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Hearts of Eire #2
Of Brighter Days
Norah McGowan has kept Finnegan Boyd at a distance since the moment they met, and, unfortunately for Norah, who is set on keeping her past behind her, she is an enigma the normally reserved Finn is determined to figure out. Although she is closed about her past, she is also kind and caring--to everyone except Finn.
Both get more than they bargained for when Finn's family and Norah must travel to America in the wake of the Great Famine and troubles with the law in their current home in Liverpool. Aboard a ship bound for new opportunities and a better life, Finn and Norah grow closer, no longer able to deny the draw they feel to one another. Amidst sorrow and loss, they finally open up to one another to reveal pasts that make any future together impossible. They must navigate beyond the chasm of misunderstanding and differences in religion if they ever want to win a chance at love and belonging.
Both get more than they bargained for when Finn's family and Norah must travel to America in the wake of the Great Famine and troubles with the law in their current home in Liverpool. Aboard a ship bound for new opportunities and a better life, Finn and Norah grow closer, no longer able to deny the draw they feel to one another. Amidst sorrow and loss, they finally open up to one another to reveal pasts that make any future together impossible. They must navigate beyond the chasm of misunderstanding and differences in religion if they ever want to win a chance at love and belonging.
272 pages, Paperback
Published July 12, 2022
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53 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
August 8, 2022
Heartfelt historical romance with an enemies-to-lovers vibe in a rich historical setting! As the Boyd family leaves behind their Irish homeland and then England in search of a better life in America, we witness their struggles and heartaches in such a poignant way that I would suggest you read with a box of tissues handy.
Their travels also bring Finnegan Boyd and family friend Norah into close proximity. They have always been at odds with one another but in truth are fighting a mutual attraction, and the ship voyage gives them a chance to discover just how perfect they are for each other.
Misunderstandings, heartbreak, tears. This is a couple that has to work for their HEA but their story gave me all the feels!! I am quickly becoming a huge fan of this author and will absolutely be reading anything else she writes. 4.5 stars
I received a complimentary copy of this book but a positive review was not required.
Their travels also bring Finnegan Boyd and family friend Norah into close proximity. They have always been at odds with one another but in truth are fighting a mutual attraction, and the ship voyage gives them a chance to discover just how perfect they are for each other.
Misunderstandings, heartbreak, tears. This is a couple that has to work for their HEA but their story gave me all the feels!! I am quickly becoming a huge fan of this author and will absolutely be reading anything else she writes. 4.5 stars
I received a complimentary copy of this book but a positive review was not required.
August 4, 2022
4.5 stars. Continuing with the Boyd family we met Norah in the first book and has stuck with the family in their hard times. Norah is a bit of a mysterious character. I loved slowly learning about her past and how it shaped her character. She is very caring but also very wary. Right off the bat she clashes with Finn but they slowly learn more about each other, start to trust and develop feelings which are threatened. Again there was a lot of heartache but also moments of joy.
September 22, 2022
Read it for the:
- close family ties
- Irish culture representation
- realistic view of moving to a new country
- heart breaking moments
- unique romance
Norah McGowan has known the large Boyd family for years. Although relying on each other during the Great famine in Ireland and harsh life in Liverpool, she’s kept her distance. Finnegan Boyd considers himself the calm and collected one in his loud family, yet Norah irks and intrigues him for reasons he can’t explain. Both struggle to overcome their pasts, while trying to survive the sorrows life continues to throw at them. After everything, can they accept the second chance at life and love that offered to them?
This was a true historical romance with love and a lush historic setting. The second book in the series, this story was a heartfelt journey of a large Irish family struggling to find a brighter future in a new world of opportunity. There is grief, loss, and heartbreak. Yet the Boyd family’s loyalty and love shine through.
Rich historical details and engaging plot keep the pages turning as root for the Boyd family to overcome the journey to America. The whole cast of characters added to the overall enjoyment of the story.
The romance between Norah and Finn builds steadily during their journey. The growth experienced on both sides was realistic and interesting to see as you discover pieces of their pasts and personalities. This also plays a large role in the misunderstandings between them. Norah could come off as harsh, but was selfless, often putting the needs of others ahead of her own. Finn, on the other hand, was a quite, noble man, keeping emotions and thoughts to himself. Despite the odds against them, they were meant for each other.
This is a story that stays with you well after you finish reading.
Did I cry? Yes. Do I regret it? Not at all. Will I pick up the next book (or any other works by the author)? Also, yes!!
An ARC was provided to me in exchange for me honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
- close family ties
- Irish culture representation
- realistic view of moving to a new country
- heart breaking moments
- unique romance
Norah McGowan has known the large Boyd family for years. Although relying on each other during the Great famine in Ireland and harsh life in Liverpool, she’s kept her distance. Finnegan Boyd considers himself the calm and collected one in his loud family, yet Norah irks and intrigues him for reasons he can’t explain. Both struggle to overcome their pasts, while trying to survive the sorrows life continues to throw at them. After everything, can they accept the second chance at life and love that offered to them?
This was a true historical romance with love and a lush historic setting. The second book in the series, this story was a heartfelt journey of a large Irish family struggling to find a brighter future in a new world of opportunity. There is grief, loss, and heartbreak. Yet the Boyd family’s loyalty and love shine through.
Rich historical details and engaging plot keep the pages turning as root for the Boyd family to overcome the journey to America. The whole cast of characters added to the overall enjoyment of the story.
The romance between Norah and Finn builds steadily during their journey. The growth experienced on both sides was realistic and interesting to see as you discover pieces of their pasts and personalities. This also plays a large role in the misunderstandings between them. Norah could come off as harsh, but was selfless, often putting the needs of others ahead of her own. Finn, on the other hand, was a quite, noble man, keeping emotions and thoughts to himself. Despite the odds against them, they were meant for each other.
This is a story that stays with you well after you finish reading.
Did I cry? Yes. Do I regret it? Not at all. Will I pick up the next book (or any other works by the author)? Also, yes!!
An ARC was provided to me in exchange for me honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
June 27, 2022
I was blown away by author Rachel Nickle's debut novel, the first in this series. I didn't think book two could possibly live up to my expectations, but it exceeded them all.
This book is not your typical HEA historical fiction. The Boyd family faces some truly difficult times as they seek to move on from the worsening potato blight and famine in Ireland in the mid 1840s. They thought they'd found a place to settle together in Liverpool, but oppression from Englishmen and poorly paid work leaves them continuing to struggle. When they find an opportunity to immigrate to America, they take it, ending up on a ship that the history books would define as a "coffin ship." Despite all the struggles, the book left me feeling hopeful instead of depressed.
I felt like I was part of this loving family. Their heartaches and sorrows touched me deeply. I can tell this author meticulously researched what life was like for these characters during this time period, and it was conveyed so meaningfully through the story that the minute I finished the book, I missed the characters.
Well done, Rachel Nickle. Well done.
Thank you to the author and Cedar Fort publishing for an advanced electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
This book is not your typical HEA historical fiction. The Boyd family faces some truly difficult times as they seek to move on from the worsening potato blight and famine in Ireland in the mid 1840s. They thought they'd found a place to settle together in Liverpool, but oppression from Englishmen and poorly paid work leaves them continuing to struggle. When they find an opportunity to immigrate to America, they take it, ending up on a ship that the history books would define as a "coffin ship." Despite all the struggles, the book left me feeling hopeful instead of depressed.
I felt like I was part of this loving family. Their heartaches and sorrows touched me deeply. I can tell this author meticulously researched what life was like for these characters during this time period, and it was conveyed so meaningfully through the story that the minute I finished the book, I missed the characters.
Well done, Rachel Nickle. Well done.
Thank you to the author and Cedar Fort publishing for an advanced electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
June 12, 2022
Love the backdrop of the story. Irish immigrants fleeing the famine in Ireland only to arrive in Liverpool and have to uproot yet again. The hardships of the Boyd family made you really feel for what no doubt occurred to many families during this time period. I really enjoyed the historical aspects of the story.
But this is also a LOVE story and it was weaved in nicely. And while I really wanted to shake Finn and Norah (MOSTLY FINN!) for the lack of communication and understanding between them, it all worked out in the end. I really enjoyed the epilogue! The wonderful things that come about when people talk things out and LISTEN 😂
There are many sad moments in this story but as the title suggests, brighter days as well. A happy ending that you’re sure to enjoy.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
But this is also a LOVE story and it was weaved in nicely. And while I really wanted to shake Finn and Norah (MOSTLY FINN!) for the lack of communication and understanding between them, it all worked out in the end. I really enjoyed the epilogue! The wonderful things that come about when people talk things out and LISTEN 😂
There are many sad moments in this story but as the title suggests, brighter days as well. A happy ending that you’re sure to enjoy.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 12, 2022
Of Brighter Days
Hearts of Eire #2
By Rachel Nickle
Both Norah McGowan and Finnegan Boyd are trapped by the hurts and pains of the past. Neither is willing to reveal what their private pain is but each is a caring and loving individual - except that Norah is determined to keep Finn at a distance. But Finn is determined to find out why he is the one member of the Boyd family Norah is determined to disapprove of.
Life hasn't been easy for the Boyds - lack has caused them to leave their beloved Ireland behind for the chance of at least surviving in Liverpool. But Liverpool isn't the haven of opportunity that they had been hoping and praying for. Instead, they are met with hate, disdain, and outright anger over their Irish heritage in a very English city. With little hope of anything better the Boyds and Norah find themselves looking to America as their new hope for not just survival but living.
The voyage is anything but easy and the cost is high. The hope that America offers is within their grasp and Finn and Norah have hope that they too will have a future together. But, there is always a but, sometimes the past won't let its grip loosen and Norah and Finn know all too well its power.
Of Brighter Days is a story of hope for what may be. Can this hope be found in a place? Or is it a state of mind and heart? Is it with the people who mean the most to you? This is a lovely piece of historical fiction that will touch the heart of any who reads it. The characters are engaging and relatable with a hidden layer that keeps you reading hoping that one can discover what makes each person unique.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I offer my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.
Hearts of Eire #2
By Rachel Nickle
Both Norah McGowan and Finnegan Boyd are trapped by the hurts and pains of the past. Neither is willing to reveal what their private pain is but each is a caring and loving individual - except that Norah is determined to keep Finn at a distance. But Finn is determined to find out why he is the one member of the Boyd family Norah is determined to disapprove of.
Life hasn't been easy for the Boyds - lack has caused them to leave their beloved Ireland behind for the chance of at least surviving in Liverpool. But Liverpool isn't the haven of opportunity that they had been hoping and praying for. Instead, they are met with hate, disdain, and outright anger over their Irish heritage in a very English city. With little hope of anything better the Boyds and Norah find themselves looking to America as their new hope for not just survival but living.
The voyage is anything but easy and the cost is high. The hope that America offers is within their grasp and Finn and Norah have hope that they too will have a future together. But, there is always a but, sometimes the past won't let its grip loosen and Norah and Finn know all too well its power.
Of Brighter Days is a story of hope for what may be. Can this hope be found in a place? Or is it a state of mind and heart? Is it with the people who mean the most to you? This is a lovely piece of historical fiction that will touch the heart of any who reads it. The characters are engaging and relatable with a hidden layer that keeps you reading hoping that one can discover what makes each person unique.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I offer my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.
July 12, 2022
This book was so so wonderful! It pulled at my
heart strings and the characters were in my thoughts even when I
wasn't reading! The author did such an amazing job
bringing historical details together with real and lovable characters!
I love the Boyd family and felt like I joined their tight-knit group while reading. You felt the love they had for each other in every chapter.
Norah is one of the heroines that you just really want to see find her happy ever after! She is so selfless, and the way she cares for those around her is what really endears her to Finn. She has experienced so much heartache, but she doesn't let that turn her bitter. She keeps going and and really giving her all to the people she cares about.
Finnegan, I really liked his personality. He was charming and kind but has always prided himself on being the sensible one in the family. Unfortunately for him, sometimes love doesn't make sense and he has several bumps along the way as he figures this out.
What I really liked about Finn was his loyalty and devotion to his family. He and Norah are perfectly matched in this beautiful, touching love story!
My only complaint is the miscommunication lasted so long between them, I really wanted that cleared up sooner. Solid 4.5 ⭐️
This book will make you smile, cry, and then smile some more! If you like clean, historical love stories, add this one to your list!
heart strings and the characters were in my thoughts even when I
wasn't reading! The author did such an amazing job
bringing historical details together with real and lovable characters!
I love the Boyd family and felt like I joined their tight-knit group while reading. You felt the love they had for each other in every chapter.
Norah is one of the heroines that you just really want to see find her happy ever after! She is so selfless, and the way she cares for those around her is what really endears her to Finn. She has experienced so much heartache, but she doesn't let that turn her bitter. She keeps going and and really giving her all to the people she cares about.
Finnegan, I really liked his personality. He was charming and kind but has always prided himself on being the sensible one in the family. Unfortunately for him, sometimes love doesn't make sense and he has several bumps along the way as he figures this out.
What I really liked about Finn was his loyalty and devotion to his family. He and Norah are perfectly matched in this beautiful, touching love story!
My only complaint is the miscommunication lasted so long between them, I really wanted that cleared up sooner. Solid 4.5 ⭐️
This book will make you smile, cry, and then smile some more! If you like clean, historical love stories, add this one to your list!
July 12, 2022
I received an advance review copy. "Of Brighter Days" is an amazing follow up to the first book in the Hearts of Eire series. This is a slow burn enemies to lovers romance packed with cultural and historical richness. Set in the midst of the Irish potato famine, "Of Brighter Days" focuses on Finn Boyd and Norah McGowan, both who feel attraction for each other, but have their own reasons for mistrusting the other. Additionally, Norah has a long held secret she is sure will cause the Boyd family to abandon her if they discover it.
Rachel Nickle has definitely done her research. The various settings (Liverpool, England; the ship that carries them to America; the various places in America they traverse) are richly detailed, from the physical details to the events that occurred in those settings.
The characters were well developed, too. At times, I forgot Finn and Norah were fictional characters rather than people who really existed, so real and raw were their emotions and multifaceted their personalities.
I can't wait to read more from this author.
Rachel Nickle has definitely done her research. The various settings (Liverpool, England; the ship that carries them to America; the various places in America they traverse) are richly detailed, from the physical details to the events that occurred in those settings.
The characters were well developed, too. At times, I forgot Finn and Norah were fictional characters rather than people who really existed, so real and raw were their emotions and multifaceted their personalities.
I can't wait to read more from this author.
July 4, 2022
Rachel has such a special gift of connecting her readers with her characters. With such a large cast it can be difficult to make them all feel like real people, but Rachel does this flawlessly.
I loved Norah and Finn from the moment I met them. They are stubborn people and sometimes I just wanted to scream at them because of their miscommunication, but they figure it out in the end. ☺️
There are brighter days in this story, but Rachel sheds light on such a terrible time in the history of the Irish. It is an emotional story with a lot of heartache. But the humanity of these characters is what makes this a truly beautiful piece of work.
I loved Norah and Finn from the moment I met them. They are stubborn people and sometimes I just wanted to scream at them because of their miscommunication, but they figure it out in the end. ☺️
There are brighter days in this story, but Rachel sheds light on such a terrible time in the history of the Irish. It is an emotional story with a lot of heartache. But the humanity of these characters is what makes this a truly beautiful piece of work.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 3, 2022
Of Brighter Days is a story that tugs on your heartstrings from cover to cover! Norah and Finn are stubborn as they come. It must be their Irish blood. :) But they are both so caring and compassionate they forget about their own needs once in a while. You can't help but cheer them on as they face very real trials that would test even the best of people's loyalties.
Their love of family is inspirational and the characters make you want to be a better person. That's the kind of book that really makes an impact in your life...one that leaves you better than you were before reading it.
Their love of family is inspirational and the characters make you want to be a better person. That's the kind of book that really makes an impact in your life...one that leaves you better than you were before reading it.
April 22, 2025
The Boyd family goes throught difficult times again in this
I have enjoyed a lot reading about them and the MMCs are just great. I love Finn and Nora. Great author, great book
I have enjoyed a lot reading about them and the MMCs are just great. I love Finn and Nora. Great author, great book
July 21, 2022
This is a moving historical romance set in 1845-46, involving Norah McGowan and the Boyd family as they leave Liverpool, England and travel to America for a new start.
This story has depth and heartache, as it deals with disease, loss of loved ones along the journey, and overcoming hardships of the past - but it also offers hope and a sweet slow-burn romance amidst all the trials!
Both Norah and Finn had a lot to learn and overcome individually, and then as they begin to realize their feelings for one another there's definitely a miscommunication trope at play here, (which lasted a liiiiiittle too long for my personal preference), BUT I was sooo happy when they finally got their happily ever after in the end! 🥰
This story has depth and heartache, as it deals with disease, loss of loved ones along the journey, and overcoming hardships of the past - but it also offers hope and a sweet slow-burn romance amidst all the trials!
Both Norah and Finn had a lot to learn and overcome individually, and then as they begin to realize their feelings for one another there's definitely a miscommunication trope at play here, (which lasted a liiiiiittle too long for my personal preference), BUT I was sooo happy when they finally got their happily ever after in the end! 🥰
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews