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Emerald Ballad #3
Land of a Thousand Dreams
Poet Morgan Fitzgerald establishes a school in famine-ravaged Ireland, while in America, his friends Michael and Nora encounter poverty, political corruption, and racial tension
395 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 1992
36 people are currently reading
199 people want to read
About the author
B.J. Hoff
51 books148 followersBJ Hoff’s writing is known for her historical settings, her unforgettable characters, and her lyrical prose. She is the bestselling author of numerous historical fiction series, including the Riverhaven Years, the Mountain Song Legacy, the Song of Erin saga, the American Anthem series, An Emerald Ballad series, and her newest book Harp on the Willow.
Her five-volume Emerald Ballad series was the first major work of fiction to bring the Irish immigration experience to the CBA marketplace, and the work that first brought BJ an international reading audience.
Her readers know they can expect to meet some memorable people in her novels and also know that many of those people will be immigrants; Irish immigrants particularly but not exclusively.
BJ admits to a passion for building worlds. Whether her characters move about in small country towns or metropolitan areas, reside in Amish settlements, secluded mansions, or coal company houses, she creates communities where people can form relationships, raise families, pursue their faith, and experience the mountains and valleys of life.
She’s intent on making her historical novels relevant to the present by developing characters and settings that, while staying true to the history and culture of their times, reflect many of the spiritual trials and social problems faced by contemporary readers. Her novels are meant to be stories that build a bridge from the past to the present.
Her literary awards include the Christianity Today’s Critics Choice Book Award for fiction; a Gold Medallion Award finalist; and a number of Excellence in Media Silver Angel awards. Her books have been translated into many foreign languages, and she frequently hears from her international readers in countries such as Ireland, England, Norway, and Germany.
A former church music director and music teacher, BJ writes from her home in a small town in east central Ohio. She and her husband share a love of music, books, and time spent with their family: two daughters and three lively young grandsons.
Her five-volume Emerald Ballad series was the first major work of fiction to bring the Irish immigration experience to the CBA marketplace, and the work that first brought BJ an international reading audience.
Her readers know they can expect to meet some memorable people in her novels and also know that many of those people will be immigrants; Irish immigrants particularly but not exclusively.
BJ admits to a passion for building worlds. Whether her characters move about in small country towns or metropolitan areas, reside in Amish settlements, secluded mansions, or coal company houses, she creates communities where people can form relationships, raise families, pursue their faith, and experience the mountains and valleys of life.
She’s intent on making her historical novels relevant to the present by developing characters and settings that, while staying true to the history and culture of their times, reflect many of the spiritual trials and social problems faced by contemporary readers. Her novels are meant to be stories that build a bridge from the past to the present.
Her literary awards include the Christianity Today’s Critics Choice Book Award for fiction; a Gold Medallion Award finalist; and a number of Excellence in Media Silver Angel awards. Her books have been translated into many foreign languages, and she frequently hears from her international readers in countries such as Ireland, England, Norway, and Germany.
A former church music director and music teacher, BJ writes from her home in a small town in east central Ohio. She and her husband share a love of music, books, and time spent with their family: two daughters and three lively young grandsons.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
March 5, 2022
´The battle for your soul is already won. You have only to claim the victory!’ I hope I can remember this one quote! It sums up all I believe. Read this 30 yrs ago and i still cried my way through the final chapters. Well worth reading this series again
September 14, 2011
One-word review:
MELODRAMA.
More than one-word review:
Entertaining melodrama, at any rate.
Despite the redundancy factor of Casey saving Kerry from a factory fire/Arthur saving Michael from warehouse fire.
Despite the fact that Finola has amnesia, muteness, rape, regaining of her voice, and a baby all in a few short months.
There are quite a number of things I had forgotten about this book - probably because of my focus on the Fitzgerald drama. I had no recollection of Alice Walsh becoming a more important character already or the warehouse thing until I read it.
All in all I would say I did not enjoy this as much now as I once did, but it still held my attention. There is certainly no lack of drama to bore one. If Goodreads had half-stars, I'd give this 3.5.
On to the next one.
MELODRAMA.
More than one-word review:
Entertaining melodrama, at any rate.
Despite the redundancy factor of Casey saving Kerry from a factory fire/Arthur saving Michael from warehouse fire.
Despite the fact that Finola has amnesia, muteness, rape, regaining of her voice, and a baby all in a few short months.
There are quite a number of things I had forgotten about this book - probably because of my focus on the Fitzgerald drama. I had no recollection of Alice Walsh becoming a more important character already or the warehouse thing until I read it.
All in all I would say I did not enjoy this as much now as I once did, but it still held my attention. There is certainly no lack of drama to bore one. If Goodreads had half-stars, I'd give this 3.5.
On to the next one.
March 20, 2016
This is one of those books that I have dreaded reading for a long time. The first two books in the series were okay, but this one...UGH. I loved the blind girl in here. I so loved her, but why did the author have to have the rape scene!!?? It made me so upset. I would not recommend this book, even if the story is realistic, as some would say. It was wayyy too detailed. And if you plan to read this, I would not read it if you are under 18. Even then I wouldn't bother!! I don't think I even finished the fourth book because I was so annoyed with the characters, storyline, and what happened in this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 23, 2015
this was a very good book. I loved the ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 13, 2020
Reading this book sent me straight to cloud nine. This just might be my favorite cast of characters ever, and the melting pot of ethnicities in New York City never fails to bring a smile to my face. Admittedly, this book is certainly not plot-driven. There were plenty more events that could have further distressed the characters--but I'm glad they never materialized.
Setting: Aside from the prologue, which is set in Castlebar, Western Ireland, October 1798, the book begins in New York City in October 1848, and ends in Dublin in April 1949. Of course, the setting often switches between the characters in New York to Morgan Fitzgerald and his companions in Ireland. The various settings within these two large cities--Five Points in New York, for example, and Nelson Hall in Dublin--are clearly separated, but are no developed as well as in the previous books. The horror of Five Points isn't on full display, but the dangers of New York are plain to see in a few particular scenes. Likewise, the desperate situation of Dublin--and also the darkest side of the city--is given attention in varying degrees. The hostility between the blacks and Irish in New York isn't so prominent, although it provides an obvious backdrop to some of the book's events.
Characters: Have I mentioned that these are my favorite characters ever? My words will never do them justice. My #1 favorite would have to be Michael Burke. His short temper and fierce protectiveness is so fun to read, and his actions during the climax are so honorable and upright and I can't get enough of him. It makes me love honest law enforcement so much more, and it fills me with distaste when people trash the police. If only we had Michael Burke x1000 today ... (we'd have a lot less abused and enslaved children, that's what)
Morgan Fitzgerald would probably be my favorite character ever if not for Michael. Such a large, complex personality he has. And a heart of gold. With a temper to go with his flaming red hair. When that temper flares, my book and I are fully engaged.
I love Tierney, too, even though he is irritating and doesn't see the value of his father. But I have to love him ... because Michael loves him. And I trust his character will improve over the next two books. Honestly, his character arc could have been done a little better. But I certainly wish him well for the next book.
Evan and Nora, as always, are so sweet. In this novel they don't have a large plot line, just a bit of conflict (which unfortunately doesn't get resolved, but it is pretty minor, anyway). Evan's rare burst of impulsiveness is fun, and his relationship with all those boys is adorable.
Speaking of the boys ... Arthur Jackson is downright precious, and the black boys who find Evan's "church" music boring are hilarious. I wish I could hear the final result, their Irish-American songs. (Also Evan directing it--that would be amazing to watch, and I never say that about books). Billy is another nice addition, a personification of the poor New York lives. I am a little disappointed that nothing came of his story, though. Hopefully his character is prominent in the next book.
Moving on to Dublin, that family is the most heart-capturing thing. Morgan, of course at the head, has the West Indies Wonder Sandemon as a trusted companion and friend: a big black man with a mysterious past and a huge, gentle heart. His past is revealed in this book, which I appreciated, but also broke my heart. Annie is sometimes annoying, but her fluctuating is pretty funny, and her opinion of the nun is also amusing. And speaking of the nun, she's a great addition--quite necessary--but I wish her circumstances would have been more of an issue, for good or bad. I do love her outburst against Morgan, though.
