The Lady of Galway Manor by Jennifer Deibel
Lady Annabeth De Lacy is thrilled to her father’s new posting in Galway, Ireland, far from the pomp of British court. Using her father’s influence, Anna secures an apprenticeship at a jewelry shop renowned for making the Claddagh Ring, a symbol of love.
Stephen Jennings wants nothing more than to leave the family jewelry business and all its nonsense about love and happily ever after. He’s appalled when his father brings in an Englishwoman and insists that Stephen teach her the skill of jewelry making. Although Anna is lovely, the wall around Stephen’s heart is most threatened by her genuine interest in the Irish and their ways.
Meanwhile, the war for Irish Independence is growing, bringing danger to both Anna and Stephen. Drawn to each other, the two find a gulf of class and nationality and expectations keeps them apart.
On the surface, Jennifer Deibel’s The Lady of Galway Manor is a sweet romance in a lovely setting. It is indeed that. Yet it is so much more. Exploring classism and racism, the novel challenges the characters – and us – to confront the stories we believe about other people and how those stories color our attitudes and actions. Deibel’s beautiful story also glows with her love of Ireland and its culture, bringing the history of this land to life.
