A Woman's Heart

This is one book my mother and I agree on, we both liked it. I will not be giving this book away. The story takes place in Ireland. Nora Fitzpatrick a widow and Quinn Gallagher a writer from America, who rents a room from Nora during a filming of a movie. Not only do you get know Nora and Quinn you also get to know the rest of her family and the town of Castlelough. I like the way the book looks at the past of Nora and Quinn, so you can understand them better. However, I am glad the author does not dwell on the past.

Joann Ross brings the reader to the Ireland countryside in this story of magic and love. Bringing together a jaded author and a woman who has known too much loss in her life, Ross will hold the reader enthralled in this tale of love.Quinn Gallager has come to Ireland where he hopes to bring his book about an ancient Ireland legend, The Lady, to the big screen. He never expects to meet a character he created in the flesh. Ever since writing about the widowed mother, he has not been able to forget her, even though he knows she is pure fantasy. When he meets Nora Fitzpatrick, he realizes that she is his fantasy come to life. As Quinn finds himself falling for Nora, he reminds himself of his roots, which include an alcholic mother and a drunk and violent father. He convinces himself that he is not good enough for Nora and her family and nor will he ever be. What he doesn't count on is the goodness and magic of Nora and her family.Nora Fitzpatrick is a widow who has convinced herself in the five years since her husband was killed that she had a picture perfect marriage. Meeting Quinn Gallager makes her take a second look at her life and her marriage and what she finds is less than perfect. Always the caretaker of her family, Nora decides that it is time to take care of herself and gives herself up to the love she feels for Quinn.The story of Quinn and Nora is truly magical, reminding the reader of Nora Roberts Irish trilogy. I truly enjoyed this book and believe that if you like love stories, this one is a definite book to pick up.

This prequel to Ross' best book, Legends Lake, explores the wonderful relationship between novelist/filmmaker Quinn Gallagher and shy, winsome widow Nora Fitzpatrick. We met these people in Legends Lake, so we already know the ending, but finding out how they got there is a real summer treat.Back to the west coast of Ireland we go, back to the rural Castlebrough, where Nora, having lost her young husband years before in a racing accident, is raising not only their young son Rory, but her own siblings and, in a manner of speaking, her father, who is loveable but who has never grown up.Nora has her hands full, and finances are extremely shaky. That's what prompts her to reluctantly rent a room in her house to one of the "movie people" who have arrived en masse from Hollywood to make one of Quinn's books into a film. It is Quinn who rents the room. Enough said?In the dog days of August, when the leaves are already looking melancholy and the heat is oppressive, this is the quintessential lie-down-in-a-hammock soother. I recommend it highly.

Years after the death of her beloved mother and husband, Nora Fitzgerald is struggling to keep her family together. When her father rents a room to an American writer visiting Ireland to make a movie, Nora is secretly happy because the money is needed. Quinn Gallagher just plans to make his movie and leave Ireland behind, but is drawn to the beautiful widow. After a lifetime of closing his heart, can he open his heart to this wonderful and forgiving woman?JoAnn Ross brings us a wonderful love story that brings the reader to the beautiful rolling green hills of Ireland. This is more than a romance, this is a story of family, legends and community. Highly recommended.

Copyright 1998 All Rights reserved CompuServe Romance Reviews ( 75150,1665)A WOMAN'S HEART by JoAnn Ross MIRA July 98 release Take a trip to fascinating Ireland, courtesy of JoAnn Ross. See this beautiful country with its rolling green hills and sparkling blue lakes. Smell the fresh sea air and peat bogs. Meet the charming people, feel their pride and anguish, and hear their lilting brogues as they recount exciting myths and adventures passed on for generations. Writer Quinn Gallagher rents a room from Nora Fitzpatrick to be near the shooting location of a film from his book about the local sea creature. He moves into her home, her family and especially, her heart. But Quinn is a man who embraces the monsters that are as much a part of him as The Lady of The Lake is a part of Castlelough - alcoholic, abusive parents - and fears it's too dangerous for him to get close to any woman. Just as the legendary _lough beastie_ hides beneath the dark waters of Castle Lough, Quinn hides his emotions in the dark depths of his heart. But Nora, having grown up with the lake serpent as a part of her life, has learned to look inside all monsters without fear and see them for what they really are. If only she can convince Quinn to live with his demons and not fear them, they can embrace the future together. JoAnn Ross's writing is as fresh as sea mist. Whether she is the voice of a lonely five year old boy, an ancient sea creature, a selfless, independent heroine, a troubled, haunted hero, or a charming leprechaun-like storyteller, she speaks directly to our hearts. A WOMAN'S HEART is a story of miracles, monsters, and magic that will make you laugh, cry, cheer, and long to be held. The little bit of Irish in all of us makes us feel right at home - and you'll hate to leave. --Kat Bragg, CompuServe Romance Reviews