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Emerald Ballad #2
Heart of the Lonely Exile
From the small Irish town of Killala to the towering skyscrapers of New York, this series follows two Irish families, the Kavanghs and the Fitzgeralds, whether holding firm to their faith during Ireland's darkest days or trusting God with new lives in America.
382 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 1991
43 people are currently reading
237 people want to read
About the author
B.J. Hoff
51 books148 followersBJ Hoff’s writing is known for her historical settings, her unforgettable characters, and her lyrical prose. She is the bestselling author of numerous historical fiction series, including the Riverhaven Years, the Mountain Song Legacy, the Song of Erin saga, the American Anthem series, An Emerald Ballad series, and her newest book Harp on the Willow.
Her five-volume Emerald Ballad series was the first major work of fiction to bring the Irish immigration experience to the CBA marketplace, and the work that first brought BJ an international reading audience.
Her readers know they can expect to meet some memorable people in her novels and also know that many of those people will be immigrants; Irish immigrants particularly but not exclusively.
BJ admits to a passion for building worlds. Whether her characters move about in small country towns or metropolitan areas, reside in Amish settlements, secluded mansions, or coal company houses, she creates communities where people can form relationships, raise families, pursue their faith, and experience the mountains and valleys of life.
She’s intent on making her historical novels relevant to the present by developing characters and settings that, while staying true to the history and culture of their times, reflect many of the spiritual trials and social problems faced by contemporary readers. Her novels are meant to be stories that build a bridge from the past to the present.
Her literary awards include the Christianity Today’s Critics Choice Book Award for fiction; a Gold Medallion Award finalist; and a number of Excellence in Media Silver Angel awards. Her books have been translated into many foreign languages, and she frequently hears from her international readers in countries such as Ireland, England, Norway, and Germany.
A former church music director and music teacher, BJ writes from her home in a small town in east central Ohio. She and her husband share a love of music, books, and time spent with their family: two daughters and three lively young grandsons.
Her five-volume Emerald Ballad series was the first major work of fiction to bring the Irish immigration experience to the CBA marketplace, and the work that first brought BJ an international reading audience.
Her readers know they can expect to meet some memorable people in her novels and also know that many of those people will be immigrants; Irish immigrants particularly but not exclusively.
BJ admits to a passion for building worlds. Whether her characters move about in small country towns or metropolitan areas, reside in Amish settlements, secluded mansions, or coal company houses, she creates communities where people can form relationships, raise families, pursue their faith, and experience the mountains and valleys of life.
She’s intent on making her historical novels relevant to the present by developing characters and settings that, while staying true to the history and culture of their times, reflect many of the spiritual trials and social problems faced by contemporary readers. Her novels are meant to be stories that build a bridge from the past to the present.
Her literary awards include the Christianity Today’s Critics Choice Book Award for fiction; a Gold Medallion Award finalist; and a number of Excellence in Media Silver Angel awards. Her books have been translated into many foreign languages, and she frequently hears from her international readers in countries such as Ireland, England, Norway, and Germany.
A former church music director and music teacher, BJ writes from her home in a small town in east central Ohio. She and her husband share a love of music, books, and time spent with their family: two daughters and three lively young grandsons.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
January 31, 2017
This book was a breath of fresh air, as there were not as many sad things as there were in the first one. I love the strong knowledge of God's presence no matter what is happening. I also love the emphasis on how people with disabilities can be loved and treated normally. What unlikely but awesome characters come to help the main vharacters! What a good book!
May 2, 2024
I enjoyed this book more than the first one in the series. A little less tragedy, a little more hope.
May 30, 2020
This book was a perfect continuation to Song of the Silent Harp--and it was perfect in almost every other way, too.
Setting: New York City and Ireland (both Dublin and Belfast are specific settings); the time period ranges from August 1847 to May 1848 (with a prologue set in Ballina, western Ireland, in 1705). The awful situation in Ireland wasn't a focal point of the book, although it was recorded in writing by a minor character, so it wasn't ignored in any way. The unrest in New York City--and in the hearts of the main characters--took more precedence in this one. I liked it just as much, if not more, to see the circumstances of runaway slaves, Irish immigrants, the more wealthy residents, and the relationship between them. Also, it was interesting to realize the point in time (i.e., before Dred Scott) where blacks were free in the northern U.S. states. It was also intriguing to see the general view of blacks in Ireland. In addition to the blacks' situation, the Young Ireland freedom movement was excellently described.
Characters:Had I all the space in the world ... I wouldn't be able to use much of any of it. These characters were so good, but I can scarcely describe them. Somehow one book contained three amazing men, each utterly distinctive, and all equally powerful characters. First, there was Morgan Fitzgerald, the read-headed giant poet. Fierce in everything he did, he nevertheless had a soft heart under it all--in the manliest way possible (and the softness was so subtle, Hoff didn't even mention it, yet she expertly wrote his character so that it shone). And when that particular (spoiler-y) event occurred, Morgan's character was developed even more deeply, and I felt for him to an even greater extent. His character arc was basically flawless.
Next was Evan Whittaker. Almost an opposite personality from Morgan, Evan nevertheless captured my heart as well. Humble, caring and compassionate, and stutteringly unsure of himself are just a few ways to describe him, and yet with all that softness, Evan was nothing less than a man in the truest sense. His love was downright adorable, and his relationship with God was just ... so good.
Of all the characters who made my heart hurt in the best way possible, Michael Burke might have taken the cake. Particularly, I think, that was due to the flaws that the other characters saw in him. In some scenes, he was the "bad guy," but the character development that resulted from those scenes made me love him all the more. As an Irish policeman, Michael had an exceptionally distinct and fitting perspective and personality. His pride, fierce protection, and perspective of his Irish heritage were all directly related to his experience as a copper, making his character complete and understandable. Though the other characters sometimes criticized Michael for his flaws, he wasn't often praised for his integrity and fairness. In fact, if I recall correctly, the person who most contemplated Michael's rock-solidness was an antagonist, who lamented that Michael couldn't be "bought off." I absolutely loved how Hoff wrote Michael, how she didn't bring obvious attention to his honorable deeds, but that she showed his unhesitating inclination to do the right thing, time and time again, even in the most difficult situations. And his role in the three-way childhood friendship between himself, Nora, and Morgan was absolutely precious.
There were plenty of other amazing major--and minor--characters that I'd feel terrible about not mentioning. Nora was just an important character as the three aforementioned men, and I loved her as well. Her love for all of the major characters was written so well, and I loved how she didn't want to hurt Michael (because Michael deserves to never be hurt). Then we had Daniel, who was as nice as ever; Tierney, who was terribly annoying but completely realistic; Sara Farmington, who was understandably frustrated, but please, Sara, give some grace to poor Michael; her father Lewis, who actually provided a little comic relief from time to time; Jess Dalton, who was such a kind man (and the way he worked with Michael was precious); Arthur Jackson, whose character I was delighted to see developed a bit more; Sandemon, whom I couldn't help but love, since he was a gentle big black man (those characters never fail to be amazing); and finally, Annie Delaney, a spunky girl who wouldn't have had much of a personality had it not been for Morgan calling her "a demented child."
Plot: As far as life-and-death situations, this book didn't have as many as the first one. That was nice (we don't really need the characters to be in mortal danger during every book's climax, now, do we?), but there was no less turmoil. This turmoil happened in within the characters, particularly Morgan and Michael. Since this was just the second book in the series, all of the conflict wasn't resolved, but Morgan's plotline was sufficiently resolved. I am quite content with that state of Morgan's heart, and Nora's and Evan's lives are also pretty much resolved. I am pretty content with Michael, as well (the dear man), and Daniel didn't have much of a storyline in this book. The as-yet unsolved plotlines were that of Tierney's, Lewis and Sara Farmington's, and Arthur Jackson's (I'm hoping to hear more of Arthur in the future, anyway ... that might not actually happen).
Romance: It's hard. Oh, so good, but hard. In the beginning, I was unsure of who might end up with whom, but it became very clear very soon. Near the end there were additional hints as to where other romances might pop up, which seemed a little excessive (I laughed about it, anyway), but as I think every lovely person in this book deserves happy things to happen to them, I won't complain.
Faith content: Written so well, so heartfelt, so intimate. Especially Evan's strong faith, but that which related to Morgan was absolutely amazing, as well. Nothing was stilted or forced, nothing was rushed, and everything was genuine. Jess Dalton's character was a picture of how a true Christian should act, and his discussion with Michael about the church's role was spot-on amazing.
I would recommend this book to fans of historical fiction, romance, and anyone else who likes strong, vivid, and distinctive characters.
Setting: New York City and Ireland (both Dublin and Belfast are specific settings); the time period ranges from August 1847 to May 1848 (with a prologue set in Ballina, western Ireland, in 1705). The awful situation in Ireland wasn't a focal point of the book, although it was recorded in writing by a minor character, so it wasn't ignored in any way. The unrest in New York City--and in the hearts of the main characters--took more precedence in this one. I liked it just as much, if not more, to see the circumstances of runaway slaves, Irish immigrants, the more wealthy residents, and the relationship between them. Also, it was interesting to realize the point in time (i.e., before Dred Scott) where blacks were free in the northern U.S. states. It was also intriguing to see the general view of blacks in Ireland. In addition to the blacks' situation, the Young Ireland freedom movement was excellently described.
Characters:Had I all the space in the world ... I wouldn't be able to use much of any of it. These characters were so good, but I can scarcely describe them. Somehow one book contained three amazing men, each utterly distinctive, and all equally powerful characters. First, there was Morgan Fitzgerald, the read-headed giant poet. Fierce in everything he did, he nevertheless had a soft heart under it all--in the manliest way possible (and the softness was so subtle, Hoff didn't even mention it, yet she expertly wrote his character so that it shone). And when that particular (spoiler-y) event occurred, Morgan's character was developed even more deeply, and I felt for him to an even greater extent. His character arc was basically flawless.
Next was Evan Whittaker. Almost an opposite personality from Morgan, Evan nevertheless captured my heart as well. Humble, caring and compassionate, and stutteringly unsure of himself are just a few ways to describe him, and yet with all that softness, Evan was nothing less than a man in the truest sense. His love was downright adorable, and his relationship with God was just ... so good.
Of all the characters who made my heart hurt in the best way possible, Michael Burke might have taken the cake. Particularly, I think, that was due to the flaws that the other characters saw in him. In some scenes, he was the "bad guy," but the character development that resulted from those scenes made me love him all the more. As an Irish policeman, Michael had an exceptionally distinct and fitting perspective and personality. His pride, fierce protection, and perspective of his Irish heritage were all directly related to his experience as a copper, making his character complete and understandable. Though the other characters sometimes criticized Michael for his flaws, he wasn't often praised for his integrity and fairness. In fact, if I recall correctly, the person who most contemplated Michael's rock-solidness was an antagonist, who lamented that Michael couldn't be "bought off." I absolutely loved how Hoff wrote Michael, how she didn't bring obvious attention to his honorable deeds, but that she showed his unhesitating inclination to do the right thing, time and time again, even in the most difficult situations. And his role in the three-way childhood friendship between himself, Nora, and Morgan was absolutely precious.
There were plenty of other amazing major--and minor--characters that I'd feel terrible about not mentioning. Nora was just an important character as the three aforementioned men, and I loved her as well. Her love for all of the major characters was written so well, and I loved how she didn't want to hurt Michael (because Michael deserves to never be hurt). Then we had Daniel, who was as nice as ever; Tierney, who was terribly annoying but completely realistic; Sara Farmington, who was understandably frustrated, but please, Sara, give some grace to poor Michael; her father Lewis, who actually provided a little comic relief from time to time; Jess Dalton, who was such a kind man (and the way he worked with Michael was precious); Arthur Jackson, whose character I was delighted to see developed a bit more; Sandemon, whom I couldn't help but love, since he was a gentle big black man (those characters never fail to be amazing); and finally, Annie Delaney, a spunky girl who wouldn't have had much of a personality had it not been for Morgan calling her "a demented child."
Plot: As far as life-and-death situations, this book didn't have as many as the first one. That was nice (we don't really need the characters to be in mortal danger during every book's climax, now, do we?), but there was no less turmoil. This turmoil happened in within the characters, particularly Morgan and Michael. Since this was just the second book in the series, all of the conflict wasn't resolved, but Morgan's plotline was sufficiently resolved. I am quite content with that state of Morgan's heart, and Nora's and Evan's lives are also pretty much resolved. I am pretty content with Michael, as well (the dear man), and Daniel didn't have much of a storyline in this book. The as-yet unsolved plotlines were that of Tierney's, Lewis and Sara Farmington's, and Arthur Jackson's (I'm hoping to hear more of Arthur in the future, anyway ... that might not actually happen).
Romance: It's hard. Oh, so good, but hard. In the beginning, I was unsure of who might end up with whom, but it became very clear very soon. Near the end there were additional hints as to where other romances might pop up, which seemed a little excessive (I laughed about it, anyway), but as I think every lovely person in this book deserves happy things to happen to them, I won't complain.
Faith content: Written so well, so heartfelt, so intimate. Especially Evan's strong faith, but that which related to Morgan was absolutely amazing, as well. Nothing was stilted or forced, nothing was rushed, and everything was genuine. Jess Dalton's character was a picture of how a true Christian should act, and his discussion with Michael about the church's role was spot-on amazing.
I would recommend this book to fans of historical fiction, romance, and anyone else who likes strong, vivid, and distinctive characters.
February 11, 2012
This series is awesome. The bittersweet saga is full of Christian faith, love, and the idea of where home lies. The characters are fully drawn and are mostly likable, and the plots are amazing.
April 9, 2017
A beautiful sequel.
August 28, 2017
Heart of the Lonely Exile is the second book in the Emerald Ballad series by B.J. Hoff. I liked this book more than the first because it didn't have quite as much tragedy as the first book did. This book continues the stories of three friends from Ireland, Nora Kavanagh, Michael Burke and Morgan Fitzgerald.
Nora and Michael are in New York City, while Morgan stayed behind in his beloved Ireland. Morgan expects Nora and Michael to marry so Nora and her only surviving son, Daniel will have someone to take care of them. Things don't always work out as you expect them to.
Will Nora and Michael marry, and what of Evan Whittaker, the Englishman who risked his life to help Nora, Daniel, and Nora's "adopted" niece and nephew escape Ireland? Check out this Heart of the Lonely Exile to find out. This is a clean, Christian, historical romance. Enjoy!
Nora and Michael are in New York City, while Morgan stayed behind in his beloved Ireland. Morgan expects Nora and Michael to marry so Nora and her only surviving son, Daniel will have someone to take care of them. Things don't always work out as you expect them to.
Will Nora and Michael marry, and what of Evan Whittaker, the Englishman who risked his life to help Nora, Daniel, and Nora's "adopted" niece and nephew escape Ireland? Check out this Heart of the Lonely Exile to find out. This is a clean, Christian, historical romance. Enjoy!
October 26, 2025
"Charity is not merely an act of giving. It is as attitude; it does not demand or set conditions. It does not harbor expectations. True Christian charity is borne of a spirit large enough and great enough to look past the prejudice and weaknesses, the pettiness and the sin of the human heart and see the love of our Lord and Savior reaching out to all mankind, whatever their condition." (page 57)
"I'm afraid. I've always been too quick to criticize my peers, I'm afraid. I suppose we simply expect-we demand-more of those we consider 'our own kind'. And when they don't live up to our expectations, we tend to strike out at them. I'm only now beginning to realize that I have a great deal more forgiveness and understanding for total strangers that I do for the very one's I call my friends." (page 59)
"I'm afraid. I've always been too quick to criticize my peers, I'm afraid. I suppose we simply expect-we demand-more of those we consider 'our own kind'. And when they don't live up to our expectations, we tend to strike out at them. I'm only now beginning to realize that I have a great deal more forgiveness and understanding for total strangers that I do for the very one's I call my friends." (page 59)
June 14, 2020
The characters, story and historical details that BJ Hoff writes in this second novel of the Emerald Ballad series were fascinating to me. I normally prefer not to read material with religious leanings but Christian/Catholic is very Irish and melded well in the storyline. Nora, Evan, Morgan, Sara, came alive in the pages and the history and settings of Ireland and late 19th century New York beautifully described and imaged by the author. Recommended to historical fiction readers who love tales and history of Ireland.
April 13, 2023
Another great book for the series. The ups and downs of living in New York keep the story going. Nora has to decide if she wants to marry Michael but Evan seems to be in the wings waiting with his love. Which will she choose is interesting to see how it works out. Especially when she gets sick and they both are standing vigil over her bed. Morgan has a tragedy happen to him that leaves your heart in your throat kind of a deal. Look forward to the next book.
July 25, 2025
I got this one at a bookstore in a mystery paper bag book sale for $1.
It is a sequel, however I was able to mostly follow the plot despite not reading the first book. I really loved the prose and the faith of the characters. It was a little slow for me, but a nice, easy read. My only complaint is that there’s a little too much tell and not enough show, but I wonder if reading the first book (and any other in the series) would have made me feel any differently.
It is a sequel, however I was able to mostly follow the plot despite not reading the first book. I really loved the prose and the faith of the characters. It was a little slow for me, but a nice, easy read. My only complaint is that there’s a little too much tell and not enough show, but I wonder if reading the first book (and any other in the series) would have made me feel any differently.
August 16, 2019
Excellent fiction, history, Christian writing. I love this series.
I cannot believe I have just now found this author and the beautiful heart - warming and heart - wrenching stories. This is a must read. Im getting the next book in the series from my library here in Myrtle Beach.
I cannot believe I have just now found this author and the beautiful heart - warming and heart - wrenching stories. This is a must read. Im getting the next book in the series from my library here in Myrtle Beach.
January 3, 2025
This is the second book of “An Emerald Ballad”, by BJ Hoff.
It didn’t take me but a few pages to pick up where I left off with the first book.
So many events occurring.
The struggles for Morgan, in Ireland
The historical documentation of the life of an Irish immigrant as they left those horrible coffin ships and the experiences they faced.
BJ Hoff, you’re an intense writer. Thank you!
It didn’t take me but a few pages to pick up where I left off with the first book.
So many events occurring.
The struggles for Morgan, in Ireland
The historical documentation of the life of an Irish immigrant as they left those horrible coffin ships and the experiences they faced.
BJ Hoff, you’re an intense writer. Thank you!
August 24, 2019
Awesome
These books (this series) are just awesome. I only owned book three, but once I read it I immediately went to my electronic public library to get #1 & 2 for catching up on beginning. I am off to check out more right now!
These books (this series) are just awesome. I only owned book three, but once I read it I immediately went to my electronic public library to get #1 & 2 for catching up on beginning. I am off to check out more right now!
May 22, 2020
This was book two in the this series. I enjoyed following the characters as thy started their new life in America. I will probably read the third. There is a bit more religious talk than I care for but I enjoy the characters.
January 7, 2021
I bought this book at a book sale. I didn't know it was the second in a series. So some of the things and people they talked about I didn't quite get. But all in all it was a good story. Would I read any more of the series - probably not.
June 13, 2017
Not as good as the first book but I am hooked now and will look for the last one in the series.
August 18, 2018
A little slower than the first. I like the way ancient history is intertwined into the more modern story. But I wish there were more of it
March 23, 2019
Good read that makes me appreciate the struggle of the Irish and others at the turn of the century.
May 16, 2020
Good book. But it moves slow.
January 31, 2021
Absolutely loving this series and can’t wait to read more of how things turn out for this cast of characters.
February 26, 2022
Love this series. Read it 30 years ago bc and s add m enjoying it all over again
June 29, 2022
Beautiful story! The saga continues!
September 17, 2018
I used to really hate this one - probably the most out of the series. Granted, throughout most of my Emerald Ballad career, my interest lay almost solely with Morgan and Finola, and I thought Evan and Nora were unbearably sappy and retarded, and I wasn't a big fan of Michael at all until later, and even then he wasn't a big deal.
Things I liked about it now:
1. Evan and Nora. Yes, they do become almost unbearably sappy, but I guess because of the kind of man Evan is, I just was happy to see them end up together. There were things about their relationship that reminded me of Mr B and me, particularly the little part about how Evan does not belittle Nora for not knowing things. That goes both ways in my marriage. We're both smart, but in almost polar-opposite ways, and I've never felt like I have to be ashamed to admit I don't know what he is talking about, and I hope he feels the same way.
2. Tierney. I don't think I really understood his character before because you don't always see yourself as you are, but I have a better idea now of what is going on in his head because so many similar things were going on in my own head at about the same age as he is in the books. No further commentary on that just at the moment.
Things I don't really like about it now:
1. Fascinatingly, Morgan and Finola. While I still enjoy that part of the story after a fashion, I don't really care for the melodramatic aspect of it so much, which is really the aspect that makes it interesting.
2. She seems to try to make her Catholic characters Almost Protestant in their ideas, which I think is ridiculous, as if she's trying to make these characters more palatable to a Protestant audience, while still not offending Catholics. When you're a Catholic priest, I would presume you are one because you believe what the Catholic church teaches. If you lean more toward what Protestants believe, you probably wouldn't BE a Catholic priest.
Anyway. That's all for now.
Things I liked about it now:
1. Evan and Nora. Yes, they do become almost unbearably sappy, but I guess because of the kind of man Evan is, I just was happy to see them end up together. There were things about their relationship that reminded me of Mr B and me, particularly the little part about how Evan does not belittle Nora for not knowing things. That goes both ways in my marriage. We're both smart, but in almost polar-opposite ways, and I've never felt like I have to be ashamed to admit I don't know what he is talking about, and I hope he feels the same way.
2. Tierney. I don't think I really understood his character before because you don't always see yourself as you are, but I have a better idea now of what is going on in his head because so many similar things were going on in my own head at about the same age as he is in the books. No further commentary on that just at the moment.
Things I don't really like about it now:
1. Fascinatingly, Morgan and Finola. While I still enjoy that part of the story after a fashion, I don't really care for the melodramatic aspect of it so much, which is really the aspect that makes it interesting.
2. She seems to try to make her Catholic characters Almost Protestant in their ideas, which I think is ridiculous, as if she's trying to make these characters more palatable to a Protestant audience, while still not offending Catholics. When you're a Catholic priest, I would presume you are one because you believe what the Catholic church teaches. If you lean more toward what Protestants believe, you probably wouldn't BE a Catholic priest.
Anyway. That's all for now.
January 31, 2014
I wasn't really much of a fan of this one. It was very slow going and just dragged. There were several times where I ended up just skimming the pages looking for something happening...and most of the time there was nothing. I didn't really feel drawn into the story or the characters at all.
Questions/Comments:
At the very beginning, I was a little confused. Why were Irish teachers and priest having to flee? I didn't understand that at all. I get the English were basically in charge and it was illegal for anyone to be Catholic but....?
There were several instances where something was mentioned, but never explained. I understand this is the second book in the series so the explanation was already explained in the first one, but still. Two of those instances are below:
How did Evan lose his arm?
What had happened to Michael to where he ended up getting shot?
If the Irish had a hard time getting jobs, how was Michael able to become a cop?
What was the difference between the older Irish and the 'Young Irelanders?' I know the Young Irelanders wanted England to pay for the fact that they were all starving and.....?
In all the historical type stories I read, this is a first when it comes to 'fried celery'.
So when Annie is trying to get away from the guy with the 2 boys, she ends up kneeing him in the groin. With the way Annie's describe, as in being tiny...how was she able to get her knee to his crotch?
Lastly, why does it seem like whenever Joseph Mahon is mentioned it's always as 'Joseph Mahon the priest'?
Questions/Comments:
At the very beginning, I was a little confused. Why were Irish teachers and priest having to flee? I didn't understand that at all. I get the English were basically in charge and it was illegal for anyone to be Catholic but....?
There were several instances where something was mentioned, but never explained. I understand this is the second book in the series so the explanation was already explained in the first one, but still. Two of those instances are below:
How did Evan lose his arm?
What had happened to Michael to where he ended up getting shot?
If the Irish had a hard time getting jobs, how was Michael able to become a cop?
What was the difference between the older Irish and the 'Young Irelanders?' I know the Young Irelanders wanted England to pay for the fact that they were all starving and.....?
In all the historical type stories I read, this is a first when it comes to 'fried celery'.
So when Annie is trying to get away from the guy with the 2 boys, she ends up kneeing him in the groin. With the way Annie's describe, as in being tiny...how was she able to get her knee to his crotch?
Lastly, why does it seem like whenever Joseph Mahon is mentioned it's always as 'Joseph Mahon the priest'?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 2, 2010
I enjoyed this one even more than I did the first one, Song of the Silent Harp. Nora and her family have arrived in America and as they try and build a new life for themselves, they find friendship and support, but heartache as well.
Daniel yearns to find his place in America; Michael yearns for Nora's love and acceptance of his marriage proposal; and Tierney is angry at the world. Even fights his feelings for Nora even as Sara fights hers for Michael. Morgan faces death as he fights for a free Ireland. It sounds like a soap opera, but is really a beautiful story of love and friendship and faith in God.
Where Song of the Silent Harp vividly portrayed the struggle of the Irish to survive during the potato famine, Heart of the Lonely Exile shows us the plight of those immigrants who came to America with high hopes and dreams. Here we meet those who would help these people build a new life even as we see those who would build their empires on the backs of the poor and destitute.
I think this book really sets the stage for what will happen in the next three books. The books really should be read in order. I couldn't put it down. This is an enthralling, captivating series and I am looking forward to the rest.
The second of a five book series, this is a reprint of a book first published in 1991, not a new book.
Thanks to First Wildcard and Harvest House Publishers for the opportunity to review this book.
Daniel yearns to find his place in America; Michael yearns for Nora's love and acceptance of his marriage proposal; and Tierney is angry at the world. Even fights his feelings for Nora even as Sara fights hers for Michael. Morgan faces death as he fights for a free Ireland. It sounds like a soap opera, but is really a beautiful story of love and friendship and faith in God.
Where Song of the Silent Harp vividly portrayed the struggle of the Irish to survive during the potato famine, Heart of the Lonely Exile shows us the plight of those immigrants who came to America with high hopes and dreams. Here we meet those who would help these people build a new life even as we see those who would build their empires on the backs of the poor and destitute.
I think this book really sets the stage for what will happen in the next three books. The books really should be read in order. I couldn't put it down. This is an enthralling, captivating series and I am looking forward to the rest.
The second of a five book series, this is a reprint of a book first published in 1991, not a new book.
Thanks to First Wildcard and Harvest House Publishers for the opportunity to review this book.
December 3, 2010
This book gets 4 stars - one up from the first book in the series. The reason for this is because, out of the two, Heart of the Lonely Exile was my favorite book to read, as it held more twists and turns, and it just all around appealed to me more. I enjoyed reading about Nora’s conquests and her situation with Michael’s offer of marriage. Although in the first book Evan seemed like quiet an odd character, he grew on me so much in this second book. You saw his true character continually shinning through and it brought a smile to my lips more than once.
Sara was also an endearing character. Caught with feelings of understanding and respect for a man who has promised to marry another woman, she handled the situation very well. And in the end, everything was worked out, as the Lord always does for his children, and everyone was immensely happened.
It was kind of interesting going back to Ireland every few chapters with Morgan, but I enjoyed hearing more about him, and loved it when little Annie came into the picture. She had so much gumption and spirit that I couldn’t help but chuckle at several parts! What a sweet girl!
All in all, it was a nice read, though it was rather wordy. But once you got used to the authors way of writing, it ended up being a great book!
Sara was also an endearing character. Caught with feelings of understanding and respect for a man who has promised to marry another woman, she handled the situation very well. And in the end, everything was worked out, as the Lord always does for his children, and everyone was immensely happened.
It was kind of interesting going back to Ireland every few chapters with Morgan, but I enjoyed hearing more about him, and loved it when little Annie came into the picture. She had so much gumption and spirit that I couldn’t help but chuckle at several parts! What a sweet girl!
All in all, it was a nice read, though it was rather wordy. But once you got used to the authors way of writing, it ended up being a great book!
September 15, 2010
Heart of the Lonely Exile by B.J. Hoff is the second book in the Emerald Ballad series. Nora Kavanagh and her son Daniel have finally made it to safety in New York, along with orphans Katie, Johanna, and Tom who are under her care, and Englishman Evan Whittaker who became a close friend on the ship across the Atlantic. Sara Farmington and her wealthy father have taken the family into their home and soon find themselves wrapped up in the family's drama. Nora's childhood friend Michael Burke, a police sergeant, proposed marriage to her in a letter before they left Ireland in hopes that he could offer her a safe home, but Nora still doesn't love him as anything more than a friend. Sara and Michael have feelings for each other neither is willing to face as long as Nora is single, but Evan is hoping to do something about that. Hoff adds even more characters in this epic story about the aftermath of the Irish potato famine. There is sweeping romance, major drama as Tierney and Daniel grow to become young men and get caught up in the underworld of the city. Hoff's writing is thoroughly enjoyable and engrossing.
September 6, 2010
Taking up where The Song of the Silent Harp has left off, HEART OF THE LONELY EXILE continues the sage of one family’s search for a place and love in their new home, America.
As disappointing as this is to write this review, I wasn’t able to really get into this novel. Like its predecessor, I found it too wordy and some of the emotions felt clichéd. The tension was there in the relationships, but I thought that it was never enhanced to its full potential. Clashes just seemed to be resolved too easily in my opinion.
So while I didn’t like those aspects of the story, I am still giving it three stars because of the love story. Watching Nora having to make her decisions in the man she truly loved and feeling so torn did give the story the life it needed to continue.
I think for those that enjoy long sagas, Irish history and multiple character point of views, this book is for them. It just hasn’t been my favorite.
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers through FIRST for my copy to review.
As disappointing as this is to write this review, I wasn’t able to really get into this novel. Like its predecessor, I found it too wordy and some of the emotions felt clichéd. The tension was there in the relationships, but I thought that it was never enhanced to its full potential. Clashes just seemed to be resolved too easily in my opinion.
So while I didn’t like those aspects of the story, I am still giving it three stars because of the love story. Watching Nora having to make her decisions in the man she truly loved and feeling so torn did give the story the life it needed to continue.
I think for those that enjoy long sagas, Irish history and multiple character point of views, this book is for them. It just hasn’t been my favorite.
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers through FIRST for my copy to review.
September 6, 2010
At the end of the first volume, Nora, Daniel, and Evan safely arrived in New York Harbor…barely. They left many friends and family members behind, either in the old country or during the hazardous journey. Book two begins with a story tying in the Kavanaugh harp and the role it plays in the story. I enjoy the way Hoff begins each book with an ancestral story. The remainder of the book jumps between the saga of the American immigrants to the story of the struggle for change in Ireland.
Once again, I appreciated the perspective of history. Hoff has clearly done her research. Hoff demonstrates well the conflict between the classes, political conflict, and conflict between ethnic groups. Life was difficult for immigrants in America and the plague and political battle rage on in 19th century Ireland. However, this book did not have quite as dark and heavy a feel as book 1 in the series.
The book was slow-paced and the prose dense, as in book 1. I most likely will not continue on with the series, however, I am glad to have learned more about Irish history.
Once again, I appreciated the perspective of history. Hoff has clearly done her research. Hoff demonstrates well the conflict between the classes, political conflict, and conflict between ethnic groups. Life was difficult for immigrants in America and the plague and political battle rage on in 19th century Ireland. However, this book did not have quite as dark and heavy a feel as book 1 in the series.
The book was slow-paced and the prose dense, as in book 1. I most likely will not continue on with the series, however, I am glad to have learned more about Irish history.
September 15, 2010
Book 2 in the Emerald Ballad series covers the first year that Nora and her family live in America. Who will she marry, Michael or Evan? Will Morgan survive an assassination attempt? Who is the urchin who follows him from Belfast to Dublin and what effect will the giant man-servant from the West Indies have on him. A great romantic story proving that faith can help provide a healthy sustainable environment no matter what is going on around you. Rather than focusing on the famine in Ireland as the first book did, this one focuses on the horrible conditions many of the Irish immigrants encountered in New York City due to the greed of landlords and the total revulsion of the rest of the population towards them. It also follows the fanatical turn that the Young Irish Party takes in Ireland This second book is a much happier book than the first one but just as interesting and gripping.
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