What do you think?
Rate this book
The Irish Sisters Trilogy #2
An Irish Blessing
A Montana Sky Series NOVELLA by Debra Holland, NY Times and USA Today bestselling author
Healer Alana O’Donnell travels to her uncle’s home on the prairie outside of Sweetwater Springs to nurse her ailing aunt, leaving her twin Bridget behind at the Thompson ranch.
After Bridget rejected his marriage proposal, horse rancher Patrick O’Brian visits Alana, thinking one twin would probably be as good as the other. But Alana’s already in love with another man. After a second rejection, Patrick retreats.
An attack by outlaws leads to a second chance at love. But only if they can overcome the hurts of the past and open their hearts again.
This book comes after A Valentine's Choice, Bridget O'Donnell's story.
MONTANA SKY SERIES IN CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER:
Sweet historical Western Romance
1882
Beneath Montana’s Sky
1886
Mail-Order Brides of the West: Trudy
Mail-Order Brides of the West: Lina
Mail-Order Brides of the West: Darcy
Mail-Order Brides of the West: Prudence
Mail-Order Brides of the West: Bertha
1890s
Grace: Bride of Montana
Wild Montana Sky
Starry Montana Sky
Stormy Montana Sky
Montana Sky Christmas
A Valentine’s Choice
Irish Blessing
Painted Montana Sky
Glorious Montana Sky
A Rolling Stone (
Healing Montana Sky
Sweetwater Springs Scrooge
Sweetwater Springs Christmas
Mystic Montana Sky
2015
Angel in Paradise
Healer Alana O’Donnell travels to her uncle’s home on the prairie outside of Sweetwater Springs to nurse her ailing aunt, leaving her twin Bridget behind at the Thompson ranch.
After Bridget rejected his marriage proposal, horse rancher Patrick O’Brian visits Alana, thinking one twin would probably be as good as the other. But Alana’s already in love with another man. After a second rejection, Patrick retreats.
An attack by outlaws leads to a second chance at love. But only if they can overcome the hurts of the past and open their hearts again.
This book comes after A Valentine's Choice, Bridget O'Donnell's story.
MONTANA SKY SERIES IN CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER:
Sweet historical Western Romance
1882
Beneath Montana’s Sky
1886
Mail-Order Brides of the West: Trudy
Mail-Order Brides of the West: Lina
Mail-Order Brides of the West: Darcy
Mail-Order Brides of the West: Prudence
Mail-Order Brides of the West: Bertha
1890s
Grace: Bride of Montana
Wild Montana Sky
Starry Montana Sky
Stormy Montana Sky
Montana Sky Christmas
A Valentine’s Choice
Irish Blessing
Painted Montana Sky
Glorious Montana Sky
A Rolling Stone (
Healing Montana Sky
Sweetwater Springs Scrooge
Sweetwater Springs Christmas
Mystic Montana Sky
2015
Angel in Paradise
128 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2016
549 people are currently reading
104 people want to read
About the author
Debra Holland
65 books319 followersUSA Today Bestselling author Debra Holland is a three-time Romance Writers of America Golden Heart finalist and one time winner. She’s the author of the award winning Montana Sky Series, sweet, historical Western romance. Book Two, Starry Montana Sky, was selected by Amazon as one of 50 Greatest Love Stories. Debra is also the author of The Gods’ Dream Trilogy, fantasy romance. Painted Montana Sky Christmas is her latest book.
Debra has written a nonfiction book, The Essential Guide to Grief and Grieving from Alpha Books (a subsidiary of Penguin). She has a free ebooklet available on her website, http://drdebraholland.com: 58 Tips for Getting What You Want From a Difficult Conversation.
Debra has written a nonfiction book, The Essential Guide to Grief and Grieving from Alpha Books (a subsidiary of Penguin). She has a free ebooklet available on her website, http://drdebraholland.com: 58 Tips for Getting What You Want From a Difficult Conversation.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
April 11, 2019
Alana reluctantly left Ireland with her twin sister Bridget after her parents died, but she left her heart behind. The twins had planned on staying with their uncle's family, but when they learn their aunt is sick, Alana, the healer, is sent to help her aunt, while Bridget stays with her cousin on a neighboring ranch. Before leaving, Alana meets Patrick, a confident, wealthy horse rancher, who looks to be making a play for her sister. As she nurses her aunt back to health, Alana tries to accept her new life in Montana, but she still pines for her Irish sweetheart. When Patrick shows up at her uncle's place, claiming just to want to share the news of her cousin's health and her sister's upcoming wedding, Alana is a little suspicious. Since Bridget rejected him, does he think she'll do just as well as a wife? Spending a little more time with him, Alana has to admit he's not such a bad guy, but that doesn't mean she's ready to forget her heartache or her fear of horses.
