What do you think?
Rate this book
Brotherly Love
Can Caitriona and Michael's love survive when it is opposed by the warring families in their small Irish village?
Ireland, 1835. Faction fighting has left the parish of Doon divided between the followers of the Bradys and the Donnellans. Caitriona Brady is the widow of John, the Brady champion, killed two years ago. Matched with John aged eighteen, Caitriona didn’t love him and can’t mourn him. Now John’s mother is dead, too, and Caitriona is free to marry again.
Michael Warner is handsome, loves her, and he hasn’t allied himself with either faction. But what secret is he keeping from her? Is he too good to be true?
Ireland, 1835. Faction fighting has left the parish of Doon divided between the followers of the Bradys and the Donnellans. Caitriona Brady is the widow of John, the Brady champion, killed two years ago. Matched with John aged eighteen, Caitriona didn’t love him and can’t mourn him. Now John’s mother is dead, too, and Caitriona is free to marry again.
Michael Warner is handsome, loves her, and he hasn’t allied himself with either faction. But what secret is he keeping from her? Is he too good to be true?
174 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2017
45 people are currently reading
171 people want to read
About the author
Lorna Peel
21 books166 followersLorna Peel writes historical fiction and mystery romance novels set in Ireland and the UK. She is best known for The Fitzgeralds of Dublin Series, a gritty family saga set in 19th-century Ireland. Lorna worked as a professional genealogist and tour guide for many years but now writes full time. She is passionate about history and enjoys researching her family tree and disappearing down research rabbit holes.
Visit https://lornapeel.eo.page to sign up for Lorna's newsletter and get a FREE and exclusive Fitzgeralds of Dublin Series prequel novelette, and be the first to hear Lorna's news and updates.
Amazon
BookBub
Facebook
Pinterest
Mastodon
Visit https://lornapeel.eo.page to sign up for Lorna's newsletter and get a FREE and exclusive Fitzgeralds of Dublin Series prequel novelette, and be the first to hear Lorna's news and updates.
Amazon
BookBub
Mastodon
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
June 5, 2018
didn't quite make it for me 2.5* rounded up because at least I learnt something.
I had never heard of faction fighting so this was interesting. And I quite liked Catriona. She is pragmatic but also not willing to be put upon just because other people's lives would be easier if she went away. Michael was not too bad either. The secret was easy enough to figure out. But the ting that knocked this down for me was the writing style. Dull.
I had never heard of faction fighting so this was interesting. And I quite liked Catriona. She is pragmatic but also not willing to be put upon just because other people's lives would be easier if she went away. Michael was not too bad either. The secret was easy enough to figure out. But the ting that knocked this down for me was the writing style. Dull.
April 4, 2017
I've enjoyed Lorna Peel's books in the past, and Brotherly Love is no exception. It takes an interesting true topic - which I've never read about before - and weaves it skilfully into a fictional romance story. I found it a very easy and intriguing read, which kept me guessing and turning the pages. Definitely a book I'd recommend to historical romance fans.
March 10, 2017
Love Among Warring Families in a Small Irish Village
Set in Ireland in 1835, this is the story of Caitriona Brady, a widow of two years, who carries a torch for Michael Warner, brother of the local priest. Michael also wants her and soon, they acknowledge their love. However, not all in the village agree.
Caitriona’s husband was the best fighter among the Bradys who battle the Donnellans at regular intervals, typically after a religious event. Caitriona and Michael have declared their neutrality but no one seems to be listening.
The well-written story brings to light Ireland’s past when “Faction Fighting” occurred and “Ribbonmen” held sway. (I look up the term “Ribbonmen”--they were Irish Catholics who worked to prevent landlords from evicting their tenants; the name came from the green ribbon they wore as a badge--but the author has since added a Note explaining both Ribbonmen and Faction Fighting.)
As if the villagers’ poverty was not enough of a challenge, they took out their hatred on each other, making their lives even more miserable, Caitriona and Michael’s among them. Even Michael's brother, the priest, opposes their love.
I admired Caitriona, first for her patience in enduring a loveless marriage and an unworthy mother in law, and then in trying to hold onto love when everyone seemed bent on tearing her and Michael apart. Michael is a noble hero but his failure to disclose his troubled past did not help.
If you want a slice of Ireland’s troubled past, this fast-paced tale is a good read. I recommend it.
Set in Ireland in 1835, this is the story of Caitriona Brady, a widow of two years, who carries a torch for Michael Warner, brother of the local priest. Michael also wants her and soon, they acknowledge their love. However, not all in the village agree.
Caitriona’s husband was the best fighter among the Bradys who battle the Donnellans at regular intervals, typically after a religious event. Caitriona and Michael have declared their neutrality but no one seems to be listening.
The well-written story brings to light Ireland’s past when “Faction Fighting” occurred and “Ribbonmen” held sway. (I look up the term “Ribbonmen”--they were Irish Catholics who worked to prevent landlords from evicting their tenants; the name came from the green ribbon they wore as a badge--but the author has since added a Note explaining both Ribbonmen and Faction Fighting.)
As if the villagers’ poverty was not enough of a challenge, they took out their hatred on each other, making their lives even more miserable, Caitriona and Michael’s among them. Even Michael's brother, the priest, opposes their love.
I admired Caitriona, first for her patience in enduring a loveless marriage and an unworthy mother in law, and then in trying to hold onto love when everyone seemed bent on tearing her and Michael apart. Michael is a noble hero but his failure to disclose his troubled past did not help.
If you want a slice of Ireland’s troubled past, this fast-paced tale is a good read. I recommend it.
January 24, 2018
This book has received a Discovering Diamonds Review:
Helen Hollick
founder #DDRevs
"Great characters, solid writing credits and a very enjoyable book".
Helen Hollick
founder #DDRevs
"Great characters, solid writing credits and a very enjoyable book".
December 11, 2020
I purchased this book because of the amazing reviews on Amazon and oh boy, they were all right. This book is fantastic, the story is so beautiful and full of emotions, I couldn't put this down until I ended. The characters are so real and so well written that you can easily find yourself or a friend reflected on them, you start to love and care for them. Amazing book!!! can´t wait to read more from Lorna Peel.
This author is truly comfortable in his writing style. It is clean, lean, just what is needed to help the reader look forward to his future stories. If there is a series to follow, his books will be gobbled up. I couldn't stop till the end!
I love historical novels. It was good to feel a part of Ireland at that time in history. I admired Caitriona, first for her patience in enduring a loveless marriage and an unworthy mother in law, and then in trying to hold onto love when everyone seemed bent on tearing her and Michael apart. Michael is a noble hero but his failure to disclose his troubled past did not help.
If you want a slice of Ireland’s troubled past, this fast-paced tale is a good read. I highly recommend it.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This author is truly comfortable in his writing style. It is clean, lean, just what is needed to help the reader look forward to his future stories. If there is a series to follow, his books will be gobbled up. I couldn't stop till the end!
I love historical novels. It was good to feel a part of Ireland at that time in history. I admired Caitriona, first for her patience in enduring a loveless marriage and an unworthy mother in law, and then in trying to hold onto love when everyone seemed bent on tearing her and Michael apart. Michael is a noble hero but his failure to disclose his troubled past did not help.
If you want a slice of Ireland’s troubled past, this fast-paced tale is a good read. I highly recommend it.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
November 14, 2023
Great Read.
Ireland in 1835 was a violent place.
The story starts with the loss of a mother- inlaws death, her son had been killed two years before, leaving the wife a free woman at no loss of love to her, it was never a marriage to her.
When true love comes along , it becomes hard work keeping them together, because of unbearable cruelty by others. Then can he be too good , his brother is secretly hoping it doesn't last, unbeknown to her, once she finds out his background,it's something she can't help but hate, but why this brotherly love from his brother, what has caused it. ?
The characters are well developed and, the storyline is well thought out- given a bit more depth into the storyline, i would gladly have given it 5 star's.
Still a highly recommend read.
Ireland in 1835 was a violent place.
The story starts with the loss of a mother- inlaws death, her son had been killed two years before, leaving the wife a free woman at no loss of love to her, it was never a marriage to her.
When true love comes along , it becomes hard work keeping them together, because of unbearable cruelty by others. Then can he be too good , his brother is secretly hoping it doesn't last, unbeknown to her, once she finds out his background,it's something she can't help but hate, but why this brotherly love from his brother, what has caused it. ?
The characters are well developed and, the storyline is well thought out- given a bit more depth into the storyline, i would gladly have given it 5 star's.
Still a highly recommend read.
January 10, 2017
4.5 Stars ( which does not show so am making it 5)
I really enjoyed this book about rural Ireland and Lorna Peel's historical facts were excellent. I am not a romance reader although have made exceptions for historical romances, and am glad I did for this one.
I said this while reading:"an amazing read! I am of Irish descent and know about this period but not faction fighting etc. " and the book blog indicated:"Ireland, 1835. Faction fighting has left the parish of Doon divided between the followers of the Bradys and the Donnellans. Caitriona Brady is the widow of John, the Brady champion, killed two years ago. Matched with John aged eighteen, Caitriona didn’t love him and can’t mourn him. Now John’s mother is dead, too, and Caitriona is free to marry again.
Michael Warner is handsome, loves her, and he hasn’t allied himself with either faction. But what secret is he keeping from her? Is he too good to be true?"
Some of my ancestors in Tipperary were said to have been part of the 18th century "Whiteboys", a retaliatory movement by the rural poor against an oppressive class structure. However my own immigrant ancestor from that area was in the British Army and in a local Barracks charged with keeping the peace. The "Ribbonmen" in Peel's tale is the 19th century version and the Constabulary who invaded were maybe similar to some of the local barracks charged with "peacekeeping".
I was thrilled to read this book and will hope there will be a sequel. The characters could use a bit more development, same for dialogue, but it was well done overall.
I really enjoyed this book about rural Ireland and Lorna Peel's historical facts were excellent. I am not a romance reader although have made exceptions for historical romances, and am glad I did for this one.
I said this while reading:"an amazing read! I am of Irish descent and know about this period but not faction fighting etc. " and the book blog indicated:"Ireland, 1835. Faction fighting has left the parish of Doon divided between the followers of the Bradys and the Donnellans. Caitriona Brady is the widow of John, the Brady champion, killed two years ago. Matched with John aged eighteen, Caitriona didn’t love him and can’t mourn him. Now John’s mother is dead, too, and Caitriona is free to marry again.
Michael Warner is handsome, loves her, and he hasn’t allied himself with either faction. But what secret is he keeping from her? Is he too good to be true?"
Some of my ancestors in Tipperary were said to have been part of the 18th century "Whiteboys", a retaliatory movement by the rural poor against an oppressive class structure. However my own immigrant ancestor from that area was in the British Army and in a local Barracks charged with keeping the peace. The "Ribbonmen" in Peel's tale is the 19th century version and the Constabulary who invaded were maybe similar to some of the local barracks charged with "peacekeeping".
I was thrilled to read this book and will hope there will be a sequel. The characters could use a bit more development, same for dialogue, but it was well done overall.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews