Yuletide in Ireland & Wales

Reviewed by Kelli Glesige for Reader Views (11/06) "Yuletide in Ireland & Wales" is a combination of two 19th Century British Christmas stories by two authors, and each is seasoned with traditions many still treasure today. "Lost and Found" (2006), by Ginny Aiken, is the story of a Welsh mining village in October of 1870. Rhiannon Gwynne, daughter of Mervyn Gwynne and owner of the mine, has been away from her childhood home, but she has just returned due to her father's reported illness. Rhiannon now reunites with her father's mine superintendent, Trefor Davies, a special friend from childhood. The mines hold unpleasant and painful memories for Rhiannon, as she remembers all the widows and orphans it created. After losing her mother to the flu, she lost her uncle and grandfather in a dreadful mine accident. Rhiannon always vowed she would never return to her village wrought with pain, but now Trefor has given Rhiannon a reason to stay, until a mine collapse occurs and Trefor goes in to save his men. Rhiannon struggles with constant fear while trying to keep her faith until a carriage mishap befalls Rhiannon while fleeing the village after the mine collapse. Will God protect Rhiannon, Trefor, and the men trapped in the mine? Rhiannon and Trefor ultimately make a special announcement after the singing of hymns and carols on Christmas Day, known as the traditional Plygain service. "Colleen of Erin" (2006), by Tamela Hancock Murray, takes place in Dublin in the year 1820. It is the story of Finn Donahue, the Irish merchant who runs the local mercantile. Finn's father abandoned the family while Finn was a youngster, and Finn's mother sacrificed to lift him to the merchant class. Therefore, Finn vows to be forever grateful to his mother. For this reason, Finn has a frugal approach to ne'er-do-wells. Colleen Sullivan shops at Finn's mercantile, and she devotes much time to helping others and donating to various causes. Money has never been an issue for Colleen, as she and her mother have always had enough to provide for their needs. Finn has always liked Colleen, but he sees her wealth as an unacceptable circumstance until Colleen invites Finn to join her in visiting and handing out gifts at the local orphanage. Finn soon realizes having ample funds to help others has brought forth compassion he never knew existed. Finn and his mother are invited to dine with Colleen and her mother on Christmas Eve. After the old tradition of setting out the bread and milk for weary travelers is completed, the home is visited by a familiar hungry visitor. Finn soon learns that not every less-fortunate person is a ne'er-do-well like his father and that it is best to let go of the past so he can find the true happiness God has planned for his life. Carrying bitterness will leave one angry and alone. Maybe a future with Colleen is possible after all. "Yuletide in Ireland & Wales" is an enjoyable book to read during the holidays, and it is wrought w