I enjoyed this sweet romance that had both the hero and heroine putting aside their past prejudices and getting to know each other better. The details about Alana's healing methods and knowledge and the workings of a frontier household were also very interesting. I'm also intrigued by the female sheriff in the story, so I hope there's more about her in another book in the series.
I listened to the audiobook version. It moved along quickly and only took about three hours to finish. The female narrator did a fine job, but her Irish accent varied quite a bit throughout the story.
I enjoyed this sweet romance that had both the hero and heroine putting aside their past prejudices and getting to know each other better. The details about Alana's healing methods and knowledge and the workings of a frontier household were also very interesting. I'm also intrigued by the female sheriff in the story, so I hope there's more about her in another book in the series.
I listened to the audiobook version. It moved along quickly and only took about three hours to finish. The female narrator did a fine job, but her Irish accent varied quite a bit throughout the story.
March 20, 2020
THE IRISH SISTERS TRILOGY of Novellas: A VALENTINE’S CHOICE, AN IRISH BLESSING, and A ROLLING STONE
This is a well-written set of novellas that, together, make up a sweet story of three sisters from Ireland and their new home in Montana at the end of the 19th century. Because they are short, the love between the hero and heroine comes pretty quickly. I would love to read a full-length novel by this author. I think you will enjoy these short reads!
Book #2 – An Irish Blessing
Bridget’s twin sister, Alana, a healer, leaves her sister for her uncle’s home on the prairie outside of Sweetwater Springs where she is needed to nurse her ailing aunt. After Bridget rejected Patrick Gallagher’s marriage proposal, he visits Alana, thinking one twin would probably be as good as the other. But Alana rejects his suit and Patrick retreats, realizing he really likes Alana. An attack by outlaws on his way to town gives them a second chance at love.
This is a well-written set of novellas that, together, make up a sweet story of three sisters from Ireland and their new home in Montana at the end of the 19th century. Because they are short, the love between the hero and heroine comes pretty quickly. I would love to read a full-length novel by this author. I think you will enjoy these short reads!
Book #2 – An Irish Blessing
Bridget’s twin sister, Alana, a healer, leaves her sister for her uncle’s home on the prairie outside of Sweetwater Springs where she is needed to nurse her ailing aunt. After Bridget rejected Patrick Gallagher’s marriage proposal, he visits Alana, thinking one twin would probably be as good as the other. But Alana rejects his suit and Patrick retreats, realizing he really likes Alana. An attack by outlaws on his way to town gives them a second chance at love.
March 5, 2018
Longer novella
This story is a bit longer than I expected, and features characters with more insight who grow and change and come into their own as the story unfolds. As usual, Debra Holland's prose is beautiful as she describes the landscapes and skies of Montana in the late 1800's. I enjoy using my Kindle highlighting and note-writing features to focus on social history and philosophies of the era.. In this story as in other stories in this series, the leading man is 100 years ahead of his time holding feminist (beyond suffragette) philosophies. The rugged man's man Patrick in this story shines in this area! I also did a lot of searches while reading this book on Gaelic words and phrases, used very appropriately in this story. (I don't just read these books, I experience them!)
This story is a bit longer than I expected, and features characters with more insight who grow and change and come into their own as the story unfolds. As usual, Debra Holland's prose is beautiful as she describes the landscapes and skies of Montana in the late 1800's. I enjoy using my Kindle highlighting and note-writing features to focus on social history and philosophies of the era.. In this story as in other stories in this series, the leading man is 100 years ahead of his time holding feminist (beyond suffragette) philosophies. The rugged man's man Patrick in this story shines in this area! I also did a lot of searches while reading this book on Gaelic words and phrases, used very appropriately in this story. (I don't just read these books, I experience them!)
July 2, 2017
.......And that it was "an Irish blessing"
It is no secret ,I'm a fan of Debra Hollands style of writing as well as the western history setting. I do admit to being loving reading of all sorts. When I've come to a point of in need of a respit from the reality of drama or thrilling suspense I turn to Debra. She never fails to come along with a tale of sweet love... This book rewards us with a perfect written story. Alana ,with the other O'Donalds, mold a Patrick I'm not thrilled about into the perfect mate! Bingo alls well at last..... Nice and easy read....thank you ms.holland.....
It is no secret ,I'm a fan of Debra Hollands style of writing as well as the western history setting. I do admit to being loving reading of all sorts. When I've come to a point of in need of a respit from the reality of drama or thrilling suspense I turn to Debra. She never fails to come along with a tale of sweet love... This book rewards us with a perfect written story. Alana ,with the other O'Donalds, mold a Patrick I'm not thrilled about into the perfect mate! Bingo alls well at last..... Nice and easy read....thank you ms.holland.....
April 21, 2018
Great Little Novella!
This is Alana and Patrick Gallagher 's story. Like her twin, Bridget's story, this is also short. But the author packs it full of details. The author also does an excellent job of writing the Irish accents, I can hear them clearly as I read. I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to the third.
This is Alana and Patrick Gallagher 's story. Like her twin, Bridget's story, this is also short. But the author packs it full of details. The author also does an excellent job of writing the Irish accents, I can hear them clearly as I read. I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to the third.
June 25, 2019
I loved this book! I loved the characters, watching them change, watching their hearts change to be the person they need to be for the other. This was such a sweet book, I look forward to reading the final book and seeing the sisters all together!
May 17, 2022
A great story!
I didn't like Patrick in the last story, he reminded me of a someone I left behind. But after getting hurt he learned to go slow and think about others instead of just himself. Loved this story!
I didn't like Patrick in the last story, he reminded me of a someone I left behind. But after getting hurt he learned to go slow and think about others instead of just himself. Loved this story!
July 9, 2017
I really like Debra's style of writing. This is an endearing story. What a change in Patrick. a good one to read.
December 9, 2019
This is a very sweet story about a talented Irish lass with a broken heart. There’s just enough danger and drama to add spice to this sweet love story set at a remote Montana homestead.
April 19, 2022
Sweet Historical Romance
Her goodbye poem to Timkin, is one of my favorite songs I remember from High School! The Irish have such a beautiful way with words! I loved the encouragement of her Aunt and Uncle, without their pushiness! I hope they decide to move to Sweetwater Springs!
Her goodbye poem to Timkin, is one of my favorite songs I remember from High School! The Irish have such a beautiful way with words! I loved the encouragement of her Aunt and Uncle, without their pushiness! I hope they decide to move to Sweetwater Springs!
February 22, 2017
Happy endings
I read this in a few days. I always am waiting as the characters find love and come together. The story does not disappoint.
I read this in a few days. I always am waiting as the characters find love and come together. The story does not disappoint.
November 6, 2016
Another fantastic Irish romance in Sweetwater Springs. I loved this story.
Debra Holland's stories are ones you wished you lived. She creates great and fascinating characters, scenery you long to live in and a town you would enjoy to fully live in embracing the town and all occupants. She writes with a passion about her stories and has become a beloved author.
This story was extended a bit longer than its predecessor because her heroine and hero had so many things to sort through and a lot more to say than she originally thought. My kind of story.
This story pulls you in from the beginning and doesn't let go until you finish it. Romance in an era where you might have wished you grew up in and took part in. A sweet yet complex story, where two totally different individuals might eventually find their way to each other. Circumstances that even throw them together and strength of finding a way to overcome obstacles they never thought they could.
I simply had to read from the first page until the last and couldn't put it down until it was the end.
This is another must read for lovers of historical western romance but after the book that comes before this one, A Valentines Choice. I would also recommend Debra Holland's Montana Sky series to find out about the town and the people who reside there and on farms and ranches further from town. The background from the Montana Sky series will help with other characters mentioned in this one. You won't regret reading the Montana Sky series and Mail Order Brides of the West series which are all integrated in Sweetwater Springs.
Debra Holland's stories are ones you wished you lived. She creates great and fascinating characters, scenery you long to live in and a town you would enjoy to fully live in embracing the town and all occupants. She writes with a passion about her stories and has become a beloved author.
