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Out of Ireland #1
To Ride a White Horse
A sweeping historical love story that hits all the marks." -Publisher's Weekly starred review
Your feet will bring you to where your heart is.
Ireland 1846. With Ireland ravaged by famine and England unsympathetic to its plight, Kathleen Deacey faces a devastating choice - leave her country to find work or risk dying there. Despising the English for refusing to help Ireland, she crosses the ocean to support her family and search for her missing fiancé.
But when her voyage goes awry, she must accept help from an English whaling captain, Jack Montgomery, who represents everything she despises - and with whom she is reluctantly falling in love. As Kathleen fights to save her family back in Ireland, she finds herself facing yet another devastating choice - remain loyal to her country or follow her heart.
Award-winning author Pamela Ford captures the anguish of a devastating period in Irish history and delivers an historical saga of hope, loyalty, the strength of the human spirit, and the power of love.
Your feet will bring you to where your heart is.
Ireland 1846. With Ireland ravaged by famine and England unsympathetic to its plight, Kathleen Deacey faces a devastating choice - leave her country to find work or risk dying there. Despising the English for refusing to help Ireland, she crosses the ocean to support her family and search for her missing fiancé.
But when her voyage goes awry, she must accept help from an English whaling captain, Jack Montgomery, who represents everything she despises - and with whom she is reluctantly falling in love. As Kathleen fights to save her family back in Ireland, she finds herself facing yet another devastating choice - remain loyal to her country or follow her heart.
Award-winning author Pamela Ford captures the anguish of a devastating period in Irish history and delivers an historical saga of hope, loyalty, the strength of the human spirit, and the power of love.
374 pages, Paperback
First published January 3, 2015
353 people are currently reading
1965 people want to read
About the author
Pamela Ford
23 books104 followersPamela Ford is the award-winning author of contemporary and historical romance. She grew up watching old movies, blissfully sighing over the romance; and reading sci-fi and adventure novels, vicariously living the action. The combination probably explains why the books she writes are romantic, happily-ever-afters with plenty of plot.
After graduating from college with a degree in Advertising, Pam spent many years as a copywriter and freelance writer before inserting a plot twist in her career path and writing her first book.
Pam has won numerous awards including the Booksellers Best, the Laurel Wreath, and a gold medal IPPY in the Independent Book Publisher Awards. She is a National Readers' Choice Awards finalist, a Maggie Awards for Excellence finalist, a Kindle Book Awards finalist, and a two-time Golden Heart Finalist.
After graduating from college with a degree in Advertising, Pam spent many years as a copywriter and freelance writer before inserting a plot twist in her career path and writing her first book.
Pam has won numerous awards including the Booksellers Best, the Laurel Wreath, and a gold medal IPPY in the Independent Book Publisher Awards. She is a National Readers' Choice Awards finalist, a Maggie Awards for Excellence finalist, a Kindle Book Awards finalist, and a two-time Golden Heart Finalist.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews
March 18, 2015
I absolutely ADORED this historical love story, and even more so because it was inspired by actual events. Pamela Ford is a top notch writer and I look forward to reading more of her work.
June 23, 2015
(Note: I received a complimentary paperback copy of this novel from the author, in exchange for an honest review, and I have been very honestly enthusiastic about it!)
One of the most important aspects of a novel, for me, is the characters. When I first discovered To Ride A White Horse, I was immediately attracted to its unusual, beautiful cover. However, what truly caught and held my interest was the expertly drawn characters that not only intrigued me, but, long before the end of the novel, had totally stolen my heart. And, of course, Ireland itself is a character in this book, too, as the author lovingly describes its rolling green hills, full of mysterious faeries....
The plot, with its hints of Irish mythology, also drew me in. There were unexpected twists in the story, and well-placed, too. At no point did I feel that they were forced. In fact, events followed smoothly one upon another. Also, the characters, especially Kathleen, faced believable challenges.
The writing is also superb, as Ford deftly describes not only the beauty of the land, but of the people themselves -- people with strong family ties, bold courage, and the tenacity to keep on striving to survive, in the midst of incredibly terrible circumstances -- the Irish potato famine of 1846. In fact, the whole novel is a paean to the Irish spirit!
Here's a great example of Ford's lush prose, from a short vignette right before the novel's prologue: "Holding her granddaughter close to her chest, she pointed to the great white swells galloping across the sea, and in hushed tones told the young girl of the white horses of the Tuatha de Danann, the Irish gods, traveling between the faerie and the mortal worlds."
Although this is not a supernatural or fantasy story, Kathleen frequently refers to the faeries, whom she considers to be very real. She also frequently quotes her mother, who has always taught her children several very beautiful Irish proverbs. These things make this tale very appealing for those who, like me, are fans of mythology and fantasy.
Kathleen Deacey is such a memorable character! The author brings her vividly to life. Readers come to know her thoroughly as the novel progresses; her determination and strength of character, love for her family, and innate compassion are so beautifully depicted! I also loved her comical references to "the Good People", and it didn't strike me as odd that she was at the same time a good Catholic girl.
In spite of the obstacles Kathleen encounters, she somehow retains her optimism, simply refusing to give up. This is very obvious in her insistence that Jack Montgomery, the whaling ship captain she meets under the most unusual circumstances, take her to America as soon as possible, so she can get work and send money to her starving family, back in Ireland. It's also evident in her relentless search for her missing betrothed, Danny O'Sheehan.
As for Jack, he's a wonderful character in his own right, and thus, a perfect match for Kathleen, even though she initially dislikes him, simply for being English. That's understandable, although not admirable; the English have turned their backs on the plight of the Irish people, and many of them (Jack's grandfather is an example) unfairly label the Irish as "lazy and irresponsible".
At first, I did have some trouble reconciling Jack's warm, kind personality with his occupation. I abhor the slaughter of whales, and noticed that the author obviously thought it was hellish work, from her metaphorical descriptions. There was a very poignant scene in which a mother whale and her calf were killed. This scene made me tear up. I was thus relieved to discover that Jack never liked whaling to begin with, and was planning to switch to something else in the near future.
This man is as wonderful a character as Kathleen! In addition to being a kind, compassionate person, he's an extremely attractive, very masculine guy, with not an ounce of egotistical vanity in him, either. Even better, when he falls hard for Kathleen, it's not only because he finds her attractive, but also because he admires her irrepressible spirit, and is touched by her own kindness. Furthermore, he never treats her in a condescending manner, even in the beginning.
I'm not saying that these are flawless characters, though. Not by any means. Jack is haunted by his past, and Kathleen has issues of her own, such as her misplaced loyalties to her betrothed. Thus, these are real people with strengths and weaknesses, whom readers can totally relate to.
As for Danny O'Sheehan, I couldn't believe what he did to Kathleen, especially given the fact that they had known each other since they were children. He struck me as very self-centered, uncaring, and totally unwilling to accept responsibility for the effect of his actions on others. What a marked contrast to Jack!
The secondary characters, consisting mostly of Kathleen's family, are also great! Her parents are gentle, hard-working souls who are very devoted to their children. I also liked Sean, Kathleen's brother, a good man who did not deserve to suffer through the great personal tragedy he unfortunately had to go through. That particular scene was another poignant one that moved me to tears.
This is a larger-than-life novel, as Ford weaves social issues into the plot, such as the Irish famine, and the unpleasant fact of prejudice against the Irish people. Throughout it all, Kathleen and Jack's love gradually intensifies, although both of them fight it for a good part of the book, for their own personal reasons. Once they begin to fall in love, though, their romance is a sweet one, full of banter and loving concern for each other.
