Only the River Runs Free

The Galway Chronicles #1

by Bodie Thoene, Brock Thoene

Ireland, 1830s. It was a time when English landlords held power over Irish tenant farmers and seeds of bitterness were sown that would last for generations.

In an endeavor to eliminate all influences of Irish heritage, the English forced an intellectual and spiritual bondage on Ireland as well as a bitter physical bondage of servitude. Freedom had become so rare that the Irish coined a saying, "In Ireland only the rivers run free." Yet one poor, befuddled old woman speaks of freedom, truth, and hope. Mad Molly Fahey promises the priest and villages that a miracle is on its way.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Fiction, Christian, Historical, Ireland, Romance

271 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1997

About the author

BODIE AND BROCK THOENE (pronounced Tay-nee) have written over 45 works of historical fiction. These best sellers have sold more than 10 million copies and won eight ECPA Gold Medallion Awards.

Bodie began her writing career as a teen journalist for her local newspaper. Eventually her byline appeared in prestigious periodicals such as U.S. News and World Report, The American West, and The Saturday Evening Post. She also worked for John Wayne’s Batjac Productions (she’s best known as author of The Fall Guy) and ABC Circle Films as a writer and researcher. John Wayne described her as “a writer with talent that captures the people and the times!” She has degrees in journalism and communications.

Bodie and Brock have four grown children—Rachel, Jake Thoene, Luke Thoene, and Ellie—and five grandchildren. Their sons, Jake and Luke, are carrying on the Thoene family talent as the next generation of writers, and Luke produces the Thoene audiobooks.

Bodie and Brock divide their time between London and Nevada.

Reviews

[Staci · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bodie and Brock Thoene were my introduction to CF many years ago with Vienna Prelude. It was nice to find another series by them: The Galway Chronicles.

This series begins in 1827 Ireland. After the prologue, it took me a bit to get into the story, but I was turning pages quickly later on. Only the River Runs Free reminds me of Downton Abbey with the "haves" and "have nots" and bit of soap opera feel.

This is definitely not one of those series where each book can be read as a stand-a-lone. I look forward to seeing what is next in store for the lovely characters in Only the River Runs Free.

[Stacy Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historical Christian fiction set in Ireland during the 1840's. Its a time and place I don't know much about, so it was quite interesting. The writing was so good. I could really imagine what it was like in that buetiful but harsh land.

[Joy Gerbode · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book ... took me a while to get going with it, but I think that was more because of all the distractions in my life, rather than a slow book. Once into it, though, I thoroughly enjoyed the story, which was woven with mystery and intrigue, love and romance, sin and forgiveness, and MUCH Irish history, scenery, and folklore. I love the combination, how all the smaller plots worked together toward the greater plot, and the resolution to the situations. Am very anxious to continue the series with the next ... "Of Men and of Angels".

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book. So so so so good! Can I just fangirl for a minute?! Bodie is such a gifted writer. I found myself mad at the "bad guys"and advising the foolish girl. I honestly couldn't put it down! I lived and felt with the Irish people during the 1800s. Never will I get tired of historical fiction!

[Debbie Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy stories by these authors, especially in a series. Unfortunately, I had to pick this up and put it down several times because my schedule has been hayware the past few weeks.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to put at least one of the Theone series on my list. I have read several of their books and enjoyed them all. I especially likes this series about Ireland before and during the potato famine. These books are always interesting stories with a lot of ACCURATE history as the basis. They are also squeaky clean - I never have to wonder what I'm going to run into. I plan to reread the WWII series again soon.

[Cathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so happy I took a chance at this little gem I picked up at a second hand store. The back little blurb said it was an Irish story--Sold! Loved the story, history, and characters!

[Donna Porter · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a short few words - I loved this book!

I have never read the Thoenes (pronounced Tay-Nee) before, but needless to say, I already have the next three books in The Galway Chronicles coming to my local library.

Only the River Runs Free is aptly titled, for no one, not even the land of Ireland itself, is free in this book. Joseph Conrad Burke is a lost man. Cheated out of his inheritance as the Burke after his father was murdered, he has lived a silent, hidden life apart from his native Ballynockanor. He has also, as would be expected, been waiting for an opportunity to right old wrongs, to free himself from his past, and to step into the role he was destined to fill.

The Donovans are a proud, Irish family. A tragic fire several years ago took the life of Mrs. Donovan, her youngest child, and her oldest child Kate's young husband. Mr. Donovan, still heartbroken, is bound to the bottle, while Kate, scarred from the fire which still holds her heart in bondage, believes her beauty has been marred and she will never be loved again.

She is still beautiful, however, to Joseph, who is beginning to question his call to the priesthood.

This is more than Joseph and Kate's story, however, and the other Donovans are just as engaging. The setting is well-done and almost a character in itself. You will smell the green of Ireland. You will feel the land kick against English suppression. The Thoenes do a great job of meshing the political and religious issues into the plot without overwhelming the reader with details. While the characters are finding their way to freedom, so are the Irish people.

I will also put a plug in for the Catholic faith of the Irish. I was wary of reading the book simply because non-Catholic authors, especially Evangelicals, tend to 1) misunderstand and misrepresent the Catholic faith in such books, and/or 2) make the book about Catholics somehow coming to the knowledge that the Catholic church is "wrong," and therefore they become Protestants.

Neither was the case with this book, although I have no idea what church the Thoenes worship in. The Catholicism was spot on, especially considering this book takes place BEFORE Vatican II. The Catholics are flawed, they make bad choices, they go to confession, they seek Father O'Bannon's aid, they go to Holy Mass, they respect Mary, they have rosaries, the women veil when they go to church, and dying characters are given Last Rites. The faith of these people clearly defines and outlines their life, just as it did in Catholic Ireland a hundred and more years ago.

And, of course, it was this clash of Protestantism and Catholicism, English and Irish, that has become Ireland's story.

Only the River Runs Free is a highly recommended read by me!

[Belinda Vlasbaard · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars - English Ebook

When a stranger crosses the river and enters the Irish village of Ballynockanor on Christmas Eve, Mad Molly Fahey proclaims that he is the herald of freedom and change.

The Thoenes (Shiloh Autumn, Thomas Nelson, 1996), the prolific husband-wife this book sets in 1840s Ireland.

A mysterious man named Joseph Connor arrives in the small village of Ballynockanor. He is befriended by the widower Tom Donovan and his five children.

The eldest daughter, Kate, remains fairly aloof from Connor, largely because she feels self-conscious about her scarred body, the results of a fire that killed her husband a few years before.

Over time, though, Kate and Joseph begin to fall in love. Will true love prevail? Of course, but not before many twists and turns in the plot.

The Thoenes bring the oppression of life in Ireland to life brilliantly, and Kate is thoughtfully portrayed as a woman who begins to accept God again. I am a Christian and also believe in Farmer, Son and Holy Spirit. The only way to the father is tru Jesus Christ his son.

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This first book of the Galway Chronicles is a good start to the series. It takes place in Ireland in the 1800s. I have rarely read a book that takes place in Ireland and I found the history interesting. It gave me a gentle nudge to go visit Ireland if I ever have the chance. I found it interesting that romance is not the main plot in the book yet there is a hint of romance to come for the hero, Joseph Connor Burke. Perhaps that is something that will blossom in the sequel. I would recommend this series.

[Cindy Mondy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book by this author(s) that I have read. I enjoyed the 1st one (In My Father’s House) more. I thought the book very predictable and somewhat tiresome in plot development. I am not sure I would read the rest of the series. I did like the historical descriptions and the visual descriptions of the country.

[Mallory · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very glad to have found a series set in Ireland aiming to give faces to Catholic and Protestant, Irish and English. I enjoyed this introduction to the Family Donovan as a stranger enters their village and seems to disrupt everyone's lives in the process. The clever and peaceful Father O'Bannon was my favorite character.

[Ed · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good as her other novels, but it is OK.

[Jeni Enjaian · Rating 3 out of 5]

**Update** My previous review perfectly summarizes my thoughts regarding the second read through. I enjoyed the book enough to keep it in my collection. Thus, this book survives the second round of the purge from my personal collection.

I enjoyed this book. It's definitely not perfect. The narrative sweeps along making many assumptions that take a second to realize have happened. Part of that might be because this is the second book in the series. I've read the third book but never the first. For example, Joseph returns as a stranger yet a third of the way in, everyone knows that he is completely in love with Kate and the same goes for Kate. This happens all without more than a few scenes of them together. Despite the plot holes, the prose is very well written. I definitely enjoyed this book. It's not a masterpiece but not every book can be. It's light, easy, enjoyable reading. Maybe one of these days I'll look into getting the other books in the series. (Disclaimer: I happen to absolutely love almost anything related to Ireland. :D)

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I decided to listen to this book just prior to the upcoming St. Patrick's Day celebrations, to get me into the mood. I really enjoyed this story revolving around poor Irish tenant farmers and their rich and not so nice landlord. Not only did I enjoy the storyline and the characters, but also the reader's voice (which can make or break a audiobook) and the music played between sections of the book. Luckily, our library has the whole Galway Chronicles series so I am going to pick up and read the other three.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series of books is one of the most incredible series about Ireland and the famine that I have read. They're incredibly poignant, and you find yourself completely submerged in the story. I just couldn't put them down (there's four books altogether). They're very sad, like most the Thoenes books, but they are also full of hope and goodness. They are a testament to the human spirit, and I found them totally captivating.

[Serena · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed learning more about Ireland's history -- specifically, the tension between Catholics and Protestants -- through this novel. Bodie and Brock Thoene have a wonderful talent for painting vivid characters that help bring a story to life. However, Only the River Runs Free has a strong emphasis on politics, and I found it a bit boring in places. Although I enjoyed it overall, I might stick with the Thoenes' biblical fiction in the future (The A.D. Chronicles is amazing).

[Godly Gadfly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Award-winning high-calibre Christian historical fiction. (5 stars)

Looking for high calibre Christian historical fiction? You can’t go wrong with the husband-wife Thoene combination (the historical research courtesy of husband Brock, the story-telling courtesy of wife Bodie). This award winning novel is the first volume in “The Galway Chronicles” series is a great place to start, exhibiting their fine qualities as a writing team capable of producing novels that rank among the very best.

The title “Only the River Runs Free” reflects the historical setting that the Thoenes’ have chosen as the background: Ireland in the 1830s and 40s, when Irish tenant farmers (mainly Catholics) were ruled by the English landlords and soldiers (mainly Protestants). It was a rule frequently marked by oppression, hence that saying that only the river ran free.

The village of Ballynockanor is no exception, with the Donovan family chief among the poor and oppressed. The rightful landlord Joseph Connor Burke has been superseded by the greedy usurper Marlowe. The darkness of the time seems to crush the Donovan family, as they are confronted with tragedy and trial - Kate Donovan has already been made a widow by a fire, but now Kevin seems to be marked as a Irish rebel (“Ribbonman”) deserving death, and Brigit abandons her family only to descend into a even deeper pit of calamity. But there is hope for the Donovans, and for Ballynockanor, and it lies in the fortunes of Joseph Connor Burke.

If evangelical Protestants are going to have any criticisms about this book, it might be that it elicits sympathy for Catholics. Some Christians may find it difficult to read a book in which the Protestants are the bad guys and the Catholics are the good guys. However, it has to be remembered that this is simply an accurate portrait of reality, and the Thoenes are reflecting a historical struggle, one that was actually more political than religious in nature. Rather than endorsing Catholic theology, the authors show that the Irish Catholics were often dealt with harshly and unjustly by the English Protestants who ruled them. Arousing reader sympathies for the way they were treated is different than arousing sympathies for their theology, and in my view is entirely legitimate. The depiction of Catholicism is presented by more by a picture of its rituals (crossing oneself, candles, penance) than by its theology. In fact, some of the remarks made by the Catholic protagonists (p.233) could be construed as a reflection of the Thoenes’ own evangelical Protestant thinking, since it is hardly consistent with Catholic theology.

There is also evidence of modern ecumenism, as is evident in Joseph’s dream - likely a mouthpiece for the Thoenes’ own convictions - that “one day the warmth of God’s love may melt the stubborn hearts of all true Christians, be they Catholic or Protestant, to stand and serve Him together as one nation.” (p.194). Unlike the Thoenes, I would not attribute the divide between Protestants and Catholics to mere stubbornness, but to fundamental differences in belief. Optimism concerning “one body” and the union of Catholics and Protestants will always be unrealistic as long as the “one faith” of Ephesians 4 is absent, and where there is no fundamental agreement concerning the truths of Scripture. But this aside, one does not need to compromise Protestant theology to enjoy this book.

The Thoenes write with a flowing and captivating style that grabs your attention throughout with action, intrigue, mystery, and even a touch of romance. It’s a gripping and compelling tale that is entertaining, but doesn’t sacrifice realism or historical detail. Unlike a great deal of contemporary Christian fiction, I was pleasantly surprised at the lack of superficiality. The historical detail and accuracy of the setting breathes an air of authenticity - this could easily be about real people and real events. The Thoenes are also not afraid to describe the horrors of real life in a dark period of history, where characters must deal with murder, attempted rape, and prostitution. And although it is a tale much deeper than most products of contemporary Christian fiction, it is not so deep that you need boots to wade through it. The Thoenes have an ability to create a very suspenseful and readable story that is hard to put down.

“Only The River Runs Free” was the recipient of the 1997 Gold Medallion Award, the judges figuring it was a novel of the highest class. After reading it, you’ll have to agree that this entertaining and thoughtful novel ranks among the very best. I’ve read a variety of Christian fiction, and regard myself as a highly critical reviewer, but after reading this book I’m convinced that the Thoenes are among the best. Count me as a new fan.

[Hanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't really know what to expect with this book, other than a good plot and plenty of historically accurate trimmings. And in that regard, I was not disappointed.

Setting: The village of Ballynockanor, county of Galway, province of Connaught, Ireland, 1841. The prologue was set about fifteen years before. Surrounding places mentioned included Castletown, and there were other landmarks, such as the Cornamona River. As one might expect with a Thoene book, the events of the book were strongly intertwined with the setting and culture of Ireland. The conflict between Catholic and Protestant, the oppression of the Irish by the English, the superstitions and lore, the farming community, the songs and music, the affinity for drink--it all left no doubt as to the setting. None of it was glorified, though the characters were proud to be Irish. The culture of the Irish was neither condemned nor explicitly praised in this book.

Characters: These characters were a little too realistic to be likable ... nevertheless, I certainly liked Joseph Conner: his helpful nature, his honor, his desire to obey God, his knack for showing up at the right time ... in the beginning, I sympathized most with Kate, but she became more annoying as the book went on. Brigit annoyed me greatly--she was exceptionally dumb--but she turned out pretty good in the end, and of course she was realistic. Martin might have been my favorite of the Donovans; he was pretty loyal. Mary Elizabeth got on my nerves, as no one could talk sense into her. That was different, as usually children are portrayed as the sweet ones of the cast of characters.

The antagonists were big-time hideous. They were as evil as they come, and yet I didn't wait hopefully for their demise. Somehow the Thoenes wrote them as pitiable men; I wanted justice to be done, but the fleshly desires don't bring satisfaction.

Father O'Bannon was another interesting character. I found him a little crabby, and I didn't like some of his criticisms. However, his role demanded a bit of my affection.

Plot: The story dealt with a few difficult situations, real people who made really bad decisions, and the wickedness of powerful people. I couldn't predict much of anything, and there were a couple twists and turns that were surprising (both in good and bad ways, morally, but all good story-wise).

Faith content: Most of the good characters seemed to have a Christian faith in God. They were all Catholics, and the Protestants were generally despised (but it was in no way imposed on the reader by the authors). But Joseph's faith was great, and the redemption message at the end was precious.

Recommended for anyone interested in a story steeped in 19th century Irish history, with only minimal threads of romance.

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

BOOK REVIEW 🇮🇪☘️

⭐️⭐️⭐️

'Only the River Runs Free'
by Bodie and Brock Thoene

This story felt like a combination of 'Pride and Prejudice', 'Les Miserable', and 'Little Women' ......albeit dark versions of all three.

1827: Young Connor Burke, son of the well-loved and now dying master of the Irish county of Galway, is sent away to saved from the evil that has befallen his home. Fifteen years later, he returns to his Irish village, as a priest's apprentice, unsure of the path that the Lord wishes him to take. Does he revenge his father's untimely death? Can he save his oppressed countrymen? Can Old Mad Molly give him the clues to his past? And what of Kate Donovan - now grown - whom he has always loved? Can he save her and her family's honor?

I read this story years ago - maybe over 20 years ago. Much of the story I didn't remember. I remembered it as a sweet love story.....turns out its anything but. Sure, there are some stories of love woven throughout, and the Ireland setting is incredible but the main theme is centered around the harsh cruelties thrust upon the Irish people. County Lords and henchmen wreaking havock on innocent citizens, heartlessly taking what they wished - both money and virtue. Overall, the intended story of redemption - both Ireland's glimpses of triumph over England and more importantly, God's triumph over evil - was unfortunately not enough to overcome the darkness and sadness that pervades this tale. This is book one of four, and if I remember right, it does eventually have a happy ending but I don't think I'm willing to wade through the heaviness to get there. Oof.

One TRULY lovely part of the book is its writing. This book is incredibly well written from a composition standpoint. But it's the inclusion of the Old Irish dialect that was brilliant! How the characters spoke made you believe you were hearing it first hand! You felt like you were in a stone cottage in the misty Irish countryside sitting next to a crackling peat fire. It definitely caused me to listen to my favorite collection of Irish reels amd jigs!

Trigger Warnings: rape, murder, violence, death, fire, despair..... (yikes, this does make it sound worse...😬)

[Kara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Only the River Runs Free is a historical fiction novel that takes place in the 1840s in Ireland when Ireland was rebelling to end British rule over them. It has a Christian undertone to it; however, the actions of most of the characters are decidedly not Christian. It also has a bit of mysticism and foreshadowing of events. There is violence against women (and men as well) but it is not very detailed to be too upsetting as in other novels.

The story is about the Donovan family, a widower and his five children, and a stranger that enters their lives. Together they struggle against the landlord and his clan as well as their own pain from past tragedy.

The historical aspect was really interesting...imagine having to tithe to another country’s church (which you were not a member) and having the threat of your house being torn down and being exiled to another country if you didn’t. The imagery is beautiful. I felt like I was in Ballynockanor walking the landscape and listening to the milk hit the pail as they milked the cows. The character development was just ok. I felt like they could have really delved into Kate and Joseph’s characters.

The story itself did not grab me. It seemed like I was supposed to feel emotional at certain points but didn’t. I felt myself criticizing decisions and not feeling empathy when disaster occurred. Lastly, I never felt the urge to pick up this book. While fast-paced, it wasn’t something that excited me enough to want to run and read it.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book, for me, was the literary equivalent of biting into what looks like a plain old chocolate and finding the sweetest, smoothest caramel inside. I picked it up at a library book sale, and almost didn’t bring it home because it wasn’t the kind of book I would normally read. I mean, historical fiction? That’s boring, right? Who wants to read about poor farmers in Ireland in the 1830’s? Well, apparently, I do.

The plot does take its time, but none of it is time wasted. The authors weave a complex but very understandable tale, giving each individual character their own time and place to shine while also clearly and plainly describing the history of the country and the situation for the people living at that time. I was drawn to the book because it was set in Ireland, and while it’s not a history book and I’m no expert who can attest to its accuracy, there was a great blend of information and story.

The diverse and fascinating cast of characters, my favorite part of the book, absolutely ooze personality, giving us a clear sense of who and what they are from almost the first moment we meet them. And those that aren’t such open books (ha), such as the mysterious stranger known only as Daniel, stand out appropriately until their purpose becomes clear.

In my opinion the best books are the ones that transport you, and make you feel like you’ve lived a whole life alongside the characters once the final page is read. This book did that for me and then some. I’ll be picking up the next in the series ASAP, and returning for another visit to Ballynockanor.

[Kaisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve seen books by this author in my local library when I was a teenager, but they never had a whole series, so I always just walked past these. Now that I’ve moved, I was walking the shelves in my new local library and this caught my eye.

Considering the high praise this book has all over its covers and in the internet, I was slightly confused as to why, and disappointed as it definitely didn’t meet my expectations. I knew it was going to be a Christian book, so that wasn’t it. I think what most confuses me, is that I didn’t really feel I could neither relate nor particularly like the characters, as they’re so sparsely described.

The story had this weirdly compelling plot, but I felt like so much of the story could have been fleshed out more. It wasn’t awful, but it was a bit dull at times. The name of the book was pretty much the most interesting thing in the book. Still, I’m curious to know if the next book will continue the story with the same characters and how.

2.5-3 stars.

[Marie Carmean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bodie Thoene and her husband Brock are wonderful writers! I have thoroughly enjoyed every book I have read from them. Only the River Runs Free is a novel with historic context, and it was a delight! The Donovan family of Connaught are early 19th century farmers. Kate was disfigured in a fire along with one younger brother as it killed their mother and a baby. Brigit is a strong-willed teenager who thinks more of her personal needs than her eldest sister Kate who looks after the family after the loss of their mother. When young Mary Elizabeth and Martin see a stranger approaching on the eve of Advent, Mad Molly proclaims that a miracle is at hand. No one pays attention to her ravings, and the stranger, a man known as Joseph, goes to the priest for training before later returning to Dublin. Much happens to the family and the entire area during the next year that brings many questions to the fore, as well as twists in the tale. It is an excellent story, and such a fascinating read. I really enjoyed it.

[Teri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saga portrays Ireland's history through fictional characters' eyes. Truly exceptional story line, with hints of mystery, very realistic characters who portray all the cunning, scrupulous deeds of evil cohorts using their corrupt power to persecute the tenants who are the backbone of their living. The child, Joseph Connor Burke, the true heir to the Burke estate, was run out of his inheritance by despicable relatives, only to return as a grown man. What follows is a remarkable series of events that are unbelievable to someone hearing them, but very real to those who are living them. Thanks be to the Lord, truth will win out in most of these events, while tragedy and evil triumph in others.
One of the best books I've read lately - highly recommed!

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of Irish suppression was a rough read for me. So much evil from power hungry men. The role of religion bringing hope and endurance played a large part of the fortitude of the valley people living through the prelude to the potato famine. Nonetheless, the cruelty of the elite sent many Irish to America. Those Irish transported to America were/are a blessing to our country.

Masterfully presented with well drawn characters. I found it hard to find the book and the rest of the series at my libraries. I had to buy an older copy. Rejoice if you find a copy.

Well worth reading.

[Taryn Spearey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This wa amazing! This takes place in a small village in Ireland. We follow a whole cast of characters as they live put their lives in their villlage.

This was such a good book. Don't know why i waited a year to read it. I found that I sat and just read the story.

The ending made me really nervous. I was hoping so much that the chuch would be ton. I was glad when it was stopped.

The only character I didn't like was Mad Molly. I think she really was mad.

Onto book 2!!

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kept feeling like I had read this before which spoiled much of it but there were pars which I was just certain were totally new to me. Decided, I must have seen a movie based on it. Almost never look at movies but last year i tried Netflix for a couple of months watching a dozen or so movies. That had to be when. The book was very good, movie must not have been.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting fictional account of the turmoil, poverty, suppression, and struggles of the Irish in the early 1800s. This is a series and I do not know whether I will read any of the others. But, this kept me reading and rooting for the underdog.

[Ginny Jaques · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Bodie Thoene's writing and this book didn't disappoint. Interesting plot, likeable characters, spiritually uplifting, and an interesting historical perspective on the times of the late 1800's in Ireland. The next book in this series is on my want-to-read list.