This story was extended a bit longer than its predecessor because her heroine and hero had so many things to sort through and a lot more to say than she originally thought. My kind of story.
This story pulls you in from the beginning and doesn't let go until you finish it. Romance in an era where you might have wished you grew up in and took part in. A sweet yet complex story, where two totally different individuals might eventually find their way to each other. Circumstances that even throw them together and strength of finding a way to overcome obstacles they never thought they could.
I simply had to read from the first page until the last and couldn't put it down until it was the end.
This is another must read for lovers of historical western romance but after the book that comes before this one, A Valentines Choice. I would also recommend Debra Holland's Montana Sky series to find out about the town and the people who reside there and on farms and ranches further from town. The background from the Montana Sky series will help with other characters mentioned in this one. You won't regret reading the Montana Sky series and Mail Order Brides of the West series which are all integrated in Sweetwater Springs.
November 5, 2016
After leaving her twin sister, Bridget, behind at the Thompson’s ranch, Alana O’Donnell is feeling a bit lonely and a lot sad over not only leaving her sister but leaving her beloved Ireland and the love of her heart. She finds herself at her Uncle Rory and Aunt Henrietta’s home in order to help take care of her aunt who is ill.
Patrick Gallagher is feeling a bit low himself after proposing to Bridget only to have her turn him down. Now he decides to go after her twin to see if he can get himself a wife. After Alana turns his idea of courting her down, he leaves to go back home very dejected, so much so he doesn’t see trouble coming his way. This could be the bad that turns out to be the good he needs in his life.
Another great visit to Sweetwater Springs and the wonderful characters this author has dreamed up. It’s like going home for a visit. I love this series and all that comes with it. Alana had to let go of the past to find her future. Patrick realized that material possessions don’t always mean being rich. Debra Holland can’t write a bad story and this one is a great addition to this series!
Patrick Gallagher is feeling a bit low himself after proposing to Bridget only to have her turn him down. Now he decides to go after her twin to see if he can get himself a wife. After Alana turns his idea of courting her down, he leaves to go back home very dejected, so much so he doesn’t see trouble coming his way. This could be the bad that turns out to be the good he needs in his life.
Another great visit to Sweetwater Springs and the wonderful characters this author has dreamed up. It’s like going home for a visit. I love this series and all that comes with it. Alana had to let go of the past to find her future. Patrick realized that material possessions don’t always mean being rich. Debra Holland can’t write a bad story and this one is a great addition to this series!
November 19, 2016
An Irish Blessing by Debra Holland
What started out as practical in Patrick's eyes, one twin being as good as another to marry, soon turns into protectiveness, admiration and then love.
This love story has a lot of depth. Both Patrick and Alana have been rejected in the past. They have to learn how to get past the rejection and live up to their current relationships.
What's especially fun is well-off Patrick doing household work like laundry and washing windows and acknowledging that perhaps women should be able to vote and perhaps even running the government.
A touching and thoughtful historical romance.
Plus indoor plumbing is a huge selling point to Alana. I have to agree.
And weirdly, this is the first time I want to look ahead fifty years or a couple of generations to find out what historical impact this couple had on changing patterns in society.
What started out as practical in Patrick's eyes, one twin being as good as another to marry, soon turns into protectiveness, admiration and then love.
This love story has a lot of depth. Both Patrick and Alana have been rejected in the past. They have to learn how to get past the rejection and live up to their current relationships.
What's especially fun is well-off Patrick doing household work like laundry and washing windows and acknowledging that perhaps women should be able to vote and perhaps even running the government.
A touching and thoughtful historical romance.
Plus indoor plumbing is a huge selling point to Alana. I have to agree.
And weirdly, this is the first time I want to look ahead fifty years or a couple of generations to find out what historical impact this couple had on changing patterns in society.
February 11, 2017
Montana sky series
What a lovely story of how after being rejected that two people can still find love. Another winner for Debra well done
What a lovely story of how after being rejected that two people can still find love. Another winner for Debra well done
December 17, 2016
Too short
It was very good but the ending could have lasted a little longer I would have enjoyed about them being together
It was very good but the ending could have lasted a little longer I would have enjoyed about them being together
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews