives to a new home and a new job in an ancient country. Though a few locals offer a warm welcome, others are distanced by superstition and suspicion. Rumors about Moira’s mother are unspoken in her presence but threaten to derail everything she’s journeyed to Ballymann to do. Moira must rely on the kindness of a handful of friends–and the strength of Sean, an unsettlingly handsome thatcher who keeps popping up unannounced–as she seeks to navigate a life she’d never dreamed of . . . but perhaps was meant to live.

Jennifer Deibel’s debut novel delights the senses, bringing to life the sights, sounds, smells, and language of a lush country and a colorful people. Historical romance fans will embrace her with open arms.

In My Opinion

Jennifer Deibel’s debut is an immersive delight that had me feeling like I was right there experiencing Ireland for the first time alongside Moira. From the descriptions of landscapes to the local traditions and superstitions and memorable characters, A Dance in Donegal is sure to appeal to historical romance readers.

As Moira struggles to find acceptance in this close-knit community, some allies come alongside her, but most are distant. In a small village where gossip travels fast, our heroine finds herself a favorite topic.

The story lulls you and settles you in like a warm blanket or a favorite hot drink then drops even more issues into Moira’s life. The faith-thread is strong, the romance flows at a realistic pace, and there is an undercurrent of mystery around Moira’s mother throughout. All in all, a wonderful debut that has me wondering where Deibel might take readers next.

My Rating:

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

About the Author

Jennifer Deibel is a middle school teacher whose work has appeared on (in)courage, on The Better Mom, in Missions Mosaic magazine, and other publications. With firsthand immersive experience abroad, Jennifer writes stories that help redefine home through the lens of culture, history, and family. After nearly a decade of living in Ireland and Austria, she now lives in Arizona with her husband and their three children.

You can find her online at www.jenniferdeibel.com, Facebook (@JenniferDeibelAuthor), and Instagram (@jenniferdeibel_author).