I was very pleased to discover, as I read, that the author kept profanity to a minimum, and, while there was plenty of sexual tension, there were no steamy sex scenes in the novel. This is unusual nowadays for romances written for adults. Instead, Ms. Ford concentrates on letting us into the minds and hearts of her characters. Besides, the sparks are there, nevertheless! And Jack is definitely a great kisser! He's also very romantic, yet, respectful of Kathleen's wishes. He never forces her into anything. He simply entices, very gently, in a very compelling manner.... Ah, Jack....
I can very heartily and thoroughly recommend this captivating, breathtaking novel which brings readers the magic of love in the midst of great tragedy, with touches of humor along the way! It is indeed a "sweeping historical love story", as stated by Publishers Weekly!
For more of my reviews, please visit my blog, A NIGHT’S DREAM OF BOOKS.
http://anightsdreamofbooks.blogspot.com
One of the most important aspects of a novel, for me, is the characters. When I first discovered To Ride A White Horse, I was immediately attracted to its unusual, beautiful cover. However, what truly caught and held my interest was the expertly drawn characters that not only intrigued me, but, long before the end of the novel, had totally stolen my heart. And, of course, Ireland itself is a character in this book, too, as the author lovingly describes its rolling green hills, full of mysterious faeries....
The plot, with its hints of Irish mythology, also drew me in. There were unexpected twists in the story, and well-placed, too. At no point did I feel that they were forced. In fact, events followed smoothly one upon another. Also, the characters, especially Kathleen, faced believable challenges.
The writing is also superb, as Ford deftly describes not only the beauty of the land, but of the people themselves -- people with strong family ties, bold courage, and the tenacity to keep on striving to survive, in the midst of incredibly terrible circumstances -- the Irish potato famine of 1846. In fact, the whole novel is a paean to the Irish spirit!
Here's a great example of Ford's lush prose, from a short vignette right before the novel's prologue: "Holding her granddaughter close to her chest, she pointed to the great white swells galloping across the sea, and in hushed tones told the young girl of the white horses of the Tuatha de Danann, the Irish gods, traveling between the faerie and the mortal worlds."
Although this is not a supernatural or fantasy story, Kathleen frequently refers to the faeries, whom she considers to be very real. She also frequently quotes her mother, who has always taught her children several very beautiful Irish proverbs. These things make this tale very appealing for those who, like me, are fans of mythology and fantasy.
Kathleen Deacey is such a memorable character! The author brings her vividly to life. Readers come to know her thoroughly as the novel progresses; her determination and strength of character, love for her family, and innate compassion are so beautifully depicted! I also loved her comical references to "the Good People", and it didn't strike me as odd that she was at the same time a good Catholic girl.
In spite of the obstacles Kathleen encounters, she somehow retains her optimism, simply refusing to give up. This is very obvious in her insistence that Jack Montgomery, the whaling ship captain she meets under the most unusual circumstances, take her to America as soon as possible, so she can get work and send money to her starving family, back in Ireland. It's also evident in her relentless search for her missing betrothed, Danny O'Sheehan.
As for Jack, he's a wonderful character in his own right, and thus, a perfect match for Kathleen, even though she initially dislikes him, simply for being English. That's understandable, although not admirable; the English have turned their backs on the plight of the Irish people, and many of them (Jack's grandfather is an example) unfairly label the Irish as "lazy and irresponsible".
At first, I did have some trouble reconciling Jack's warm, kind personality with his occupation. I abhor the slaughter of whales, and noticed that the author obviously thought it was hellish work, from her metaphorical descriptions. There was a very poignant scene in which a mother whale and her calf were killed. This scene made me tear up. I was thus relieved to discover that Jack never liked whaling to begin with, and was planning to switch to something else in the near future.
This man is as wonderful a character as Kathleen! In addition to being a kind, compassionate person, he's an extremely attractive, very masculine guy, with not an ounce of egotistical vanity in him, either. Even better, when he falls hard for Kathleen, it's not only because he finds her attractive, but also because he admires her irrepressible spirit, and is touched by her own kindness. Furthermore, he never treats her in a condescending manner, even in the beginning.
I'm not saying that these are flawless characters, though. Not by any means. Jack is haunted by his past, and Kathleen has issues of her own, such as her misplaced loyalties to her betrothed. Thus, these are real people with strengths and weaknesses, whom readers can totally relate to.
As for Danny O'Sheehan, I couldn't believe what he did to Kathleen, especially given the fact that they had known each other since they were children. He struck me as very self-centered, uncaring, and totally unwilling to accept responsibility for the effect of his actions on others. What a marked contrast to Jack!
The secondary characters, consisting mostly of Kathleen's family, are also great! Her parents are gentle, hard-working souls who are very devoted to their children. I also liked Sean, Kathleen's brother, a good man who did not deserve to suffer through the great personal tragedy he unfortunately had to go through. That particular scene was another poignant one that moved me to tears.
This is a larger-than-life novel, as Ford weaves social issues into the plot, such as the Irish famine, and the unpleasant fact of prejudice against the Irish people. Throughout it all, Kathleen and Jack's love gradually intensifies, although both of them fight it for a good part of the book, for their own personal reasons. Once they begin to fall in love, though, their romance is a sweet one, full of banter and loving concern for each other.
I was very pleased to discover, as I read, that the author kept profanity to a minimum, and, while there was plenty of sexual tension, there were no steamy sex scenes in the novel. This is unusual nowadays for romances written for adults. Instead, Ms. Ford concentrates on letting us into the minds and hearts of her characters. Besides, the sparks are there, nevertheless! And Jack is definitely a great kisser! He's also very romantic, yet, respectful of Kathleen's wishes. He never forces her into anything. He simply entices, very gently, in a very compelling manner.... Ah, Jack....
I can very heartily and thoroughly recommend this captivating, breathtaking novel which brings readers the magic of love in the midst of great tragedy, with touches of humor along the way! It is indeed a "sweeping historical love story", as stated by Publishers Weekly!
For more of my reviews, please visit my blog, A NIGHT’S DREAM OF BOOKS.
http://anightsdreamofbooks.blogspot.com
January 25, 2015
I was drawn to this book by the prospect of Irish history and of course, romance. And I loved it!
The story begins in Ireland where Kathleen Daecy and her family are struggling through the second famine in Ireland. With no way to make money and no way to grow food, Kathleen it is faced with devastating choice--leave the home and family that she loves and travel to the New World to find a job or stay in Ireland and watch them die.
On her journey to America, she encounters an Englishman, Jack Montgomery. Jack is a well-off englishman living in Boston on one of his final whaling trips before heading home to marry and achieve the level of financial security he has always dreamed of.
Kathleen and Jack must learn to live together on the ship though both are less than fond of one another at first. And that's to say nothing of everyone else who doesn't think they belong together.
I was swept up in the story so much so that I stayed up all night to come to finish. Kathleen was a heroine unafraid to speak her mind and defend her people and Jack was an intelligent man willing to look past prejudices. Their developing love and all of the things keeping them apart made this a book that was impossible to put down. The ending brought tears to my eyes and I finished it thinking I hadn't had such an enjoyable read in awhile. I especially enjoyed reading about Ireland during this time, something I knew very little about. Will definitely plan to check out Pamela's other books, and I'm hoping she has another historical coming in the future.
The story begins in Ireland where Kathleen Daecy and her family are struggling through the second famine in Ireland. With no way to make money and no way to grow food, Kathleen it is faced with devastating choice--leave the home and family that she loves and travel to the New World to find a job or stay in Ireland and watch them die.
On her journey to America, she encounters an Englishman, Jack Montgomery. Jack is a well-off englishman living in Boston on one of his final whaling trips before heading home to marry and achieve the level of financial security he has always dreamed of.
Kathleen and Jack must learn to live together on the ship though both are less than fond of one another at first. And that's to say nothing of everyone else who doesn't think they belong together.
I was swept up in the story so much so that I stayed up all night to come to finish. Kathleen was a heroine unafraid to speak her mind and defend her people and Jack was an intelligent man willing to look past prejudices. Their developing love and all of the things keeping them apart made this a book that was impossible to put down. The ending brought tears to my eyes and I finished it thinking I hadn't had such an enjoyable read in awhile. I especially enjoyed reading about Ireland during this time, something I knew very little about. Will definitely plan to check out Pamela's other books, and I'm hoping she has another historical coming in the future.
March 19, 2019
Wonderful Story of Love Across a Wide Cultural Divide and in the midst of Ireland’s Woes
Set in Ireland and America, beginning in 1846, this is the story of Kathleen Deacey who leaves Ireland for America hoping to help her starving family and her missing fiancé.
She despises the English for taking Ireland’s wheat and refusing to help them in their hour of need.
On the terrible voyage across the Atlantic, she is saved from the sea by an English whaling captain, Jack Montgomery. Jack is a noble hero who would deliver Kathleen to her destination but finds he is reluctant to let her go. Their interactions and chemistry are well done and engaging. I came to love them both. Kathleen has spunk despite her life’s tragedies.
In Boston, Kathleen realizes Jack is a gentleman of a higher class and her growing love for him can lead to nowhere. Jack, destined for a wealthy bride his grandfather wants for him, only wants Kathleen.
Ford’s story reflects much research into the era, which I really value. Sprinkled with Irish sayings, she paints a poignant picture of Ireland’s dire condition, America’s valiant response and love that triumphs in the midst of tragedy. Exciting shipboard scenes and a vivid description of 19th-century whaling practices add to the excitement of the voyage to America. And the fiancé? Oh, yes, he shows up. You must read this story. It’s historical romance at its finest.
I recommend this to you. It’s a keeper!
Set in Ireland and America, beginning in 1846, this is the story of Kathleen Deacey who leaves Ireland for America hoping to help her starving family and her missing fiancé.
She despises the English for taking Ireland’s wheat and refusing to help them in their hour of need.
On the terrible voyage across the Atlantic, she is saved from the sea by an English whaling captain, Jack Montgomery. Jack is a noble hero who would deliver Kathleen to her destination but finds he is reluctant to let her go. Their interactions and chemistry are well done and engaging. I came to love them both. Kathleen has spunk despite her life’s tragedies.
In Boston, Kathleen realizes Jack is a gentleman of a higher class and her growing love for him can lead to nowhere. Jack, destined for a wealthy bride his grandfather wants for him, only wants Kathleen.
Ford’s story reflects much research into the era, which I really value. Sprinkled with Irish sayings, she paints a poignant picture of Ireland’s dire condition, America’s valiant response and love that triumphs in the midst of tragedy. Exciting shipboard scenes and a vivid description of 19th-century whaling practices add to the excitement of the voyage to America. And the fiancé? Oh, yes, he shows up. You must read this story. It’s historical romance at its finest.
I recommend this to you. It’s a keeper!
April 25, 2021
Excellent book. Review to come.....
June 20, 2024
So basically if you want a book that has a sexy Captain, with a tragic past, who’s named Jack and has a whisky issue (reminds of another Captain named Jack from a far off land…) A amazing gorgeous heroine who will always put her family first, and a “lover” hiding in the shadows that ruins everything the last minute.
Then this is the book :)
Literal screams.
Just ask my mother.
I was going throughout my book shelf with all my TBR on it and picked up this one. Rereading the synopsis on the back I figured why not.
And I’m so fricken glad I did.
This is by far one of the best books I have read, and I may say that a lot but this has gone top tier. (Yes it somehow passed Harry Potter and The Hunger Games) but I could not put it down! No matter what I was turning page after page after page!
The author wrote beautifully, total masterpiece. And I will be placing the sequel into my cart asap. SO GOOD!!
Then this is the book :)
Literal screams.
Just ask my mother.
I was going throughout my book shelf with all my TBR on it and picked up this one. Rereading the synopsis on the back I figured why not.
And I’m so fricken glad I did.
This is by far one of the best books I have read, and I may say that a lot but this has gone top tier. (Yes it somehow passed Harry Potter and The Hunger Games) but I could not put it down! No matter what I was turning page after page after page!
The author wrote beautifully, total masterpiece. And I will be placing the sequel into my cart asap. SO GOOD!!
April 5, 2015
This review was originally posted on Between My Lines
There was a time when I would devour every historical fiction book in sight but I overdid it and lost interest in them. However when one with an interesting setting comes along, I’m happy to jump back on board. So when I saw this book had an Irish/American setting during the time of the Irish Famine, I knew it was one it had to try out. And I’m very happy I did!
First Line of To Ride A White Horse by Pamela Ford:
My Thoughts on To Ride A White Horse by Pamela Ford:
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I’m always afraid when I read a book with an Irish setting that it will across as fake or too much like the Hollywood version of Ireland. However this isn’t the case here, the setting was authentic and the author has obviously done her historical research as the political background and all the little details all came across as genuine.
This is a period of history that I’ve done a lot of reading and research around and nothing jumped out at me at all as being out-of-place. Which made me nod my head very happily. The Irish Famine of the 1840s is such a sad story and it makes for a very distressing and touching backdrop for a book.
However while I can’t deny that it heart-rending; it is also a very lively story. The characters are full of life and the main character Kathleen is such a gutsy, determined, practical person that I loved spending time with her. Due to circumstances, she has to go to America to send back money to support her family. This isn’t something she wants to do but when she sees there is no alternative, she just sets her teeth and gets stuck in. I love how loyal and brave she is.
Along her way, through a series of events, she meets up with Jack who is the Captain of a whaling ship. The chemistry between them was fun and I really appreciated the sparks between them as it kept the pace of the book flowing nicely. There is a very obvious attraction but they also annoy each other in a way that made me laugh as I read.
I did think everything worked out a bit too conveniently but you do have to allow lots of room for poetic licence in a historical romance. I grew attached to the characters and I could only see one possible ending that would have satisfied me. And all I say is that I put down the book with a happy smile on my face.
Overall an engaging, atmospheric and spirited read. I loved the vivid descriptions and it certainly made me feel a lot of emotions whilst reading. It was my first book by Pamela Ford but I know I’d like to read more from her.
Who should read To Ride A White Horse by Pamela Ford?
I’d recommend this to fans of historical fiction who like dynamic characters and poignant storylines. Fans of authors such as Elaine Crowley, Catherine Cookson and Maeve Binchy should also appreciate this one.
Thanks to Pamela Ford for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
There was a time when I would devour every historical fiction book in sight but I overdid it and lost interest in them. However when one with an interesting setting comes along, I’m happy to jump back on board. So when I saw this book had an Irish/American setting during the time of the Irish Famine, I knew it was one it had to try out. And I’m very happy I did!
First Line of To Ride A White Horse by Pamela Ford:
“Kathleen dug her fingers into the loose soil beneath the dying plants and pulled out the unripe potatoes, recoiling as they turned to mush beneath the light pressure of her grip.”
My Thoughts on To Ride A White Horse by Pamela Ford:
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I’m always afraid when I read a book with an Irish setting that it will across as fake or too much like the Hollywood version of Ireland. However this isn’t the case here, the setting was authentic and the author has obviously done her historical research as the political background and all the little details all came across as genuine.
This is a period of history that I’ve done a lot of reading and research around and nothing jumped out at me at all as being out-of-place. Which made me nod my head very happily. The Irish Famine of the 1840s is such a sad story and it makes for a very distressing and touching backdrop for a book.
