Bethany House, Jan. 2016
Reviewed by Diana Flowers
~5 stars~
♫ When Irish Eyes Are Smiling ♫
Susan Anne Mason has penned a mesmerizing, impassioned Irish American saga of two families whose lives intertwine at the lovely and affluent estate—the O'Leary stables, Irish Meadows, in 1914 Long Island, New York.
Maggie Montgomery's dreams of coming to America and starting a new life are finally coming to fruition. She has escaped the unwanted advances of Neill Fitzgerald and has no plans of ever returning to the lush, verdant meadows of Ireland. Once in New York she is reunited with Rylan Montgomery, her beloved brother and his wife, the former Colleen O'Leary of Irish Meadows estate. While visiting Irish Meadows she meets Colleen's brother, Adam—handsome and intriguing, but totally off limits.
Adam O'Leary has recently been released from prison and though ostracized from his family, Maggie is inexorably drawn to him. Adam's main desire of heart is to earn back his family's trust, and the lovely Irish Maggie who was not a part of his plans quickly becomes a priority as well. However, their tight-knit bond begins to unravel as Adam stumbles upon a terrible family secret that threatens to completely destroy his already low self-esteem—and neither he nor Maggie realize their undeniable attraction to one another may cause unfathomable danger to themselves...and those they love.
Adam O'Leary has recently been released from prison and though ostracized from his family, Maggie is inexorably drawn to him. Adam's main desire of heart is to earn back his family's trust, and the lovely Irish Maggie who was not a part of his plans quickly becomes a priority as well. However, their tight-knit bond begins to unravel as Adam stumbles upon a terrible family secret that threatens to completely destroy his already low self-esteem—and neither he nor Maggie realize their undeniable attraction to one another may cause unfathomable danger to themselves...and those they love.
Author Susan Anne Mason has quickly become one of my favorite new authors—beginning with her amazing debut novel Irish Meadows and totally enrapturing me with A Worthy Heart! With a smidgen of suspense, two toe curling, angst-filled romances in the O'Leary/Montgomery family for the price of one (sighhh...)—and memorable characters who will wrap themselves around your heart and not let go—this is a definite must read! Although not a requirement as this book does well as a stand alone, I highly recommend reading Irish Meadows first to become better acquainted with each fascinating character. A Worthy Heart is a fast-paced, exciting novel with never a dull moment, interspersed with a strong theme of forgiveness and redemption throughout. Be sure to order your copy today!
Disclosure: I was provided a copy of this novel from NetGalley and Bethany House. I was not required to give a positive review.
GIVEWAY: Susan Anne Mason is generously offering a paperback copy of A Worthy Heart to one blessed commenter! To be eligible, please be sure to leave your email address for contact purposes written (at) and (dot) to protect yourself from spammers. US entrants only in this particular giveaway.
Lots of questions and mystery in that very intriguing review, DIANA, you have me wanting to get my hands on this beautiful book for sure! I must say, I do love the sound of TWO toe-curling romances wrapped up with memorable characters, a great faith message, AND an exciting read. Sounds just perfect! I didn't realize this was the second in the series, so I'm heading off to visit some Irish Meadows..
ReplyDeleteThank you, NOELA! This book has it all! Yes, do read Irish Meadows if you get a chance! You. Will. Love. It.
DeleteOh this looks so good!! Can't wait to read it!!
ReplyDeletealander87 at allcom dot net
I can't wait for you to read it, ABBY! The luck of the Irish to you, my friend!
DeleteI am very interested in reading A Worthy Heart as well as Irish Meadows. Both are on my TBR list. Thanks for the opportunity to enter this contest.
ReplyDeleteIrish Meadows made it on my faves list of 2015, DEBBIE! And am sure A WORTHY HEART will make it on my 2016 faves. Thanks and good luck in the drawing!
DeleteOops forgot to add my email address. princessdebbie1_2000 (at) yahoo (dot) com Thanks again.
ReplyDeleteThx, Princess Debbie. :)
DeleteSounds like a great book. Thx for sharing and here's hoping!
