Irish Bones

by Rebecca Conaty Bruce

This book is about the history of Ireland as seen through the eyes of three generations of Strong Irish women and the Patriarch who loved and protected them as best he could. While fighting and rebellion was occurring in Ireland a family story was also unfolding. Patrick Conaty was young and in love with the beautiful lass next door. The families did not approve of the young love because the families were suspicious of each other's involvement in the fight to unite Ireland. The night of a cottage fire the young couples plans were dashed when her father suspected Patrick and his rowdy brothers were to blame. Patrick experienced and lived through the many changes in Ireland from simple country life to running for his life to the town of Limerick with a wee baby only to be in the middle of an influenza outbreak. In the end it was leaving his homeland of Ireland and bringing a child to grow up in rural America is what saved the family line from disappearing. Now they are truly free from the tragedy of famine, Illness, Rebellion and even murder, but Ireland will live forever in their Irish Bones.

Genres: Ireland

289 pages, Paperback

Published August 3, 2020

About the author

Writer/ Author of IRISH BONES SERIES Historical Fiction is my first love. A New Crime series launched 2021 Esther Valentine Chronicles: 6 Book series. Characters are fictional woven around historical places, times, cities and events. All her books are available in paperback and eBook at all book retailers.
After writing crime and historical fiction Rebecca wanted to write something that the grandchildren would enjoy so she created a young adult fiction/fantasy titled: Journey...the healer. It is rated for 11 years and up.
Rebecca loves to weave strong female heroin's into her books and she comes through every time.
Her current work in progress will be a lighthearted but also serious look at Angel moms who have lost a child. Expected to be launched in July 2022.

Reviews

[M. Sheehan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Irish Bones is a well-written tale that takes the reader on a journey through Irish history including rebellions deep family tragedy. The dialogue and different POVs keep the readers attention, while the bonds of family encourages the reader to join in a desire for revenge. A great read, highly enjoyable!

[Michael Hurd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rebecca Conaty Bruce narrates the story of "Irish Bones" in a conversational, colloquial first person POV. Not just for one character, but for all of them, in a manner that allows their individuality to come through. The relationships of the characters to each other were very complicated, yet Rebecca manages to keep them straight throughout the book.

The story was engaging enough that I was able to overlook some of the editing issues that were apparent in the "first edition" that I was reading. In fact, once I got into Rebecca's unique style, I was immersed in the social, religious and political issues that affected Ireland in the first half of the 20th Century.

[Rachel Ranney · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book was great! I mean amazing! I can't believe how easily it flowed. I loved the historical events. I read it in two days. I hope there's a part two because it left me wanting more Fiona Rose.

[Maxwell Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book

[Vera Skye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotionally gripping

Irish Bones kept me enticed, curious to learn more about what had happened, and was to happen, and all the difficulties to be hurdled over. I love how the author takes you into the mind of each character, letting you feel each one of their emotions. Great read from beginning to end!

[JOHN BRUCE · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first read of a historical fiction book and I loved it. The historical timeline was interesting but the fictional story was amazing. It follows a young girl who discovers she has "Irish bones" when her father lays dying. When she starts discovering her past and her ancestors she discovers all the family went through just to get her to this point in her life. You find yourself rooting for her and in the end she doesn't let you down. Very good book. It flows well. Had to keep reading till the end.

[Impact Line · Rating 5 out of 5]

Irish Bones is one of those rare novels that quietly pulls you in and refuses to let go. From the opening scene in rural Pennsylvania to the windswept landscapes of Ireland, I was completely immersed in Lovina’s emotional journey. The moment her dying father whispers, “You have Irish bones,” I knew I was in for something special and I wasn’t disappointed.

Lovina’s search for her roots unfolds with such authenticity and tenderness that it feels deeply personal. The interweaving of family journals, her granddad’s vivid storytelling, and the haunting history of three Irish generations creates a rich, layered narrative. The depictions of early 20th century Ireland the rebellion, the heartbreak, the influenza outbreak are both powerful and deeply human.

What touched me most was how the story connects past and present, showing how love, loss, and resilience are passed down through generations. Lovina’s transformation from uncertainty to pride in her heritage felt so real that I found myself reflecting on my own family’s past by the end.

Irish Bones isn’t just a story about finding where you come from it’s about understanding who you are and honoring those who came before you. It’s beautifully written, emotionally gripping, and filled with moments that linger long after you close the book.

I can’t wait to read Irish Bones II and see where Lovina’s journey leads next. A stunning debut to what promises to be an unforgettable series.

[Edward Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Irish Bones by Rebecca Conaty Bruce is a heartfelt, multigenerational tale that beautifully blends family secrets with sweeping Irish history. Through journals, memories, and her grandfather’s vivid storytelling, Lovina uncovers the struggles, tragedies, and resilience that shaped her bloodline. From rebellion and sacrifice to the devastation of the 1918 influenza outbreak, the narrative captures Ireland’s turbulent past while grounding it in deeply personal family stories. This first book in the series not only explores heritage and identity but also the weight of honor and legacy. A moving read for fans of historical fiction with a strong sense of place and generational storytelling.

[Kathryn Smith]

Loved reading about this historical ancestry!

An amazing story. Needed better editing. I loved the story and can't wait to read the next one. Rebecca, I look forward to messaging with you. I have a lot of questions, as I am wanting to write about my ancestors too.

[Darian Tucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite books! The characters are easy to connect with.