Last major character, Finola: when all of the other precious characters love her so much, how can I not love her just as much? She's just so sweet and precious, and I love Morgan's love for her.
Plot: As I said, this book doesn't have one strong plot thread. In New York there are murmurings that take a while to erupt, so it's all very subtle, but I could read about the Irish immigrants eating dinner, and I'd be happy. So when bad things happen, my heart gets thrown into turmoil. The plotline in Dublin sees a bit more action, but triply heartbreaking.
Faith content: There is quite a bit about redemption, and how no one is too sinful for salvation. There is also a conversation about so-called "marriages of convenience", and what is truly godly, and I found that unique. And of course Michael ... he may not be outwardly "spiritual", but his honest, incorruptible character (as well as his utter disgust for whom he knows to be evil) is such a witness for Christ. Kind of reminds me of turning money tables over in the temple.
Recommended for everyone who read and enjoyed the first two Emerald Ballad books. Also recommended for readers who enjoy different ethnicities and character-driven novels.
Setting: Aside from the prologue, which is set in Castlebar, Western Ireland, October 1798, the book begins in New York City in October 1848, and ends in Dublin in April 1949. Of course, the setting often switches between the characters in New York to Morgan Fitzgerald and his companions in Ireland. The various settings within these two large cities--Five Points in New York, for example, and Nelson Hall in Dublin--are clearly separated, but are no developed as well as in the previous books. The horror of Five Points isn't on full display, but the dangers of New York are plain to see in a few particular scenes. Likewise, the desperate situation of Dublin--and also the darkest side of the city--is given attention in varying degrees. The hostility between the blacks and Irish in New York isn't so prominent, although it provides an obvious backdrop to some of the book's events.
Characters: Have I mentioned that these are my favorite characters ever? My words will never do them justice. My #1 favorite would have to be Michael Burke. His short temper and fierce protectiveness is so fun to read, and his actions during the climax are so honorable and upright and I can't get enough of him. It makes me love honest law enforcement so much more, and it fills me with distaste when people trash the police. If only we had Michael Burke x1000 today ... (we'd have a lot less abused and enslaved children, that's what)
Morgan Fitzgerald would probably be my favorite character ever if not for Michael. Such a large, complex personality he has. And a heart of gold. With a temper to go with his flaming red hair. When that temper flares, my book and I are fully engaged.
I love Tierney, too, even though he is irritating and doesn't see the value of his father. But I have to love him ... because Michael loves him. And I trust his character will improve over the next two books. Honestly, his character arc could have been done a little better. But I certainly wish him well for the next book.
Evan and Nora, as always, are so sweet. In this novel they don't have a large plot line, just a bit of conflict (which unfortunately doesn't get resolved, but it is pretty minor, anyway). Evan's rare burst of impulsiveness is fun, and his relationship with all those boys is adorable.
Speaking of the boys ... Arthur Jackson is downright precious, and the black boys who find Evan's "church" music boring are hilarious. I wish I could hear the final result, their Irish-American songs. (Also Evan directing it--that would be amazing to watch, and I never say that about books). Billy is another nice addition, a personification of the poor New York lives. I am a little disappointed that nothing came of his story, though. Hopefully his character is prominent in the next book.
Moving on to Dublin, that family is the most heart-capturing thing. Morgan, of course at the head, has the West Indies Wonder Sandemon as a trusted companion and friend: a big black man with a mysterious past and a huge, gentle heart. His past is revealed in this book, which I appreciated, but also broke my heart. Annie is sometimes annoying, but her fluctuating is pretty funny, and her opinion of the nun is also amusing. And speaking of the nun, she's a great addition--quite necessary--but I wish her circumstances would have been more of an issue, for good or bad. I do love her outburst against Morgan, though.
Last major character, Finola: when all of the other precious characters love her so much, how can I not love her just as much? She's just so sweet and precious, and I love Morgan's love for her.
Plot: As I said, this book doesn't have one strong plot thread. In New York there are murmurings that take a while to erupt, so it's all very subtle, but I could read about the Irish immigrants eating dinner, and I'd be happy. So when bad things happen, my heart gets thrown into turmoil. The plotline in Dublin sees a bit more action, but triply heartbreaking.
Faith content: There is quite a bit about redemption, and how no one is too sinful for salvation. There is also a conversation about so-called "marriages of convenience", and what is truly godly, and I found that unique. And of course Michael ... he may not be outwardly "spiritual", but his honest, incorruptible character (as well as his utter disgust for whom he knows to be evil) is such a witness for Christ. Kind of reminds me of turning money tables over in the temple.
Recommended for everyone who read and enjoyed the first two Emerald Ballad books. Also recommended for readers who enjoy different ethnicities and character-driven novels.
April 13, 2023
This book did not disappoint me at all. The author has a great way of drawing you into the story that just captures your attention. The switch between the New York story and the Dublin story left me wanting to keep reading so I could see what happens next. Nora and Evan are happy and Nora gives Evan a Christmas present that is wonderful but frightening to Evan all the same. Michael and Sara are living with Sara's aunt and doing great work at Five Points. Tierney gets into a bind doing something for Walsh and lands him in Walsh's home to recuperate. Michael wants to get evidence on Walsh to bring down his empire. The Dalton's take in a black boy named Arthur but a sad turn of events at the end of the book breaks your heart. Evan has Mrs. Walsh playing the piano for his choir boys. She wants to get involved with Five Points and has no clue that her husband is the reason it is the slums of New York. Walsh's warehouse dealings come to a head and Michael has help from his new friends to help save the children but things take a drastic turn for the bad. On the bright side, Dublin is having a grand time by the end of the book. But much heartache for what happens to Finola. Annie awaits her adoption by Morgan. Sandeman's story to Lucy is terrifying events but a testimony that God can help anyone who seeks him, no matter how bad their circumstances have been. I could go on and on, but I do not want to give away the storyline. Excellent read and can't wait to read the next book in the series.
September 17, 2017
I really liked this book. It has so much to offer and is a clean historical romance. It is the continuing story of the lives of three friends from Ireland during the time of the Famine. There is love, deception, hatred, danger and tragedy. If you enjoyed the first two books, which can be read as stand-alone books, you will enjoy this one as well.
Bare in mind that one of the tragedies is a bit graphic, but not overly so. Mostly violent, but things will turn out by the end of the book to be pretty good. Enjoy!
I borrowed this book from the local library.
Bare in mind that one of the tragedies is a bit graphic, but not overly so. Mostly violent, but things will turn out by the end of the book to be pretty good. Enjoy!
I borrowed this book from the local library.
June 23, 2020
Another enjoyable historical fiction novel in the EMERALD BALLAD series. Alternating between Ireland and New York City in the late 19th century with a fascinating cast of characters, plots and sub plots accompanied by well researched historical, social and cultural detail make for an engaging read. The religious emphasis might have been off putting unless the reader understands the essential role Christianity played for the Irish.
January 5, 2020
Excellent continuation of the series, moving from Ireland, to New York. Great character development. Interesting plot. The prejudice against the Irish immigrants is heartbreaking & well told.
June 10, 2022
This story is perfect
For a nice relaxing read anytime you want to get away and live with another family.. A good break from reality. Excellent author.
For a nice relaxing read anytime you want to get away and live with another family.. A good break from reality. Excellent author.
July 14, 2022
Beautiful story! Heartfelt and true. Enjoying reading this family saga!
June 2, 2024
I enjoyed reading this book. The story lines continue to progress from the 2 previous books and keep me coming back. I would appreciate a little less trauma, but there was a lot of joy too.
December 28, 2024
Definitely a story with enough twists, characters, and historical references to keep my attention. I’m looking forward to the fourth book.
And B.J. Hoff is now one of my top ten authors.
And B.J. Hoff is now one of my top ten authors.
February 19, 2017
for a book that I randomly picked up, it think it was pretty good: had very diverse characters, I learnt a bit more about the Catholics-Protestants feud in Ireland. I would definitely pick up the next book in the series, if I can find
July 26, 2011
Book 3 of the Emerald Ballad series does not disappoint. Like the first two, it moves easily between New York and Ireland.
