With Great Sorrow

Paddy #3

by Lisa Boyle

Massachusetts, 1861. The American Civil War has been raging for almost a year when Emmett joins the 28th Massachusetts Infantry with the promise of serving his country under the green flag of the Irish Brigade. But soon he finds himself struggling to reconcile the piles of dead Irishmen with his own motivations for fighting.

In Lowell, Rosaleen seizes the opportunity to write for a newspaper funded by Boston's business elite. She needs to convince the Irish of Massachusetts that emancipating the slaves is inevitable and just. When letters from Emmett stop coming, Rosaleen cuts a deal with a powerful businessman that will take her deep into the underbelly of wartime economics in New Orleans.

Told from dual perspectives, the third book in The Paddy Series is the story of a family forced to choose between what they thought was right and what they know is irreplaceable.

Genres: Historical Fiction

404 pages, Paperback

Published February 21, 2023

About the author

Lisa Boyle is the award-winning author of three historical fiction novels. Her debut, Signed, A Paddy, won the 2022 Eric Hoffer Historical Fiction Award and the 2022 Eric Hoffer First Horizon Award. Lisa is originally from Finksburg, MD, but now lives in South Carolina with her husband, her daughter, and their goofy looking dog named Lloyd. In the Silence of Decay is Lisa’s first crime fiction novel.

Reviews

[susan funk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved all 3 . Learned so much about the Irish Immigrants & the abolitionists

[Brodie Curtis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rosaleen and Emmet are part of a community of Irish immigrants who have come to Massachusetts seeking a better life. In late 1861, Emmet joins the Irish Brigade and leaves to do his duty in the Civil War. The Irish community generally supports the war effort, but many are uncertain whether emancipation of Southern slaves is in the best interests of the Irish people. Rosaleen adopts her alter ego “Paddy” to rally Irish support for Lincoln’s war as well as for emancipation.

Rosaleen is a memorable female protagonist, talented and confident, imbued with a keen sense of humanity and love of family, brave, and fiercely determined upon setting her course of action. The novel doesn’t shy away from intense military action when Rosaleen’s husband Emmet experiences the horrors of battle at Fredericksburg, The Wilderness, and Spotsylvania Courthouse, where he is captured and then held in squalid conditions at a South Carolina prison camp. Rosaleen burns to reunite with Emmet and is presented with an opportunity to become a cotton buyer in the Deep South, which might bring her closer to him. Can she compromise on her personal convictions for the love of family?

With Great Sorrow is book three in the author’s Paddy series and is a well-researched, welcome addition to Civil War period historical fiction with its faithful tracking of historical events, not only in battle, but also unrest in the Irish community at home in Massachusetts, and enigmatic cotton trading in the occupied Southern states.

This review originally appeared in HISTORICAL NOVELS REVIEW. Was it helpful? I am an avid reader of historical fiction, and author. More of my reviews can be found at www.brodiecurtis.com

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part 3 of the Paddy series (read Signed, A Paddy & Dear Inmate first!), this imaginative Civil War story sucked me in from the very first page! I loved the dual perspectives, giving us insight into Rosaleen and Emmett Doherty, an Irish immigrant couple. Emmett is fighting as a Union soldier, and Rosaleen is back home with their son, struggling to raise him while also advocating for the end of slavery through her “signed, a paddy” letters in the newspaper.

I actually think this may have been my favorite of the entire series! Boyle’s writing is so descriptive and I felt like I was right there on the battlefield with Emmett, feeling his pain & struggle once he is captured as a prisoner of war. I also think Boyle did a fantastic job showing the confusion and frustration that Rosaleen felt - should she go try to save her husband, or stay home and be with her son? The push & pull of a wife and mother, especially at wartime, was really intense and felt so real to me.

This was such a unique, exciting story and it was fascinating learning more about the civil war & the particular role of Irish immigrants at the time. This book also dives into the economics of the cotton industry during the war which was something I knew very little about prior to reading, but it was really interesting. Highly recommend this entire series to any hist fic lover!

[Chelsie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love this series and the Rosaleen and Emmett storyline! This third novel in the series follows Rosaleen as she has to make a tough decision as a mother and wife, and Emmett during his time on the front line during the Civil War. Both have some hard choices to make and their beliefs and values are challenged and questioned by others. Told through the alternating characters perspectives, we get a front row seat to battles and pow camps, while Emmett is doing everything in his power to stay alive and eventually get back to his son and wife. Rosaleen has been offered a deal with the devil in order to try and save her husband, but is the risk worth it. Putting her beliefs, life and her husbands life on the line she must play a role she'd never have imagined having to be put in. Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer is the old saying and Rosaleen needs to heed that advice. Although this can be read as a stand alone, I highly recommend reading the first two in the series so you have all of the background from where Rosaleen and Emmett started and to where they are now. I hope this series continues and just this authors writing. Thank you to Suzy Approved Book Tours for the invite and to the author for the free novel. This review is of my own opinion and accord.

[Debbie Rozier · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been fortunate enough to read the prior two books in this series and in my opinion, this entire historical fiction series is phenomenal.

The Civil War (1861-1864) is the setting for this third book and it is told from two perspectives. Rosaleen, who has been the main character of the series since she stepped off the boat in the US to escape Ireland during the potato famine, is one point of view. The second point of view is Rosaleen’s husband, Emmett. Emmett’s point of view is critical to this story as he has enlisted as part of the Union Irish brigade and tells his part of the story while fighting the war.

This book is packed with political conflict through the discussion of the Civil War and the Southern cotton trade with England and the Northern states. Irish immigrants and their thoughts on slavery and fighting for the Union are also part of this book.

Rosaleen is a strong female protagonist who not only writes her thoughts for the paper under the pseudonym of Paddy, but also goes to New Orleans undercover as a cotton buyer to rescue her husband who has become a prisoner of the Confederacy.

The author’s note is an important must read part as she shares the true to history people and moments that are part of this book.

[Melissa Levens · Rating 4 out of 5]

With Great Sorrow: A Civil War Story
Author Lisa Boyle

Thank you, @suzyapprovedbooktours and @lisaboylewrites, for my #signed and #gifted copy of the third novel in the Paddy series! I am thrilled to have the opportunity to be a part of the tour once again for the ending of this series!

With Great Sorrow can be read as a stand-alone, but I highly recommend reading the complete series. The characters grow and develop so beautifully throughout each novel, and Boyle seamlessly connects their story in a way that is not to be missed.

As parents of a sex- year- old son now and with an added bonus of Emmett's perspective as well as Rosaleen's, With Great Sorrow ties in the Civil War as Emmett joins the Massachusetts Infantry under the Irish Brigade. Meanwhile, Rosaleen begins to write for a newspaper that serves Boston's most elite. The two are faced with moral and life-changing decisions that force them to question their values and who they are as individuals and as a family.

Incredibly well- researched, immersive, and powerful, With Great Sorrow is a fantastic historical fiction novel (and series) to add to your tbr!

[Susan Ballard (subakkabookstuff) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

I have loved this series from the very start - when Rosaleen and Emmett came to the shores of America from Ireland as young teens.

In 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐒𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐰, Rosaleen must watch Emmett, her beloved husband, head off to join his fellow Irishmen fight as the nation is embroiled in the Civil War.

While Emmett is fighting on the battlefield with his musket, Rosaleen uses her pen and ink to fight for the cause of emancipation. Soon her mission will change to save those dearest to her; it becomes personal.

This story is about the horrors of the American Civil War - how it divided the nation and ripped apart families. It also speaks to the harsh realities of racism, political corruption, and the self-serving motives that underscored the entire war effort. Not to mention the indescribable suffering that occurred. The lines seemed to blur at times, making the situation all the more tragic.

Yet, threaded through it all is Emmett and Rosaleen’s beautiful love story. Is this the end of their story?

Thank you @Suzyapprovedbooktours and @lisaboylewrites for a spot on tour and a gifted book.

[Laura Quinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve loved Rosaleen and Emmett’s love story since Book 1, and was super excited to read his POV in this edition, to which the author did not disappoint. His descriptions of the battlefield were gut wrenching, a true testament to Boyle’s immersive writing style.

On this, the eve of #InternationalWomensDay , Rosaleen continues to shine as a FMC well ahead of her time. Her struggles as a wife and mother, as well as her dedication to pursuing a career (during a time, mind you, that many women were unable to do so outside of factories and/or service) were raw and, in many instances, still true today.

Historically speaking (and in keeping with its predecessors) the novel was very well-researched, including insight into the South’s cotton industry as well as the Irish Brigade.

I received an ARC from the author. These opinions are my own and are being expressed without bias.

[Miss W Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

With Great Sorrow by Lisa Boyle is an exquisitely written historical fiction novel.

The story is set in Massachusetts 1861 during the time of The American Civil War.
We meet Emmett who has joined the 28th Massachusetts Infantry. I was fascinated by this part of history I did not know about, specifically the 28th Massachusetts Infantry.

We also meet Rosaleen who is writing for a newspaper in Lowell.

I love how the story is told in alternating perspectives.

This is such a well-researched historical fiction novel.

While this is the third book in the Paddy series, it can definitely be read as a stand alone novel.

[Christy Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Paddy Series and I was thrilled to catch up with Rosaleen. She's one of my all time favorite characters - - so brave, determined and spirited. Emmett is equally brave and determined and I love that this book was told in their dual perspectives.  t was interesting to learn more about the Civil War from the Irish immigrant perspective.  I also enjoyed learning more about New Orleans and the cotton business during this time period. The secondary characters in this series are  really well developed and it was to get the latest with Mr. Joyce, Marie and Lydia and others.  I don't read a lot of series but this is one that I have absolutely loved.

[patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ten stars. Roseleen and Emmit have a son, Steven and Mr Joyce lives with them. She is working for a newspaper and still an abolitionist. Emmit has enlisted and is off with other Irishmen to fight for the Union. When he goes missing Roseleen will move heaven and earth to get him back. Mr Philips aids her by making her a cotton buyer out of Union controlled New Orleans. With Great Sorrow is Lisa Boyle's third novel with Roseleen and Emmit. It was a fabulous read and I wish there was another coming. The story moves between the two. Historic events are present, real historic people as well as fictional. This is the best one yet.

[Anjali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book3 starts some years after Book2 ended... It was the hardest book of the series to read... confronting two critical issues... the plight of the (Irish) immigrants, and the civil war that beset the country because of Slavery...

It was lovely to see how Rosaleen and Emmett had created a loving family... And just how this civil war tore them apart...

This was a series that I enjoyed reading. It is filled with warmth and love and hope... And is an eye opener about the social issues of those times, keeping alive gently a very difficult time in history, that I feel must not be forgotten.

[Dawnny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the last book in this historical series. I loved all of them. I loved following the story of Rosaleen and the plight of Irish immigrants. Taking place during the Civil War Emmett is a Union Soldier and Rosaleen is home raising their son while trying to have a career and fighting for the Irish people and the plight to end slavery in the south. I loved how strong and determined she is. I really loved this last book. It's a powerful story. What an excellent historical fiction series. I highly recommend.

Dawnny Ruby
Novels N Latte
Hudson Valley NY

[Sarah W · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

I fall in love with these characters more and more as each book continues. There is something about the writing style that gets me fully immersed into the time period. I loved the perspective of an immigrant’s experience through the Civil War. Not only did we get Rosaleen trying to convince her fellow Irish to join the fight, but we got Emmett’s perspective on the battlefield fighting the war. There were multiple times where I got teary eyed reading. It was so emotional and had suspenseful life altering moments for many characters. When Rosaleen decides to do more than just write her articles I couldn’t put the book down. My favorite book out of the three.

Thank you @lisaboylewrites and @suzyapprovedbooktours for the gifted copy.

[Renee Dwyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book far surpassed my expectations! The book is told 2 perspectives. One from home, and the other from the view of the soldier. The part of the story where the characters come together are seemless. You can feel the emotions. I hope there is another book, because THIS SERIES DID NOT DISAPPOINT!

[Booksandcoffeemx · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝘐𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨!

Another fantastic story from this author, the third book in this series and they keep getting better. Full of action and adventure, this powerful and moving story will keep you engaged the whole time.

[Christina McComiskie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book three in the Paddy series. This one is my favorite. I loved it. It will keep you on the edge of your seat.

[KB · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this series and was sad for it to end!

[Terri Bain · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love books that are part of a series.

With Great Sorrow- Lisa Boyle
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 4.5/5

With Great Sorrow is the third and final book in The Paddy series by Lisa Boyle. It is the story of Rosaleen and Emmett Doherty and is told in dual perspective.

I love historical fiction and I hadn’t read anything that combined Irish immigration and the American Civil War until I picked up Signed, A Paddy. This was my favorite of the three novels, probably because in following Rosaleen’s story, I’ve seen her mature and not compromise her values. She remained true to her Irish background as well as her passionate beliefs that everyone deserved to be treated fairly and equally. She was a strong woman who loved her family and friends. And she never backed down even when she had to make hard choices.

Rosaleen is a strong willed Irish abolitionist who understands the struggles of immigrants. She fights for the rights of her Irish neighbors providing a voice for them under an “pen name” in the local Boston newspaper. She also works with local black leaders to help fight for justice and freedoms for all. Emmett enlists and takes us deep into the battles during the Civil War, where Irish immigrants fought side by side with Union soldiers to help end slavery in the South. While they both know the sacrifices they are facing, they both feel the fight for “freedom for all”is worth the risks.

This book was released on March 7th. You could probably read this as a stand alone, but it definitely is better understood if you read the series. I enjoyed them all. The first in the series, Signed, A Paddy is on sale in kindle format through 3/27. check out @lisaboylewrites post for details.

#ilovetoread #booknerd #historicalfiction #withgreatsorrow #thepaddyseries #lisaboyle #bookstagram #civilwarbooks

[Susie Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

With Great Sorrow is the third book in Lisa Boyle's Paddy Series and it is a very worthy addition to the tale of Irish immigrant Rosaleen and her family and friends. I thought the dual perspective really suited the narrative and I particularly enjoyed reading the story through Emmett's eyes for the first time.

There were many harrowing moments throughout this book which is set during the American Civil War. Boyle didn't shy away from distressing or distasteful matters, situating the reader right there with the characters through their hardest trials.

This book was meticulously researched to a high standard that I've come to expect from this author. I learned a lot about the cotton industry and a period of American history that I wasn't very familiar with. While there were multiple interesting side characters with their own motivations and arcs (Lydia's subplot stood out for me in this regard), my heart remained with Rosaleen and Emmett and their struggles to end slavery and to create a better world for their son.

[Lillian M. Bent · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating

I am of Irish descent and interested in the history of the Irish in America. My grandparents emigrated via Boston in the late 1800's, so I interested in the history of my descendents. Well written and great detail. Recommended the series.