However while I can’t deny that it heart-rending; it is also a very lively story. The characters are full of life and the main character Kathleen is such a gutsy, determined, practical person that I loved spending time with her. Due to circumstances, she has to go to America to send back money to support her family. This isn’t something she wants to do but when she sees there is no alternative, she just sets her teeth and gets stuck in. I love how loyal and brave she is.
Along her way, through a series of events, she meets up with Jack who is the Captain of a whaling ship. The chemistry between them was fun and I really appreciated the sparks between them as it kept the pace of the book flowing nicely. There is a very obvious attraction but they also annoy each other in a way that made me laugh as I read.
I did think everything worked out a bit too conveniently but you do have to allow lots of room for poetic licence in a historical romance. I grew attached to the characters and I could only see one possible ending that would have satisfied me. And all I say is that I put down the book with a happy smile on my face.
Overall an engaging, atmospheric and spirited read. I loved the vivid descriptions and it certainly made me feel a lot of emotions whilst reading. It was my first book by Pamela Ford but I know I’d like to read more from her.
Who should read To Ride A White Horse by Pamela Ford?
I’d recommend this to fans of historical fiction who like dynamic characters and poignant storylines. Fans of authors such as Elaine Crowley, Catherine Cookson and Maeve Binchy should also appreciate this one.
Thanks to Pamela Ford for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
June 1, 2015
Favorite Quotes:
“The rain had stopped before she boarded the ship and now the clouds were breaking apart, separated by great swaths of blue like God had spilled a bucket of paint and it was pouring down to Earth.”
“She stumbled down to the cabin and threw herself onto the sofa sobbing. She wept for the death of a whale that wouldn’t abandon its calf. She wept for her family, for Danny, for Ireland, for the injustice foisted upon the weak. And she wept for herself, knowing that even as she despised the captain, she must still strike a bargain with him, must use him for her own ends just as he used the calf to catch its mother.”
“Sean knew the moment her spirit left her body, could feel it brush past him on its way beyond. It was not cold as he had always heart, but enveloping, as though Moira had wrapped her arms around him one last time.”
“When you’ve never had much, you come to know what a difference just a little can make. That what is most important is not things – but live itself.”
“’For bedding – not wedding,’ his grandfather said once she was gone. ‘Make sure you know the difference.’”
My Review:
To Ride a White Horse is a considerable departure from my typical genre as I rarely read historical fiction, although I no longer remember exactly why I stopped doing so, as I thoroughly enjoyed every word of this book. The premise of the story is a heavy one due to the dire living conditions forcing our protagonist (Kathleen) and many of her Irish countrymen to leave their homes in search of a better life a world away. Despite the heavy subject matter, the story line was riveting, and the characters were fresh, well developed, and enticing, while the narrative was well paced, absorbing, and emotive. Ms. Ford writes with magic ink that the faeries must have infused with their special dust. Her words often squeezed my heart and occasionally brought a sting to my eyes. I knew little about Irish history before picking up this missive, but now have a better understanding of their struggles without feeling as if I were studying or being lectured on the topic. I like learning something while I am being entertained, and imagine, I still recall my mother’s admonitions during my formative years that reading fiction was a waste of time. I was quite taken with the creative introduction of Kathleen’s rescue by the whaling ship – while coming to on the deck and in her delirium of believing herself dead, she fears she is entering hell when with her blurred vision, she witnesses the sweating and shirtless men working on a whale carcass and laboring over the fires for boiling the oil. What genius! I also enjoyed Kathleen’s steadfast beliefs and thoughts of the “Good People.” I had forgotten about the Irish culture being more than a bit mystical with storytelling of faeries, banshees, and other such spirits. This was my first time reading Ms. Ford’s work, but it won’t be the last, my one-click finger is feeling itchy.
“The rain had stopped before she boarded the ship and now the clouds were breaking apart, separated by great swaths of blue like God had spilled a bucket of paint and it was pouring down to Earth.”
“She stumbled down to the cabin and threw herself onto the sofa sobbing. She wept for the death of a whale that wouldn’t abandon its calf. She wept for her family, for Danny, for Ireland, for the injustice foisted upon the weak. And she wept for herself, knowing that even as she despised the captain, she must still strike a bargain with him, must use him for her own ends just as he used the calf to catch its mother.”
“Sean knew the moment her spirit left her body, could feel it brush past him on its way beyond. It was not cold as he had always heart, but enveloping, as though Moira had wrapped her arms around him one last time.”
“When you’ve never had much, you come to know what a difference just a little can make. That what is most important is not things – but live itself.”
“’For bedding – not wedding,’ his grandfather said once she was gone. ‘Make sure you know the difference.’”
My Review:
To Ride a White Horse is a considerable departure from my typical genre as I rarely read historical fiction, although I no longer remember exactly why I stopped doing so, as I thoroughly enjoyed every word of this book. The premise of the story is a heavy one due to the dire living conditions forcing our protagonist (Kathleen) and many of her Irish countrymen to leave their homes in search of a better life a world away. Despite the heavy subject matter, the story line was riveting, and the characters were fresh, well developed, and enticing, while the narrative was well paced, absorbing, and emotive. Ms. Ford writes with magic ink that the faeries must have infused with their special dust. Her words often squeezed my heart and occasionally brought a sting to my eyes. I knew little about Irish history before picking up this missive, but now have a better understanding of their struggles without feeling as if I were studying or being lectured on the topic. I like learning something while I am being entertained, and imagine, I still recall my mother’s admonitions during my formative years that reading fiction was a waste of time. I was quite taken with the creative introduction of Kathleen’s rescue by the whaling ship – while coming to on the deck and in her delirium of believing herself dead, she fears she is entering hell when with her blurred vision, she witnesses the sweating and shirtless men working on a whale carcass and laboring over the fires for boiling the oil. What genius! I also enjoyed Kathleen’s steadfast beliefs and thoughts of the “Good People.” I had forgotten about the Irish culture being more than a bit mystical with storytelling of faeries, banshees, and other such spirits. This was my first time reading Ms. Ford’s work, but it won’t be the last, my one-click finger is feeling itchy.
June 25, 2015
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! To Ride a White Horse is a historical fiction novel with a heavy romance storyline in it. I went into my reading of this book thinking it was more of a romance novel than historical fiction but was pleasantly surprised to find that it is pretty equally both. It takes place during the potato famine in Ireland. The daughter of a poor family, Kathleen sets sail to Canada to find work so she can send money back home to support her family. When she is thrown overboard into the ocean, she finds herself saved by a whaling ship whose captain is a handsome, young Englishmen whom Kathleen finds herself falling in love with.
I really struggled with what rating to give this book after I finished reading it and had to reflect on it a bit. I was struggling between giving it a 4 or a 5 and I actually settled on a 5 because hours after I read it, it was still just devastating to me. Devastating in a good way. If you’re an avid reader I’m sure you can totally empathize with that…you know that feeling you get when a book is so good it just leaves you devastated even if there was a completely happy ending. I feel this way about this book. I absolutely loved it. The only reason I considered giving it a 4 is because it was a little slow in the beginning. It was good reading throughout but I didn’t feel very invested in the romance until the latter part of the middle. When it picks up and the romance lines collide, I was captivated. I also loved the little bits of Irish Folklore in the book, I’m a huge fan of early Irish literature so it was great to run into the Tuatha De Danann in this book!
It really surprised me how detailed this book was about the potato famine, it’s historical setting was really strong and detailed. It wasn’t just a minor background that a romance was set to, the romance and the setting were equally important to the story. I don’t think either would have had the same effect without such a large amount of the other. I really loved that. I wouldn’t consider it light reading but it will go by pretty fast because it is hard to put down once you get into it. I think the characters were written really well…I definitely heard Kathleen’s Irish accent and Jack’s English accent in my head as I was reading it which made the story so much more profound for me! And that ending, oh my gosh, I cried. Like I said, I’m devastated but in such a good way! Loved this book…historical fiction or historical romance fans will love this read!
I really struggled with what rating to give this book after I finished reading it and had to reflect on it a bit. I was struggling between giving it a 4 or a 5 and I actually settled on a 5 because hours after I read it, it was still just devastating to me. Devastating in a good way. If you’re an avid reader I’m sure you can totally empathize with that…you know that feeling you get when a book is so good it just leaves you devastated even if there was a completely happy ending. I feel this way about this book. I absolutely loved it. The only reason I considered giving it a 4 is because it was a little slow in the beginning. It was good reading throughout but I didn’t feel very invested in the romance until the latter part of the middle. When it picks up and the romance lines collide, I was captivated. I also loved the little bits of Irish Folklore in the book, I’m a huge fan of early Irish literature so it was great to run into the Tuatha De Danann in this book!
It really surprised me how detailed this book was about the potato famine, it’s historical setting was really strong and detailed. It wasn’t just a minor background that a romance was set to, the romance and the setting were equally important to the story. I don’t think either would have had the same effect without such a large amount of the other. I really loved that. I wouldn’t consider it light reading but it will go by pretty fast because it is hard to put down once you get into it. I think the characters were written really well…I definitely heard Kathleen’s Irish accent and Jack’s English accent in my head as I was reading it which made the story so much more profound for me! And that ending, oh my gosh, I cried. Like I said, I’m devastated but in such a good way! Loved this book…historical fiction or historical romance fans will love this read!
January 19, 2015
This book was a wonderful blend of romance, history, and clever plot devices. I love historical fiction but I don't normally read romance novels; this book effectively delivers both in a fast paced story with a very satisfying ending. Although it does have a happy ending, this isn't just a run-of-the-mill dramatic romance novel. Scenes are incredibly evocative, and Ford has a way of making you truly feel the intense emotions of the main characters. Two scenes especially come to mind, one when Kathleen observes the horrifying process of whale hunting, and another when Jack witnesses the situation in Ireland.
The Irish Potato Famine was a topic that I had known embarrassingly little about before reading this book. The English denied the Irish aid, claimed that the Irish had to pull themselves up out of their poverty, and that helping them would simply encourage laziness while the Irish literally starved to death because the English exported almost all of the food produced on Irish soil. I found it very interesting that while we can look back and all agree that this was a systematic injustice, similar (slightly watered down) rhetoric is delivered by some today to justify greed in the face of inequality in modern society.
Overall a great novel that I would recommend to friends and family looking for a quick exciting story set in a very profound time in history.
The Irish Potato Famine was a topic that I had known embarrassingly little about before reading this book. The English denied the Irish aid, claimed that the Irish had to pull themselves up out of their poverty, and that helping them would simply encourage laziness while the Irish literally starved to death because the English exported almost all of the food produced on Irish soil. I found it very interesting that while we can look back and all agree that this was a systematic injustice, similar (slightly watered down) rhetoric is delivered by some today to justify greed in the face of inequality in modern society.
Overall a great novel that I would recommend to friends and family looking for a quick exciting story set in a very profound time in history.
August 20, 2015
Did I enjoy this book: I read the first chapter of this book and was hooked. I didn’t want to stop reading it. I left the kids up in their cribs an extra ten minutes after naptime just so I could finish a chapter. Yeah, it was good.
To Ride a White Horse is what a historical romance should be. It has plenty of kissing, longing, passion, and of course, well-placed historical elements. The history doesn’t take a backseat. Ford does a great job describing the Irish famine for those who aren’t familiar with it. I’d heard some things in history class, but Kathleen (the leading lady) and her family really made it real for me. I felt what they were feeling and actually cared what happened to her family. Also, Jack (the leading man) isn’t a dominating jerk. He has a heart, and his backstory made me root for him and Kathleen even more. I could see myself having a candlelit dinner with him.
Would I recommend it: It’s a perfect summer read. Definitely add it to the to-read list if you like a good love story.
As reviewed by Gina at Every Free Chance Books.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
http://everyfreechance.com/2015/06/bl...
To Ride a White Horse is what a historical romance should be. It has plenty of kissing, longing, passion, and of course, well-placed historical elements. The history doesn’t take a backseat. Ford does a great job describing the Irish famine for those who aren’t familiar with it. I’d heard some things in history class, but Kathleen (the leading lady) and her family really made it real for me. I felt what they were feeling and actually cared what happened to her family. Also, Jack (the leading man) isn’t a dominating jerk. He has a heart, and his backstory made me root for him and Kathleen even more. I could see myself having a candlelit dinner with him.
Would I recommend it: It’s a perfect summer read. Definitely add it to the to-read list if you like a good love story.
As reviewed by Gina at Every Free Chance Books.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
http://everyfreechance.com/2015/06/bl...
February 13, 2015
I absolutely loved this book! Pamela Ford's novel To Ride A White Horse took me on quite an enjoyable journey. I loved the history, I loved the characters, I loved the romance... it was a book I did not want to put down! I've already recommended it to lots of friends and family. And I'll recommend it to anyone reading this review. Enjoy!
June 16, 2019
4.5 stars. Very enjoyable historical romance with a good bit of actual historical events shaping the story. Loved Jack and Kathleen too when she wasn't being a bit too stubborn.
March 15, 2015
This is a romance tale with a bitter start, as blight caused by a fungal infection hits Irish potatoes for the second year running. People are starving, unable to pay the rent to absentee landlords, and a young woman has no choice but to cross the sea to earn.
Looking for her fiancé who sailed earlier that year, the girl is obliged to undergo weeks of a dreadfully cramped, filthy and underfed sailing before a storm washes her overboard and she is picked up by a whaling boat off Newfoundland. This is no great improvement and we get a graphic scene of whaling as well as the rendering of lubber. The ship is crawling with cockroaches at night. At least the captain has the sense to give his unwanted guest a berth in his cabin, to stop discipline issues.
The scene changes to a nice view of the Azores, followed by Boston, where signs everywhere warn that "No Irish need apply" for anything from rooms to work. Some of the scenes are so awful that they are simultaneously funny, while many of the vituperative comments about the English would be called racist today, in return for what has been considered by some a genocide of the Irish.
Soft-natured people wanting tender romances may get a shock but those looking at social conditions may be pleased to see the true story being brought to a wider audience. There is plenty of interest for romance fans in this plucky girl's odyssey and I found it well written and researched. This is a historical romance with an edge, suitable for adults or mature YA readers.
Looking for her fiancé who sailed earlier that year, the girl is obliged to undergo weeks of a dreadfully cramped, filthy and underfed sailing before a storm washes her overboard and she is picked up by a whaling boat off Newfoundland. This is no great improvement and we get a graphic scene of whaling as well as the rendering of lubber. The ship is crawling with cockroaches at night. At least the captain has the sense to give his unwanted guest a berth in his cabin, to stop discipline issues.
The scene changes to a nice view of the Azores, followed by Boston, where signs everywhere warn that "No Irish need apply" for anything from rooms to work. Some of the scenes are so awful that they are simultaneously funny, while many of the vituperative comments about the English would be called racist today, in return for what has been considered by some a genocide of the Irish.
Soft-natured people wanting tender romances may get a shock but those looking at social conditions may be pleased to see the true story being brought to a wider audience. There is plenty of interest for romance fans in this plucky girl's odyssey and I found it well written and researched. This is a historical romance with an edge, suitable for adults or mature YA readers.
March 4, 2015
Ah, who cannot love a man named Jack? I really enjoyed this book. Was a bit hesitant at the beginning because it was almost too Irish for me, but once I got into the story it stopped bothering me. And you really get swept away with the story! I love reading historical fiction because you learn so much about a certain time period, and this book does just that with Ireland, the potato famine, even whaling. Even if you do not enjoy romance, the interesting perspective on this time in history is enough to keep you going. But really, most of us are here for the romance. And romance there is. The tension between the main characters is very entertaining, but it is also fun to see all the obstacles in their way. They have a very good "will they or won't they" exchange. And the end provides a bit of a twist that I didn't even expect; I found myself tearing up. Anyone who enjoys historical fictions and romance should pick up this book. A delightful read!
May 26, 2015
In the midst of the potato famine, Kathleen Deacey's fiance doesn't return from Canada. At her brother's insistence, she boards a vessel bound for Canada, hoping to discover Danny's whereabouts, but also to find work and send money to her desperate family.
On deck during a storm, Kathleen is washed overboard and rescued by a whaling vessel captained by Jack Montgomery. She ends up in Boston, working as a maid to the Captain's grandfather. As Kathleen searches for her fiance and worries about her family, she is drawn to Jack and soon her heart must choose.
I appreciated the view of Ireland and the devastation brought on by multiple years of famine. The author captured the essence of desperation and deprivation of those suffering. Kathleen was a determined, spunky heroine. Loved her interactions with Jack. The story ends somewhat as expected, but the journey there is worth the read.
On deck during a storm, Kathleen is washed overboard and rescued by a whaling vessel captained by Jack Montgomery. She ends up in Boston, working as a maid to the Captain's grandfather. As Kathleen searches for her fiance and worries about her family, she is drawn to Jack and soon her heart must choose.
I appreciated the view of Ireland and the devastation brought on by multiple years of famine. The author captured the essence of desperation and deprivation of those suffering. Kathleen was a determined, spunky heroine. Loved her interactions with Jack. The story ends somewhat as expected, but the journey there is worth the read.
January 2, 2021
This story had such a wonderful ending. It was a fun and easy story to read, I adored both of the main characters, and the small amount of drama that occurred felt very appropriate to the plot. The subject and time period was well-researched and overall it was just a fantastic historical novel. Highly recommend!
June 3, 2015
I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway. I was hooked from the very first page. If you like historical romance, especially Irish, you will love this book. It was a clean read with a great story line.
April 2, 2015
Good historic romance with lots of interesting settings including a horrific whale hunting ship and the Irish famine. The romance, with it's own rocky path, is satisfying. An enjoyable read.
September 20, 2021
~sigh~ It's one of "those" books. I added this one 6 (!) years ago. I'm not even sure I read HR back then, probably fell in love with the cover then forgot all about it with my unending list of books (focused on familiar authors). I didn't know what to expect from this one, but with it's high review rating (and the enchanting cover) I wasn't going to let it go until I found the right time. That day has come and I can tell you now, I'm going to visit more of Panela's books as this one was IMPOSSIBLE to put down. It was beautiful and heartfelt, as well as sad and crashing especially knowing that even if Kathleen (and Jack) aren't real what the Irish went through is.
It's 1846 and the Irish are literally starving to death. The English own their lands and expect them to grow everything for their own needs except for tiny plots of land the Irish grow potatoes on (as it's the most efficient plant for sustenance). When the potatoes rot in the ground and the English aren't even considering to help (while still demanding their crops and payment) there is little the Irish can do but stubbornly try to survive. When the second year of rotting potatoes comes it feels as if even the little hope they had is now gone. The Irish are dying of hunger and no one cares.
Kathleen Deacy is a proud Irishwoman, she never considered leaving Ireland behind but with her brother Sean coming home with a bit (but not enough) money - and without her sweetheart Danny O'Sheehan - she can't expect him to return to Canada when his wife Moira is so close to delivering their first born and she also wants a chance of reuniting with Danny. Taking a few belonging she sets for Newfoundland. Her journey start bad and turned to the worse when she is thrown out to sea in the middle of a storm. Lucky for her a passing whaling ship passes by and finds her. But upon waking up, nothing is as she expected it to be and while she is treated well she is still crushed with the meaning of this delay.
Captain Jack Montgomery doesn't know what to do with a woman on his ship so in a way he does nothing. Well, he does care for her and keep her safe, but he can't change the course of the ship for her, not before he catches enough whales. It's not his ship and he has partners to please and a hope of earning enough on this voyage to be one of his last. But Kathleen has her way of making him see things differently and he finds himself wanting to help far more than he should.
They spend a long journey together. Months and months at sea. An English man (though "American" now) and an Irish woman. What can they have in common, especially with the huge gap in finances/status. Yet Jack can't put aside her determination and honestly and while he doesn't believe in all her superstitious beliefs he comes to appreciate her Irish quotes and through it her values of family and loyalty. Kathleen is frustrated with Jack quite a lot, and yet one thing she can't ignore - his kindness. He doesn't always say the right thing, but his intentions ARE good, and he tries to be fair to her, to listen and understand and be there for her.
Their journey doesn't end when they finally arrive to Boston (not Newfoundland as she hoped as that was Jack's destination and home). While he kept telling himself once they arrive back he'll be "rid" of her, his honestly and kindness (always kindness) continues on with a job and a nice place to stay - his own house - caring for his ill mannered grandfather. Jack and Kathleen circle one another on land like they did at sea but the basics doesn't change - Jack's future is set on making his fortune and Kathleen's on being loyal to her family and country and falling for an Englishman is not in the cards.
You'd think her (and Jack's) mostly mundane life - at sea and on land - wouldn't be that interesting yet their funny banter and the mutual frustration from one another was so engaging I simply couldn't put this book down. I wanted to see them 'work', but with every step forward, something (or someone..) was pushing them down. They were both torn by what they THOUGHT they wanted to what they actually CRAVED inside. It took many pages but they finally found that in one another. I will say, if you expect "steam" you won't be getting much of that. Yet for me what we did get, especially considering who Kathleen is, felt true to her character as well as the times. I actually liked the more suggestive gestures and the big meaning to the smaller acts of touch / contact.
Kathleen's infinite Loyalty and Jack's endless kindness was there throughout every page but his last and final gesture towards her, especially when he expected (as always) nothing in return, was utterly devastating. In a good way. Pamela has managed to show us a sliver of hope in a sea of agony. This whole book, while being fiction, shown me the Irish in a way I have never seen, heard or read before and I know this story - of Ireland (as well as Kathleen and Jack) - is going to stay with me for a long long time.
This book was simply OUTSTANDING. I don't have enough words to express just how much it meant to me personally. In the end it's such a simple story - A poor girl and a rich boy. On the "outside" nothing that extraordinary about them. Yet their story somehow had it all. My only complaint would be how abruptly the story ended. I needed another scene - just another page, half a page. Something MORE. But I guess, me waiting 6 years to read this one has its benefits as there is a second installment now "A Rush of White Wings" of Kathleen's brother Sean - allowing me another glimpse into Jack and Kathleen as a formed couple.
A MUST READ!
More Reviews HERE
It's 1846 and the Irish are literally starving to death. The English own their lands and expect them to grow everything for their own needs except for tiny plots of land the Irish grow potatoes on (as it's the most efficient plant for sustenance). When the potatoes rot in the ground and the English aren't even considering to help (while still demanding their crops and payment) there is little the Irish can do but stubbornly try to survive. When the second year of rotting potatoes comes it feels as if even the little hope they had is now gone. The Irish are dying of hunger and no one cares.
Kathleen Deacy is a proud Irishwoman, she never considered leaving Ireland behind but with her brother Sean coming home with a bit (but not enough) money - and without her sweetheart Danny O'Sheehan - she can't expect him to return to Canada when his wife Moira is so close to delivering their first born and she also wants a chance of reuniting with Danny. Taking a few belonging she sets for Newfoundland. Her journey start bad and turned to the worse when she is thrown out to sea in the middle of a storm. Lucky for her a passing whaling ship passes by and finds her. But upon waking up, nothing is as she expected it to be and while she is treated well she is still crushed with the meaning of this delay.
Captain Jack Montgomery doesn't know what to do with a woman on his ship so in a way he does nothing. Well, he does care for her and keep her safe, but he can't change the course of the ship for her, not before he catches enough whales. It's not his ship and he has partners to please and a hope of earning enough on this voyage to be one of his last. But Kathleen has her way of making him see things differently and he finds himself wanting to help far more than he should.
They spend a long journey together. Months and months at sea. An English man (though "American" now) and an Irish woman. What can they have in common, especially with the huge gap in finances/status. Yet Jack can't put aside her determination and honestly and while he doesn't believe in all her superstitious beliefs he comes to appreciate her Irish quotes and through it her values of family and loyalty. Kathleen is frustrated with Jack quite a lot, and yet one thing she can't ignore - his kindness. He doesn't always say the right thing, but his intentions ARE good, and he tries to be fair to her, to listen and understand and be there for her.
Their journey doesn't end when they finally arrive to Boston (not Newfoundland as she hoped as that was Jack's destination and home). While he kept telling himself once they arrive back he'll be "rid" of her, his honestly and kindness (always kindness) continues on with a job and a nice place to stay - his own house - caring for his ill mannered grandfather. Jack and Kathleen circle one another on land like they did at sea but the basics doesn't change - Jack's future is set on making his fortune and Kathleen's on being loyal to her family and country and falling for an Englishman is not in the cards.
You'd think her (and Jack's) mostly mundane life - at sea and on land - wouldn't be that interesting yet their funny banter and the mutual frustration from one another was so engaging I simply couldn't put this book down. I wanted to see them 'work', but with every step forward, something (or someone..) was pushing them down. They were both torn by what they THOUGHT they wanted to what they actually CRAVED inside. It took many pages but they finally found that in one another. I will say, if you expect "steam" you won't be getting much of that. Yet for me what we did get, especially considering who Kathleen is, felt true to her character as well as the times. I actually liked the more suggestive gestures and the big meaning to the smaller acts of touch / contact.
Kathleen's infinite Loyalty and Jack's endless kindness was there throughout every page but his last and final gesture towards her, especially when he expected (as always) nothing in return, was utterly devastating. In a good way. Pamela has managed to show us a sliver of hope in a sea of agony. This whole book, while being fiction, shown me the Irish in a way I have never seen, heard or read before and I know this story - of Ireland (as well as Kathleen and Jack) - is going to stay with me for a long long time.
This book was simply OUTSTANDING. I don't have enough words to express just how much it meant to me personally. In the end it's such a simple story - A poor girl and a rich boy. On the "outside" nothing that extraordinary about them. Yet their story somehow had it all. My only complaint would be how abruptly the story ended. I needed another scene - just another page, half a page. Something MORE. But I guess, me waiting 6 years to read this one has its benefits as there is a second installment now "A Rush of White Wings" of Kathleen's brother Sean - allowing me another glimpse into Jack and Kathleen as a formed couple.
A MUST READ!
More Reviews HERE
August 23, 2020
This is the first book I've read by this author, but I will be reading some more.
I enjoyed the history in this story eventhough it was heartbreaking and made me angry.
I cannot understand how some people can treat others. In this case the English just standing back and watching the Irish starve to death.
However, I really enjoyed this book. It's well written with great characters. I loved the interaction between Kathleen and Jack, and Jack's Grandfather is great.
A well deserved 5☆.
I enjoyed the history in this story eventhough it was heartbreaking and made me angry.
I cannot understand how some people can treat others. In this case the English just standing back and watching the Irish starve to death.
However, I really enjoyed this book. It's well written with great characters. I loved the interaction between Kathleen and Jack, and Jack's Grandfather is great.
A well deserved 5☆.
September 27, 2018
Wonderful story with historical facts t h at are astounding. How could the English government not help t ::) e Irish? Just horrible time period. The love story was precious. I just loved Jack. Great read!
ish government not help t ::) e Irish? Just horrible time period. The story was precious. I just loved Jack. Great read
ish government not help t ::) e Irish? Just horrible time period. The story was precious. I just loved Jack. Great read
February 23, 2019
Joy
I hadn't enjoyed a book such as this for a long time. The nature of the Irish and the story of famine told in the most enjoyable and fascinating way. Not a big fan of love stories, I loved this book.
I hadn't enjoyed a book such as this for a long time. The nature of the Irish and the story of famine told in the most enjoyable and fascinating way. Not a big fan of love stories, I loved this book.
February 24, 2019
Entertaining romance
It started off slow with me not liking the characters but give it a chance. I laughed and had tears in my eyes by the end of the book.
It started off slow with me not liking the characters but give it a chance. I laughed and had tears in my eyes by the end of the book.
September 15, 2018
Superb
Perhaps one of the best books I have ever read. Many well developed characters brought to life but in such a way as to add to the depth of the story not overwhelm it. I will anxiously await the authors next works.
Perhaps one of the best books I have ever read. Many well developed characters brought to life but in such a way as to add to the depth of the story not overwhelm it. I will anxiously await the authors next works.
June 17, 2015
I received a complimentary copy of this book as a part of a book tour for a fair and honest review and rated it 4.5 out of 5 stars.
A captivating historical romance, To Ride a White Horse by Pamela Ford combines the best of both genres. Filled with facts and descriptions that transport you to both a small town in Ireland and Boston, Massachusetts, Ms. Ford’s novel grabbed my attention from the first page and never let go. Reminding us of the best and worst of humanity, Ms. Ford covers heavy subjects such as ethnic prejudice, freedom, and indentured servitude, grace and forgiveness without weighing her story down. Filled with plenty of emotional angst, twists and turns and the redemptive power of love, this is a story romance lovers will definitely enjoy.
Forced to leave her Irish homeland behind due to another potato crop failure and devastating country wide famine, Kathleen Deacey boards a ship headed to Newfoundland, Canada with the intention of finding her fiancée and sending money home to help support her family. Only nothing goes as planned and Kathleen, who is washed overboard during a storm, finds herself on an American whaling ship headed in the wrong direction. Forced to accept help from Jack Montgomery, the ships English captain, Kathleen relies on the hope that when the ship lands in Boston, she’ll be able to find lodging, find employment and eventually find her fiancée and help her family financially. She never thought she’d fall in love with an Englishman or find herself having to choose between her country and her heart.
Ms. Ford does an excellent job developing Kathleen’s character; I understood her despair when her fiancée didn’t come home as promised, her anger over how her country and its people were being treated by the English government and its people, and her fear as she is forced to leave her home and travel someplace new by herself. A strong, yet occasionally superstitious woman, Kathleen Is grounded in the love she grew up in and is generous when she has the opportunity. Raised a Roman Catholic, Kathleen Is also a firm believer in God, in the power of prayer and has a strong moral code she’ll need to rely on when she is tempted with several choices. I really liked her and enjoyed watching as she develops even more as the story progresses.
An Englishman who himself fled England due to lack of financial opportunity, Jack Montgomery has been making a good living as a whale ship captain and looks forward to an even brighter future when he returns to port in Boston with a ship full of oil. He never planned on rescuing a woman in the middle of the ocean with a ship full of men who hadn’t seen a woman in six months, or on finding himself attracted to her. Bringing her to America as quickly as possible is the only thing he can do.
Ms. Ford also does a good job developing Jack’s character and I found him to be an excellent romance hero. Attractive, intelligent and generally decent overall, Jack has no intentions of taking advantage of Kathleen or on letting anyone else take advantage of her either. When they finally make it to Boston, he refuses to let her leave the ship without his escort and even takes her to his home, where he lives with his cantankerous grandfather, so that he can make sure she is safe. When it’s clear that even in Boston the Irish have problems finding jobs and decent lodging, Jack insists on hiring her and giving her lodging in his home. Something that doesn’t exactly make his grandfather a happy camper.
The secondary characters are well developed and make important contributions to the story. I really enjoyed getting to know Jack’s grandfather, even though he was a crotchety and at times mouthy older man. I also enjoyed getting to know Sean, Kathleen’s brother, her mother and her father and even the Montgomery’s cook. Ms. Ford does an excellent job setting up the historical aspects of her story and while I knew a little bit about the potato blight, and famine that occurred afterwards, I didn’t realize the extent of the damage, horror and the hostility it lead to between the Irish and the English. Ms. Ford also gives us a realistic sense of what life on a ship in the 1840s was like and reminded me about the evils of whale hunting – something I’m vehemently opposed to and have never understood the need for. The author does an excellent job setting up what Boston would have been like at the time and how even in this new country, founded on the principal of open arms toward newcomers, ethnic issues had crossed the ocean.
Will Kathleen find her “missing” fiancée? Will she realize her future lies in America and maybe with Jack instead? Will Kathleen’s family somehow survive the horror of what’s taking place in Ireland? You’ll have to read To Ride a White Horse to find out. I really enjoyed it and look forward to reading more of Ms. Ford’s work.
A captivating historical romance, To Ride a White Horse by Pamela Ford combines the best of both genres. Filled with facts and descriptions that transport you to both a small town in Ireland and Boston, Massachusetts, Ms. Ford’s novel grabbed my attention from the first page and never let go. Reminding us of the best and worst of humanity, Ms. Ford covers heavy subjects such as ethnic prejudice, freedom, and indentured servitude, grace and forgiveness without weighing her story down. Filled with plenty of emotional angst, twists and turns and the redemptive power of love, this is a story romance lovers will definitely enjoy.
Forced to leave her Irish homeland behind due to another potato crop failure and devastating country wide famine, Kathleen Deacey boards a ship headed to Newfoundland, Canada with the intention of finding her fiancée and sending money home to help support her family. Only nothing goes as planned and Kathleen, who is washed overboard during a storm, finds herself on an American whaling ship headed in the wrong direction. Forced to accept help from Jack Montgomery, the ships English captain, Kathleen relies on the hope that when the ship lands in Boston, she’ll be able to find lodging, find employment and eventually find her fiancée and help her family financially. She never thought she’d fall in love with an Englishman or find herself having to choose between her country and her heart.
Ms. Ford does an excellent job developing Kathleen’s character; I understood her despair when her fiancée didn’t come home as promised, her anger over how her country and its people were being treated by the English government and its people, and her fear as she is forced to leave her home and travel someplace new by herself. A strong, yet occasionally superstitious woman, Kathleen Is grounded in the love she grew up in and is generous when she has the opportunity. Raised a Roman Catholic, Kathleen Is also a firm believer in God, in the power of prayer and has a strong moral code she’ll need to rely on when she is tempted with several choices. I really liked her and enjoyed watching as she develops even more as the story progresses.
An Englishman who himself fled England due to lack of financial opportunity, Jack Montgomery has been making a good living as a whale ship captain and looks forward to an even brighter future when he returns to port in Boston with a ship full of oil. He never planned on rescuing a woman in the middle of the ocean with a ship full of men who hadn’t seen a woman in six months, or on finding himself attracted to her. Bringing her to America as quickly as possible is the only thing he can do.
Ms. Ford also does a good job developing Jack’s character and I found him to be an excellent romance hero. Attractive, intelligent and generally decent overall, Jack has no intentions of taking advantage of Kathleen or on letting anyone else take advantage of her either. When they finally make it to Boston, he refuses to let her leave the ship without his escort and even takes her to his home, where he lives with his cantankerous grandfather, so that he can make sure she is safe. When it’s clear that even in Boston the Irish have problems finding jobs and decent lodging, Jack insists on hiring her and giving her lodging in his home. Something that doesn’t exactly make his grandfather a happy camper.
The secondary characters are well developed and make important contributions to the story. I really enjoyed getting to know Jack’s grandfather, even though he was a crotchety and at times mouthy older man. I also enjoyed getting to know Sean, Kathleen’s brother, her mother and her father and even the Montgomery’s cook. Ms. Ford does an excellent job setting up the historical aspects of her story and while I knew a little bit about the potato blight, and famine that occurred afterwards, I didn’t realize the extent of the damage, horror and the hostility it lead to between the Irish and the English. Ms. Ford also gives us a realistic sense of what life on a ship in the 1840s was like and reminded me about the evils of whale hunting – something I’m vehemently opposed to and have never understood the need for. The author does an excellent job setting up what Boston would have been like at the time and how even in this new country, founded on the principal of open arms toward newcomers, ethnic issues had crossed the ocean.
Will Kathleen find her “missing” fiancée? Will she realize her future lies in America and maybe with Jack instead? Will Kathleen’s family somehow survive the horror of what’s taking place in Ireland? You’ll have to read To Ride a White Horse to find out. I really enjoyed it and look forward to reading more of Ms. Ford’s work.
August 27, 2017
a personalization of the Irish Potato Famine, wrapped up in an engaging love story
November 13, 2018
Loved this book!
It took me awhile to get into the story, as I felt the rescue was a bit far fetched. But as the characters were developed I grew to love them and I kept turning the page to see what happened next. I learned a lot about whaling and about Ireland’s horrible famine. It drew me in. It’s a great blend of history and romance, and I’m a sucker for a happy ending!
It took me awhile to get into the story, as I felt the rescue was a bit far fetched. But as the characters were developed I grew to love them and I kept turning the page to see what happened next. I learned a lot about whaling and about Ireland’s horrible famine. It drew me in. It’s a great blend of history and romance, and I’m a sucker for a happy ending!
October 8, 2021
Absolutely excellent! A work of historical fiction with a side of romance that is both informative and eye opening. (I listened to the audio book, but I'm sure the print edition must equally good.)
September 5, 2020
This is a wonderfully written story, set in Ireland during the second potato famine in 1846. Everyone's fields were filled with rotting potatoes, people were starving, the English Nation wasn't helping Ireland.
This story is about Kathleen Deacey, and her family. Kathy was a young girl living among her starving relatives. She couldn't find work in Ireland, could she cross the ocean to find work to support her family. She wanted to find her beloved finance that she hadn't seen or heard from in a year. In her heart she hated to leave her ma, pa, brother and sister. Could she go by herself, leave her family, find work once she gets there? She may never see them again. A big decision to make at her age. Could she do this?
This is a wonderful, historical, romance story. She meets Jack as she is crossing to the other side of the ocean. He helps her throughout her journey. The characters were vividly described, and outstanding. This is a story that pull at your heart strings while reading, I couldn't it put down, with good history, true facts and twists and turns. A loveable entertaining story, I recommend this book to everyone.
This story is about Kathleen Deacey, and her family. Kathy was a young girl living among her starving relatives. She couldn't find work in Ireland, could she cross the ocean to find work to support her family. She wanted to find her beloved finance that she hadn't seen or heard from in a year. In her heart she hated to leave her ma, pa, brother and sister. Could she go by herself, leave her family, find work once she gets there? She may never see them again. A big decision to make at her age. Could she do this?
This is a wonderful, historical, romance story. She meets Jack as she is crossing to the other side of the ocean. He helps her throughout her journey. The characters were vividly described, and outstanding. This is a story that pull at your heart strings while reading, I couldn't it put down, with good history, true facts and twists and turns. A loveable entertaining story, I recommend this book to everyone.
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