What do you think?
Rate this book
The Galway Chronicles #3
Ashes of Remembrance
Newlywed Kate relies on her faith to sustain her when her husband is arrested on a false charge of treason while she and the other villagers of Ballyknockanor struggle to protect their way of life from British oppression.
150 pages, Audio Cassette
First published September 4, 1999
17 people are currently reading
548 people want to read
About the author
Bodie Thoene
203 books1,364 followersBODIE 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.
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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
October 31, 2020
Again, I am impressed with this series. There is more heartache in this book but there is also hope. Joseph Burke in on his way to Australia on a convict ship and Kate is left at home, expecting his child. She has her own troubles to overcome and tries to keep the home fires burning, not knowing if she will ever see Joseph again. I'm anxious to move on to the final book of the series.
August 12, 2022
4,25 stars - English Ebook
Review follows later.
Review follows later.
June 20, 2015
Love this series!
April 11, 2024
A tale of adventure at home and at sea. (5 stars)
Looking for adventure? In “Ashes of Remembrance”, Bodie and Brock Thoene’s story about the lives of Joseph Connor Burke and Kate Donovan take a turn towards adventure. The book starts out with joy, as the long awaited romance between Joseph and Kate culminates into a wedding. But shouts of joy soon turn into tears of sorrow. Immediately after the wedding, Joseph is arrested and charged with treason. Meanwhile, Colonel Mahon has his eye on Burke’s estate, and through his trickery Joseph is sentenced to transportation for life ... to Australia. And our favorite characters all return, including Mad Molly, whose prophetic babbling and busy-bodying again proves to be essential.
Unlike the earlier two novels of “The Galway Chronicles” series, “Ashes of Remembrance” is less political and less theological. But what it lacks in spiritual depth, it makes up for in adventure and excitement. At sea, Joseph faces hardship, cruelty, the elements, and shipwreck. It is somewhat of a pleasant change of pace from the first two novels, and it’s an adventure story well told. At home, Kate faces murderers and kidnappers who are willing to resort to any measures to get hold of Burke’s land. The brutal suffering perpetrated in the religious struggles of the Irish is not absent, but functions more of a backdrop for the evil personal ambitions of Mahon. But whether at home with Kate or at sea with Joseph, the adventure is non-stop.
The Thoenes are sensitive to the fact that real Christians do experience real suffering. They are not afraid to depict Christians being the victims of real tragedy and betrayal. In fact, this suffering is thematic in this novel. The title “Ashes of Remembrance” originates in the simple wisdom of the nurse Miss Susan, who explains to Kate how trials and sorrows play an important part in one’s life, and make you stronger. “Back home they set fire to the canefield before they cut the cane. Burn away the leaves and rubbish so’s they can press the cane to make sugar ... Life ain’t nuthin’ but a canefield. Sorrows burn away the trash. A person finds out what matters and what don’t. What’s left is the sweetness. Pressed out, boiled down, and purest crystal. One day, Miss Kate, you tastes the sugar and don’t remember the ashes no more.” (p.87-88) It’s profound wisdom.
By the end of the novel, we discover that all the sorrows are not yet over, and that we need to read book four to taste the sweetness. The sorrows of “Ashes of Remembrance” may eventually turn to sweetness for Kate and be forgotten, but for the rest of us, this is definitely a tale of adventure worth remembering.
Looking for adventure? In “Ashes of Remembrance”, Bodie and Brock Thoene’s story about the lives of Joseph Connor Burke and Kate Donovan take a turn towards adventure. The book starts out with joy, as the long awaited romance between Joseph and Kate culminates into a wedding. But shouts of joy soon turn into tears of sorrow. Immediately after the wedding, Joseph is arrested and charged with treason. Meanwhile, Colonel Mahon has his eye on Burke’s estate, and through his trickery Joseph is sentenced to transportation for life ... to Australia. And our favorite characters all return, including Mad Molly, whose prophetic babbling and busy-bodying again proves to be essential.
Unlike the earlier two novels of “The Galway Chronicles” series, “Ashes of Remembrance” is less political and less theological. But what it lacks in spiritual depth, it makes up for in adventure and excitement. At sea, Joseph faces hardship, cruelty, the elements, and shipwreck. It is somewhat of a pleasant change of pace from the first two novels, and it’s an adventure story well told. At home, Kate faces murderers and kidnappers who are willing to resort to any measures to get hold of Burke’s land. The brutal suffering perpetrated in the religious struggles of the Irish is not absent, but functions more of a backdrop for the evil personal ambitions of Mahon. But whether at home with Kate or at sea with Joseph, the adventure is non-stop.
