Til Morning Light

First off, it had been so long since I had read the first two books, that I had to skim through the second to get the story straight in my mind again. I could have done without a lot of the Sean storyline, but otherwise I was so pleased with the conclusion. I actually cheered out loud when...well, if you've read the book, I think you all know when!

Having thoroughly enjoyed the first two entries (Gracelin O'Malley and Leaving Ireland) I was eagerly anticipating the finale, yet fearful that the magic Anne Moore had created in the first two could not be sustained. Thankfully, I was wrong and, in fact, I felt this was the best of the series. The story picks up four years after the second book and our strong-willed, dedicated heroine has left New York and journeyed to San Francisco to wed Captain Peter Reinders and secure a future for her children. John Paul Morgan McDonagh (now known as Jack), the son she thought had died, has been returned to her, and with him and daughter Mary Kate she arrives in San Francisco. Mary Kate's illness leads them to a hospital where they meet Doctor Wakefield, a man who will change the lives of all of them as will Gracelin change his. Their story is riveting and filled with love, loss, redemption and best of all, a happy ending. The three major characters from the previous novels---Gracelin, Sean, and Morgan---each have a story to tell, an adventure to follow, and the reader is breathless as the characters lead lives of quiet desperation, struggling to find each other in the New World. Set in the 1800's, just before the outbreak of the American Civil War, slavery is an issue as Gracelin uncovers a long-hidden past and in her own spirited way, sets things right again. Not only slavery, but Chinese culture, a blossoming San Francisco built on the hopes of gold diggers, and the plight of the American Indians are all covered and woven into the tapestry of Gracelin's life. Anne Moore has given us unforgettable characters, historical events with a personal face, and a story that will not be soon forgotten. For fans of the indomitable Gracelin O'Malley, this is the fitting end to the story of a remarkable woman.

Oh how sad I was to close this book! This is the last in the Gracelin O'Malley series, as hard as that was to accept. :-) It follows Gracelin and her family as they travel through America to finally settle in San Francisco. It is chock full of surprises and will not disappoint. It is a must read. As I said in previous reviews, I have already purchased 5 copies of the books to give to friends and relatives. Excellent book!

If you have read Gracelin O'Malley and Leaving Ireland ~~ you will definitely enjoy this one. In some ways, it's the best written novel of the three ~~ the characters have matured and Ann Moore focused more on describing the times and travels of the time period. It is also perhaps more lyrically written than the other two ~~ it is a wonderful ending to a series ~~ makes you long for more! This time, Gracelin O'Malley and her children, Mary Kate and Jack (her son who she thought had died only to discover that Julia Martin has taken care of till he was returned to her arms) ~~ have ended up in California to meet Captain Reinders, to accept his marriage proposal. Only thing was, he wasn't there and fortunately for Gracelin, she was able to find work as a cook at a doctor's house. She had traveled over the country, looking for her brother, Sean in Utah, and when they finally landed in California ~~ Mary Kate was seriously ill (which is how they met the doctor who offered Gracelin a job). This time, the story also tells of Morgan, who did manage to escape from prison only to have four years wrested from him due to mishaps and errors. This novel tells of his story and his experiences in the new America. And this novel also tells the story of Sean O'Malley ~~ the fiery wordsmith who feverently believed in freedom and equality for all men ~~ and was banned from Ireland. This is his story too. This is a wonderful book that captures the most favorite of all three of the strong characters that have lived through all three books. It combines their tales and dreams and despair ~~ as a reflection of the times they were living in. It also told tales of Mary Kate and Jack ~~ the future generation that Morgan, Grace and Sean have fought for. And while the stories are entwined, once again, the main character is the strong and formidable woman of courage, Gracelin. She is awe-inspiring and breath-taking ~~ defining the meaning of "woman" in all its glory. She is also a reflection of all those pioneer women who have struggled to come to this land to build a home for their families and loved ones. She reflects all of those dreams that women have dreamt of over the centuries. She is Americana herself. If you've read the other two ~~ even if you haven't ~~ this book is definitely not one that you shouldn't pass up on. It may be stories about a few people ~~ but it's about every people. It's about America at its best and at its worst. It's about your ancestors and mine. Ann Moore has captured the feelings and dreams so wonderfully that it is as if you're right there with them. It's just hard to pass up a wonderful talent like this ~~ so grab this book, a box of kleenexs and settle back for a breath-taking journey. 3-7-05

This final book is gripping. I shed not a few tears towards the end. I can't remember the last time I looked forward to reading a book as much as I did this one. Gracelin O'Malley is a stunning character who faces life's tragedies with magnificent courage and she leaves those who have met her astounded time and time again. Once again Ann Moore shows her brilliance. I was worried that this final book in the Gracelin O'Malley trilogy would not give justice to the story that unfolded in the first two books. The only problem I had with this book was that the story did not pick up where 'Leaving Ireland' ended. Grace has traveled across America and has been living with her son, Jack, for two years now. I would have liked to read about their journey and about Grace's reunion with her son. However this was only a minor dissapointment. Once again I found myself completely immersed in the story of Grace, of her brother Sean, and all the other beautifully developed characters, new and old. Mrs. Moore does an incredible job of creating emotion and really bringing a story to life. I could easily picture all the events that took place. I will not give away any of the plot except to say that there is a happy ending. Thank god. If ever a woman deserved happiness, it is Gracelin O'Malley. I highly recommend 'Gracelin O'Malley', 'Leaving Ireland', and 'Till Morning Light'.