For the Love of Ireland

by Judy Leslie

Margaret Sullivan dines with politicians, rebels, and spies. She is an admired journalist with the Chicago Tribune publishing under a male nom de plume. Her unscrupulous husband is a prominent attorney and power broker with aspirations of his own. They are well-connected members of Chicago’s 1880s Irish elite.

On her trip to Ireland to do research for a book she is writing, Margaret meets a charming one-armed Irish rebel named Michael and finds herself attracted to him and his ideas for liberating Ireland. While traveling through the stone-walled back roads of the island, Margaret sees for herself how the poor are treated. She breaks her vow never to get involved, and soon questions if she can ever go back to her old superficial life in Chicago again. Overcome with her new found emotions and strong desire to help the poor Irish tenants, Margaret finds herself easily convinced by Mrs. Delia Parnell that women can be just as crucial in the fight for Ireland’s independence as men.

Back home in Chicago Margaret publishes articles hoping to gain support for Michael’s cause. That is until he is arrested. Desperate, she turns to her jealous, devious husband for help...but he has a hidden agenda of his own.
Torn between her career as a journalist and compassion for those overseas, she finds herself trapped by her own aspirations. Soon things spin out of control both at home and abroad, and Margaret has to decide how much she is willing sacrifice for Michael and her love of Ireland.

For The Love of Ireland is a historical novel of love and loyalty, deception and honesty. It is about women fighting against traditional roles and gender prejudice, while trying to carry out humanitarian efforts in Ireland. For The Love of Ireland is a work of fiction woven around actual events of the Irish Land League, a Chicago couple and the covert activities of the Clan na Gael.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, Ireland, Cultural, Fiction, Amazon

314 pages, Paperback

First published March 15, 2013

About the author

Who doesn’t love a good story? Judy Leslie's story starts in the vibrant city of Pasadena, California, where she grew up in a family as unique as they come. Her mother, a farm girl drawn to the allure of Hollywood, and her father, a charismatic Texan with talents in dance, art, and photography, provided a childhood filled with diverse influences. Her extended family was no less interesting, featuring a successful aunt who broke barriers as a gay interior designer and an uncle who worked as a chauffeur for Hollywood stars, among others. This colorful family backdrop offered Judy endless material for her future stories.

By the age of 20, Judy had moved to Bellingham, Washington, a cozy coastal town that seemed to whisper stories from its every nook. Running Yesteryear Antiques, her days began with the crackle of logs in the woodstove and the brewing of morning coffee, a routine that grounded her in simplicity and sparked her creative mind.

Her next chapter unfolded in a quaint beach cottage on the Lummi Indian reservation. This tranquil spot, where night mysteries seemed to merge with the ocean's rhythm, inspired the Cook’s Cove collection. Here, Judy's real-life experiences blended with her imagination, creating tales where mystery and romance seamlessly intertwined.

Judy's life also included dating a successful musician and living abroad, adding layers to her personal narrative. She has traveled extensively across the United States, exploring numerous small towns while riding on the back of her husband's Harley motorcycle.

Now, Judy splits her time between a home near Seattle and a cabin in Leavenworth, Washington, a place buzzing with Bavarian charm and outdoor activities. This contrast of settings continues to fuel her writing, inspiring her to explore stories about a family's search not for adventure or riches, but for a deep, enduring love – as timeless and profound as the mountains that surround her mountain retreat.

Reviews

[Wendy Janes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Margaret Sullivan writes under a male pen name for the 'Chicago Tribune'. In 1879 she travels to Ireland to carry out research for a book she is writing, and there she learns first hand how harshly the poor are treated. She also meets the dashing Irish rebel, Michael Davitt, and the indomitable Mrs Delia Parnell. Her experiences in Ireland stir complex emotions, and confirm a strong desire to help the cause of Irish independence through writing and fund-raising. Over the next decade her loyalties to her devious husband Alex are sorely tested and, as things become more complicated at home and abroad, Margaret has many difficult decisions to make.

From the moment we meet Margaret on a storm-tossed boat, her passions and doubts feel real to the reader. Her own struggles with the gender discrimination of the era are convincingly described, and the reader can’t help but empathise with the choices she has to make regarding career and family; a dilemma that still resonates today. We also feel for Margaret as she is personally drawn into the struggle of the Irish and the discrimination the poor suffer at the hands of the landlords. This is a love story too. Margaret and Michael’s meeting on the boat, their all-too-brief reunions and poignant goodbyes are beautifully written.

The little details of life in the 1880s and the real historical events involving the Land League and the secret activities of the Clan na Gael are well researched, and the play between fiction and non-fiction is deftly handled.

I have some minor criticisms about the handling of the passage of time in the book. I also feel that Michael is a little underwritten, but maybe this is because, along with Margaret, I want to spend more time with this enigmatic hero.

But the positives far outweigh those small criticisms. This novel successfully explores a fascinating time in social and political history within the context of a love story, and the espionage storyline is excellent; along with Margaret you are never a hundred per cent sure who to trust. This is a historical novel that captures the imagination of the modern-day reader.

The author very kindly sent me a review copy in advance of the publication of the Kindle edition of this book.

[M.K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book in a first-reads giveaway. It's the author's debut novel. I read it in two days and being proud of my Irish heritage, I found myself having a hard time putting it down. It brought to light more of Ireland's history that I didn't know much about. The story of Margaret Sullivan was beautifully written. And because of this book I looked into the lives of all the character mentioned and at the same time had myself a history lesson. If you like historical fictions with a bit of a love story mixed in then I highly recommend this book to you.

[Lorin Cary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Judy Leslie, For The Love of Ireland

Leslie’s historical novel is excellent, a strong example for writers in this genre. Margaret Sullivan is a successful journalist in the early 1880s married to Alex an influential lawyer in Chicago. When she travels to Ireland to report on the “troubles” there she witnesses abject poverty and the harsh treatment of renters by British landlords. She meets Michael Davitt, a dedicated leader in the quest for Irish independence, and finds in him a compelling contrast to her husband. Back in Chicago Margaret and Alex devote themselves to the grand cause, following different paths, and Margaret finds herself questioning her marriage to an increasingly nasty man. Alex, for his part, rises steadily in Irish-America circles and assumes leadership of an organization which on the surface appears to be dedicated to peaceful means of opposing British rule. Meanwhile his jealousy and sense of possession makes Margaret’s life increasingly difficult. Ultimately she will decide to leave him, breaking the bonds of her Catholic training and the Victorian era’s definitions of how a woman should act. Leslie does a marvelous job of showing the ebb and flow of Margaret’s thinking about the marriage and her emotional attachment to Michael Davitt. You’ll have to read the book to see how it all turns out. Leslie has taken actual personalities from the era and constructed a fine story around them. In an after word she explains the ways in which she has departed from reality and provides as well a listing of the books she drew up to provide the historical context.

[Joyce Shaughnessy · Rating 5 out of 5]

For the Love of Ireland by author Judy Leslie, is one of the most skillfully written, expressive, and interesting books I have ever read from a first time author. The author’s character development is very good and the subject matter is fascinating. There is a strong romantic thread running throughout the novel, so any lover of romance novels will enjoy it, but it is also a page-turning beauty that imparts historical fact in an interesting and memorable way.

When I first started reading this book, I gathered extra bookmarks from my collection because I wanted to repeat some of the sentences and phrasing in this review. In the end, I have found that there are so many moving and original that I gave up. Readers will have to experience the book as I did and marvel at Ms. Leslie's expertise.

You really don’t want to miss a chance to experience this wonderful book! It is truly a gem. The book is featured in paperback and will be out in kindle shortly.

[Dana · Rating 2 out of 5]

I won a copy of "For The Love Of Ireland" from Goodreads and was excited to journey through Ireland's unsteady political landscape with a determine woman. What struck me immediately about the novel was the overly simplistic writing. I actually checked online to see if I had mistakenly entered to win a copy of a young adult novel. I couldn't figure out whether this book was intended for adults, but I find it highly doubtful that anyone above middle school would enjoy this novel. The events in the story were happening too quickly and without much consideration, which required little thought or consideration by the reader. This book was not was I was expecting and was well below the reading level that I enjoy, and so for those reasons, I stopped reading it.

[Kathy Golden · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've posted a detailed review of this book with no spoilers at Just Audiobook Reviews

I listened to the audiobook version of this story. I found this book to be engaging and detailed in a way that allows you to connect with the storyline, the characters, and the setting. If you like historical fiction about Ireland with women at the focal point, then this is a book you can easily enjoy. The story provides painful insight into the plight of Ireland as well as an accurate portrait of what it was like for women during this time.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story of "Margaret" a writer who in her day could not be recognized as a women. She writes under an alias male name about the tribulation of poor tenants in Ireland. She is married to a beast of a man who takes pleasure in tormenting her. Margaret falls for an Irish rebel while on her journeys. In the end she rebels herself against the man she married and came to despise. A great story of love and hardship.

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

SO So good! I could not decipher between what was fiction and what was historical. The story blends together both so well, and it really is a work of art. I loved the tone and balance of the time line events. Very well thought out plot. I really enjoyed reading this piece. Thank you to the author, Judy Leslie, and Goodreads for making it available for my rate and review.

[Gaele · Rating 4 out of 5]

AudioBook Review
tars: Overall: 4 Narration: 5 Story: 4

“To some, Ireland is no more than an island of rock and dirt shaped by the hand of God.
To the Irish, it is a poem, a myth, a clan, a country.
To the British, Ireland is a possession they don’t want to release.
She is a place of happiness and love, also sadness and sorrow.
Ireland is like Venus to many men, turning their hearts and creating warriors out of peasants.
She is an idea many would lay down their life for. “

This is the prologue quote that is in both the book and the audiobook: an attempt to prepare the reader for the events to come in this story. Closely directed by the thoughts and travels of Margaret Sullivan, the story mixes fiction, history, romance and a sense of the republicanism that is evident in Ireland to this day.

Margaret is an interesting, if not wholly impressive to me, character. I can admit to a real prejudice against women who maintain their independent view and approach when they act in a completely contrary manner. Margaret is, for her time, an unusual woman: a journalist, traveling for 2 months without her husband to rediscover the land of her birth and write a story. While that alone is worth recognition since women of the late 1800’s were rarely in the workforce, her submission to her husband, and refusal to make a clear break from her marriage all felt as if she was insecure in her own convictions and made her less than admirable. What Judy Leslie did manage to do with Margaret however, was to create a situation in which her choices would become the center of a climax point, and making her character work for that point.

The integration of historical events and carefully describing and detailing the places, as well as providing a clear set of explanations to the republican feelings of the Irish she encounters, including the radical solutions and options proposed by Michael are very ‘of the moment’ and help to elucidate the emotion behind the struggle for home rule. Adding in the fraternal organization of Clan na Gael and the emotions that are stirred in Irish living abroad for their homeland are all presented with an eye to the prolific and often polemic propaganda and rallying cries of the organizations.

Narration is provided by Susanna Burney who manages to deliver the story without over reliance on vocal manipulation to illustrate the different characters. Her accents are softly delivered and tone is well-modulated, providing a story that is easy to listen to at any pace. There are traces of regional accents and inflections that fit well with the characters, and the emotion behind the words that is written into the story provides a subtle reinforcement of the words being spoken.

This was a story that had moments of brilliance, and is written much like a love story to the many who struggled for home rule, while providing a lead character that will not always engender sympathy, but completely fits the story as it is told, and her motivations and history are exposed. Not a quick read, this is one to savor and enjoy, stirring the travel bug in those who have never seen the “Emerald Isle” for themselves, no matter their genealogy.

I received an AudioBook copy of the book from the author for purpose of honest review for the Heard Word. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

[Doug James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Judy Leslie has written a lovely story that is interesting, informative and, at the same time, instructive. I know I have read an excellent book when it motivates me to read more about the actually history of a particular period. In this case the Irish 19th century “troubles.”
Her story takes place in a fairly recent (19th century) explosive and transitional time in Irish history. She has adopted real characters and woven them into a story of unrequited love (for most of the book) around the actual struggle by the active and passive (mostly active) “rebels” for Irish independence. Having personally lived in the United Kingdom in the 1970’s and 1980’s I saw a bit of this sectarian explosiveness first hand.
Her main antagonist, Margaret Frances Buchanan Sullivan, is an intelligent and strong-willed woman born in Ireland and moved with her mother to the USA as a child. She is now a journalist with the Chicago Tribune living in Chicago married to Alex Sullivan whom she endures.
On a boat trip to Ireland to conduct research for a book she meets Michael Davitt (real person). Mr. Davitt has been on a fund raising trip to the USA and is heading home to Ireland. As a member/former member of the Irish Republican Brotherhood, as many of his associates have, he has served a bit of time in a British prison. She is smitten immediately by his cultured charm, rugged looks and stoical Irish independence stance (“She found him interesting and she liked him immensely”). They part upon reaching England but meet again at Irish M.P. Charles Parnell’s (real person) home. Michael visits Charles Parnell’s house. The more she is around Michael the more she is drawn to him. However…
Margaret eventually returns home to a husband she really can’t stand (reads dime store novels vice classics or history) but tolerates. Her husband does have influence in the American Irish community. As a member of the Clan Na Gael and later president he welds a bit of influence and action behind the scenes. This is where a Clan Na Gael member Henri Le Caron (real person) appears in the story and later has an impact on their lives.
The battle with her husband continues and she returns to Ireland for more research. After various adventures including Alex turning up in Ireland, where after an action scene, Alex will bother her no more. Perhaps Margaret and Michael will live happier ever after?
Excellent first novel that keeps the story moving and provides a bit of education on the Irish “troubles.”

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

The historical detail in this novel is impressive, the time period and subject matter fascinating. I loved the way the author dealt with the moral dilemma of a love outside marriage. The presentation is complex and insightful, and doesn't insult the reader with simplistic solutions or opinions. For that reason, the character of Margaret seems especially well-developed, and I sympathized with her. But the main source of interest for me was the plight of the poor Irish tenants, ousted from their homes for non-payment of rent. Their situation was truly heart-wrenching, and learning about it was an important part of the novel-reading experience for me. Thank you to the author for bringing this piece of history to light and breathing life into it, and for sending me a copy to review.

[Autumn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply amazing. I loved the story about Margaret and this Irish fellow named Michael. I got a chance to listen to the audio and it was awesome. I think any edition would be great but there was something great about having it read to you. It allowed me to feel transported to Ireland and helped me visualize the landscape and time period. This historical novel spans over ten years and in the book you will find that she is married to another man. Margaret is bound to one man but loves another.

[Geraldine Ostrowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

For the love of Ireland one great book

I loved this book right from the first page to the last page. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves to read. this book is very informative on the 'll
and I



this is a great book from page one to page 312. it is a very informative book. also makes you realize all the trials Ireland has gone thru over the many year.

[Hannah Brady · Rating 1 out of 5]

Tried so hard and couldn't finish it. She walks into a "casual restaurant" in Dublin and orders "fish and potatoes and a beer." As a writer and someone who's been to Dublin, there are so many things wrong here I actually can't believe it was published.

[Stanley McShane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a mesmerizing fictional story of how these real historical figures affected society and the lives they touched in their efforts to help secure a free Ireland in the late nineteenth century. The story captures successful journalist Irish born Margaret Sullivan living in Chicago writing for a major newspaper under a nom de plume. Margaret married powerful and successful attorney Alex Sullivan as a vehicle to access the political and wealthy body of late 1800s America, access she'd otherwise not be privy to. Alex was at times crude and abusive at home while outside secretly involved in the American Irish support movement and fundraising.
On a trip to Ireland to gather research for a book she intends to write, she meets young Irish activist Michael Davitt (another historical figure) whom Leslie uses as a romantic interest for Margaret. She is drawn to Michael as strongly as she withdraws from Alex, whose suspicious activities have lately escalated. The Irish American branch of the Land League in America was known as Clan na Gael. The Irish Land League in Ireland sought to rescue the tenants evicted or burned out by their British landlords when they were unable to pay exorbitant rent.
The protagonist, Margaret, is well developed, but obsesses over Michael while decrying her own husband. Granted, Alex is made to look like a despot, while Michael a hero (and he was). I had some difficulty connecting with Margaret. Michael isn't fully fleshed and it might have been interesting to get more of his backstory. This is the author's debut novel and the flow of dialogue, particularly in the first part of the book, appeared a bit awkward. This smoothes out somewhat, but then the reader confronts a few typos or edit misses. Still, a very compelling story of the British/Irish conflict during this time with historical characters come to life in a believable, well-researched scenario including factual events.
I received this timely (March) ebook download from BookBub and was very happy to read and review. Recommended for those of Irish ancestry, those who enjoy this time of year, love historical fiction, or a light historical romance. 3.5 stars/5 rounded up

See my full review on https://rosepointpublishing.com/2018/...

[Christine · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am waiving my white flag on this book. I hate to leave a book unfinished and I hate to give it a 1 star. With that being said, I have no desire to continue reading. The story did not pull me in, I fall asleep every time I attempt to read this book, I just cannot continue. The writing is so simple and so boring. The author tells you everything Margaret is thinking, feeling, looking at it, etc. It gives the reader no interpretation or imagination. The author even describes trivial things like opening doors, closing drawers, etc, things we could have inferred (ie I figured she had to open her door to get into her room...). I surrender.

[Riya Patel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about the journey of Margaret Sullivan and how she raises her voice for the right and ends up in a dramatic adventure herself. I mainly loved this book due to the amount of justice and encouragement it shows to raise your voice for what is right regardless of the circumstance you are in. The book is like reliving the times back in the day for example when women were fighting for their rights. It has an outdated setting with a modern initiative. I was fond of it due to the drama, message and overall performance regarding the book by the author.

[Leslie Horton · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was just ok. I typically love historical fiction, but this one didn't grab me. I enjoyed it, but would not emphatically recommend. If you like history and Ireland, it's enjoyable. The story had a lot of potential, but the lack of detail in portions of the book left me wanting. It's also billed as a love story, but the two main characters never spend any time together. Sure there's love from afar, but I'm not convinced they were in the same room enough for a distance lasting love.

[Nicole Swirsley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This kind of historical fiction is not usually my cup of tea, but once I opened this book I couldn't find a way to put it down. I did have trouble getting through certain parts, though that may be more my fault than the author's, but it was still a good book to read.

[Penny · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very average writing. Not very likeable characters.

[Jan · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was a disappointment! Even though I learned a little about a turbulent time in Ireland's history it was so couched in a melodramtic romance that I had a hard time finishing it.

[Cindy Pye · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great story that put me right there in Ireland. I loved reading it and experiencing Ireland as if I were there.

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the story of the Clan na Gael as well as Irish Land League which occurred in the 1880's.

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

From a historical aspect I found the whole Land League/Irish/British part of the story interesting. Judy Leslie could have added Catholic/Protestant battle to the mix for a full story. I also enjoyed reading about Margaret Sullivan's fight to be taken seriously as a woman journalist and the roll women played in helping Ireland's independence. Always love strong women. But Leslie weakens Margaret with the silly romantic attraction to Michael. And why did she have to make Margaret's husband, who was supportive of career choice and allowed her great freedom, to become such an orge? Of course we were suppose to hate him and understand her attraction to Michael. I found "all that" distracting and really didn't care what happened to Margaret in the end. Guess I would have better off with a non-fiction story about the Land League.

[Barbara Hettwer · Rating 5 out of 5]

"For the Love of Ireland" is an engaging novel. It was a story I couldn't put down until I found out what happened! Judy Leslie brought life to historical figures. This book will appeal to those who enjoy novels about people of good character who struggle with perplexing situations (most of us) and also those who love learning about history - especially that of Ireland or Chicago. This book is written through the clear lens of facts but embellished with lively descriptions. My great grandfather lived in both Ireland & Chicago at this time. I now can visualize much better my family's history. Thank you, Judy! The only drawback were some small mistakes, such as a comma or spelling. I suspect these might have been publishing errors & not the author's.

[Linda Hillyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished the book and WOW! I didn't know about The Land League before this book.
I did Google search some of the names and was very fascinated by their story.
I would read more books by Judy Leslie on stories like this.
I didn't want to put the book down, but had to a few times. You kept me interested in seeing what was going to happen next.
I love your writing and look forward to reading more of your books.

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good book

You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so.Shelley MA

[Crysti Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I selected this book for a Decades reading challenge I am doing. January's decade was 1880s-1890s.

Margaret Sullivan is a woman far ahead of her time. She is outspoken and fights against the acceptable norms for women of the time. While taking a solo trip to Ireland to write a book about the country's struggles she meets some of Ireland's rebels. She decides to start helping with the independence cause.

Margaret is a very well thought out and fleshed out character. There wasn't a time in the book when I thought to myself "Margaret wouldn't do that". Margaret's husband, Alex, was so well written that I couldn't help but to despise him the whole time throughout this book. He definitely didn't deserve the great woman Margaret was.

Other characters needed more fleshing out such as Michael. I wanted know more about him and read more of him in this book. The background information on the Irish Land League, the Clan na Gael , and the entire Irish revolution was very well researched. The researched events worked perfectly with Margaret's fictitious story.

[Romina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Margaret Sullivan is a journalist for The Chicago Tribune. Writing under an assumed name she is well respected. As long as nobody knows she is a woman that is.
Margaret is married to a powerful attorney name Alex. He himself has his own aspirations of climbing higher in political ranks.
Together they are a formidable force in 19th Century Chicago with connections inside the Irish Elite.
Margaret takes a trip to Ireland to research the country’s hardships for her upcoming novel.
What she encounters along the way will test her loyalties to her husband and shape her future more than she ever possibly imagined.
Set in the backdrop of Irish/British politics this book brings forth some of the lesser known aspects of the Irish plight for freedom in the 19th Century.
Margaret’s character is essential in allowing this story to work. Her ambition and strength along with her lust for an ambitious one armed rebel named Michael Davitt gave this story a much needed boost.
I am not what you would call an enthusiastic reader of political works but this book did cause me think more about why the Irish and British have been fighting for so long.
Based around fact with elements of fiction this book is well written with an exceptional descriptive to help the reader become more involved with the story.
Unfortunately it didn’t draw me into the political world as much as I hoped it would.

[Lucy Pireel · Rating 4 out of 5]

For the love of Ireland by Judy Leslie
Reviewed by Lucy Pireel

I must admit it took a while before I could really get into this book. At first I thought the heroine was brave, ahead of her time, soon I got irritated by her and thought she was nothing more than a swooning shell. A character which the author tried to let behave as if she were a strong, independent woman in charge of herself and her life. But reading on all suddenly fell into place. Her willfullness, swooning, surrender, it all made sense. Very cleverly done! I can’t say I rooted for her, but she did make me feel things even if most of the times I was annoyed by her, but that says more about me and my impatience with a certain kind of females and is actually a compliment to the author.
The book is filled with facts which read authentic. So much so I never doubted a moment the book is based on true events while I have no idea if that is the case or not.
There’s love, there’s action and characters with flesh and bones. Throw in drama, and a strong story. Mix in a few twists, an ending you never saw coming, and you have a book I eventually enjoyed to read.
To whom I recommend this book? Well, anyone who has a love of historic figures, can appreciate proper research, and look for a great story.