WAS EVERYTHING IN LIFE A LESSON?
The McKeegans is a new series that is an Irish family that immigrated from Ireland and has settled in Montana. The matriarch, Rosemary, has passed away, but her husband, Eion, and their sons, Aiden, Brayden, and Miles, own one of the most significant spreads. Their cousin, Callen, came to live with them after his father and mother died. Callen served with the Union Army like his cousins, but it has been two years since the end of the war, and he still hasn't returned.
The story takes place several years after the end of the Civil War. Eireann met him in Pennsylvania, and after a short courtship, he proposed marriage. The war is over, and Eireann has been alone for some time, she contacts his family, who sends money to bring her to Montana. So many inquiries into the whereabouts of Callen have gone unanswered—possible sightings, but no proof. It is decided that Eireann is family and should stay with them until Callen returns. What a shock to learn that several things Callen told her and her family were far from the truth—surely, it is all a misunderstanding.
"Don't borrow trouble," her mother used to say, and she was correct, but it was hard."
The story is a fast-paced, page-turning tale with the good, the bad, and the ugly. The McKeegan ranch and cattle have been targeted for some reason, but even the neighbor's ranch has issues. Fences were cut and removed, cattle poisoned, and a barn fire could have destroyed the house. The family is left with so many questions and no real answers. When Callen shows up, he is belligerent and cruel to Eireann. War is brutal, men change, and now Eireann feels foolish, uncertain, and burdened. But she won't be the only one, an abandoned child, Christy, has become essential to both Aiden and Eireann, and Christy needs them. When two women show up and claim rights, what will happen to Christy and Eireann?
The story has mystery, suspense, deceit, and danger, along with a slow-building romance. Not everyone is as they seem—some spinning lies, others claiming rights. I love how Eireann turns to God in prayer, acknowledging that God is her guide and she trusts Him during all the turmoil. I enjoyed how Christy felt close to Aiden and Eireann and didn't accept anything different. While the story has prayers, it is never preachy. I laughed out loud and had moments when I wanted to cry with emotions.