Heart of the Sea (Irish Trilogy, Book 3)

I was recently introduced to Nora Roberts through her In the Garden Trilogy, which I only enjoyed two of the three. Since then, I have jumped head first into reading her books and have experienced quite a few enjoyable reads, both through individual books and trilogies. On a whim, I picked up these three books and, within days, I was finished with the third book. This would have to be my favorite of all her series and by the end of the third book, I was wishing that I hadn't gone through them so fast. The Gallagher family was a blast to read and I enjoyed everything from their family dynamic, to their pub and also the Irish setting. I've already passed them off to a co-worker and am looking forward to reading them again. Roberts also made me fall in love with Ireland through her wonderfully described setting and Irish tales. Highly recommended reading!

Prince Carrick and Lady Gwen, supernatural star-crossed lovers, have a curse upon them. If three siblings can fall in love they can be reunited through death and time. Aidan Gallagher and Jude Francis (Jewels of the Sun) were pretty easy, Shawn Gallagher and Brenna O'Toole (Tears of the Sun) proved more challenging, but Carrick ain't seen nuthin' yet when it comes to directing the lives of mortals. Darcy Gallagher, witchy and beautiful, shallow and classy, has a beautiful singing voice, a capable manner, and a stunningly practical heart that doesn't want to ever be tied down. One look at her and prodigal son Trevor Magee is smitten. Back in town to build a theater, lured there by Darcy's brother Shawn's immense singing/songwriting talent, he is staying in lady Gwen's old cottage and sees her ghost nightly. He knows the tales and isn't fazed, not even when a petulant Carrick chews him out for moving too slowly. However, fiercely independent Darcy wants no part in falling in love, losing control, and marrying. She knows how to handle most rich men but gorgeous Trevor is too hot to handle, and her games are child's play to him. They clash and have brilliant dialogue, the sexual tension is just delicious. The supernatural characters, most notably Carrick, seem so real and are brilliantly written. This book is about destiny in part, but most of all it is about the beauty and purity of love, how it scares us all. It can tear you apart and make you whole, the greatest adventure in life. Watching Trevor and Darcy take the ride is enthralling. As a stand-alone this novel is delectable, but as the conclusion to a brilliant trilogy it is a must-not-miss novel by the accomplished master, Nora Roberts, of all things love and Irish.

Back to Ardmore we go. Two couples down. One more to hitch. If it can be managed Prince Carrick and Lady Gwen Fitzgerald will finally be able to spend eternity together as they were meant to, basking forever in the love that first touched and ignited their hearts 300 years back (YAY! :) ) What more can be said? Aidan is more in love with Jude than ever and Shawn and Brenna finally realized their own happiness together. These two couples show that it's really wonderful that love can be so strong, last for such a time, and make lives so rich as it grows stronger day by day. All the humor and scenic color and flavor of the other two books in this series is back in Heart Of The Sea. The spice is back with a vengeance too. (Keep your tongues in your mouths! :D) When we last left our band of merry heroes and heroines there was discussion of expanding Gallagher's pub. Now that plan gets put into full action. Enter Trevor Magee, a New York businessman who goes RIGHT after whatever he wants and pulls no punches to get it. He is, unlike his grandfather, very sentimental about his roots in Ireland and wants to go back to Ardmore to build a theater. Gallagher's pub and Trevor's theater seem like a match made in Heaven, and so they are.Naturally after seeing her two happy go lucky brothers fall willing and happy victim to love's sweet embrace, Darcy begins to wonder "Where's mine?" (Don't worry sweetheart, he's flying in from New York today at 10. :D) Another reviewer mentioned that she loved that Lady Gwen spoke more in this book. I have to agree. It was nice to get her opinion on things and have her tell her story. I love the fact also that through MUCH debate and heated discussion with some good-humoured banter thrown in, we learn that despite being materalistic Darcy Gallagher is in fact a much deeper and very tender woman that really only wants to be loved for who she is as a woman and a person. I love how both she AND Trevor are able to go after thier dream but through their passionate "battles" and talks and more they learn that love is FAR more important to life than ambition. I was really struck by Darcy's line "Do you think I'm so small of heart that I can't love where there isn't gain". VERY powerful stuff. Kudos.I love and adore the fact that this book (and this entire series) shows the world that love indeed can and does conquer everything, that it barrels right through obstacles, even if it has to chip away at them bit by bit to get the job done. The job WILL and DOES get done. The final reunion between Prince Carrick and Lady Gwen Fitzgerald warmed my heart and brought a smle to my face, along with tears to my eyes.In short this is a lovely story and a fitting conclusion to a great trilogy of books. A love story with lots of spice but not too graphic. It is more poetic than lewd or explicit. It just makes you feel good to pick up and read. It transports back to a place and time where love really is the strongest "magic" that exists

Once upon a time, a fairy prince loved a mortal woman, but pride on both their parts kept them apart. In anger, Prince Carrick curses their relationship by forbidding them seeing one another until three couples admit what is inside their hearts. The two Gallagher brothers have done so leaving only their sister Daisy to find her true love. It galls Carrick that Darcyy seems in no rush for he has waited three long centuries to see his beloved Gwen.Trevor Magee has come to Ardmore, Ireland to build a theater attached to the Gallagher Pub. He and Darcy immediately connect, but neither believes they are capable of feeling true love. However, Trevor reconsiders after speaking with the ghosts of a beautiful woman and Carrick.Nora Roberts finishes her paranormal family saga in grandiose style with a happily-ever-after ending that will bring tears of joy to the readers. The hero and heroine are adorable as they are so busy dissecting their feelings they neglect to understand their true meanings. HEART OF THE SEA is Ms. Roberts at her delightful best with another top chartbuster.Harriet Klausner

Over the past year, I have treated myself to first two part of this Nora Roberts trilogy. I had high expectations for the third and final book, and I was not disappointed. Heart of the Sea tells the story of Darcy, the last single Gallagher sibling, and Trevor Magee, a couple made for eachother. But also, the story includes the tale of Gwen and Carrick, and how they both hope to find eachother after three centuries of separation. This reunion depends upon the fate of Darcy and Trevor. This book, like the ones that preceded it, is rich with Irish flavor, noticeable in everything from the scenery to the dialogue. The friendly, homey atmosphere established in the first two books is again well maintained in the third. Of course, our friends Shawn, Brenna, Aidan, and a very pregnant Jude are around going on with their daily lives, observing the happenings between their Darcy and the Yank. A quick paced story with many acting characters keeps the readers interest, and a lovely story it is at that. After reading this book, the reader is satisfied and happy for the family they have come to know and love.