Signed, A Paddy

Paddy #1

by Lisa Boyle

The gruesome truth hung in the air, and none of us wanted to go near it. Not yet.

Ireland, 1848. Fourteen-year-old Rosaleen watches her mother die. Her country is reeling from the great potato famine, which will ultimately kill more than one million people. Driven by a promise and her will to survive, Rosaleen flees her small coastal town.

She eventually arrives in America at the birth of the industrial revolution and is filled with hope and a new sense of independence. Yet the more Rosaleen becomes a part of this new world, the more she longs for a community she lost and a young man she can’t forget.

Through a series of both heartwarming and tragic events, Rosaleen learns that she can’t outrun the problems that come along with being Irish. And maybe, she doesn’t want to.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Ireland, Ebooks

409 pages, Paperback

First published June 21, 2021

About the author

Lisa Boyle is the award-winning author of three historical fiction novels. Her debut, Signed, A Paddy, won the 2022 Eric Hoffer Historical Fiction Award and the 2022 Eric Hoffer First Horizon Award. Lisa is originally from Finksburg, MD, but now lives in South Carolina with her husband, her daughter, and their goofy looking dog named Lloyd. In the Silence of Decay is Lisa’s first crime fiction novel.

Reviews

[Anjali · Rating 5 out of 5]

My perception of the Irish immigrants in the United States was very biased; it came from the pages of Gone With The Wind. So nothing prepared me for the harsh reality of the Potato Famine; or the roughness of the crossing from Ireland to the US. Even more harrowing was to understand the trials an Irish immigrant faced upon landing there.

The book opened my eyes to the abolitionist movement, and the plight of the Irish immigrants in the late 1840s. It has been a lesson in history.

In Rosaleen, the author has created a character even more tough than Scarlett O'Hara. I am in awe of Rosaleen and her resilience... and the thousands of Bridgets and Paddys, (I hope you know I say this with the same pride Rosaleen feels) who persevered, and made their homes in a land so biased.

This is a book for all readers who like Historical Fiction, and a strong woman protagonist.

[Tiffany Ellison Masimore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this book quickly because I couldn’t put it down and when I did, I was pulled back to it. The author did a great job at detailing the experience of a young girl arriving in America after fleeing the tragedies of Ireland during the potato famine. Woven into the historical references and context was a coming to age story that made me care for Roseleen and always wanting to see what she would work to overcome next. The ending kept with that theme and left me with anticipatory excitement for what is to come.

A good read for anyone interested in learning more about this historical time in history or for anyone looking for a true story of empowerment and perseverance!

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This debut historical fiction novel was fantastic! I finished it in record time, because I truly couldn't put it down. The characters really stood out, and I found myself aching for Rosaleen, Marie, Emmett, and Julia. I hadn't read much about this time in history, or the life of an Irish immigrant, and it was truly fascinating. I can't wait to see what Boyle writes next! Highly recommend to fans of historical fiction.

[Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Signed, A Paddy is a coming of age story about Rosaleen, who at just 14 years old loses everything to the great potato famine and makes the brave decision to move to America to start a new life. The author makes you feel as if you are right there with Rosaleen- in the despair of Ireland, the harsh Atlantic crossing, the chaos of arriving in a new city (where not everyone is welcomed), to the heart of the Industrial Revolution. This book is so well researched! I have not read many books set during this period so really appreciated learning more about what life was like for the Irish as they made their way to America.

While we meet Rosaleen at only 14, she is so wise beyond her years- because of her hardships, she is forced to grow up quickly. I was so impressed with her courage and determination. She sets her goals and puts her whole heart into it, no matter how difficult it may be. I adored the relationships she made throughout the book- from her sweet young romance with fellow immigrant Emmett, to her friendships with Marie, who inspires her to become involved in the abolitionist movement, and Julia, a fellow cotton mill worker.

This book has moments of both heartbreak and joy - beautifully written by the author. I flew through this book and am so excited for the upcoming sequel!

(I received a gifted advanced readers copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.)

[Mardi · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a remarkable read. I loved every word. Lisa Boyle writes engaging prose. Her characters are ‘real’. I could hear the slight in Irish accents and see the living and working conditions and the robust comradery of the Irish through a devastating time in their history. Rosaleen, Emmett, Marie, Miss Susan, Henry, Nancy and Ronan all took me to a place of love, courage, tragedy and empowerment. I highly recommend this book. The 2nd book ‘Dear Inmate’ is out March 2022.

[Ethel · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is 1848 and Ireland is facing the worst tragedy it's ever known...the Great Potato famine. The British are taking everything the Irish are growing, leaving them with nothing...just potatoes...and they are rotting in the ground. Fourteen year old Rosaleen has watched as her mother dies, her father long dead. She is the only one left in her family. After burying her mother, there is nothing to do but leave her small home and somehow travel to Cork. With no family there either, and not wanting to burden the priest who offers her shelter, she seeks the workhouse, the last hope of many. Through an edict of Queen Victoria she is among the young that are offered an escape, on a ship bound to Australia. However, through some luck from a stranger she once served on a soup line, she has found her way to a ship heading for America instead. While many passengers have died on that voyage, Rosaleen and a young man she met, Emmett, both make it to the shores of America in Boston.

Through the writing of this author we follow the journey of Rosaleen, but she is only one of thousands who left Ireland to come to America. She represents the tragedy that represents what the Irish went through in the 1800's. It was overwhelmingly sad to see families torn apart by death, to bear witness to what the survivors went through and even with the hope of those who left, to read how these immigrants struggled when arriving.

When I started this book I wasn't sure after reading about 8 chapters, I could read any longer. I persevered as once I start a book, I finish it. I'm glad I did. Through the journey of this young girl and her survival, the story opened up for me. There will be more to read in this series and I know I'll be waiting for them.

My thanks to Victory Editing Net Galley Co-op for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

So pleased to have discovered this book and author! The first in the series Signed, A Paddy is a marvelously written book about the cruel effects of the Irish famine in the nineteenth century and those who were affected. Most of the information I have gleaned from this era is Nonfiction so was excited to see this Historical Fiction which is loosely based on facts with lovely descriptions. The author researched a lot for her book and it shows.

Set in Ireland in 1848 and then America, despairing Rosaleen is reeling after burying her mother. Her da had died earlier so she was now an orphan at the age of 14. She literally had no food or furniture left. The only people around were exhausted, skin and bones. The nauseating stench of death permeated everything. Rosaleen's only chance of surviving was to leave. She eventually made it to America (I like the story of the journey to get there) and settled in Baltimore where she made good friends and got a job. She becomes involved in the abolitionist cause. This story describes her life over the next year as she experiences loss and love and the power of friendship and honour.

I cared deeply about the characters. Historical facts really make this wonderful book shine. The writing is gorgeous and engaging, highly addictive! Historical Fiction, Women's Fiction and Fiction readers ought to read this. I am so, so glad I did. Really looking forward to the second in the series.

My sincere thank you to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this poignant and remarkable book. I enjoyed it immensely!

[Jayanti Pandey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Victoria Editing Net Galley Co-op for an electronic advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I am a fan of Historical Fiction and the book description had drawn me to reading this story. The setting in Ireland with the backdrop of the potato famine, and frequent hardships, is brought alive by the poignant prose of author Lisa Boyle. She fleshes out an immensely likeable protagonist in Rosaleen. After her mother’s death, Rosaleen knows her future is not in her small village, and travels on her own to seek help from relatives she’s only heard about. This leads to an adventure through the workhouse, two ship journeys, a difficult crossing of sea, and eventually to America. On the first ship she meets Emmett with whom Rosaleen strikes a beautiful relationship culminating in love.

The book dwells in detail on how the Irish are treated, of the hard work immigrants need to do to survive and the labor and abolitionist movements gaining momentum. Rosaleen develops some good friends at her workplace, and becomes involved in the movement.

The end is stunning and inspite of the atmosphere of despair leaves you hopeful and positive. The book ends on a fascinating note. A courageous, brave young girl shows us the way forward.

I wish the book much success and look forward to reading more from Lisa Boyle’s pen.

[Megan O’Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m writing this review as an honest review in exchange for a free advanced copy of the book.

Once I started this book, I couldn’t put it down. I found this to be an engaging and enjoyable YA historical fiction novel- even for a person who is not typically interested in this genre of book. The characters are all well developed, have depth, and are extremely lovable. The author does an amazing job of making you feel like you are a part of the story with her detailed descriptions of places and events in the main Character’s journey from Ireland to America. I found myself wanting to read just one more chapter every time I went to put it down because I so wanted to know what was next in main character’s adventure.

My favorite part of this novel was how the author addressed challenging social topics (both of the time and currently) in an approachable and thought provoking way. Seeing and thinking about these issues through the eyes of Rosaleen presented them in an unassuming way that helped set aside any biases the reader may have.

I would highly recommend this book to historical fiction fans and anyone else interested in a quick and enjoyable read.

