Song of Erin

This is an engaging story set in the 1800's in Ireland and New York. Many of the Irish people were starving and still not recovered from the English soldiers. Thus, their goal was to escape their poverty and loss and come to America. When the lucky ones who survived the conditions in steerage arrived, they found no welcome for "the Irish" in New York. Almost all the main characters carry scars from their childhood or past which they try to forget but end up turning them into dark secrets. The book is an involved and satisfying saga of how some of the characters confront their pain and loss and finally find redemption and love through faith and the guiding hand of God.

Whenever I read a B.J. Hoff book I am struck by the way her writing sings with elegance. Her character's are so well developed it's like meeting instant friends. They seem to step right off the page into the reader's heart. This is a panoramic story, finely tuned and complex, reaching from the back alleys of Galway to the streets of New York. A tightly woven tale of love and forgiveness, sorrow and joy, and a strong, unyielding faith in God. Highly recommended.

Song of Erin is two books for the price of one. Cloth of Heaven was originally published in 1997; the sequel, Ashes and Lace, followed in 1999. Song of Erin combines those two stories into one book. This brilliant account begins in the early 1800's. Erin's father and brother have migrated to America. They plan to make enough money to reunite their family in their adopted land. Hoff shares the poverty and hardships that faced the Irish in that era. Many migrated looking for a better life, but prejudice against Irish immigrants was widespread. Cloth of Heaven leaves the reader wanting to know more; Ashes and Lace ties up the loose threads. Song of Erin is a beautiful saga. BJ Hoff never disappoints readers. The plot flows smoothly. The characters are well-defined with distinct voices. Song of Erin is a Christian romance with a message of redemption. Song of Erin is entertaining. I highly recommend Song of Erin.

I don't know what to say, it is great

B.J. Hoff is one of my favorite authors. Her characters are always real-to-life, they are never unbelievable! Ireland has a beauty and a horror all its own, and Ms. Hoff portrays both. I just wish she would write the sequel--it has been two years.