Heart of Glass

Irish Angel #3

by Jill Marie

Kate Keene, returning to Lousiana to fix a dilapidated mansion and finding that the man of her dreams has become icy and bitter, tries to thaw his heart after wedding him in order to care for his orphaned niece and nephew.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical Romance, Christian Fiction, Romance, Fiction, Christian Romance, Historical

555 pages, Hardcover

First published February 14, 2012

Reviews

[✨ Gramy ✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

..
Heart of Glass is the third novel in the Irish Angel Series by Jill Marie Landis.

Kate Keene's childhood memories compel her to take her newly-acquired architectural skills to a dilapidated Louisiana mansion. But when she returns to the Reconstruction-era South, she's shocked to discover the man she's dreamed of for so long has become a bitter, angry recluse. Colin Delany, the handsome older brother of her best friend, has lost all he once held dear, with no hope of ever restoring the Belle Fleuve mansion and plantation.

Kate was a determined, faithful, and lovable character. Colin was a selfish, standoffish sort of fellow, and was deeply in pain about his past.

Filled with spunk and determination, Kate feels it's her duty to help, so when Colin demands she roll up her drawings and get out, she refuses. And when Colin forces Kate to promise his dying sister they will care for his niece and nephew, she complies. Having been orphaned herself, Kate realizes she must put the children's welfare above her own, even if it means a marriage of convenience.

The story focuses on the after effects of a war that devastated the Belle Fleuve mansion and plantation. Each person experienced their own degree of heart breaking agony.

The plotline regarding the story is quite plausible in that day and age. Many questions from the previous books in the series were not answered. I would have appreciated more information.

But will Colin's hovering darkness ever lift? And can Kate's persistent love and faith transform their uncertain future? This ebook download of book three in the Irish Angel series explores the hope of a reflection of love in a heart of glass.

With effort from everyone as a team, things might just work out for their future.

This book is able to stand on its own, a clean read, with the exception to the references of the life lived previously, and a H.E.A. I would have appreciated an epilogue that provided more details about the future.
..

[ضحى الحداد · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well that was really boring and disappointing, I really liked the first two books of the series and I was really excited to hear about Katie since she is so accomplished and has a mind of her own, but sadly Collin was such a drama queen that I couldn't see the charm in him at all, I think if Kate didn't "love" him since she was young I don't think she would ever see him a potential lover
I liked the children they were such a delight in this whole story since I didn't like the main relationship and I couldn't get Collin's logic for everything he done .. he is just trying to misunderstand Katie at every chance he gets and never listens to her explanations but for some reason she forgives him every single time !
I really hope there is a final book for Sara and Jesse because I can see the connection there .. so yeah

[Jessica Moore · Rating 3 out of 5]

I could have given Heart of Glass a four, but it lands on a solid three. There was so much potential for this to be something more, something that falls outside of the typical cliches of the genre, but that didn't happen.

This book uses the classic "big misunderstanding" trope that I cannot stand, but has the "marriage of convenience" trope which I NEVER get tired of. Both tropes fell flat, the dialogue was awkward, and there was little effort made to the emotions, scenery, and worldbuilding.

That being said, I did enjoy the last 25% of the book more than the previous parts. I'm a sucker for angst that's drawn out over a long period of time (even if it is over a silly misunderstanding). The child characters were written excellently as well.

[Ellen Senechal]

Rating and/or review to come!

[shiani bautista · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Colin did not deserve a second chance

[Virginia Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

The "Irish Angel" book series from author Jill Marie Landis tells the story of four sisters who were separated when they were very young. Each sister found a different home, and they had very different life experiences. "Heart of Glass" is book three in the series, and it features an appealing heroine with the unusual occupation of being an architect. Kate Keene was provided for by her adoptive parents, but the family warmth she felt came from being with her best friend, Amelie, and Amelie's family, the Delanys. Young Kate adored spending time at Belle Fleuve, the Delany family home and plantation. She also cherished romantic dreams of Amelie's older brother, Colin. Years later, after the destruction and devastation of the Civil War, Kate has become an architect. Returning to Louisiana after studying abroad, she is shocked to find the mansion she loved in ruins. Even more disturbing, Colin, whom she has always loved, has become a bitter recluse. He wants nothing to do with Kate or her plans to restore Belle Fleuve to its former glory. Things change between them when Colin exacts a promise from Kate that she will help him care for the children of his dying sister. Kate knows all too well the heartache of being an orphan, so she agrees to Colin's wishes. Will Kate's "heart of gold" overcome a marriage of convenience and the despair and desolation which darken Colin's spirit? This is a very compelling "Beauty and the Beast" wounded hero tale with well-drawn characters. The Reconstruction Era South setting adds a great deal of poignancy to the story line. Historical romance lovers will find this to be a very satisfying read.

Review Copy Gratis Amazon Vine

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Landis has once again done a wonderful job creating a clean, heartwarming historical romance. Hearts of Glass is the third book in the Irish Angel Series. It tells the story of Katie Keene, a girl adopted by a wealthy New Orleans’s family. Her adoptive parents take care of her financially, but does not give her the love and attention she craves. She turns as a young girl to the Delany family. They are the Keene’s neighbors and Katie and their daughter, become best friends. Katie falls quickly in love with her friend’s older brother Colin. Like most young men, Colin barely notices his little sister’s friend. When Colin and his father are called to take up arms in the Civil War, the two families drift apart. Years later, after the war, Colin has become an injured, lost soul. Katie is determined to restore his faith and his family home. With Katie, and a promise to his dying sister, Colin is able to find the will to live once again.

Katie and Colin have amazing chemistry. Colin at times is a jerk, but his heart is softened by Katie’s love. Landis have created strong characters, both main and supporting. The storyline is strong and there is no “fillers”. Each part of this book is a vital part of the plot. It has an easy flow. This book could defiantly be read without reading the other two, but I would suggest reading them all. They all three are wonderful. This is a Christian romance, but is not preachy like most. I was a clean, enjoyable romance.

[Nancy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This has been a decent series (this is the third) about four sisters that were orphaned and split up. Kate and Colin were interesting enough - she’s an architect and he’s a former soldier dealing with the aftermath of being in the civil war. She was best friends with his sister growing up and always in love with him. You can see exactly where this story goes which is fine

My low review is because the tie to the first two in the series came in the epilogue. It was worth more than that mention. And a mere mention of the fourth sister and no more books means it’d a very unsatisfying end to the series

[Patti · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this story! It was my favorite of the three in the series. I could totally relate to Kate. It had a nice bit of humor and it was nicely told. Full of emotion that gets to your heart. I highly recommend it. It has no inappropriate stuff whatsoever. Clean and sweet. I am hoping for the another set in the series. This is worth reading!

[A Busscher · Rating 3 out of 5]

Debate between 2 and 3 stars. I thought the story line was good, predictable romcom. However the ending was absolutly HORRIBLE!!! The last 10 pages megan and lovie just happen to come along and are just one happy family and can remember what each other looks like- FAT chance. Also, of coarse the spinster is pregnant- bc at 29 your eggs are dust? ;(

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 I didn't realize that I was reading the last one first, but it was a great and clean story. I am anxious to read the first two now!

[Lafourche Parish Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is the story of 4 sisters who immigrated from Ireland to the New Orleans Irish Channel in the 1870’s. When their parents contract yellow fever and die, the sisters are separated. Ten-year-old Lovie is sold to a brothel, eight-year-old Megan is sold to a street criminal who trains his ‘tribe’ to survive by any available means, and the two youngest girls are left at an orphanage.

Heart of Stone is Lovie’s story. She manages to escape a horrid life in New Orleans, changes her name to Laura Foster, and makes a respectable life for herself in Glory, Texas. This small town where everyone knows everything about everyone else is the worst place to have your past come back to haunt you. That is just what happens when the town preacher finds himself falling for her.

Heart of Lies is Megan’s story. Her name is changed to Maddie when she is taken into the tribe of street criminals and made to forget her past. After the leader of the ‘tribe’ dies, Maddie lives in a Louisiana swamp cabin eking out a meager existence as a muskrat trapper. She gets caught up in a kidnapping scheme orchestrated by twin brothers she lives with who were a part of the ‘tribe’ that held them all captive. This series of events leads to murder, and Maddie finds herself on the run. Using some of the tricks she learned as a street criminal helps her evade the Pinkerton who is searching for Laura’s sister and is also hired to find the kidnapped child.

Heart of Glass continues the sisters’ stories in Reconstruction-era New Orleans and at a sugar plantation outside the city. Katie Keene is the third sister who is adopted by a wealthy family and given all the advantages money can buy. She becomes an architect and returns to Louisiana to lend her skills to restoring the home of a childhood friend hoping to rekindle friendships in the process. Her best friend Ammalie suddenly dies of consumption after Katie promises to raise her two orphaned children as her own.

Talented narration and excellent story telling captivated my attention from beginning to end. Deep character development and careful attention to historical detail adeptly portray the struggles of life in the south during this era. Persistent love and faith and the indomitable human spirit evident in this clean, heartwarming historical romance series deserves a five-star rating.

Availability: Book
Rating: ***** Stars (I loved it)
Reviewer: Lynette, Programming Administrator

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GENRE: Christian Historical Romances
TONE: Heartwarming; Homespun; Moving
LOCATION: Louisiana
TIME PERIOD: 1870s; 19th Century
SUBJECT: Christian Men; Irish in the United States; Kidnapping; Men Recluses; Orphans; Pinkerton's National Detective Agency; Plantation Houses; Secrets; Women Architects

[Patricia Hagge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very Good

I really enjoyed this book and the history it provided. It even dealt with PTSD from the civil war. It’s always been with us. Warriors leaves its mark and it’s never a good one.
The story shows a slow progression of naïveté to loss to growth and maturity. I liked the characters learning and becoming adults through the traumas life threw at them.
It’s worth reading.

[Marguerite Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate has a giving heart and wants to give back to family who did so much for her in the past. But will her best friend's brother let her help? This is the third book about sisters who were separated when their parents died. I'm looking forward to finding out the fate of sister number four.

[C S Dwyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Happy

A happy romance about the third of four sisters separated in their childhood. This sister's childhood was a better one than the two older sisters.

[Sabrina (Romance.and.Raindrops)]

Audiobook read.Set aside at 70%. Such a good build up of tension then kinda a let down.

[Sipofpepsi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good, but could have been so much more! I did enjoy the children in this book. They were a delight instead of just place keepers in the family saga.

[Victor Gentile · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jill Marie Landis in her new book, “Heart of Glass” Book Three in the Irish Angel series published by Zondervan takes us into the life of Kate Keene.

From the back cover: Kate Keene’s childhood memories compel her to take her newly-acquired architectural skills to a dilapidated Louisiana mansion. But when she returns to the Reconstruction-era South, she’s shocked to discover the man she’s dreamed of for so long has become a bitter, angry recluse.

Colin Delany, the handsome older brother of her best friend, has lost all he once held dear, with no hope of ever restoring the Belle Fleuve mansion and plantation. Filled with spunk and determination, Kate feels it’s her duty to help, so when Colin demands she roll up her drawings and get out, she refuses.

And when Colin forces Kate to promise his dying sister they will care for his niece and nephew, she complies. Having been orphaned herself, Kate realizes she must put the children’s welfare above her own, even if it means a marriage of convenience.

But will Colin’s hovering darkness ever lift? And can Kate’s persistent love and faith transform their uncertain future?

Book three in the Irish Angel series explores the hope of a reflection of love in a heart of glass.

History comes alive in the Reconstruction-era South as third sister, Kate, takes the spotlight. This is a romance set against the backdrop of pain that was the South after the Civil War. The South had experienced great loss and Colin is quite bitter about events. Not only is this a story about building up what had been damaged it is also a story about hearts that were also damaged and needed restoration. I like this book and it maybe Ms. Landis’ best work yet and her characters are well-defined. I recommend this book highly and am greatly looking forward to the next book in the series.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Zondervan. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Audrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third book in the Irish Angels series by Jill Marie Landis follows Kate Keene, the third of four sisters separated by their parents' death, time, and fate. Compared to Kate's older sisters' upbringings, Kate was dealt a kinder hand after being sent to an orphanage. Adopted by wealthy citizens of New Orleans, Kate experienced the finer privileges of life, although largely neglected by her socialite mother. To fill her spare time, and the longing for family, Katie spent a majority of her childhood with the Delany family at their lovely plantation home, Belle Fleuve, sharing secrets with Amelie, and secretly admiring the handsome Colin. Now years later, after the Civil War has scarred the South, Kate returns to Belle Fleuve to find it in ruins, Amelie gone, and Colin nursing both his wounds and his bitterness from years of war.

Equipped with her inheritance, her knowledge for architecture, and her love for the Delany family, Kate is determined to repair both the house and the people of Belle Fleuve.
When Amelie returns unexpectedly with two children from her late husband, Kate hopes Colin will find a reason to come out of hiding. Yet, Amelie's time is limited, despite all Kate's efforts to find a cure for her illness. Her dying wish is for her best friend and brother to marry and raise her children at Belle Fleuve. While Kate used to love Colin, the man he has now become is anything but her ideal husband. She accepts Colin's proposal out of duty to children and her friend. Can the two pick up the pieces of their lives and rebuild, or will Kate's heart shatter like glass?

[Dundee Library]

The third book in the Irish Angels series by Jill Marie Landis follows Kate Keene, the third of four sisters separated by their parents' death, time, and fate. Compared to Kate's older sisters' upbringings, Kate was dealt a kinder hand after being sent to an orphanage. Adopted by wealthy citizens of New Orleans, Kate experienced the finer privileges of life, although largely neglected by her socialite mother. To fill her spare time, and the longing for family, Katie spent a majority of her childhood with the Delany family at their lovely plantation home, Belle Fleuve, sharing secrets with Amelie, and secretly admiring the handsome Colin. Now years later, after the Civil War has scarred the South, Kate returns to Belle Fleuve to find it in ruins, Amelie gone, and Colin nursing both his wounds and his bitterness from years of war.

Equipped with her inheritance, her knowledge for architecture, and her love for the Delany family, Kate is determined to repair both the house and the people of Belle Fleuve.
When Amelie returns unexpectedly with two children from her late husband, Kate hopes Colin will find a reason to come out of hiding. Yet, Amelie's time is limited, despite all Kate's efforts to find a cure for her illness. Her dying wish is for her best friend and brother to marry and raise her children at Belle Fleuve. While Kate used to love Colin, the man he has now become is anything but her ideal husband. She accepts Colin's proposal out of duty to the children and her friend. Can the two pick up the pieces of their lives and rebuild, or will Kate's heart shatter like glass?

[Teresa Snyder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Third book in the Irish Angels series. This is Kate's story, the third Lane sister. Although she had a much better childhood than Lovie and Megan (books one and two) it was not without problems. Her adoptive family was weathly, but not necessarily loving. She had her best friend Amelie Delaney and her family as a substitute family.

Colin Delaney was Amelie's older brother. Kate was in love with him from the very beginning. Unfortunately, he never paid any attention to his little sisters best friend. At least not until after the war and his return home, battered and broken after 15 years in the army.

Can Kate save Colin from himself? Can Colin and Kate make a life for Amelie's orphaned children?

Book three, like books one and two, starts out somewhat slow. The storyline is good, but draggy in places. The chemistry between Colin and Kate is great. Good ending, even better epilogue.

I'm somewhat disappointed that were apparently left hanging where Sarah, the forth sister, is concerned. It's mentioned in the epilogue that she may be in Texas - Jessie has gone looking for her, but nothing about a fourth book.

[Teresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kate Keen, was a women ahead of her time, she was an architect and she had grand ambitions to fix the Belle Fleur where she used to play with her best friend Amelie. She is back only to see the house is in ruins and she spent a better part of her inheritance to save Belle Fleur. She arrived only to find Colin Delany holed up in a room, acting all bitter and worn having suffered from a arrow that struck straight through his ankle - causing him to struggle while walking. Can Kate pick up all the broken pieces and raise Amelie's two children?

Yes she did and so much more. However it wasn't without some heartache after Colin told Kate to leave when he found out from the tax office that they taxes were paid off by her and a misunderstanding caused by client who hired Kate for her services to make him steamboat house. All in all, the story had a good ending. She found her sisters that had been adopted. It just so happens one of her sisters' husbands noticed the shamrock symbol on one the houses she designed and things started clicking together and led them to find Kate.

[Tonya · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 3 in the Irish Angel series, which I did not realize until I finished. I did not feel as though I was missing anything by reading these out of order.

Kate Keene returns to the southern plantation where she had so many happy times as a child. Colin Delany, Kate's childhood best friends older brother, is nursing his war wounds and his bitterness at everything he has lost with his family. Kate is persistent in wanting to rebuild the plantation to honor her friend and the memories held dear. Colin and Kate promise his dying sister that they will care for her children and they will never be left alone. Can Colin release his anger and depression and can they learn to love and build a life together?

I enjoyed the story very much, this was a sweet, clean romance. The characters were well developed and the descriptions of the architecture was fascinating. I would recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys romance novels. I'm looking forward to reading the others in the series!

[Highland-dreamer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series, and this story in particular. I liked how Kate made a life for herself as an architect, and didn't give up on Colin. I even liked this story better than Heart of Lies, I think. One problem I have with the series, however, is with the sibling reunions. They are anti-climactic and disappointing. In the first novel, Heart of Stone, we are given detailed glimpses of the other sisters through Laura's memories, and how she longed to find them. Yet in the subsequent novels, their reunions are short and uninteresting. Especially in this one, where Kate longed to feel a part of a family, and then we get a short epilogue-reunion. It would be great if the reunions were made a part of the story, even getting some POV from the other sisters towards the end. On its own, a great addition to the series, and I hope we don't have to wait too long for the final book.

[Kara Prem · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to see if the younger sisters were found, so I started book 3. Kate was adopted by a wealthy family so her life was much much better than her sisters. After the Civil War, Kate returns to the plantation of her best friend's family in hopes of restoring it because the awful Yankees destroyed it (hmm, maybe being slavers and supporting that horrible institution had something to do with it?) Anyhow, she has turned down multiple proposals because she had a crush on her best friends older brother who she hasn't seen since she was 13. Delusional and annoying, southern sympathies were too much to stomach. I couldn't get into the book and skipped to the end to see that the 3 sister have reunited and of course, Kate marries the boy that she loved as a child. Not the right book for me.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I liked about this novel was that the story and characters were interesting. I don’t read a lot of Civil War-era or Reconstruction-era books, so I’m not an expert, but I thought the plot of this novel was more original than some. Kate is determined to rebuild her friend’s home; Colin is even more determined for her to leave. Throw in a marriage of convenience and two kids, and the story ramps up even more, but all of this ‘action’ kept things moving along.

Read my complete review here: http://shoopettesbookreviews.blogspot...

[Judith · Rating 4 out of 5]

3rd in the Irish Angel Series and finally one of the orphaned sisters was brought up in a good family! But she has her own challenges. She hopes to save her best friend's brother (who she has loveds since she was 13) who is broken by the civil war and fighting Indians for the Union Army. A very good read. Plan to try to find the 4th book in this series. There were 4 sisters, so hopefully, there will be a 4th book.

[Marie Lamkey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uplifting

Uplifting

this book would appeal to anyone with a love of the past years of our country with it's hardships and love of family. I have not been disappointed with the storyline of this series. written well and will hold your intersection beginning to the end.

[Katie(babs) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adore this series and this latest is just as good as the first two, but the heroine isn't scarred or has had a horrible life like her two other sisters. This is a tender, post civil war romance that's perfect for readers who enjoy sweeter then steam and for teens.

A much recommended read!

[Kathy Roling · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book3 of the Irish Angels series. Good story, well written; has a wonderful flavor of the south. I'm glad the author didn't detail the war, instead the story is about rebuilding, reunion. Enjoyable.