The Thoenes are sensitive to the fact that real Christians do experience real suffering. They are not afraid to depict Christians being the victims of real tragedy and betrayal. In fact, this suffering is thematic in this novel. The title “Ashes of Remembrance” originates in the simple wisdom of the nurse Miss Susan, who explains to Kate how trials and sorrows play an important part in one’s life, and make you stronger. “Back home they set fire to the canefield before they cut the cane. Burn away the leaves and rubbish so’s they can press the cane to make sugar ... Life ain’t nuthin’ but a canefield. Sorrows burn away the trash. A person finds out what matters and what don’t. What’s left is the sweetness. Pressed out, boiled down, and purest crystal. One day, Miss Kate, you tastes the sugar and don’t remember the ashes no more.” (p.87-88) It’s profound wisdom.
By the end of the novel, we discover that all the sorrows are not yet over, and that we need to read book four to taste the sweetness. The sorrows of “Ashes of Remembrance” may eventually turn to sweetness for Kate and be forgotten, but for the rest of us, this is definitely a tale of adventure worth remembering.
May 15, 2020
Another great book from a great author duo!
It was supposed to be the best day of Kate's life; marrying the love of her life. However, Joseph is kidnapped aand not able to start his life with his new bride.
The reason this is a 3 star read for me is because of all the fighting. I'm not a violence fan at all, so i found myself kind of skimming parts of the book.
The first 2 books were better than this one, in my opinion.
It was supposed to be the best day of Kate's life; marrying the love of her life. However, Joseph is kidnapped aand not able to start his life with his new bride.
The reason this is a 3 star read for me is because of all the fighting. I'm not a violence fan at all, so i found myself kind of skimming parts of the book.
The first 2 books were better than this one, in my opinion.
November 20, 2025
3.5 stars. This book is the only one of the series that I own/have read, and it stood up well without having read the first two. Their writing is up to its usual standard, I just didn't realize much of the story would be shipboard adventure, which is not my favorite setting. It got kind of violent in a number of places as well.
July 21, 2022
Series just keeps getting better. Couldn't put this one down as it read like watching a fast-paced movie. The Irish history is fascinating, mingled in with world events and life in the 1800's, including the sea-faring life. As always, a well-written Thoene novel.
September 6, 2023
2.5 stars
The hardest one so far. Very depressing. Content warning for animal cruelty/harm. The Mad Molly bit has gotten predictable. The continued dire circumstances for Kate and Joseph were almost exaggerated to Bond-like incredulity this time.
The hardest one so far. Very depressing. Content warning for animal cruelty/harm. The Mad Molly bit has gotten predictable. The continued dire circumstances for Kate and Joseph were almost exaggerated to Bond-like incredulity this time.
March 24, 2017
Although it gets a little long-winded at times, this is truly a wonderful saga. It shares a lot of history of Ireland, all woven into a fiction story, and the language and scenery, etc. give a wonderful feeling for the beautiful island.
August 9, 2020
This story ended kinda quick, but I always love Thoene books!
August 19, 2021
There are some lovely phrases in the book. I wanted to get to the end yet didn't want it
to end. I'll look for the other books in this series.
to end. I'll look for the other books in this series.
August 18, 2023
Whew what a story!
Excellent now onto the next one. Absolutely love this story. I promise you will too. Worth every thrilling moment of time spent reading this!
Excellent now onto the next one. Absolutely love this story. I promise you will too. Worth every thrilling moment of time spent reading this!
December 5, 2023
Their saga continues, lots of action!
December 3, 2024
Each book gets better with this continuing story. I wonder if they are going to eventually end up in America like so many of the Irish people when their potato crops completely failed.
December 31, 2015
Oh, my, Joseph Connor Burke, is arrested for treason as is Daniel O'Connor, the master mind of Repeal. Colonel Mahon, the over-looker/owner of property surrounding the Burke castle, and the collector of rents, makes sure that Joseph is ill-treated at the prison. He hires an evil guard to persecute Joseph and even follow him on a ship to another land. While at home, his new bride finds herself pregnant and called on to wear many hats. Tenants are pushed out of neighboring towns after the potato famine with no where to go as she takes in stragglers and dirty children. Mahon continues to try to hurt Burke through his wife. She is already taking care of the child of her sister whom Joseph adopted as his own when he rescued Bridget from a scandalous name before her death. Joseph has no idea while he is gone what is happening as he is barely alive from beatings, poor food and infested rats. One attack after another is brewing around the estate until four strong men secured by Joseph's steward come to work for the estate and serve as protection. Eventually, Joseph is lost at sea with other prisoners and whether he will ever return is not known.
January 28, 2019
The durability and tenacity of these Irish folks is stunning. I truly believe that endeavoring to grow and thrive was something that people yearned for in their hearts. Work was hard and life offered few distractions. I believe this is why people flourished in spite of hardship. We, as Americans, could stand to work harder, play less and have a whole lot more camaraderie. This book lends to a lifestyle of perseverance and fortitude.
Again, Kate is the backbone of the Burke estate (with Joseph gone). But alas, God does not leave her unprotected or alone. Nesbitt and the Claddagh clan help to bring safety and welfare to Kate and her family. Such a beautiful partnership of helping one another out in life.
I just wish that they all had the sense to listen to Mad Molley. She's the beloved hero of the book. Can't wait to start in on the last of this wonderful 4 part series.
Again, Kate is the backbone of the Burke estate (with Joseph gone). But alas, God does not leave her unprotected or alone. Nesbitt and the Claddagh clan help to bring safety and welfare to Kate and her family. Such a beautiful partnership of helping one another out in life.
I just wish that they all had the sense to listen to Mad Molley. She's the beloved hero of the book. Can't wait to start in on the last of this wonderful 4 part series.
Read
April 9, 2016This was a good book and I would recommended it. This is The Galway Chronicles # 3 which is about. How Kate had to stand alone fighting with her tears and her anger. This was the very night she had a dreamed of for so long. She was hoping her loneliness was going to find her in the arm of her beloved husband Joseph. Instead he sleeps in a dank cell in Galway City being charged with treason a hanging offense in Ireland in 1843.
The evil Colonel Mahon has his own for Kate Donovan Burke and the Burke Estates. Once he's has got Joseph hung on the false treason charges he's going to had his way with Kate. Unless Joseph good friend Adam Kane can rescue him from the evil Colonel Mahon without getting caught.
Hopeful Adam was able to rescue Joseph and Kate will have the baby safely?
The evil Colonel Mahon has his own for Kate Donovan Burke and the Burke Estates. Once he's has got Joseph hung on the false treason charges he's going to had his way with Kate. Unless Joseph good friend Adam Kane can rescue him from the evil Colonel Mahon without getting caught.
Hopeful Adam was able to rescue Joseph and Kate will have the baby safely?
March 14, 2011
Book three of the Galway Chronicles set in 1800's Ireland during the famine and the English rule, finds Joseph and his new wife separated by a foul plot to send him to the Austrailan continent as a convict. Having only one night together, she soon realizes she is pregnant, as her close friends do everything to have Joseph declared innocent and then chase the boat which is taking him to Australia. Good story, and keeps you on the edge of your seat as Joseph fights to be freed and get back to his wife and son in ireland.
July 20, 2009
I've read dozens and dozens of books by Brock and Bodie Thoene and loved every single one! They are well-written, have wonderful characters, exciting action and are clean, positive and uplifting with faith-promoting experiences to enjoy. Each series of books, whether it's about the Civil War, World War II, the Middle East conflict, Ireland's historical fiction, or the wild west, captures your heart and you care about the characters. They are inspirational!
May 22, 2011
I really enjoyed this book. This is the first I've read by these authors, but it won't be the last.
This is the third in the series, so I felt a little lost right at the beginning of the story, but soon caught up. The language and descriptions are really good. And even though I felt the ending was left hanging, it was not bad.
This is the third in the series, so I felt a little lost right at the beginning of the story, but soon caught up. The language and descriptions are really good. And even though I felt the ending was left hanging, it was not bad.
June 25, 2015
This is the third book in an AMAZING series by Bodie Thoene which follows a family through the harsh conditions of the Irish in their homeland and, for those who survive, as they attempt to escape to a new life in America. If you are at all interested in the history of the Irish people, this historical fiction is right on the mark and speaks right to the heart.
January 22, 2010
I had a hard time starting this book. The beginning is so depressing and slow, but the pass picked up a quarter of the way in. I really enjoyed the ending. This book is just like the others in style and content. Really enjoyed it.
January 6, 2012
I've not yet met a Bodie Thoene book I didn't like! The style/language of the book feels very authentically Irish, and the historical aspects factual. Combined with a very engaging storyline and characters, it was just lovely.
July 30, 2016
I read this 10 plus years ago so I cant write a proper review but I remember I really liked this series and got panicky when someone else had the next book checked out at the library. I really need to reread this soon.
August 30, 2008
My least favorite of the first three in the series. Full of people trying to kill a main character, and I don't like murders in film, books or real life!!
May 2, 2009
Not as good as the first two. I hated the way it ended, after all the problems there was no real resolution (except for finding Tomeen).
September 4, 2010
I loved the entire Galway Chronicles series. Very good book about the Irish.
December 31, 2011
Nice book.
August 5, 2012
The Thoene's are finally making this series exciting--looking forward to reading the final book in the series. It always amazes me to learn that people can treat other people in such despicable ways.
September 8, 2013
Just so well done, so satisfying, so enlightening, so good. And I still have one more to go in this great series, The Galway Chronicles. ;-)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews