A gripping historical fiction novel of survival, faith, and love. --Richard Paul Evans, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author
BASED ON A TRUE STORY – Dual-timeline, historical fiction. Two young ladies, two centuries apart, both struggling to save the people they love in this gripping sequel to Once Upon an Irish Summer. In 1817, Eliza Hamilton loses her brother to the lure of America and is left behind to keep her family alive, amid religious warfare, oppressive English laws, typhus fever and starvation. She has no time for love, even when her noble suitor wishes to marry her. In present-Day America, a gifted artist travels to help her injured grandmother. When she arrives, she also finds the mother of the young man she loves on her deathbed. While juggling school, her budding art career, and caring for her grandmother, Beth races the clock with Preston to find the only relative who could save his mother’s life.
Wendy is a Genetic Genealogist by day, a writer by night, and an artist in between.
Her love of what we can learn from history compels her to write the true stories she unearths during research because she’s found that truth is indeed much more exciting and inspiring than fiction.
Wendy writes about family, faith, grief, art, and overcoming obstacles in life by coming to know who we really are—children of God, and the descendants of incredible people who paved the way for us—even if they really struggled. Wendy believes in learning from our ancestors, honoring them, and then standing on their shoulders to become someone even better.
As an award-winning author of professional articles and poems, Wendy has turned to novel writing to share what she knows with a much greater audience.
When Wendy is not researching or writing, she hikes, paints, loves being a church youth leader, she binges on Bollywood movies, and hangs out with her greatest loves—her family.
Writing this review is really important to me! There is so much to say! I have never read a novel such as this; where every person and place seem so real to me. I felt after reading "Celtic Winter" that I had actually lived their lives myself. All of these stories I have come to understand really took place in history...it really happened! All of the trials the grist and the struggles of staying alive is true! Wow, I was not expecting how much this book moved me to want to be grateful for what I have in this life and to be compassionate and more understanding of others. My life is so full of bounty and goodness, and this all began with these wonderful people of my past that sacrificed all that they had to immigrate to America. Yes, this is the story of my ancestors, and I am honored to say that I am one of their descendants! But just think...all of us have wonderful moments in our family histories that can motivate us to greatness! There is so much to be gained here. I give it my highest rating!
Wonderful, wonderful book! I don't think I've read a book that raised so many emotions in me in a long time. I cried so much! I experienced so many emotions from all the difficulties experienced by the characters. This book also awakened a reminder in me of how truly blessed we are to live in this country. It brought up feelings of concern for where our own country is headed and it gave me respect and gratitude for our ancestors who struggled so much for all of us. It also brought back many of my own family losses and challenges
Having read the prequel I had no problem acclimating back into the story. I loved her first book and this was even better! This is a must read for those who love family history, historical fiction and feel the importance of family and connection. You will find yourself laughing, crying and cheering on the characters and maybe even pondering what stories are in your family's past. I found myself wanting to learn more about my own family history, be a better person and leave a positive legacy for my posterity.
If you are looking for a young adult book to get you or your adolescent interested in family history, THIS IS THE BOOK! I thoroughly enjoyed it! It was a quick read and l love that the author wrote a compelling story, using her own ancestors to bring it to life. Having heard about the Irish potato famine and the harsh living conditions it caused in the 1800's, reading about it in detail was informative and more than a little heartbreaking. Sure makes me grateful for our living conditions today! Good, clean, christian book to pass to a friend.
Celtic Winter was a great read. I loved how the characters developed even more in this book. The author made Irish history come alive. Fell in love with the characters even more in this book. I couldn’t read it fast enough. The story flowed from one page to the other. I can’t wait to read more from this author.
A terrific read! This book kept me turning pages and reminds us of the power of faith and hope. The story was both heart-wrenching and heart-warming and took me on a roller coaster of emotions. This reminds us that we can learn lessons not only from our own past but from the past of our ancestors. Definitely recommend to read!
This book is just as wonderful, well written and engaging as the first book in the series. I found the book relatable and inspiring. I was quickly transported into the characters stories. I loved that until the main character researched her past that she was able to fully find herself. I can’t wait to read more books from this author in the future.
What a wonderful book! It's an emotional read that is full of hope, faith and inspiration. This is a book you hate to see end, but you just have to know what happens next. I loved it and highly recommend it. I received a complimentary copy and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Oftentimes, the next book in a series falls short for me. Celtic Winter is not disappointing. The story of the Hamiltons is one of many about what our families endured, Mrs. Spooner brings that to life. I am not sure what she has planned next, but I can't wait!
Intriguing and entertaining historical fiction about of connecting with friends and family both alive and those who passed on. Beth and Preston, teens with real trials, seek to find answers through studying their family lines and ancestry. So good!
I didn’t think the story could get any better after reading the first book, but the author did not disappoint! I fell in love with the characters all over again and didn’t want it to end!