[Molly Jaber (Audiobooks And Sweet Tea) · Rating 4 out of 5]

One thing on my bucket list is to get to Ireland. But, since that hasn't happened yet, I am content to read books with Irish characters or centered around Ireland. Signed, A Paddy is just the perfect read for that! I loved Boyle's writing and the way she instantly captured me was amazing. 

This novel creates a historical debut that is filled with beautifully chiseled characters. They emotions they feel become the readers. The details that Boyle uses within the pages truly brings this story to life. I absolutely loved following Rosaleen from Ireland to America and all it entailed! She found her way into my heart to stay. 

Boyle has become an author I will absolutely read again. She has a unique style and her characters pop off the pages and suck the reader into the heart of the story. This story is rich in the details of the time period, full of beautifully chiseled moments, full of love and finding oneself after tragedy. I loved the ending and absolutely can not wait until another book is released! 

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Author/Publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hooked from the first line of Signed, A Paddy and read it in one sitting. I absolutely couldn't put this book down. I was totally swept up in Rosaleen's story from page one. Every single setting, from her home in Ireland all the way to her boarding house in America was so vividly portrayed on the page that I expected to look up and find my living room had disappeared. The relationships between the characters are very well done and the characters themselves are wonderfully written. This is just an incredible debut novel.

Edited to add: There is a tiny bit of language towards the beginning and once more nearer the end. They were quick scenes in context with the characters and not a lingering part of the story. So, unless you are absolutely opposed to any language at all in the stories you read, I definitely recommend this book.

I received an advanced copy and all opinions are my own.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ireland 1848. Ireland and it’s people are suffering from one of the world’s biggest tragedies the not often tales about Great Potato Famine. With hundreds of thousands of people (over a million by the time it’s over) dying from starvation, Rosalie sees firsthand as she watches her own mother die and then her father. As a orphan at 14 and not a thing left in her world she is lucky to flee to America for a second chance at life. While she tries to adapt with this new world she is not accepted by many as a Immigrant and discriminated by many which is heartbreaking. With new friends, love and determination she fights on to make herself a life. I loved this book and have read on this part of history before but learned some sad facts as well. While the characters are fictional the events are based off historical facts sadly though now I want to read more about it. I highly recommend this to everyone who loves history. Fantastic read!

[Dawnny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel takes place in Ireland during the tragic potato famine also known as The Great Hunger that took so many lives, and America. Fourteen-year-old Rosaleen is left an orphan after her mother dies. With an uncertain future she heads to the workhouse then leaves Ireland for America. Rosaleen arrives in Boston to find that America isn't all that welcoming. This was a deep look back in history through the eyes of Rosaleen and the facts and descriptions were remarkable. From The Great Hunger to the Abolitionist Movement. This was a great historical debut. I really felt the place and time and I was rooting for the character all the way.

Dawn Ruby
Novels N Latte
Hudson Valley NY

[stinasfavbooks Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A captivating coming-of-age novel of loss, love, and the courage to continue following your
heart no matter what. From the suspenseful struggles to the exciting possibilities that
encompassed Roseleen's story, I just couldn't help but keep turning the pages. This novel
was both heartwarming and heartbreaking from every twist and turn of the journey. Never a dull
moment!
@lisaboyleswrites please tell me you have another book in the works!!!
Lisa Boyle

[Jodie | GeauxGetLit · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first line in this book immediately drew me in. “I had seen plenty of dead people before.” A great debut historical fiction that depicts a girl, Rosaleen, who has lost her parents and knows she has to flee Ireland during the potato famish. Rosaleen has tons of resiliency as she finds ways to thrive while immigrating to America.
A must read if you love historical fiction and interested in knowing more history of Ireland during the 1800s.

[LeeAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an amazing character on one of the most difficult life journeys in one of those dark times in American history. Anybody else notice there are a plethora of dark days for historical fiction to choose from? 😪 This is so well written, no gritty detail is spared. And this author has certainly spent time in the research. Hope we'll see more from Boyle in the future.

[Aviraj Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was an amazing book ranging from the Great Famine to Pre Civil War Massachusetts, be it the main character struggle in the Coffin boats or her revival in Boston or the cry of Revolution she does in Lowell we see a development from a girl surviving to a girl leading her community against exploitation.
The book will be reviewed on Amazon when it's published

[Collette Mcgaahan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Whilst I did feel the author had thoroughly researched both the Irish potato famine and the various American slave and workers issues the main character Rosaleen seemed to sail through them all with such remarkable ease they lost the feeling of sheer awfulness which must have been actually existed.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Irish famine lasted from 1845 - 1852. During this time, over one million people died and another million people emigrated - 70% of them to the United States. Signed, A Paddy begins in 1848. Fourteen year old Rosaleen promised her mother on her death bed that she would do whatever it took to survive. With no food, no money and no family left she traveled to Cork and went to work at a work house. It was crowded and dirty but at least there was food available. The healthiest people were told that they were being sent to Australia to start new lives. After hearing about how they would be treated in Australia, she managed to get on a ship to the United States. The ship was dirty and many people died during the voyage. Rosaleen met Emmett on the ship and he helped her survive the trip and they became friends and eventually more than friends. They knew that they both needed to get jobs before they could plan a life together so he moved to another town where he had a job promised and she stayed in Boston and worked at a restaurant/hotel where she makes several good friends. Her new friend, Marie, is black and explains to Roseleen about the prejudice against black people in America. Rosaleen is feeling considerable prejudice because the Irish were not liked in America during this time. She eventually moved to Lowell and went to work in a cotton mill. While there, she gets involved in suffrage groups and labor groups that were working for fair pay and benefits for their jobs in the mills. Roseleen is young but determined to work for the fair treatment of women, Irish, black and working people.

I've always been interested in this time period because many of my ancestors emigrated from Ireland to America during this time period. This book showed how the Irish were treated in America and how hard they worked to acclimate themselves into this county. Rosaleen was a well written main character. She showed bravery, resilience and a firm belief against exploitation of her friends and fellow workers. Her character embodies the struggles that many immigrants faced in America during this time.

This was a great book and it was full of information about America during this time period. It was apparent that the author had done considerable research to make this book historically correct as well as fun to read. There is a second book in the series releasing in 2022 called Dear Inmate that continues Rosaleen's story in America.

[Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Signed A.. Paddy starts in Ireland in 1848 with Rosaleen. Rosaleen is just 14 years old when her mother passes away during the potato famine. She had lost her father several years before so now she is completely alone. With her family gone, Rosaleen decides it is time for her to leave her family home.

Rosaleen travels to a larger city in Ireland and takes a job to earn money to provide for herself. With nothing left in Ireland for her, she decides to go to America, “the land of opportunity”. On her journey she meets Emmett and the two become fast friends. The boat lands in Boston. Emmett is going to Lowell, a place where he already has friends and a job. Rosaleen stays in Boston and finds a job working in a hotel.

Rosaleen finds out quickly, and very much to her surprise the prejudices of the people across the country. She feels she needs to help somehow. She knew nothing of slavery, nor the extreme dislike of the Irish in her new country, but what can she do?

Rosaleen feels out of place and needs to find a way back to her own people, but how? How do you become a party of the community and help others in the process? These lessons and more are all a part of Rosaleen’s story.

Beautifully written, and heart wrenching this story is definitely worth the read. The story keeps you wanting for more and thankfully, Lisa Boyle continues the story of Rosaleen.

Thank you #netgalley and #victoryeditingnetgalleycoop for allowing me to read this ARC. All opinions are my own and truly express my feelings on this wonderful story.

[Rajiv · Rating 5 out of 5]

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“Signed, A Paddy” is a beautiful historical novel about a woman’s journey as she settles in America in the 1800s, and I loved reading it.

The strength of the story lies in the characters. Rosaleen is terrific in the lead, and I loved reading her journey as she travels to America and settles in the new land. She makes friends along the way and experiences various moments that change her perspective of life. The author also writes the romance nicely. I liked Rosaleen’s relationship with both Emmett and Henry and wondered who Rosaleen would choose. I could see a contrast difference in the strength of the character when I compared Rosaleen to the version she was in the beginning.

However, more than Rosaleen, I loved Marie. In my opinion. Marie was the highlight of the story, and I loved how she teaches and helps Rosaleen and tells her about the Abolitionist Movement. I also adored the small moments where Marie exposes Rosaleen to the world of literature. On a side note, I loved some of the recommendations the author mentions in the novel, like “The Hunchback of Notre-Dame,” “Oliver Twist,” and “Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass.”

Moreover, the author covers critical issues prevalent during the time, notably The Abolitionist Movement. I thought the author conveyed the message realistically on how people focused on the movement, but many opposed it. Some of my favorite moments in the story were Rosaleen’s initial adventures in the ship, her moments with Marie, and towards the end, revolving around “The Paddy.”

Overall, I thought “Signed, A Paddy” is a terrific debut by the author, and I cannot wait to read her future novels.

[Laura Quinn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Boyle paints a vivid picture of the sheer devastation of the potato famine as well as the hardships many endured aboard steamers to America. Rosaleen’s story could be that of my own ancestors. She sailed from Cork, as did so many others.

Rosaleen’s journey takes her to Boston, where she finds work at an inn. I loved the friendship between her and Marie- a former slave who also works at the establishment. She introduces Rosaleen to the Abolitionist Movement. Later, readers are transported to Lowell, MA, where our MC reconnects with an old friend.

The factory conditions in the Lowell mills were absolutely deplorable. The details, again, frighteningly gritty. Some aspects of the novel were difficult to read but that is not to be taken as a criticism. Rather, I feel that stories such as this, as well as Coal River by Ellen Marie Wiseman (about the breaker boys who worked in PA mines), are important. They shine a light on forgotten (sometimes never even acknowledged) parts of American History.

Let me be very clear: this is not just a book for those of Irish heritage. It is a story for everyone. Rosaleen devotes herself to both the Abolitionist and Labor movements of her time. Hers is the unifying voice of the oppressed- a theme still relevant today as we all know.

“Speak your mind, even if your voice shakes.” ~ Maggie Kuhn. You, too, can be a Rosaleen. Signed, another Paddy.

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced review copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The story of a young Irish girl as she flees famine and death and heads to America only to be met by bigotry and danger is as relevant today as it was 150 years ago. Signed, A Paddy is a moving, thought provoking story of courage, fortitude and a fight for a better life that so many coming to this country continue to face. From the workhouse to the textile mills, Rosaleen transforms from a scared, young girl to an audacious young woman, who finds her voice and takes matters into her own hands.

The author’s ability to weave historical fact into Rosaleen’s story will have you re-examining your own thoughts, beliefs of American history and the courage and persistence of those that came before us.

If you’re a fan of strong, persistent, courageous women, then this book is for you. Signed, A Paddy gets 5 stars from me.

[meghann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the Nook serial read for January 2023. This was probably not the best time for me to read this. I've had a series of bad things happen followed by loss of someone I cared for. So this was not exactly the happy distraction I was looking for. That's not on the book though, so I rated it accordingly. I've thought a lot about how I would have felt about this story when I was younger versus now. I wonder if younger me would have absolutely supported the choices she made. Older me, who has lived through the hell of the past three, six, whatever years as an adult with bills and responsibilities is all about that stable secure life. So I was pretty upset at one choice she made and how it changed her life. I can see where things are going, and the new role she is stepping into. But part of me really wishes she had just stayed in the middle part of that story and had a good life there.

[Latia Sanders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Signed a Paddy truly takes you on an adventure as the author gives us a rather compelling history lesson through the eyes of an innocent, but curious young orphan. From feelings of defeat and despair, to the promise of hope and fulfillment, you will not be disappointed as this novel is surely a page turner. Lisa Boyle is an author to look out for!

[Beverly Laude · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have heard about the Irish potato famine all my life, but admit to never really knowing much about it. This book captured a lot of the heartbreaking events as it follows a young girl's quest to find a better life.

Rosaleen is a 15 year old girl living in Ireland during the famine. When her mother dies, she ventures out on her own to try to find something that will keep her fed and warm. She eventulaly makes her way to the US and learns that most "Yankees" don't care for the Irish.

She gets a job in an Inn run by a kindhearted woman and soon becomes friends with a free Black woman. Rosaleen learns about slavery and her kind heart makes her want to become an abolishionist.

I enjoyed the book and the author does a good job in depicting the times and the horrors of factory workers before labor unions. To me, the ending was a little abrupt, but otherwise, a good read.

[Allyson Smith-Desormeaux · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Lisa Boyle for the digital copy of your debut novel! I have not read much from the time period surrounding the potato famine in Ireland and this was an informative and engaging read.

Rosealeen leaves Ireland after losing her entire family. She settles in Boston and then Lowell and works to make a life for herself in a country that does not welcome Irish immigrants. A coming of age story of a determined and strong young woman. I am excited to continue Rosealeen’s adventure in the next book, ‘Dear Inmate’.

Well researched this is a great read for historical fiction fans.

[Kelly Dowswell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Right from the beginning of the book, the descriptions got me hooked. I kept wanting to know more. The storyline is interesting and kept me turning pages. I read this one in only about 2-3 days, which is fast for me.
I'm intrigued to read the next one to see how the story continues and what comes next for the MC.

[susan funk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book& have ordered the other 2. I knew very little about the Irish immigrants.

[Colleen Maclennan · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story of a fifteen year old girl leaving her home in Ireland and travelling to America for a better life. A YA read.