ReplyDeleteAnne at Rightler dot com
Hi, ANNE! Nice to "see" you this beautiful, but cold sunshiny morning in SC! Pick one of those shamrocks above and wish real hard! (wink)
DeleteIt looks sounds like a great book to read. The review was great. It made me want to read it so bad. Thank you for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteMy review just doesn't do the book justice, TAMMY! It is an amazing book that I hope you'll put at the top of your TBR list! Thank you for your kind words!
DeleteWonderful review Diana.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed Irish Meadows & A Worthy Heart sounds like it will be just as good.
Blessings, Tina
Oh, it surely is, TINA! I don't know which one I liked the best! :)
DeleteBlessings and a "thank you" sent back your way.
O Diana! What have you done?!! You added not one but two books to my ever-growing TBR list! I haven't read Irish Meadows either, and now MUST do so too! A Worthy Heart sounds right up my alley and I have so many questions after your review that I also MUST find out! You ladies at OWG are addictive! Love your reviews and you've never steered me wrong (just adding to my very long and heavy TBR pile)! God bless!
ReplyDeleteThrow my name in the hat please!
Annie justcommonly(at)gmail(dot)com
I just love reading your comments, ANNIE! LOL! Addictive, huh? In some cases addictive is good, right? Thank you for your kind words! You HAVE to read both of these books...it's a necessity! Tossing your name in my luck of the Irish hat here! ;)
DeleteYou've revved me up. Must start reading this book very, very soon!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI know you, KAV, and know you are salivating. LOL! Just like I do over your fabulous reviews. Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteThese look so good! They are on my wishlist. Thank you for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteThank you, BETH!! I so want to enter you in the contest, so please leave an email addy for contact purposes should your name be drawn! Pleeeaaasseee come back! LOL!
DeleteOops, I forget that part! I'm sure you've drawn a winner by now, I'll slow down next time! betherin02 (at) gmail (dot) com
DeleteWhat a great review Diana! Must put it on my TBR list...Sounds just like a book I could dig right into and enjoy each page! famhriv(at)hotmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteThis is one of those books B HRIV, that is almost impossible to stop at the end of each chapter b/c there is always something going on! Never dull! Thanks so much!
DeleteAnother wonderful review Diana! You always give enough of the story-line to hook me and I can hardly wait to read this one. The Irish are such enchanting people, beautiful and tough. Both Maggie and Adam will be interesting to get to know. I can see that the author, Susan Anne Mason will be on my list of must reads. Also, thanks for mentioning that the books in this series should be read in order! Joyce * Heartwings e-mail joyce1510(dot)jrg(at)gmail(d0t)com
ReplyDeleteThank you, Joyce! Even though this story is set in America I love the Irish lilt in the character's voices and their expressions. It isn't a necessity that the books be read in order, but I would so dislike anyone missing out on the first book which introduces the characters and their journey to this point!
DeleteI keep thinking I have a copy of Irish Meadows;the cover is so familiar. I'm going to hunt around for it and hope I find it because I REALLY want to read A Worthy Heart after reading your review. You are bad, bad, bad for my book pile! ;)
ReplyDeleteANNE, I was just telling someone the other day that it's terrible to have so many books you forget which ones you have and where they are! LOL! I was going to buy one on Amazon until I realized I already had the book in my bookcase. :/ Please do yourself a favor and find that book! and if you don't have it it isn't necessary to read it before this one, but you will definitely want to. :)
DeleteThank you for a great review, Diana. I love the cover and the book sounds wonderful. I would love to read it! Thank you for the opportunity !
ReplyDeletemauback55 at gmail dot com
Thanks, MELANIE! Wishing you the luck of the Irish! :)
DeleteLove the cover! Just as beautiful as the first book in the series that I already have but haven't seen or read it since my sister-in-law borrowed it months ago. Would love the chance to win A Worthy Heart and if I do win a copy, I am hiding it. Thank you for the chance.
ReplyDeletekmgervais(at)nycap(dot)rr(dot)com
LOL! KAREN, I don't blame you, I would hide it, too. Could you kinda gently hint to s-i-l that you would like to read the first one before you dig into the second? It IS a lovely cover by the way and looks just like I picture Maggie to look, except most of the time she wears her long hair down.
DeleteThis sounds like a great story, thank you for the chance to win a copy of the book.
ReplyDeletewfnren at aol dot com
It is for sure, WENDY! You're quite welcome!
DeleteI just finished this book. It was very good. There were times when I was reminded that I am grateful that God sees me through the blood of Jesus and that makes me worthy.
ReplyDeleteThank you for bringing up that point, SONNETTA! We do well to remember that, but satan does his best to tell us otherwise and sometimes before we realize it we are listening to his drivel. I'm glad you came over to tell us how much you enjoyed the book!
DeleteI adored Irish Meadows and can't wait to read more from Susan. Truckredford(at)Gmail(Dot)com
ReplyDeleteIrish Meadows was fabulous, ELIZA! And this is more of the same! Good luck in the drawing.
DeleteYour review is so excellent, Diana that I am so enticed to read this book as well as the book preceding this one. I love that you wrote about suspense and how the characters wrap themselves around one's heart. I sure would love to win a copy of this book! Thanks for the contest! flowersmarylou85(at)gmail(dot)com Mary Lou K
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your kind words, MARY LOU! I so hope you get the chance to read them both!
DeleteI wish this story could come true for my son. He was just released from prison and also is having a hard time fitting back in. I need to pray a Maggie into his life!
ReplyDeletemissionwife AT hotmail DOT com
Aww, it has to be very hard, MELODY, as it was for Adam in our story. Wishing the best for your son and the best for you in the drawing!
DeleteI'm very excited for this book as I have "Irish Meadows" on my shelf & have been looking forward to "A Worthy Heart". The cover is gorgeous (just like the first one) and the story-line sounds divine. Always enjoy your lovely reviews, Diana. Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteteamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com
Thanks, TRIXI! I agree; both covers are absolutely beautiful. I hope you get the chance to read them both this year. You will be so glad you did! The luck of the Irish to you, my dear. :)
DeleteHi Diana. Another great review. I really want this book. It sounds so interesting. Please put my name in. Hello to all of my OWG girls and to you others. Many (((Hugs))). GOD bless you all. Please continue to pray that my health will I'm prove. Thanks!! Maxie > mac262(at)me(dot)com <
ReplyDeleteHi MAXIE! 'Tis indeed very interesting. Tossed your name in my leprechaun hat here. (wink) Hugs and blessings and I pray that that the Lord will touch, heal, and renew your body, in Jesus' name!
DeleteTwo romances? Will my toes ever get a chance to uncurl throughout the book? Haha.
ReplyDeleteLuke
Glad to see the man is feeling much better from his flu bout. :) During the typhoid outbreak, perhaps, and then it's toe curling time once again. lol
DeleteAnother wonderful review, mdh. I also loved this book and the cover is gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteThanks, mdDutchie! The first two covers are so gorgeous I'm anxious to see the 3rd! Guess that will be awhile, though. lol I'm glad you also enjoyed the book; wish I could give a copy away to everyone! :)
DeleteI enjoyed her first book in this series looking forward to reading this one. kamundsen44ATyahooDOTcom.
ReplyDeleteWasn't it great, KIM? Perhaps you'll win number 2 which is every bit as good!
DeleteWonderful review Diana - I certainly can see that I must get my hands on Irish Meadows before I win this one :)
ReplyDeletebettimace(at)gmail(dot)com
Thx, BETTI! It isn't a necessity to read Irish Meadows first, but ooh, you'll love it!
DeleteDIANA, Exquisite review! I love a fast-paced novel with strong themes of forgiveness and redemption. The cover is gorgeous! I can't wait to get my hands on this one....
ReplyDeleteThank you, CARYL! You have made my day! Pick one of those lucky little shamrocks above and wish real hard.... LOL! This is a gem of a novel and I hope you get to read it real soon!
DeleteYour reviews are pure poetry. I just love💘 them. You've added 2 📚 books to my to read list and I am not saying that's a bad thing. Can't wait to get my hands on this 1⃣.
ReplyDeleteDeanne P. Cnnamongirl at AOL dot com
DEANNE, you and Caryl above have just made my day! I was really sick when writing this review and wasn't sure if it was quite up to par. So you have given my confidence a tremendous boost. Yes, do read both of them if you get a chance! Utterly wonderful -- both novels! Thank you and lotsa luck in the drawing.
DeletePutting both of these on my TBR list. Thank you for the interview and chance to win. God bless.
ReplyDeleteleliamae54(at)aol(dot)com
Hi, LUCY! Be sure to put them at the top! They are the BoMb!
DeleteI haven't read the first, but this sounds very good!
ReplyDeletepattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com
It is a delight, PATTY! And so is the first one if you get a chance to read it! The luck of the Irish to you in the drawing!
DeleteSuch a beautiful cover, based on your review - I know the story inside is even more beautiful, Diana - thank you!! The cover of "A Worthy Heart" - lying on my counter - has sparked some impatience to read the pages between, your exquisite review - even more so!! So many wonderful new books to read in the next few weeks, so little time- such is life, but oh, what joy!! I am grateful and blessed!!
ReplyDeleteThank YOU, Bonnie! I so wish you had time to read Irish Meadows first. You will madly be flipping the pages of both of these delectable novels! lol I know what you mean. I wish I could read faster and get more books in! 2016 looks to be just as promising as 2015 as far as great novels!
DeleteHi Diana,
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to be late, but things just got away from me yesterday and today! I'm actually overwhelmed by all the wonderful comments and feedback. I hardly feel 'worthy'! LOL.
Thank you one and all for the interest in my books and for all the support. Nothing makes an author happier than to hear her story and her characters have touched a chord with her readers! So thank you so much for that!
Best of luck with the draw!
Cheers and happy reading!
Susan
SUSAN, you definitely are worthy! lol Thank you for sharing the characters in your head with us. Because to us they are real and become a part of our heart. Love, love, love your books! I can't wait for the third one!
DeleteDiana, thank you for your intriguing review....which mentions my favorite themes of redemption and forgiveness. Sounds wonderful! I hate to admit, I have Irish Meadows, but haven't yet read it. With the glowing reviews both of Susan's books are receiving, I definitely need to get busy reading. Thanks to the author for the giveaway of her stunning new book! sheridastewart AT gmail DOT com
ReplyDeleteHi, SHERIDA! I so hope you will read Irish Meadows soon. You'll wonder why you waited. Lol I'm convinced you will love it and this one as much! Good luck!
DeleteI am always intrigued by new authors & have never been disappointed by Carrie Pagels recommended reads! So I look forward to reading "Irish Meadows" & "A Worthy Heart". Thank you so much.
ReplyDeletehandot.kh@gmail.com
You're welcome, KAREN! We have good reading tastes on OWG blog. Lol The luck of the Irish to you in the drawing, my friend.
DeleteI am so thrilled to see your 5 star review. I have the first book and was waiting for more reviews before I commit to this one. The cover of Irish Meadows was my favorite cover of the year. Stunning! Although I like the cover of Irish Meadows better, this one has the same subtle beauty. Like the Mona Lisa. tlhcoupon(at)hotmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI love the subtle beauty of this cover, too, TERRILL. Actually Maggie wears her long, dark hair down most of the time, but this is her worldly look, I guess. lol She is a wonderful heroine and I believe you will love this book just as much as Irish Meadows. Thank you for coming by OWG!
DeleteCongrats to Tina StClair Rice who had random number and the luck of the Irish on her side today! lol Tina won a copy of A Worthy Heart by Susan Anne Mason!
ReplyDeleteThank you all for stopping by and sharing your wonderful comments. More great giveaways to come so be sure to stop by often!