Michael plans to bring down Patrick Walsh, even as his wife Sara and Evan Whittaker befriend Patrick's wife Alice. Alice is completely ignorant of Patrick's illegal and immoral activities and as she finds herself spending more and more time in the slums of New York, it's inevitable that she will discover that her husband isn't the honorable man she believes him to be.
However, I think it's more Morgan's story than any one else's. Even amidst trial and heartache, Morgan finds a family, and hope for his future. Finola's story fleshes out a bit and Annie starts coming into her own.
The story has its sad moments, but this is an enthralling story about the goodness of people and how the light of Christ that shines through people can help and influence so many.
Captivating and easily recommended. I'm looking forward to the remainder of the series.
Michael plans to bring down Patrick Walsh, even as his wife Sara and Evan Whittaker befriend Patrick's wife Alice. Alice is completely ignorant of Patrick's illegal and immoral activities and as she finds herself spending more and more time in the slums of New York, it's inevitable that she will discover that her husband isn't the honorable man she believes him to be.
However, I think it's more Morgan's story than any one else's. Even amidst trial and heartache, Morgan finds a family, and hope for his future. Finola's story fleshes out a bit and Annie starts coming into her own.
The story has its sad moments, but this is an enthralling story about the goodness of people and how the light of Christ that shines through people can help and influence so many.
Captivating and easily recommended. I'm looking forward to the remainder of the series.
March 31, 2012
Third book in the series of five, the story of the Kavanghs and Fitzgerlds continues. Morgan is now lost the use of his legs. But he has the money of his English grandfather and opens the school he has always dreamed of opening and when he adopts a little girl from the streets, he finally has a family. The trails of the Kavanghs continues with Nora falling in love with Englishman Evan Whitaker. It depicts the struggles of the Irish in early America but shows how they also manage to succeed in spite of the many predators trying to enslave them. A truly dark time of American history.
March 23, 2012
The imagery is breathtaking and the large cast of characters wonderfully diverse and fully developed. This is not just your average historical. This is actually many complex stories intricately woven together that take the reader on a journey of the heart and possibly teach a lesson or two along the way. I'm looking forward to starting the next book in the series.
February 5, 2017
Some terrible things happened, but also some wonderful things. I love the author's definition of family.
December 11, 2015
This book was better than the previous book. I did think that it tends to be a little melodramatic at times. It was however less predictable than other historical fiction novels. I did grow to care about many of the characters and it is an interesting look at American history.
May 17, 2013
A wondrous third novel. I loved Finola, felt Morgan's devestation, and felt like weeping at some of the things that happend. But God was there and pulled them all through. And Sandemon helped as well.
October 8, 2016
I read this book a long time ago, over and over again. I adored it. Everyone had a story, from the cripple to the mute to the opharn, and it was wonderful to read how they all intermingled.
I'm going to read it as a series this time. Hopefully I'll enjoy it just as much.
I'm going to read it as a series this time. Hopefully I'll enjoy it just as much.
March 2, 2021
This third book in the series is probably my favorite. Although the format is somewhat like a soap opera going from POV to POV, it’s not trashy like one. I love following the journeys of each character and am glad I bought the remaining books so I can start reading the next installment right away.
March 9, 2014
I'm not too proud to admit that certain parts of this book make me cry.
July 9, 2016
EXCELLENT story-romance-is it over? I hope not
February 11, 2012
This series is awesome. The bittersweet saga is full of Christian faith, love, and the idea of where home lies. The characters are fully drawn and are mostly likable, and the plots are amazing.
October 12, 2011
And the saga continues, love the historical fiction series. Irish imigrants who come to the U S for a better life and those who stay in Ireland to try and better the circumstances there.
March 15, 2013
Loving the characters and enjoying the continuing story of faith enduring through good and bad times.
March 16, 2014
Again, I am invested enough to keep reading but...still feels like a let down after the first book. Now I just feel like it's sloooowly moving.
April 27, 2014
Favorite quote:
"A man is not a father because of a legal document or even because of the blood tie. A man is a father by a choice of the will and a commitment of the heart."
"A man is not a father because of a legal document or even because of the blood tie. A man is a father by a choice of the will and a commitment of the heart."
September 22, 2014
This book was so good. I could hardly put it down. The events that happened in it were completely unexpected. This series keeps getting better and better.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews