The Last Bride in Ballymuir

I don't read romance novels, but in the case of Dorien Kelly's "The Last Bride of Ballymuir," I made an exception. To my great joy I found a tale of haunting truth told honestly, a message of hope forged into being, where none should exist, and a new writer of whom I shall expect much. The lion's share of the action in this tale is internal: that of the struggle of its two main characters. Both seek to overcome reputations earned, rightly or wrongly, find the courage to stand for themselves, one another, and the right to eek out a bit of happiness in a small town which holds staunchly to its quirky ways. Michael Kilbride's evolution throughout this novel is nothing short of heartwrenching. He is a "throw away" child who must learn not to give up on himself. Kylie O'Shea, in classic Irish form, is fighting the ghost of a past not of her making. She is a true heroine, willing the carry the cross of her shame, rather than run from her home. One could compare this work the the epic Irish classic "Deirdre of the Sorrows," wherein two lovers must run the risk of tearing apart the very fabric of thier lives for the hope of a love that will stand for all time. Dorien Kelly's Ireland is the one I remember, the one I ache for, and through her writing, the one I can find myself standing upon once more. Only twice have I read a novel in which I have missed the characters for days afterwards. The Last Bride in Ballymuir is one of those two. I sense, the next two in Kelly's triolgy will do likewise.Sean OTuathalWriter, Poet, Literature Teacher

...and the Last Bride in Ballymuir is a fine example of just what a gift it is. A rich, warm story of healing old wounds, of what it is to be a family...of love. Both Kylie O'Shea and Michael Killbride have painful pasts. Together they learn to put them aside and look to a future...a future that holds a true and everlasting sort of love.A great read by a gifted storyteller.

Dorien Kelly has created a beautifully written story that's so rich with detail I could practically smell the Irish tea. However, the richness in detail doesn't overshadow Kylie and Michael's love story. These opposites do more than just attract--they sizzle and practically jump right off the pages. This book has it all. Old secrets, old wounds and a tender story about healing and moving on. There are also some interesting secondary characters, including Michael's sister, Vi. I can't wait for her story.

Michael's the baddest of the bad and Kylie's too good to be real - at least that's what it looks like in the beginning. Wrong as they know they are for each other, they can't help the attraction. Softly, as looking through the mists of Ireland, Dorien Kelly shows Michael and Kylie discovering qualities in each other, and in themselves, that no one else in Ballymuir sees.

It's not often you come across an author who can fully immerse you into the sights and sounds of a place with just the twist of a word, but Dorien Kelly does this and more. Readers will feel that they have been transported to Ballymuir, hearing the lift and lilt of Irish voices as they watch the gentle love story of Michael and Kylie unfold. It's truly a joy to see how they overcome the obstacles thrown at them by fate, history, and some meddling neighbors to arrive at a most well-deserved happy ending. This book offers romance, suspense, a lesson in forgiveness, and an armchair voyage to a place you'll want to visit again and again.