Forgotten Country: An O'Brien

by Stacey Reynolds, Joyce Mochrie (editor)

The love between Aoife and David O’Brien has served as a beacon for generations of O’Briens. But they weren’t always the matriarch and patriarch of the large family in County Clare.

Aoife Kerr lived a simple life in Donegal. The forgotten county at the northern tip of Ireland. Surrounded by friends and family, she never thought much about life beyond the port city where she was born. But one never knows what the sea wind will blow their way.

David O’Brien and his brother take positions on a sailing crew, making deliveries along the western coast of Ireland. After a challenging trip from Galway to Killybegs, David finds himself inside the shop of a master tailor and his stunning young assistant.

Amidst the oppressive church presence and the economic depression of the 1950s, two lovers and a band of beloved friends will endure tragedy, heartbreak, and the tense political climate of their beloved country. Friendships, faith, and a budding love affair will be brutally tested before they begin a beautiful journey that will withstand the test of time.

Genres: Audiobook

360 pages, Paperback

Published September 6, 2024

About the author

Stacey Reynolds began writing after a trip to Europe, where she was bewitched by the coastal counties of Western Ireland. She lives on the coast of North Carolina with three of her five children and her dashing husband, a retired Marine Officer. To learn more about the author check these resources: www.staceylreynolds.weebly.com
facebook.com/staceyreynoldsauthor/
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/staceyreyno...#

Reviews

[Nancy Walls · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a rough one

I wasn't sure I would be all that interested in David and Alice's story, boy was I wrong.
I think this is the best book yet

[kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best one

This is the best O'Brien book of the series, and that is saying something.
Stacey blends David and Aoife past and present lives beautifully. Bring in so many characters that are mentioned in past books.
The history David and Aoife youth includes the tragic treatment of unwed mothers in the Catholic church. The present still shows us the horrible abuse of women in name of religion. Manipulating their gods, God's teachings to justify abuse, murder and torture.
But there is light, forgiveness and love that survives. Not only for David and Aoife, but for their loved ones. I
can not wait to see what Cora and Colin's story holds.

[Jessica Gookin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic love story start to finish for the patriarch and matriarch if the O’Brien family.
Stacey Reynolds has delivered another fantastic story of the O’Brien tales!!

I would love to see this series turned into a mini series or tv series. I love all of the members old and young!!

[Tanisha Inman · Rating 5 out of 5]

David and Aoife, what an amazing story and love. I wasn’t sure how interested I would be in their story without some big adventure but I was so wrong. I cried, laughed and rejoiced. The life they created, the family they matured and the friends that became family is just indescribable you have to read it to truly understand. I love the O’Brien tales but this is truly my favorite. Stacey outdid herself with this one.

I very interested to find out what’s going on with the kids, Cora and Colin. Sounds like someone has found his match, his one and is there to comfort her and keep her safe.

Good for our O’Brien’s standing up to bullies in the past and present. Not letting anyone be forgotten.

The narration, as always was brilliant. I hate when the story ends but can’t wait for the next, which is why I don’t read them as soon as they’re released. But the wait is on for book #13.

[Krissy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book wrecked me. In the best possible way. If you, like me, sometimes need the catharsis of a good cry, this won't disappoint. I have read all the O'Brien Tales since I met Stacey years ago. I love the family she has created and the tears were of joy and sadness. The characters are real and not perfect, but they love each other through the good and the bad. Like another reviewer, I was not expecting to love this one as much or more than some of the previous books. I don't want to give anything away, but it is a beautiful story of a family and love that is timeless. As always, Ireland is one of the main characters and she takes us to an area she hasn't before. Romance, family, Ireland, ... what more can you want?

[Joyce R. Waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best yet

I knew this would be a great story but it is better!! I laughed, cried, every emotion possible reading this book. Stacey Reynolds you have out done yourself. I had to slow my reading down otherwise I would have stayed up all night reading it. A beautiful yet sad story and it shows how a strong love of family gets us through ours hardest and darkest days. I hope you have the next one out soon.
God bless you and keep on telling us about these amazing people.

[Sue Marsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This whole series has just up and grabbed me but I honestly think that this last book is the best. I've loved reading all the histories of the O'Brien family at once. I've never cried so much reading a book, but then actually felt all the love surrounding this family. She has made it so real. Start with the 1st book though - this is not a read alone book. Thank you Stacey Reynolds for your wonderful writing that has made me feel a part of this family.

[Gayle · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! I stayed up all night reading this amazing book

I stayed up all night reading this amazing book. I just simply could not put it down. I love reading about the O’Brien Family. Everyone of these books are compelling and captivating and amazing. Thank you so very much Stacey Reynolds!

[Candace Berryhill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartbreakingly Beautiful

I have gotten to fall in love with these characters and to read how their story came to be was so beautiful in such a hard time. I love that I can learn history through these books while loving these people at the same time. I don’t think we would ever be ready to lose them but it’s the same with life.

[Breanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this addition to The O'Brien Tales, and maybe it's life hitting me differently nowadays but this is the first book that's actually brought me to tears. The ending was so beautiful and heartbreaking after listening to how David and Aoife's relationship came to be, mixed with the present day of what everyone was going through.

[MARGARET MCMILLEN · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must Read

This is the best series I've ever read, the author's writing make's you feel that you are right there in the story. I know I will never find another one as good as this story is. I laughed and I cried and can't wait for the next one.

[Erika Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved every book in this series. This one though… oh my heart, was so wonderful to see David and Aoife’s story, past and present woven into each other. The love they had, it’s no wonder the O’Briens love their partners so amazingly.
The audiobook was fantastic as always!! So. So. Good!

[Tori · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was lovely I’ve enjoyed this whole series as a wholesome romance and some of the plots have been intriguing and fun but this one just pulled the heart strings and was perfectly placed in the series.

[Brenda Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

David and Aoife…. This had me crying and laughing and wanting to keep reading. Such a beautiful story of a love that spanned decades and surrounded by all their beautiful families. I love this family, I wish I could be part of them 💙❤️

[Brandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

And she’s done it again. A romance with deep rooted history and love! Adore this family!!!

[Briana Hartz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well damn Stacey just rip out my heart why don’t you 😭😭

[Peacockkaringmail.Com · Rating 5 out of 5]

another hit

What a gift to go back into the past of this incredible family. One of the best O’Brien books yet.

[kristle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unforgettable!

Another unforgettable O'Brien love story! So many layers to what true friendship, trust, and love should be! I laughed, I cried, and I celebrated !

[Tami O'neil hildebrand · Rating 5 out of 5]

wonderful

Oh my I cried so hard at times. Another wonderful story. I hope there’s more. Stacey can’t write fast enough. I’ve nothing left to read.

[Heartfulart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series and the narration. I re-listened to all 11 preceding books prior to the release of this book 12. So good.

[Donna Mangeot · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one brought tears to my eyes multiple times! Excellent read!

[Taylor Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot get enough of the O'Brien tales! Please never stop!!

[Marie V · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fabulous story of this wonderful O’Brien family! Perfect narration as usual. I wish there were more than five stars because this book deserves all of them. As a matter of fact, the entire series is 10 stars worthy.

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't get enough of this series. Each book is fresh and new but still feels like you are coming home. Needed the tissues handy. Stacey Reynolds is an exceptional story teller.

[Annamarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another. Amazing Tale

I absolutely love the whole O'Brien series. I look forward to Cora's story because there just has to be one.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is it too much to ask to be transported to Ireland and just witness this family’s love and dedication to one another in real life? Learning about the deep relationship between David and Aoife made me fall in love with the O’Brien series even more. Stacey, as always, you built another masterpiece. I felt every emotion reading this beautiful book. Thank you for your inspiring, historical, and thoughtful writing.

[Gene · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a little embarrassed to say this is the fourteenth book I have read in her O’brien Tales series. The books in the series each illustrate how a particular couple in the O’brien family met. In the most recent, Aoife and David O'Brien the matriarch and patriarch of the large family in County Clare Ireland meet in the 1950s. Though this book doesn’t, Stacey Reynolds generally does a great job in this series of writing stories about first responders and military. 362 Pages on Kindle accompanied with Audible.

[Alma · Rating 5 out of 5]

*****
The O'Brien Tales by Stacey Reynolds
1. Raven of the Sea 2. A Lantern in the Dark
3. Shadow Guardian 3.5 Fio
4. River Angels 5. The Wishing Bridge
6. The Irish Midwife 6.5 Dark Irish
7. Burning Embers 8. The Keeper
8.5 Last Call: A Doolan Novella 9. Hawick
10. The Last Sip of Wine: A Novel of Tuscany 11. Sanctuary