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An Irish Family
An Irish family arrives in New York City in the 1840s in the middle of the potato blight, which led to the starvation of so many Irish men, women and children. The family struggles to survive and the young boy, age 14, becomes a prize fighter and lifts his family from the depths of poverty. He's forced to leave the city, and he travels by ship to New Orleans where he begins a second career as a champion boxer. It's the story of his marriage, and the family he and his wife rear in Texas using his winnings in the ring.
215 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 27, 2025
462 people are currently reading
24 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
February 15, 2026
AN IRISH FAMILY IS ONE OF THOSE BOOKS YOU PICK UP AND YOU WON'T BE ABLE TO PUT DOWN UNTIL FINISHED
2/14/26 Review:
☆☆☆☆☆
An Irish Family by R.O. Lane is another of Lane's great books that can be enjoyed by all ages and appeal to all readers no matter what their favorite genre is. From western, action, romance, and historical fiction lovers, this book has it all and you will not be disappointed.
The Fallon family is a loving and nurturing family who are determined to live right and enjoy life while providing a loving home, raising their children with morals taught through example, helping their neighbors, and standing tall against those who are evil and pray on others.
Cormac Follan, the son of Hugh and Fiadh, sets out to explore the world around him and define who and what kind of man he is. In doing so, he comes across Roisin Gallagher who is on the run from a wicked man. During their journey, Cormac and Roisin fall deeply in love while dealing with kidnappers, murderers, rustlers, and a rancher who believes he can do anything and whatever he wants due to his wealth and status.
Like I said above, this is a great book for all and I can easily and honestly say that I truly enjoyed this book and have all the faith in the world you will too.
Quotes:
Old Irish blessing;
'May you have all the happiness your heart can hold’
2/14/26 Review:
☆☆☆☆☆
An Irish Family by R.O. Lane is another of Lane's great books that can be enjoyed by all ages and appeal to all readers no matter what their favorite genre is. From western, action, romance, and historical fiction lovers, this book has it all and you will not be disappointed.
The Fallon family is a loving and nurturing family who are determined to live right and enjoy life while providing a loving home, raising their children with morals taught through example, helping their neighbors, and standing tall against those who are evil and pray on others.
Cormac Follan, the son of Hugh and Fiadh, sets out to explore the world around him and define who and what kind of man he is. In doing so, he comes across Roisin Gallagher who is on the run from a wicked man. During their journey, Cormac and Roisin fall deeply in love while dealing with kidnappers, murderers, rustlers, and a rancher who believes he can do anything and whatever he wants due to his wealth and status.
Like I said above, this is a great book for all and I can easily and honestly say that I truly enjoyed this book and have all the faith in the world you will too.
Quotes:
Old Irish blessing;
'May you have all the happiness your heart can hold’
February 11, 2026
very good read
Could not lay it down. Enjoyed the many twists and turns. Have read some of your other books and enjoyed them. Will be reading some more. Thanks for giving me some past time.
Could not lay it down. Enjoyed the many twists and turns. Have read some of your other books and enjoyed them. Will be reading some more. Thanks for giving me some past time.
February 5, 2026
What a wonderful story!
I loved this book, it kinda reminded me of my own great grandfather who's grandfather had came over from Ireland though he had went to the Carolina's and then to Arkansas and on to Saint Louis. My grandfather left to avoid possible prison time and settled in Southern California. This book a wonderful storyline and a beautiful ending!
I loved this book, it kinda reminded me of my own great grandfather who's grandfather had came over from Ireland though he had went to the Carolina's and then to Arkansas and on to Saint Louis. My grandfather left to avoid possible prison time and settled in Southern California. This book a wonderful storyline and a beautiful ending!
February 1, 2026
My new favorite Western author.
I am so glad I found this R. O. Lane western, An Irish Family. I have read about all of Louis L'amour westerns several times. This book is every bit as good and gives such interesting insights into the way life was back then. Careful, you might learn a thing or two while you are being throughly entertained.
I am so glad I found this R. O. Lane western, An Irish Family. I have read about all of Louis L'amour westerns several times. This book is every bit as good and gives such interesting insights into the way life was back then. Careful, you might learn a thing or two while you are being throughly entertained.
January 31, 2026
An adventure you do not want to miss.
I could not put this book down. The author makes you feel like you a part of the family as you travel with them. I hope he writes more about the family and their relatives. This was one the most interesting stories I read in quite a while. Don’t miss the train get on board and be ready for wonderful trip.
I could not put this book down. The author makes you feel like you a part of the family as you travel with them. I hope he writes more about the family and their relatives. This was one the most interesting stories I read in quite a while. Don’t miss the train get on board and be ready for wonderful trip.
January 22, 2026
Another enjoyable western about life in 1870s
Lane writes stories about normal life in the old West. There are enough gunfights to keep us old guys happy and a nice family love story where Irish eyes are smiling 😊
Lane writes stories about normal life in the old West. There are enough gunfights to keep us old guys happy and a nice family love story where Irish eyes are smiling 😊
January 17, 2026
Good , fun read
Thank you RO Lane, for another enjoyable book to read. You have a way of creating characters that we care about and so enjoy getting to share their life experiences. I try to stretch.out your stories but they are so good I end up reading faster than my original plan.
Thank you RO Lane, for another enjoyable book to read. You have a way of creating characters that we care about and so enjoy getting to share their life experiences. I try to stretch.out your stories but they are so good I end up reading faster than my original plan.
January 5, 2026
Cormac Fergus Fallon
Another good one from R O Lane. Lane has a story telling technique that hauls the reader in and doesn't let go until the story is good and over. All of his books, and I've read them all, are worth savoring on a cold winters night with a good drink (your choice, I prefer green tea W lemon, cold), and a warm quilt. Pick up one and prepare to B enthralled. Tough fellas, strong women and the Western Land rolling on.
Another good one from R O Lane. Lane has a story telling technique that hauls the reader in and doesn't let go until the story is good and over. All of his books, and I've read them all, are worth savoring on a cold winters night with a good drink (your choice, I prefer green tea W lemon, cold), and a warm quilt. Pick up one and prepare to B enthralled. Tough fellas, strong women and the Western Land rolling on.
January 4, 2026
Fascinating History Lesson Told by a Wonderful Storyteller
Lane is the consummate storyteller. I always anticipate his next book. There is a certain rhythm and flow in Lane's writing that instantly engages. The storylines are both believable and creative. All this and you painlessly learn a bit of western history. As a token Irishman I was especially intrigued by the movement west by the Irish and their efforts to establish their own communities.
Lane is the consummate storyteller. I always anticipate his next book. There is a certain rhythm and flow in Lane's writing that instantly engages. The storylines are both believable and creative. All this and you painlessly learn a bit of western history. As a token Irishman I was especially intrigued by the movement west by the Irish and their efforts to establish their own communities.
January 5, 2026
Another great Yarn!
A superbly crafted sweeping saga. A multi-generational tale of just doing what's next...head up, eyes ahead, trusting your gut, taking risks as necessary, exercising caution when appropriate...plus some romance thrown in for good measure.
My only lament is I can read his stories faster than he can write them.
A superbly crafted sweeping saga. A multi-generational tale of just doing what's next...head up, eyes ahead, trusting your gut, taking risks as necessary, exercising caution when appropriate...plus some romance thrown in for good measure.
My only lament is I can read his stories faster than he can write them.
January 4, 2026
Irish Texans rock
I'm a little biased but as an Irish (okay, half Irish) Texan, I loved this story. Reminded me of our family's journey to Texas in the 1850's. Mr. Lane is a great storyteller whose stories I read as soon as I can get them downloaded. Please keep writing! Your stories are wonderful.
I'm a little biased but as an Irish (okay, half Irish) Texan, I loved this story. Reminded me of our family's journey to Texas in the 1850's. Mr. Lane is a great storyteller whose stories I read as soon as I can get them downloaded. Please keep writing! Your stories are wonderful.
January 3, 2026
5 Stars
The beginning of the book with two (Pa's) was kind of hard to figure out. But finally I figured out that the story was being told by a grandson who hadn't been born yet. Once the grandson Cormac came along the book centered around him and was an enjoyable read, like all of R.O. Lane's books and I have read them all.
The beginning of the book with two (Pa's) was kind of hard to figure out. But finally I figured out that the story was being told by a grandson who hadn't been born yet. Once the grandson Cormac came along the book centered around him and was an enjoyable read, like all of R.O. Lane's books and I have read them all.
December 28, 2025
Christmas came on 12/27 this year
My favorite author came through again with a wonderful combination of adventure, characters who work hard and achieve good things through determined effort, and wholesome, loving family values. I have read all of Mr. Lane's westerns at least 3 times, with the exception of this tale, and I simply can't put them down. I encourage you to treat yourself to one of his adventures.
My favorite author came through again with a wonderful combination of adventure, characters who work hard and achieve good things through determined effort, and wholesome, loving family values. I have read all of Mr. Lane's westerns at least 3 times, with the exception of this tale, and I simply can't put them down. I encourage you to treat yourself to one of his adventures.
March 3, 2026
Everything you want in a Western
I was a little doubtful about reading a western titled "An Irish Family". It is well written and edited, and has cowboys, Native Americans, heroes and villains. There are beautiful strong women and dashing chivalrous men who sometimes save them. From cattle drives to dry land farming, Lane paints a realistic and entertaining picture of life in the West in the late 1800s. The good guys win. The bad guys get what's coming. The hero gets the girl, and they all live happily ever after. If you don't like that, then you are reading the wrong book!
I was a little doubtful about reading a western titled "An Irish Family". It is well written and edited, and has cowboys, Native Americans, heroes and villains. There are beautiful strong women and dashing chivalrous men who sometimes save them. From cattle drives to dry land farming, Lane paints a realistic and entertaining picture of life in the West in the late 1800s. The good guys win. The bad guys get what's coming. The hero gets the girl, and they all live happily ever after. If you don't like that, then you are reading the wrong book!
January 3, 2026
An Irish Family
I enjoyed everything in the book which is why I have every book you have
written.
While my name is Welsh the majority of my ancestors were Irish dating back
to County Cork in the 1600's for my Cremeans ancestors .
Larry Jones
I enjoyed everything in the book which is why I have every book you have
written.
While my name is Welsh the majority of my ancestors were Irish dating back
to County Cork in the 1600's for my Cremeans ancestors .
Larry Jones
January 4, 2026
A Winner
Another great read by R. O. Lane, my favorite western writer. Except for his last book, which, in my opinion, was his only disappointment, I find him at the head of the class in this genre.
Another great read by R. O. Lane, my favorite western writer. Except for his last book, which, in my opinion, was his only disappointment, I find him at the head of the class in this genre.
January 7, 2026
R. O. Lane is one of my 3 favorite western authord
I have read all of his books at least twice and I am sure this will be no exception. I really like his characters and his stories and again, this one is no exception. I recommend it it highly.
I have read all of his books at least twice and I am sure this will be no exception. I really like his characters and his stories and again, this one is no exception. I recommend it it highly.
January 7, 2026
I enjoy all of R. O. Lane books but this one is one of the best!
Great book. Writing of the story was very smooth flowing you didn't want to stop.
I am always attracted to Irish family's as my ancestors came over as Irish and Scottish.
Great book. Writing of the story was very smooth flowing you didn't want to stop.
I am always attracted to Irish family's as my ancestors came over as Irish and Scottish.
January 11, 2026
You gotta love the Irish!
A wonderful story with lots of history. Story of a father who learned and then loved his son enough to teach him all the life lessons he'd need to survive. Great read
A wonderful story with lots of history. Story of a father who learned and then loved his son enough to teach him all the life lessons he'd need to survive. Great read
January 11, 2026
it’s all about togetherness.
This book reminds us that hard work, brains like steel traps, courage and above all else love for Irish Heritage. This book has it all from two men’s and their women point of view. I enjoyed this book and hope you do too!
This book reminds us that hard work, brains like steel traps, courage and above all else love for Irish Heritage. This book has it all from two men’s and their women point of view. I enjoyed this book and hope you do too!
January 15, 2026
R O Lane is a wonderful story teller
A great story of how one man can build a life and be such an influence to his family and community. This is a universal story not just of an Irish family but of how America offered an opportunity to people to start a new and better life.
A great story of how one man can build a life and be such an influence to his family and community. This is a universal story not just of an Irish family but of how America offered an opportunity to people to start a new and better life.
January 17, 2026
An Irish Family: A Western
Whew, an old school western, based on a story about Irish Immigrants, during the time of the Famine.
Very interesting to read the what might have been.
Thanks to the Author!!
Whew, an old school western, based on a story about Irish Immigrants, during the time of the Famine.
Very interesting to read the what might have been.
Thanks to the Author!!
January 18, 2026
Long Live The Irish🇮🇳🇱🇷
Great story! Couldn’t put it down. Read it in one sitting!
The characters were real and felt they earned all our attention. I have never read a book by this author that didn’t deserve 5 Stars!
Great story! Couldn’t put it down. Read it in one sitting!
The characters were real and felt they earned all our attention. I have never read a book by this author that didn’t deserve 5 Stars!
February 5, 2026
Amazing book
Written in a way makes one feel like you are there sharing the good and the bad. Great love story about hard working aliens and their passage to survival and freedom.
Rock on!
Written in a way makes one feel like you are there sharing the good and the bad. Great love story about hard working aliens and their passage to survival and freedom.
Rock on!
February 6, 2026
Great
As usual once I start the book I can't stop till the end. A great read about an era of time long forgotten. History can be found by putting many of the tales told. Thank you for continuing the stories with big chunks of history to be added.
As usual once I start the book I can't stop till the end. A great read about an era of time long forgotten. History can be found by putting many of the tales told. Thank you for continuing the stories with big chunks of history to be added.
February 19, 2026
An Irish Family
This is a great story that shows the importance of the Irish Immigrants and the contributions they make to our country starting with the “potato famine” to arriving in America, the Irish brought much to this country and it’s diversity.
This is a great story that shows the importance of the Irish Immigrants and the contributions they make to our country starting with the “potato famine” to arriving in America, the Irish brought much to this country and it’s diversity.
February 19, 2026
Best book I've read in over a year!
And Irish Family: A Western grabbed me from the beginning, and I couldn't put it down. WHAT AN AWESOME STORY. A book that shows the grit this country was built on. If you want an excellent read, you've found it.
And Irish Family: A Western grabbed me from the beginning, and I couldn't put it down. WHAT AN AWESOME STORY. A book that shows the grit this country was built on. If you want an excellent read, you've found it.
January 1, 2026
Just ok
Very fast moving and a lack of depth for the characters. Not typical of the books from this author. It is an ok read.
Very fast moving and a lack of depth for the characters. Not typical of the books from this author. It is an ok read.
January 2, 2026
another entertaining western read by R O Lane
Great read, good characters and good values with a few twists and turns.
Lane is one of the best writers
IMHO.
Enjoy
Great read, good characters and good values with a few twists and turns.
Lane is one of the best writers
IMHO.
Enjoy
January 3, 2026
Excellent.
Enjoyed front back similar patter to previous works,still wears well and looking forward to they next one. Great quick and read.
Enjoyed front back similar patter to previous works,still wears well and looking forward to they next one. Great quick and read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews