Irish Eyes

The American Songbook #1

by Hope C. Tarr

Aran Islands 1898.

Eighteen-year-old Rose O’Neill leaves her beloved Ireland and boards a steamer bound for New York City. She’s starting a new life with Adam, the American soldier who’s sworn to marry her.

But when she arrives at New York Harbour Rose finds herself abandoned, pregnant and alone.

Scared and homeless, she takes a job at one of New York’s luxury hotels, and gradually begins to see a future for herself and her unborn child.

But when a deadly fire rips through the hotel, in one shocking moment Rose loses all she has built.

Rose’s luck finally begins to change when she meets fireman Joe Kavanaugh, a man determined to win her heart.

Rose and Joe build a family and a business that takes them from the struggling Lower East side, to the glamour of New York’s finest department store. If only Rose can let go of her past and the love she lost.

Rose has come from nothing and built an empire, but the outbreak of the Great War in Europe threatens to topple the dynasty which she has sacrificed so much to build.

Can she find her way back to happiness, and the future she set out to find a quarter of a century before . . .?

Sweeping from Ireland to New York at the turn of the century. From the heartache of the Great War, to the glamour of the Roaring Twenties, discover one woman’s journey from heartbreak to happiness in this captivating historical saga.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance, Ireland, Historical, Irish Literature, Historical Romance, Fiction

443 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 5, 2023

About the author

Award-winning author of the American Songbook series: IRISH EYES and STARDUST (Joffe Books).

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Reviews

[Tim Null · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading Hope C. Tarr's historical romance, Irish Eyes, was a pleasure. I look forward to reading future books in The American Songbook series when they become available.

[Susan (on hiatus) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Swept Away

Irish Eyes is a saga of a young woman’s strength and determination creating success for herself from nothing. It wasn’t easy for females in that era to make a way for themselves in the commercial world, much less become a mogul.

Rose is an empathetic heroine who had every reason to be discouraged after moving to a new country and being abandoned in addition to other setbacks. However, she rises above to make a life of happiness.

Historical fiction is one of my preferred genres and I especially like the time frame of this story beginning in 1898 and expanding through twenty four years.

The book encompassed numerous events including WW1, New York City fires, the Spanish Flu, and the roaring twenties. Although a longer book at over 400 pages, I was immersed for the duration.

If you like resilient and clever female characters, then you’ll probably enjoy reading Irish Eyes.

Downloaded from Kindle Unlimited just in time for Saint Patrick’s Day.

[Martine · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @ 40%
Unfortunately, this one wasn't for me. It was just too slow and I couldn't connect to the writing style. But, please see all the other beautiful 5* reviews for reference.

[Finola Austin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hope C. Tarr's Irish Eyes is a treat for lovers of New York City history, Irish American culture, and second-chance romance. From the wild Aran Islands to the gritty tenements of the Lower East Side, and from the gilded ballrooms of high society to the terrifying infernos of workplace fires, Tarr transports us to the world of Rose O'Neill, as she arrives in a new country seeking answers from the man she loves, but soon finds herself forging an unexpected path towards her own American Dream.

[Linda Zagon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Hope C. Tarr, Author of “Irish Eyes,” has written Historical Fiction at its best. I loved everything about this book. Hope C. Tarr has provided a well-written, researched novel with poetic prose that vividly describes the settings, the plot, and the dramatic characters. This book is memorable, thought-provoking, captivating, and intense. The timeline for this story starts in 1898 in the Aran Islands, Ireland, and goes to the present and future in New York City, America. This starts with the Spanish-American War and goes through World War One. The author also sweeps us away through two historical fires.

The author describes her characters as complex and complicated. They are flawed. There are characters that are manipulative and betray others. Some seem like a hero and then like an anti-hero. Some are dysfunctional. The female protagonist in the story, Rosie O’Neill, is courageous, determined, focused, and intelligent. She meets Adam Blakely, who comes to Ireland to bring her deceased brother’s possessions. Adam lives in New York and proposes to Rosie in Ireland when he is called back home when his father is sick. He promises to call for her.

Tragic circumstances prevent the two from meeting, and Rosie travels to New York, where she is rescued from a deadly hotel fire by a capable firefighter. Life changes for Rosie, and she is forced to move on and make difficult choices.

I appreciate how the author discusses important topics such as forgiveness, second chances, loyalty, honesty, the importance of family and friends, love, and hope. I highly recommend this thought-provoking, captivating, and heartfelt novel. I look forward to reading other novels from this author.

[Chelsie · Rating 5 out of 5]

There were so many historical events in this novel, I just loved it! An unexpected guest is far from home when he ventures into Rose's family pub and has all of the letters she had written her brother when he was off fighting in the Spanish-American War. This man being the only connection left to her brother, it doesn't take Rose long to fall for him. A hasty promise is made when Adam tells her he has to head back to America for his father. After not hearing anything for weeks and now having a secret of her own Rose heads to American to chase the man and opportunities they had dreamed up. A sore reality meets Rose and she knows she is now on her own to make her own way in a new unknown land. Bound to make a life for herself, Rose finds work and a way to survive when another heartbreak is forced upon her, Rose feels she is once again having to start life all over. Life usually has other plans and Rose is learning that as she recovers and gets back on her feet to start again, this time though with some new friends and romantic interest. Marriage, a house, children and a shop is all that Rose could have dreamed of but there is still a piece of her past that won't let go and has history repeats itself so may just her chance of the past that always seemed a dream. I am really looking forward to more in this Songbook series. Thank you to Suzy Approved Book Tours for the invite and to the author for the complementary novel. I look forward to more! This review is of my own opinion and accord.

[Karen’s Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up! Irish Eyes was a beautiful historical fiction story set in the late 1890’s through to about the 1920’s.

Rose is a young barmaid in her family’s pub in a small village in Ireland when she meets Adam, a young American man who was with Rose’s brother when he was killed in the war. After a whirlwind romance, Adam goes back to New York when Rose finds herself with child.

Rose then travels to New York to find Adam who she is now engaged to.

The two are not fated to be together and both try to continue on with their lives the best that they can.

I loved the settings of this story, first in Ireland, and then to a young New York City. I have been watching The Gilded Age tv series lately, so for me, I love this era. It was so interesting seeing a bit of society but also how the other half lived during this time period.

I really loved both Rose and Adam in this story. Rose was a little too stubborn at times but she was definitely fierce and passionate which I adored.

Irish Eyes is book #1 of The American Songbook series and I’d love to continue with this series.

*Thank you so much to the author Hope C Tarr, Lume Books, and Suzy Approved Book Tours for the gifted copy and for including me on this book tour!*

[Lady James · Rating 3 out of 5]

The beginning of this book captivated me. I was in love with Rose and Adam. I even understood delaying their inevitable reconciliation in NYC but to be honest, I was confused trying to remember who fathered which kids, etc. Also, the fact the kindhearted Fireman Joe who risked life and limb to save young women and toddlers was so easily turned into a vile politician really turned me off. It was such a drastic change to the character’s personality. The book spans a LONG period of time creating odd missing years in which we are just expected to pick up and just accept the current situation. Side note: Why on earth does Rose feel so utterly destroyed after giving birth to a daughter and later a son but there’s no mention of how carrying and delivering twins? Like that was somehow less traumatic than a single birth?

Despite the choppy plot and missing info, I did feel personally invested in Rose and Adam. Joe could have been amazing but turning him into such a stereotypical “Irish-American” prone to corruption seemed lazy.

[Marilyn Goncalves · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another wonderfully written historical fiction checked off. Irish Eyes by Hope C. Tarr is the first in The American Songbook series and it’s the perfect start for it.
Spanning from 1898 and forward we follow Rose O’Neill through the Spanish American war, the death of a brother and lots of drama.
She leaves her home to travel to New York in search of a certain gentleman who promised marriage and let’s just say things don’t go as planned. It’s more than just a second chance historical romance and I’m looking forward to the next one.

[Bridget · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ My first read by this author and I thoroughly enjoyed this story about an Irish immigrant at the turn on the century. There’s so much history about this time in New York City from the St. Patrick’s Day fire at The Windsor hotel, the newsboys strike, women’s suffrage, the start of WWI, and the Spanish Flu of 1918, as well as the prejudice against immigrants, specifically those from Ireland. I didn’t think the story was predictable at all and it kept me up reading late. Bonus: at one point, the Irish immigrant was called a “Bridget” (my name) by a NY wealthy woman. So, I thought maybe it just was a slang term for an Irishwoman, but in fact, it means an Irish domestic servant/maid.

[Susan Grady · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story covers alot of time in three different parts.The main character Rose goes through many challenges,while becoming a strong individual . Without giving the story away I’m looking forward to the next book .

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved this book and would give it 5 stars except for the 2 overly explicit “love-making” scenes. I am glad it was only twice and really didn’t see the need for how vividly it was explained. But I loved the story and her determination to make something of her life.

[Barbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

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Book: Irish Eyes
Author:Hope C. Tarr
Series:The American Songbook Series, # 1
Release Date: December 7, 2023
Book Length: 441 pages
Publisher: Lume Books
Overall Rating: 5 Stars (deserves bazillion stars)
Blog Rating: 5 Saltire Flags

Irish Eyes By Hope C. Tarr

1898 Aran Islands, Republic of Ireland and New York City, USA

This novel is action packed right from the start where Rose O’Neill, the seventeen-year-old heroine of this phenomenal story gets the most heartbreaking news that her favorite beloved brother Donal (Danny) was killed in the Spanish American war. Then a month later in Ireland at her family’s Pub, she meets American former soldier Adam Blakely. This was Danny’s American best friend and comrade, that he soldiered with and was with when he was fatally killed. A loyal friend and soldier who wanted to return all the letters Rose wrote to her brother. Letters Adam read repetitively over a hundred times at least and was already a little in love with his Irish Rose! They became very close and they both fell madly in love where he proposed to Rose on her Aran Islands. This is where Danny and Adam’s story ended, but Rose and Adam’s story only just began and just touched the surface as they had a long road ahead of them.

After Adam’s two week holiday turns into a two month life changing romantic journey, he gets urgent news from home and has to return home. He promised to write every day as did Rose. Furthermore, she finds out she is pregnant after he left so she decides to go to America and tell him the happy news that they were expecting a child together. Unfortunately there were many forces against them due to their class differences. As neither of them got their letters though both looked for them. He comes from a very wealthy socialite family who wants to dictate his life, this includes who he should marry and what he should do for a career. They were less than thrilled that he wanted to marry a poor Irish girl whose family ran a pub in Ireland.

Rose decided to come to New York and get her man and follow the American dream. Unfortunately things don’t always work out the way you want due to other people's manipulations, cruelty and class differences. So she finds herself frightened, homeless, pregnant, and alone in a strange country and in a big city that was not very welcoming to a single, eighteen-year-old immigrant that could not rub two pennies together. She realizes she had to forget the past and move to a different future, right when the world was moving into the twentieth century with so many changes in the world both economically and socially. Along with this were many tragedies and obstacles and Rose was in the middle of it living in a poor and dangerous area being terrified. Will Rose and Adam ever be able to find each other both living in such different worlds as she was in the poor area and he was in the very wealthy area.

Ms.Tarr who does such magnificent research job with this excellent, written novel showing the history of New York City both good and bad. Plus revealing how difficult it was for immigrants and how they were mistreated in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. This novel goes from 1898 to 1922, but shows many true historical facts about New York that I did not know. Of course it also shows class differences too and some tragedies as well. Are Rose and Adam ever able to find the happiness they both deserve or will their broken hearts remain shattered for the duration of their lives? The ending just blew my mind but no spoilers as you will have to read this dazzling story to find out!

Seriously I must say this is one of the best books I have ever read in my entire life! I was so swept away and impressed it was beyond brilliant. There are no words to say or describe eloquently just how brilliant this book really truly is. Yes I went through a box of tissues, yet if I get that emotional it means the storyteller is extremely talented and I have really connected with all the characters and plot lines. I love when true facts and real people in history show up in fictional books too! This novel definitely checked all the boxes for me. I also love historical fiction and this is definitely one of the most brilliant and in-depth books I have ever read.

I absolutely highly recommend this spectacular and captivating book! Readers definitely don’t want to miss this one as it is pure brilliance and I can’t wait to read the next book in “The American Songbook” series. Well done Hope Tarr you should definitely be so proud of this phenomenal masterpiece!

Buy: Links:
Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/Irish-Eyes-hea...
BarnesandNoble:https:www.barnesandnoble.com/w/irish-eyes-h...

[Catherine Siemann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fans of The Gilded Age will love this well-researched historical novel, which wears its learning lightly but reminds us that nothing much really ever changes. The sense of place in both the Ireland of the early pages and the New York City of the remainder is vivid and the world of the times is recreated effectively. The central romance, or rather, love triangle, is engaging -- no one is entirely right, no one is entirely wrong, but the reader will absolutely root for Rose.

[Maha Marhoon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A phenomenal read; enjoyable from the very first sentence! Laced with some great history facts. Highly recommend x

[Amanda Bennett at passionforprose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rose O’Neill never dreamed of leaving her beloved Aran Islands for anything further than Dublin, but when she meets Adam Blakely her deceased brother’s best friend from their time serving in the Spanish American war, everything changes. Adam arrives on Kilronan’s shore humbled by his experiences and determined to return Donal’s personal belongings to his family. What was intended to be a short stay becomes months, and Adam and Rose fall hard for each other. Only a telegram from America, with news of Adam’s father falling ill, will get him to leave Rose. With a promise of marriage and passage for her soon, he leaves to race to his father’s deathbed.

Soon after Rose feels ghosted and cannot ignore the life growing inside her. Feeling as though she has run out of options, Rose books her own passage in steerage to cross the pond and find her beloved in New York. Her arrival is not welcomed, and Rose ends up like many Irish immigrants living in tenements and working for pittance in an effort to make headway in town set against “her kind”. In fire fighter Joe Kavanaugh, she believes she has a better future despite still carrying a torch for Adam. Rose is pragmatic and does what needs to be done to not only survive, but also to get ahead despite the many many obstacles thrown in her path.

Rose’s story takes place during a time of great change and great historical figures. Going from the Spanish-American War, through WWI and the Spanish flu epidemic and into Prohibition and the Roaring Twenties, she serves witness to so many societal changes. The Tammany Hall machine that ran New York City at the turn of the century and Teddy Roosevelt’s presidency also serve as important background to Rose’s life.

Though labeled historical romance, this reads more like general historical fiction after the first few chapters, and Rose is one readers will want to root for. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this tale, especially after Rose makes it to the Lower East Side. It’s obvious the amount of research the author put into Irish Eyes, to make the reader feel immersed in turn of the century NYC.

Thank you to NetGalley, Joffee Books, and the author Hope C. Tarr for the advanced copy of the book. Irish Eyes is out on December 7th. All opinions are my own.

http://www.instagram.com/passionforprose

[2manybooks2littletime · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to my partner, Suzy Approved Book Tours, and the author. I appreciate the gifted and signed paperback, and I am leaving this review voluntarily!

1. 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 - There are so many slimy, disgusting, and devious characters in this book. Even though Adam and Rose would have loved to have been free to be together, they would never have their children- which I guess makes all of the dishonesty worth it.

2. 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞 - Rose endures so much heartache in her life. I cannot even fathom the strength it took to carry on despite it. And just when it seems like things are looking up, the misery continues.

3. 𝐒𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞 - Twice, just when Rose feels like there is nothing to live for, someone enters her life who makes her see that maybe, just maybe, life is still worth living.

4. 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐀𝐫𝐞𝐧’𝐭 𝐀𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐒𝐞𝐞𝐦 - Does everyone have another side that could rear its ugly head if pushed? This story begs the reader to grapple with this answer.

5. 𝐒𝐞𝐞𝐬𝐚𝐰 𝐨𝐟 𝐄𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 - My emotions were all over the place throughout this story. The ups were euphoric and the downs were melancholic. There were tears of joy and tears of utter sadness. And I loved every second of it!

[Debbie Rozier · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Hope’s historical fiction debut and after reading this book, she has won me over as a raving fan!

This read takes place between 1898-1922 and is divided into three parts by dates. It takes place mostly in New York City, but there are pivotal parts that take place in the Aran Islands in Ireland.

The book tells the story of Rose O’Neill as a teenager who falls in love with a soldier who fought in the Spanish-American War with Rose’s brother. Rose makes her way from Ireland to New York City and life takes many unexpected turns.

This book shares not only Rose’s heartbreaks, but it also depicts her tenacity which allows her to become a successful business owner. There is love, family, and even a low key mystery that kept me turning the pages.

I love the way the book mixes the fictional characters with real historical events that happened during the time period.

I look forward to enjoying more books in this American Songbook Series!

[linda hole · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am sorry to say I dnfed this book at 32%. . It became too slow for me , with a plot that was for me too predictable. Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion

[Rebecca Cochran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely historical novel with ample factual data from An Irish island to New York…..and back
Highly recommend for fans of Irish in America, social mores, political intrigue and women’s rights in turn of the 19th century thru WWI.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of 18 y/o Rose, and Adam the handsome American who comes to Ireland to return the letters she wrote to he now deceased brother Donal. His two week stay turns into two months, and after one special night together he proposes to Rose. When he gets called back to America to care for his father, he promises to send for Rose. When she discovers she is pregnant and hasn't heard from Adam, she sets out to America on her own. when she gets there, she goes to his house but his mother tells her he is to be married to Vanessa, whom he had an understanding with. Adam does not love Vanessa, but she tricks him into thinking he slept with her, and he does the honorable thing and marries her. Upon finding out the truth he distances himself from her. at this point I stopped reading as I hated her an the way I thought the story was going to go. But after going to book club and hearing the author, I decided to give it another go. From then on I absolutely loved the book and couldn't put it down. Told entirely from Rose's POV, we hear about her surviving in NY, marrying Joe while still loving Adam, building a business, having children, Losing Joey in WWI, meeting up with Adam again, supporting him when he is accused of murdering Vanessa,caring for Joe when he gets the Spanish flu (after she has kicked him out), seeing her daughter get married to Adam's son, going back to Ireland to see her family, and the happily ever after we hoped for throughout the book. And a surprise twist on the last 2 pages on how Vanessa really died! LOVED this book.

[Melissa (Nissa_the.bookworm) · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐅 𝐘𝐎𝐔
👥 enjoy fully fleshed out characters
🌸 love flowery descriptions
⏰ like traveling through time in books
🇮🇪 have an Irish background

• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓

December 1898. In the aftermath of America’s war with Spain over Cuba, eighteen-year-old Rose O'Neill leaves her beloved Inis Mór and boards a steamer for New York City in search of the Yank soldier who swore to marry her. Herded through the temporary emigrant landing depot at The Battery, abandoned and alone, she discovers the New York streets are no more paved in gold than those of Galway. To survive, she must ford through Lower East Side tenements and sweatshops, Fifth Avenue mansions and tony hotels, tangling with Tammany Hall for the soul of the husband with whom her fate is inextricably linked while fighting her feelings for the first love who still holds her heart. Just as she begins to make peace with the past, the Great War erupts in Europe, threatening to topple the dynasty for which she has sacrificed so much.

• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒

While a bit slow, this was a really interesting read that takes place over the course of several decades. I like the historical accuracy of the story, as well as Rose’s character. She’s a true fighter even though she’s been left high and dry by the person she thought she could count on. I definitely felt sorry for everything she’s gone through in life. It can’t have been easy for her at all, but she manages to create a new life in a new place.

[erin (readingwithremy) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Irish Eyes by @hopectarr is a historical fiction set in New York City at the turn of the century about an Irish immigrant. Rose's brother moved to NYC and then volunteered as a soldier in the Spanish-American War. When his best friend Adam shows up after his death, Rose & Adam start a relationship but when he needs to head to NY quickly there is a promise of marriage. After not hearing from him she decides to head to NYC anyway after she's pregnant but is greeted by his family and the news of his engagement to another. Determined to stay she begins a new life.

I liked that this book showed a lot about the life of an Irish immigrant in NYC at the turn of the century. As someone who studied Irish emigration history, especially Irish Domestic servants in the US this was a fun book to read. While it spans almost 25 years, I liked the longer aspect to see his things changed and where everyone ended up especially because this is such a fascinating time period full of changes!

This is a historical love story at heart, filled with a great character in Rose and her determination to be happy and filled with hope. There was a lot of historical research done, which I love. And I'm now interested in learning more about the Windsor Hotel fire.

If you're looking for a historical fiction about an Irish immigrant or a historical romance you'll enjoy this book! I'm looking forward to reading more from the author.

[wellreadtraveler · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I had finished this book the end of 2023 I would tell you hands down this was my favorite book of the year. I almost don't have the words to tell you everything I loved because there was so much! Irish Eyes is a love story but so much more. Author Hope Tarr is such an amazing storyteller and takes us on a journey with so many high's and low's I was all over the place. The story is chocked full of history from wars to the Spanish Flu to major life events that took place in New York. As soon as I finished the book I went to the authors website and was further impressed with all the articles and photos from the time period she writes about. I finished Irish Eyes and immediately decided this will be my March book club pick, perfect theme for the month!
Rose O'Neil lives a simple life helping with the family business until her beloved brother is killed in the Spanish-American war. This will bring terrible loss but also offer Rose an opportunity to go to America to follow the man she loves. As soon as Rose steps off the boat nothing goes as planned as she realizes she will need to be strong and carve her own path. Finding her footing is not easy and Rose isn't done experiencing pain and loss. Can she find love again? Can she make something of herself and make her family proud? Rose will do her best to build the life she always wanted and maybe find the missing piece that brought her to New York.

[Tina(why is GR limiting comments?!!) · Rating 5 out of 5]

☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️ shamrock stars!

Worthy of all the stars! This is an epic tale! I'm ready for book #2 and I wonder what kind of story this author will think up next.

The book begins in 1898 in the tiny Aran Islands just off the mainland of Ireland. Moira Rose is 18 years old and lives on the island with her Father and brothers. Recently the family has been told that one of her brothers in America has died in war. His American friend, Adam has come to deliver his personal belongings. Rose and Adam fall in love during his extended stay. Adam receives a telegram from New York City that his father has taken ill. He must leave at once but promises to send passage for Rose to come be with him there as they plan to wed. Once he leaves Rose finds out she is pregnant. After not hearing from him she decides to go to America determined to find him. She buys a ticket in steerage on a steamship and makes her way across the Atlantic to Ellis Island.

This story spans from 1898 Ireland and continues to New York City until 1925. The author has done significant research and incorporated real-life events into the story. The story is told from Rose's point of view. We follow Rose's life in America and all her trials and tribulations and simultaneously Adam's as well. There is heartbreak, secrets and treachery along the way. Will Rose and Adam get their second chance? I highly recommend you read this to find out 💚

*This story is in many ways an ode to NYC 🗽

[David Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A stunning historical romance novel.
When a young American soldier comes to Ireland in 1898 to deliver his killed in action war buddies letters to his sister Rose, little did she know where this meeting would take her. The man's name is Adam and the two share a connection right from the start. Just as their relationship was blooming, Adam is requested back home to tend to his dying father but not before promising Rose he'd send for her to join him in New York. After not hearing from him, and now pregnant, Rose embarks on a journey that will both sadden you and reward you with hope and second chances in the process.

The prose, settings and dialog in this novel are flawless. From the peaceful Aran Islands of Ireland to the frenetic streets of New York, you'll feel like a witness to a history you didn't know you wanted. With a captivating sense of time and place the author puts you there, whether it be in an Irish pub, a New York hotel or a mansion your privy to the thoughts and actions of the characters as they navigate their lives. Written with a lot of heart and research this novel will give you all the feels.

This isn't a genre I typically read but when I do, I can only hope they're as good as this one.

Thank you to the author, Lume Books and Suzy Approved Book Tours for the gifted copy and including me on this tour.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

For two nights in a row, I stayed up very late unable to put down this story of Rose, the daughter of a pub keeper in the Aran Isles who falls in love with a visiting wealthy man's son called Adam from New York City. It is 1898, and when the letters between them never arrive, she travels near penniless across the sea to find him. But he has believed he will never see her again and is tricked into marrying a cold, rich man's daughter. As he tries to live his vows to his unpleasant wife, Rose becomes first a seamstress and then a hotel maid, concealing Adam's child within her. She marries Joe, a fireman who adores her, and she and Adam do not see each other again until one day he walks into the little shop she has managed to open.

IRISH EYES is an absolutely enveloping love story amidst the great events of New York and the world encompassing turn of the century politics, the Triangle Fire and the Great War. I stopped reading the first night and couldn't sleep. The three major characters leap off the page and walk about your room. Like all great love stories, it is full of impossibilities and danger, pride, loyalty, loss and endurance. The author thrusts her characters into corners they cannot escape from. Absolutely engrossing. IRISH EYES will be adored by the many readers who will quickly find it.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rose is a barmaid in her family owned pub in Ireland. In walks Adam who fought with her deceased brother in the Spanish American War. The attraction is instant. Adam is called back to America because his father is ill. Adam promises to marry Rose and send for her when everything is taken care of with his family.

Rose does not hear from Adam. Pregnant and desperate, she travels to New York only to learn Adam is engaged to another. Rose is determined to let go of the past and move on with her dreams. She finds work as a seamstress and chambermaid and through a series of events marries a fireman named Joe Kavanaugh. Rose has two children, a house and store, but there is always the past in the back of her mind. Just when she has come to terms with her marriage and her past, Adam walks into her shop.

Irish Eyes is beautifully written in Rose's voice and is at times lyrical. Hope's writing makes you feel as though you are in the pub in Ireland and the busy streets of New York. The time period is from 1898 to early 1920 and historical events of this era are woven into the story. This is the first book in the American Songbook Series and I am looking forward to the next book in the series. Thank you to the author and Suzy Approved Book Tours for the gifted book and this is my honest opinion.

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

4.5 ⭐️

This is a beautifully written historical romance. It sweeps you away to the rugged Irish Aran Islands and the bustling streets of New York City around the beginning of the 1900s.

Rose is a true wild Irish Rose. At not even eighteen, Rose falls in love with Adam, the American who was beside her beloved brother as he died in battle. When Adam comes to Ireland to visit and meet the sister of his fallen comrade, he promises to marry her and send for her as soon as he can.

Rose can wait no longer as she finds herself pregnant. Crossing the Atlantic alone, Rose finds a bustling world in New York City, as well as heartache. It’s time to start anew if that is possible.

A true journey, we follow Rose and Adam on their separate courses in life, even though they are within the same city. This story is about hardship, great loss, chasing dreams, and second chances. Although I felt this was a love story, numerous historical signposts keep us grounded in the time and place. The author’s prose is rich and authentic - so you easily become enveloped in Rose and Adam’s lives. It's an amazing read!


Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours @hopectarr for a spot on tour and a gifted book.

[Erin Sparkes · Rating 4 out of 5]

When the Spanish-American war claimed her brother’s life the last thing Rose expected was to have his best friend and fellow soldier, Adam, to turn up in her family’s pub in Ireland. Tumbling head over heels for each other their romance will irrevocably change the course of their lives. Spanning decades this story covers life, love and loss against the back drop of events of the turn of the last century.
I had to adjust my expectations while reading this. I didn’t realize, or rather I didn’t properly read the description to find out, this book spans a much longer time period then I thought. Mainly told from Rose’s perspective but we get glimpses into Adam’s view as well. There were so many significant historical events taking place around these two, and shaping their lives. There is something about watching events unfold when you know there is a major wrench coming to shift everyone’s plans.
Rose is a character you have to root for, because no matter what comes flying at her she digs her heels in and refuses to let life get the better of her.
Coming out December 7 2023.
Thank you to Hope C Tarr Netgalley and Lume Books for letting me have an early copy for review.