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Everlasting Faith
Never Broken
This novel is revised and updated from the original book Never Broken. It includes new material that isn't in the original version.
Rory O’Leary has little use for his uncle and aunt’s stately Irish manor where he has lived since he and his brother were orphaned. That is, until he encounters Shannon Cahill, a new servant, in his Uncle Edwin’s rose garden.
When the Irish potato blight affects Shannon and her sister Ainslee’s tiny village, they are devastated when their ailing parents insist they immigrate to America. Shannon fears she’ll never again see the handsome man who stole her heart in the Gormley rose garden.
But fate has other intentions, as Rory discovers when he rescues the sisters from the squalid docks of County Cork, leading them all to Scotland…and an adventure they never expected.
Rory O’Leary has little use for his uncle and aunt’s stately Irish manor where he has lived since he and his brother were orphaned. That is, until he encounters Shannon Cahill, a new servant, in his Uncle Edwin’s rose garden.
When the Irish potato blight affects Shannon and her sister Ainslee’s tiny village, they are devastated when their ailing parents insist they immigrate to America. Shannon fears she’ll never again see the handsome man who stole her heart in the Gormley rose garden.
But fate has other intentions, as Rory discovers when he rescues the sisters from the squalid docks of County Cork, leading them all to Scotland…and an adventure they never expected.
- GenresHistorical Romance
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 7, 2015
1 person is currently reading
152 people want to read
About the author
Kathleen Fuller
119 books1,112 followersBest-selling author of Amish fiction. Also a wife, mother, crafter, coffee addict, football fan, and chocolate aficionado.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 4, 2020
I really enjoyed this book and while I won’t be reading book 2 because a character was added towards the end that I know I won’t like, I loved this one and its characters!
April 13, 2020
Depressing ending but true to Irish life back then. I don't see a follow up story.
August 25, 2015
Fascinated with Ireland’s history and people, I eagerly picked up Never Broken by Kathleen Fuller. I mostly expected a romance set in Ireland, and that would have been fine, but what I actually read was an engrossing, complex tale of family, politics, hardship, and hope, with several developing romances as a sweet spot in a sometimes harsh landscape.
So many facets combined to make this a very enjoyable novel. The history was fascinating and complicated, but Fuller did an outstanding job of showing how it played out among the lives of people rather than giving us a chronology. She addressed so many different issues and events: the potato famine, inheritance, poverty, women’s rights, faith, and family are just a few. I loved how she placed me during that period in history with all of its tragedy and victory and helped me to view it through the eyes of people who could have lived it.
The characters were well-developed and multifaceted. Both the heroes of the tale and the villains were three dimensional and surprised me with some of their actions and motivations; even the secondary characters were convincingly drawn and contributed to the strength of the overall novel.
There were a lot of characters, but as a reader I was able to keep them separate, largely because they were introduced at different times, in two seemingly unconnected storylines. The sudden break between the subplots was a bit jarring at first, but I quickly found myself immersed in that second scenario, wondering how the two would mesh. I found out later in the novel, as it drew to a close.
Readers need to be aware that this is a true series and, as such, not everything gets resolved in this book—there are two more to come. That being said, I would not hesitate to recommend this novel to other historical fiction fans, especially those with an interest in Ireland or Scotland’s history.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for this honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
So many facets combined to make this a very enjoyable novel. The history was fascinating and complicated, but Fuller did an outstanding job of showing how it played out among the lives of people rather than giving us a chronology. She addressed so many different issues and events: the potato famine, inheritance, poverty, women’s rights, faith, and family are just a few. I loved how she placed me during that period in history with all of its tragedy and victory and helped me to view it through the eyes of people who could have lived it.
The characters were well-developed and multifaceted. Both the heroes of the tale and the villains were three dimensional and surprised me with some of their actions and motivations; even the secondary characters were convincingly drawn and contributed to the strength of the overall novel.
There were a lot of characters, but as a reader I was able to keep them separate, largely because they were introduced at different times, in two seemingly unconnected storylines. The sudden break between the subplots was a bit jarring at first, but I quickly found myself immersed in that second scenario, wondering how the two would mesh. I found out later in the novel, as it drew to a close.
Readers need to be aware that this is a true series and, as such, not everything gets resolved in this book—there are two more to come. That being said, I would not hesitate to recommend this novel to other historical fiction fans, especially those with an interest in Ireland or Scotland’s history.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for this honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
April 21, 2020
When Ainslee said “Tis not fair that we should suffer like this” my heart broke.
I actually expected a full on love story and had to struggle to keep reading when I found out the hero & heroine wouldn’t be together most of the book. But the glimpse into Irish history was really enlightening. And heartbreaking.
William was so horrible, my gosh like the blight wasn’t bad enough. At some point things kept going from bad to worse and my heart kept sinking. However when they started to look up, (slowly as they did!) it was like a ray of sun.
Rory wasn’t the perfect hero. I liked his calm and collectedness but I wished he’d had some of Colm’s resilience and stubbornness. I really liked the development of his relationship with Shannon though. It was really sweet and pure.
The introduction of Quentin into the book was also nice. And I was happy for Sara.
Another problem I had with the book was that too much was going on. Elspeth’s introduction didn’t interest me at all and I just skipped through that storyline with Ian. Didn’t like the cliffhanger with the original storyline which is why I didn’t give it a perfect 5 stars.
I actually expected a full on love story and had to struggle to keep reading when I found out the hero & heroine wouldn’t be together most of the book. But the glimpse into Irish history was really enlightening. And heartbreaking.
William was so horrible, my gosh like the blight wasn’t bad enough. At some point things kept going from bad to worse and my heart kept sinking. However when they started to look up, (slowly as they did!) it was like a ray of sun.
Rory wasn’t the perfect hero. I liked his calm and collectedness but I wished he’d had some of Colm’s resilience and stubbornness. I really liked the development of his relationship with Shannon though. It was really sweet and pure.
The introduction of Quentin into the book was also nice. And I was happy for Sara.
Another problem I had with the book was that too much was going on. Elspeth’s introduction didn’t interest me at all and I just skipped through that storyline with Ian. Didn’t like the cliffhanger with the original storyline which is why I didn’t give it a perfect 5 stars.
June 10, 2020
There was a lot going on in this book. Although it was really pleasant to read, I wished the writer had focused solely on the main protagonists. Then again, I guess it's here writing style. Good work.
June 10, 2020
An enlightening read. Learned more about the blight.
July 1, 2020
A pleasant read.
July 6, 2020
Pleasant but too busy for my taste. Will read more from the author though!
July 16, 2020
I had mixed feelings about this one but overall it was enjoyable
August 1, 2015
Never Broken is set in Ireland during the potato famine. It follows the life of not only the peasants, but the wealthy landowners during this time. Many of the landlords were British and felt little to nothing toward the Irish peasants who worked their lands. When times became rough, one saw how they turned the peasants out into even a more deplorable life then they were already living.
Rory O'Leary was one of those Irish peasants who was taken in by his wealthy Aunt and Uncle. He knows that he and his brothers presences is a constant trial for his Aunt. When things go from ok to bad, Rory realizes that he and his brothers only choice is to leave and escape.
There are many plot twists and many changes within the story. A secondary set of hero and heroine is introduced. However, the bringing together of the storylines is brilliantly done. You will not be disappointed. Wherever the next book takes us, I for one cannot wait to go. The characters have feelings and desires that one is easily drawn toward. I am rooting for each of the heroes and heroines as their stories unfold. When book 2 comes available I will definitely be in line!!
Rory O'Leary was one of those Irish peasants who was taken in by his wealthy Aunt and Uncle. He knows that he and his brothers presences is a constant trial for his Aunt. When things go from ok to bad, Rory realizes that he and his brothers only choice is to leave and escape.
There are many plot twists and many changes within the story. A secondary set of hero and heroine is introduced. However, the bringing together of the storylines is brilliantly done. You will not be disappointed. Wherever the next book takes us, I for one cannot wait to go. The characters have feelings and desires that one is easily drawn toward. I am rooting for each of the heroes and heroines as their stories unfold. When book 2 comes available I will definitely be in line!!
August 5, 2015
I had the privilege of reading this book over the last few days.
I truly enjoyed the characters. The women, although very different, had the same strength. They were good, strong, believable characters. One, I believe will grow into a wonderful, caring woman as the next books come out...:) I enjoyed the faith that the women had. Although they had faith in the beginning, as their problems grew, so did their faith and trust.
The men are also wonderful characters. They are strong, but depend on the women for part of that strength. They know how important the women are to the life they are trying to achieve.
I am seldom surprised by books...I usually know what will happen at the end of the book by the time I have finished the first chapter. However, when they opened the door of the tenement house, I was shocked! Happily shocked! I enjoyed it and did a little dance around the room. It was a very hard book to put down and I wait, patiently, for the next book to come out...
I truly enjoyed the characters. The women, although very different, had the same strength. They were good, strong, believable characters. One, I believe will grow into a wonderful, caring woman as the next books come out...:) I enjoyed the faith that the women had. Although they had faith in the beginning, as their problems grew, so did their faith and trust.
The men are also wonderful characters. They are strong, but depend on the women for part of that strength. They know how important the women are to the life they are trying to achieve.
I am seldom surprised by books...I usually know what will happen at the end of the book by the time I have finished the first chapter. However, when they opened the door of the tenement house, I was shocked! Happily shocked! I enjoyed it and did a little dance around the room. It was a very hard book to put down and I wait, patiently, for the next book to come out...
January 3, 2018
Much of what I studied of history in school has been forgotten so this historical romance novel was a short refresher course using fictional characters. The locations are real places and the events would have been common at that time in history and in that part of the world. The tensions between the Irish, English, and Scottish people and between the wealthy and the peasants in the mid-1800s were very realistic and believable. This is the first in a series and introduces the readers to various characters who hopefully will return in one of the future books. At the end of this one, I felt that there was still a lot I wanted to know about each of them. The characters range from very cold-hearted to quite caring individuals. I want to know if they “get what they deserve” in the end. I was left hanging as apparently was the author’s intent. I had more questions than answers and look forward to the next two books. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
July 24, 2015
This is a wonderful historical novel.
I was really drawn into the story very quickly. There were a number of characters that I consider to be downtrodden that my heart went out to almost immediately. They were very well written and easy to connect with. I wanted so badly for things to work out for all of these characters.
There were also a number of the well-to-do landowners that were also well developed. They were just mean and self-centered. I desperately wanted them to get what they had coming to them (and not good things either).
I really enjoyed all the details included in this novel about what life would have been like in both Ireland and Scotland in the mid 1840s. During history class I read about the potato famine in Ireland. This story has really helped to make it come to life for me.
I had the privilege of being a final proofreader for this wonderful book and I am writing my honest opinion of the story.
I was really drawn into the story very quickly. There were a number of characters that I consider to be downtrodden that my heart went out to almost immediately. They were very well written and easy to connect with. I wanted so badly for things to work out for all of these characters.
There were also a number of the well-to-do landowners that were also well developed. They were just mean and self-centered. I desperately wanted them to get what they had coming to them (and not good things either).
I really enjoyed all the details included in this novel about what life would have been like in both Ireland and Scotland in the mid 1840s. During history class I read about the potato famine in Ireland. This story has really helped to make it come to life for me.
I had the privilege of being a final proofreader for this wonderful book and I am writing my honest opinion of the story.
March 10, 2016
This is a well-written novel that follows the lives of both peasant and wealthy characters. When you read it, I think you will gain new insight into the struggles of others and how you can either make a difference or bring a life further into despair through your actions.
This book will share two separate story lines which are set in Ireland and Scotland. The stories will seem separate and distant from each other at first, but you will later see how the author resplendently weaves those lives and situations together.
I especially enjoyed the characters of Rory, Shannon, and Ainslee. I could read an entire book on their story alone. I found myself rooting for them throughout the entire book and eagerly awaited the next time their characters would be in the forefront of the text.
This book may require a bit more concentration to keep up with the locations, characters, and family lineage, but you will certainly find it worth the effort.
This book will share two separate story lines which are set in Ireland and Scotland. The stories will seem separate and distant from each other at first, but you will later see how the author resplendently weaves those lives and situations together.
I especially enjoyed the characters of Rory, Shannon, and Ainslee. I could read an entire book on their story alone. I found myself rooting for them throughout the entire book and eagerly awaited the next time their characters would be in the forefront of the text.
This book may require a bit more concentration to keep up with the locations, characters, and family lineage, but you will certainly find it worth the effort.
April 26, 2016
I picked up Kathleen Fuller's Never Broken in the midst of a crazy week and was immediately intrigued and caught up in the story, characters, and excellent description. The description especially was important for readers unfamiliar with the time and setting. Those specific elements also made the story interesting -- a fresh change of pace from other historical fiction. The historical aspect was well-done, too, with interesting information yet conveyed through the characters - not a page felt like a history lesson. Very well written.
The book is definitely part of a continuing series. Even knowing this, the start of Part 2 in a different country, with completely different characters, really threw me. The author tied it together before the end, though. I also liked the epilogue, which provided additional reader satisfaction regarding the ending. I look forward to reading the next book(s) in the series!
The book is definitely part of a continuing series. Even knowing this, the start of Part 2 in a different country, with completely different characters, really threw me. The author tied it together before the end, though. I also liked the epilogue, which provided additional reader satisfaction regarding the ending. I look forward to reading the next book(s) in the series!
September 8, 2015
To be honest, this book is not written in one of my favorite eras and I wondered why I said I would read and review this book. I'm very wrong about this book. Never Broken is a fabulous book by Author Kathleen Fuller. She captured my attention immediately and held it through the whole book. I love how the author so smoothly combined the societies in this book and the history of the book is awesome. The details and descriptions of the settings and characters are so realistic, I can see them in my mind. I am very impressed with Never Broken and highly recommend reading this book. Since Never Broken is Book One in the Everlasting Faith series, I am very excited to read the second book in this series by Author Kathleen Fuller.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. This review is one hundred percent my opinion.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. This review is one hundred percent my opinion.
August 1, 2015
I was a pre-reader for this book and I finished it a few days ago (It's available now for pre-order) and it is amazing! Loved it!! Be prepared that two of the story threads for secondary characters do not finish, and there are some abrupt twists and changes in the story, but it didn't matter to me. The story surrounding the hero and heroine did finish, and it's obvious we'll learn a lot more about the other characters in book 2. Wow! Loved the characters, the unexpected twists and turns, the strong plot and vivid descriptions. And it's all set in Scotland and Ireland with some hunky heroes. What's not to like? Can't wait for book 2!!
August 5, 2015
This is an intriguing story set in Ireland and Scotland. Most of the characters were wonderful, and I enjoyed reading how Part 1 & 2 intertwined in Part 3. I was, however, disappointed by the ending. It left too little wrapped up to leave the reader completely satisfied and disappointed if you don't already have Book 2 to begin immediately. One major character's pivotal fate was completely neglected in Part 3 so the reader never got closure. I felt there were just far too many stories left in the air when the book ended.
September 9, 2015
The mid 1800’s finds the people of Ireland in deep despair. Their potato crops were wiped out by disease. They were evicted from their homes by their wealthy landlords.
This is a well written book about the struggles of the peasants and the greed of some of the wealthy. After losing their homes, the peasants made the trek to London and Glasgow looking for work and a better life.
Rory O’Leary, Shannon and Ainslee Cahill are three characters that I enjoyed following on their journey. I’m sure you will too.
This is a well written book about the struggles of the peasants and the greed of some of the wealthy. After losing their homes, the peasants made the trek to London and Glasgow looking for work and a better life.
Rory O’Leary, Shannon and Ainslee Cahill are three characters that I enjoyed following on their journey. I’m sure you will too.
April 22, 2014
Is there a second book that accompanies this one? What a terrible ending! Although it was an easy read and the plot was some what interesting, I would not recommend this book to anyone. Way too many characters and I didn't like how the author tried to 'throw them all together" in the last few pages.
August 19, 2015
Characters to fall in love with and a bit of history added as well--a combination that makes for a great read. I was able to pre-read this book and enjoyed every moment. Shannon and Rory are from two different social classes, but historical events and hard times bring them together as they struggle when the world as they know it is changing.
August 27, 2015
Fuller manages to capture hearts with this intriguing cast and fascinating world. Irish brothers raised with English disdain pulls at your heartstrings when they are cast adrift. While some threads are left untied until later books (I presume), you will not feel cheated because you'll be so thrilled at how this book ends. Great characters. Great story.
October 9, 2015
I just now finished reading Never Broken by Kathleen Fuller and enjoyed the history of the book and how she combined the two stories into one. At first it through me off but as I read more I seen how it was all taking place.
I am not usually big on history but this story was well worth the read. I loved it. It is a must read.
I am not usually big on history but this story was well worth the read. I loved it. It is a must read.
August 4, 2015
This book was great! I was captivated by the characters from the start and couldn't believe it when I got to the end! Very well written, page turning novel with several characters and storylines.. Will be a long wait for book 2!
August 18, 2015
NOTE TO SELF: Never ever, read your aunts books again.
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October 15, 2013I thought it was an amazing book. I really loved the story but I hated the ending. None of the problems were really solved.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews