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All We Hold Dear
Owain Davies doesn’t make friends easily, preferring solitude and the company of his dog to that of people. Wanting to live a life free of expectations, any thoughts of love or family are far removed from his plans. He would never have expected his fellow worker, Conner Boyd, to play at matchmaking by introducing Owain to his widowed sister-in-law.
Catriona Boyd is attempting to navigate the life of single motherhood while discovering who she is without her late husband, Alastar, by her side. But rediscovering herself as an individual and as a member of the Boyd clan proves more difficult than she could have imagined.
When an accident at work lands Owain at the mercy of the Boyds, both he and Catriona must find a way to adjust their expectations for the future. As they learn to trust and rely on one another, they are faced with a more difficult decision than before: choose between the lives they thought they wanted and what they now hold dear.
Catriona Boyd is attempting to navigate the life of single motherhood while discovering who she is without her late husband, Alastar, by her side. But rediscovering herself as an individual and as a member of the Boyd clan proves more difficult than she could have imagined.
When an accident at work lands Owain at the mercy of the Boyds, both he and Catriona must find a way to adjust their expectations for the future. As they learn to trust and rely on one another, they are faced with a more difficult decision than before: choose between the lives they thought they wanted and what they now hold dear.
279 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 14, 2023
106 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
February 4, 2023
Read it for the:
-Physical Disability Representation
-Second chance at love
-Wonderfully written characters
-Found Family themes
-Unique historical setting and details
-Irish and Welsh culture
Romance: clean, kissing only
Content: workplace accident resulting in disability, mention of the death of a spouse
Final Rating: 5/5
I absolutely loved this book. It read like a movie. While it is a romantic story at its core, the author’s writing style is immersive and captures the image of two broken people, trying to piece life together again, set in a backdrop of a difficult period in American History. This is a story of second chances at life and love, light in tone, but still an emotional experience.
The previous book in the series detailed the tragedy that stuck Catriona Boyd and her family. It was an emotional gut punch of an experience. I was curious to know what happened to her.
Catriona was a great character. She lived for her three young children and supported them all despite the harsh conditions of life. I enjoyed the fact that we got some backstory into her relationship with Alastiar, and the insight this gave us into her personality Her character ARC was wonderfully written, and I could not stop rooting for her.
Owain though! My new favorite character. I loved he was a true recluse, and quiet. But he was noble. After an accident leaves him impaired and dependent on the Boyd’s, he starts to question what he really wants from life. I loved the moments of humility, his personal struggles, and his interactions with the children. He was the opposite of everything Catroina knew, but they worked so well together.
I have to thank Rachel Nickel for the use of the word Grand. Never has there been a more romantic word.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
-Physical Disability Representation
-Second chance at love
-Wonderfully written characters
-Found Family themes
-Unique historical setting and details
-Irish and Welsh culture
Romance: clean, kissing only
Content: workplace accident resulting in disability, mention of the death of a spouse
Final Rating: 5/5
I absolutely loved this book. It read like a movie. While it is a romantic story at its core, the author’s writing style is immersive and captures the image of two broken people, trying to piece life together again, set in a backdrop of a difficult period in American History. This is a story of second chances at life and love, light in tone, but still an emotional experience.
The previous book in the series detailed the tragedy that stuck Catriona Boyd and her family. It was an emotional gut punch of an experience. I was curious to know what happened to her.
Catriona was a great character. She lived for her three young children and supported them all despite the harsh conditions of life. I enjoyed the fact that we got some backstory into her relationship with Alastiar, and the insight this gave us into her personality Her character ARC was wonderfully written, and I could not stop rooting for her.
Owain though! My new favorite character. I loved he was a true recluse, and quiet. But he was noble. After an accident leaves him impaired and dependent on the Boyd’s, he starts to question what he really wants from life. I loved the moments of humility, his personal struggles, and his interactions with the children. He was the opposite of everything Catroina knew, but they worked so well together.
I have to thank Rachel Nickel for the use of the word Grand. Never has there been a more romantic word.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
March 28, 2023
I haven’t read the previous books, but I didn’t find that the story was lacking or that I was missing anything. This was a really adorable story about an Irish family working together to make it in a new country. The story is based off of the Widow of one of the Boyd sons (Catriona) and the Boyd brothers Welsh work mate (Owain) and their journey to healing, love, hope and happiness. Catriona’s children are adorable and I loved the relationship development between Owain and the three of them over time. I also really loved Connors character and really hope that that he gets his own story at some point. I want to go back and read the other books now so that I can learn more about those characters as well.
*I received a copy of this book as an ARC reviewer, but a positive review wasn’t required. All thoughts are solely what I personally thought of this beautiful book.❤️❤️❤️
*I received a copy of this book as an ARC reviewer, but a positive review wasn’t required. All thoughts are solely what I personally thought of this beautiful book.❤️❤️❤️
May 7, 2023
This was such a sweet story. Rachel Nickle really gets into the characters' heads. I especially felt close to Catriona. I'm not a widow, but I am a mother, and so I found myself relating all too well to her all-consuming focus on providing for her children.
I also loved the grumpy/sort-of-sunshine dynamic between Owain and Catriona, and how much growth both characters do over the course of the story. Through their forced proximity (thanks to Conner), the two are able to overcome their past traumas, discover who they are without the pressure of family expectations, and realize what they want for their future. This book left me feeling all warm and fuzzy, and I can't wait to see which of the Boyd's Nickle's next book focuses on.
I also loved the grumpy/sort-of-sunshine dynamic between Owain and Catriona, and how much growth both characters do over the course of the story. Through their forced proximity (thanks to Conner), the two are able to overcome their past traumas, discover who they are without the pressure of family expectations, and realize what they want for their future. This book left me feeling all warm and fuzzy, and I can't wait to see which of the Boyd's Nickle's next book focuses on.
July 10, 2025
All We Hold Dear
This was certainly a low-keyed but compelling novel. I’ve always known about “No Irish Need Apply”. I’ve often wondered if other nationalities knew about it and how demeaning it was. Were there signs out for them, too, ones I’ve never heard about? I know there have been much worse racism that it all makes me sick. But the characters in this Irish family are strong and resilient. They did experience joy even in the little things of life. The undercurrent of love was always present. Well worth the read!
This was certainly a low-keyed but compelling novel. I’ve always known about “No Irish Need Apply”. I’ve often wondered if other nationalities knew about it and how demeaning it was. Were there signs out for them, too, ones I’ve never heard about? I know there have been much worse racism that it all makes me sick. But the characters in this Irish family are strong and resilient. They did experience joy even in the little things of life. The undercurrent of love was always present. Well worth the read!
June 23, 2025
A lovely story with a bit of history thrown in.
A lot of us have heard or read about prejudice against the Irish immigrants back in the day, but this really brought it home. The hard scrabble life, it showed their tenacity and strength. The close family bonds shown, and the love story kept my interest all the way through.
A lot of us have heard or read about prejudice against the Irish immigrants back in the day, but this really brought it home. The hard scrabble life, it showed their tenacity and strength. The close family bonds shown, and the love story kept my interest all the way through.
April 22, 2025
Catriona Boyd finds her HEA meeting Owein. Is hard for them in the beginning, but they find out how to work together.
The children add so positivity to the story and is great "seeing" Conner along the pages. Love this book!
The children add so positivity to the story and is great "seeing" Conner along the pages. Love this book!
June 11, 2025
Historical Sweetness
I enjoyed the story, characters, and a bit of history. There's a share of sadness, but this clean romance has a happy ending, so I recommend it to anyone who reads a romance for the happy ending!
I enjoyed the story, characters, and a bit of history. There's a share of sadness, but this clean romance has a happy ending, so I recommend it to anyone who reads a romance for the happy ending!
September 28, 2023
Once again, Rachel immerses the reader in a story of headship, heartache, healing, and hope. This second-chance romance is a must-read.
“Sometimes people have pain that we can’t see or understand.”
“Sometimes people have pain that we can’t see or understand.”
February 17, 2023
“He cocked his head as he continued to consider her with those gray eyes of his, and she wondered if he felt it too. That sense of comfort, acceptance, and belonging.”
This book. It was like being wrapped up in a wonderful hug it was so good! I have loved this whole series, but this is definitely my favorite so far!
My heart broke for Catriona in the Of Brighter Days when she lost Alastar. She is so young to be a widow, and with her three precocious children she really had her hands full. I love how much she loved her children, and her husbands family. She is a loyal heart and you see that in all of her actions. Another aspect of her personality that I really liked was how she was a quiet person, but she longed for company and companionship. Being quiet or introverted does not make you anti-social. Catriona represented that balance perfectly.
Owain was a wonderful hero. He’s grumpy as grumpy can get in the beginning, and doesn’t feel that needs or wants anyone else in his life. He’s happy with his dog Griffith and his home in the woods. But his life gets shaken up when matchmaking Connor Boyd decides to bring him home for dinner.
I really liked Owain’s slow character arc throughout the story. It felt very natural and organic. He slowly grew to respect and appreciate all that Catriona does and those feelings eventually give way to much deeper ones. His Welsh heritage was also very fun, as this is a culture I have recently decided I really want to learn more about. The way he was with the children was endearing and will definitely win some hearts as you read this!
This is hands down one of my favorite reads of this year. It’s simply fantastic and I beg all of you to go and grab it now! You won’t regret getting lost in the Boyd family for a while 😉
Thank you to the author for an e-arc. All thoughts are my own.
This book. It was like being wrapped up in a wonderful hug it was so good! I have loved this whole series, but this is definitely my favorite so far!
My heart broke for Catriona in the Of Brighter Days when she lost Alastar. She is so young to be a widow, and with her three precocious children she really had her hands full. I love how much she loved her children, and her husbands family. She is a loyal heart and you see that in all of her actions. Another aspect of her personality that I really liked was how she was a quiet person, but she longed for company and companionship. Being quiet or introverted does not make you anti-social. Catriona represented that balance perfectly.
Owain was a wonderful hero. He’s grumpy as grumpy can get in the beginning, and doesn’t feel that needs or wants anyone else in his life. He’s happy with his dog Griffith and his home in the woods. But his life gets shaken up when matchmaking Connor Boyd decides to bring him home for dinner.
I really liked Owain’s slow character arc throughout the story. It felt very natural and organic. He slowly grew to respect and appreciate all that Catriona does and those feelings eventually give way to much deeper ones. His Welsh heritage was also very fun, as this is a culture I have recently decided I really want to learn more about. The way he was with the children was endearing and will definitely win some hearts as you read this!
This is hands down one of my favorite reads of this year. It’s simply fantastic and I beg all of you to go and grab it now! You won’t regret getting lost in the Boyd family for a while 😉
Thank you to the author for an e-arc. All thoughts are my own.
February 1, 2023
Rachel Nickle has woven a beautiful story of new beginnings and finding love when there has been sorrow and hardship. Catriona, a young widow and mother of 3, realises that she is a very different person than when she first married and that she can let herself love again. Catriona is a fierce and caring mother; working so hard to provide and care for her family but she has lost pieces of herself to grief and being part of a large boisterous family. The Boyd family are Irish immigrants to Boston in the late 1840’s and I love their interwoven lives as well as their very clear love for each other. Cat’s children are adorable and have a big part to play in the story too.
When Owain needs a place to stay after an accident he ends up living with Catriona, her children and his colleague (Cat’s brother in law). Having spent years keeping himself apart from people he begins to see the joy of family and that perhaps what he wants for the future is very different than what he expected!
I loved the unusual setting and history that Rachel places this story in. The book begins near the end of the Cochituate Aquaduct being built (which would bring fresh water to lots of families without water near to their housing in Boston) and I loved reading about the citywide celebration when the Aquaduct was finally completed.
All we hold dear is a gentle romance that will take you to a different era and a family full of love.
* This review is my own and given freely in exchange for the Arc*
When Owain needs a place to stay after an accident he ends up living with Catriona, her children and his colleague (Cat’s brother in law). Having spent years keeping himself apart from people he begins to see the joy of family and that perhaps what he wants for the future is very different than what he expected!
I loved the unusual setting and history that Rachel places this story in. The book begins near the end of the Cochituate Aquaduct being built (which would bring fresh water to lots of families without water near to their housing in Boston) and I loved reading about the citywide celebration when the Aquaduct was finally completed.
All we hold dear is a gentle romance that will take you to a different era and a family full of love.
* This review is my own and given freely in exchange for the Arc*
March 17, 2023
So glad to be back with the Boyd family once again! Through hardships and separation, this family continues to maintain its strong bond and each new story gets better and better!
I really enjoyed Catriona and Owain’s story. The grumpy lone wolf and the cheerful widow. I loved the progression of their friendship! It was gradual and realistic and then when they both realized they were developing feelings for each other… YES! I loved how it just hit Owain and kind of knocked him senseless by the force of it 😂.
Both characters were so easy to fall in love with. Catriona and her unflappable drive to provide for her family and still maintain a sense of happiness. Owain and his endearing shyness and heart of gold. They were opposites in the best way and really complimented each other well.
I loved seeing the other members of the family as well! Catriona’s lively children, Finn and Norah, Uncle Connor! I can’t wait for his story!!! There is so much more to him than meets the eye.
Well done to the author on this new book! I’m really enjoying the series 😃.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed Catriona and Owain’s story. The grumpy lone wolf and the cheerful widow. I loved the progression of their friendship! It was gradual and realistic and then when they both realized they were developing feelings for each other… YES! I loved how it just hit Owain and kind of knocked him senseless by the force of it 😂.
Both characters were so easy to fall in love with. Catriona and her unflappable drive to provide for her family and still maintain a sense of happiness. Owain and his endearing shyness and heart of gold. They were opposites in the best way and really complimented each other well.
I loved seeing the other members of the family as well! Catriona’s lively children, Finn and Norah, Uncle Connor! I can’t wait for his story!!! There is so much more to him than meets the eye.
Well done to the author on this new book! I’m really enjoying the series 😃.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 18, 2023
I was so excited to read a continuation of the Boyd family as I highly enjoyed the first two books in the series.
This book features Catriona, widow of Alistair Boyd who believes that she will never love again and Owain, a work colleague of the Boyd brothers who is brought to live with them after he suffers a serious workplace injury. Owain is more of a recluse than a grump but I loved watching him open himself up to friendships and to romance.
Love this one for:
Irish heroine and Welch hero
Slow burn romance
Widow/second chance at love
Close family relationships
Unique historical setting (Boston in the 1860s)
Forced proximity
Recovering from injury
Found family
So many sweet moments and the dancing at the fountain was just sigh-worthy. If you enjoy historical romance, this is a series that definitely belongs on your reading list!
I received a complimentary copy of the book but a positive review was not required.
This book features Catriona, widow of Alistair Boyd who believes that she will never love again and Owain, a work colleague of the Boyd brothers who is brought to live with them after he suffers a serious workplace injury. Owain is more of a recluse than a grump but I loved watching him open himself up to friendships and to romance.
Love this one for:
Irish heroine and Welch hero
Slow burn romance
Widow/second chance at love
Close family relationships
Unique historical setting (Boston in the 1860s)
Forced proximity
Recovering from injury
Found family
So many sweet moments and the dancing at the fountain was just sigh-worthy. If you enjoy historical romance, this is a series that definitely belongs on your reading list!
I received a complimentary copy of the book but a positive review was not required.
March 2, 2023
I really enjoyed this story. Both main characters had difficult pasts and yet they learned to move past them.
I loved the flashbacks and glimpses that we saw into Catriona's past. I feel it helped us to see into her character more and to better understand her.
Owain only had a few flashbacks, which was totally in line with his character, as he was one who didn't like looking back at his past.
Both Catriona and Owain both grow as their story progressed and their relationship grew from strangers to friendship to more in a very convincing way.
This is the 3rd book in the Hearts of Eire series. This is the only book I have read in the series, it can be read as a stand alone.
This book will be available March 14th!
I was given an advanced copy from the author for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I loved the flashbacks and glimpses that we saw into Catriona's past. I feel it helped us to see into her character more and to better understand her.
Owain only had a few flashbacks, which was totally in line with his character, as he was one who didn't like looking back at his past.
Both Catriona and Owain both grow as their story progressed and their relationship grew from strangers to friendship to more in a very convincing way.
This is the 3rd book in the Hearts of Eire series. This is the only book I have read in the series, it can be read as a stand alone.
This book will be available March 14th!
I was given an advanced copy from the author for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
February 18, 2023
Set in 1848 East Boston, this historical, sweet romance shows the strength of the human spirit and what can happen when you open your heart to love again.
Although a little slow in the beginning, I enjoyed learning about historical Boston and seeing Owain soften with Catriona and her children, while he recovered from a painful accident. Catriona is such a strong, hardworking mother who sacrifices for her children. She reminded me of my own Great Grandmother who worked in coat factories in the east coast.
I loved the subtle moments Nickle created between Owain and Catriona. This book makes you slow down and celebrate every small victory for Owain, while rooting for he and Catroina to find love and happiness once again.
February 23, 2023
From the moment I finished reading book 2 in this series I was very looking fordward to read the next and I haven't felt dissappointed because I really have enjoyed reading this book. I love the Boyds from before and we continue to know more about them and how their lives continues. I love Conner in the previous book and in this one too! Catriona and Owain has a great development of their relationship and the children characters are very well created and I love the part they have in the story. I also love the glimpses and mention of Alastar and how the author has written how it's possible for Catriona to fell in love with two different men. I recommend reading this book and cant wait to read the next from Rachel!
March 24, 2023
This book was absolutely beautiful. Set in Boston, Owain, a construction worker, meets Catriona, a young widow with several children, at a family dinner that his friend Conner invites him to. Later when Owain is injured, their paths cross again when Conner decides to help Owain heal physically and look for emotional healing as well. If you read this book you can expect to find:
- Overcoming injuries
- Physical disabilities
- Strong women
- Irish Family
- Welsh fairy tales
- Grumpy/Sunshine
- Slow-burn romance
- Unexpected love
It was a 5 star read for me! Thank you to the author for the ARC. All opinions are my own and I was not required to post a review.
- Overcoming injuries
- Physical disabilities
- Strong women
- Irish Family
- Welsh fairy tales
- Grumpy/Sunshine
- Slow-burn romance
- Unexpected love
It was a 5 star read for me! Thank you to the author for the ARC. All opinions are my own and I was not required to post a review.
January 28, 2023
Received an ARC in exchange for a review. Historical romance in 1840s Boston, where a Welsh loner is injured and has to heal in the home of an Irish family. A slow burn, full of musings, internal dialogue and sweet changes. The interaction of the family shows a struggling yet loving, tight knit group. Part of the family has left for California. I haven't read any of the other family members' stories but I enjoyed a glimpse into everyone's back story. A sweet read with a satisfying first and second kiss scene.
February 14, 2023
This book gave me the best kind of book hangover. I find myself so invested in Rachel Nickle's characters and awed by the way she flawlessly takes historical research and weaves it into a beautiful story.
The third installment in the Hearts of Eire series carries on the story of the Irish Boyd family as they seek to establish a life in America after a heart-breaking voyage across the Atlantic. This story will twang your heartstrings and leave you satisfied with that feeling that only comes from finishing a wonderful book.
The third installment in the Hearts of Eire series carries on the story of the Irish Boyd family as they seek to establish a life in America after a heart-breaking voyage across the Atlantic. This story will twang your heartstrings and leave you satisfied with that feeling that only comes from finishing a wonderful book.
February 16, 2023
Wow! What a beautiful story! I have loved each book in this series with the Boyd family. We go on an emotional ride each time showing how they persevere and get through struggles. I love the rich history of the Irish settling in America. Owain and Catriona each have their own deep personal struggles but through an accident they are forced together and slowly build a connection with each other. They are so sweet together!
March 14, 2023
All We Hold Dear is a deep dive into two people's lives that seem impossible to find each other. The two characters battle difficult pasts and uncertain futures, physical and emotional pain, and their own hearts in order to find the belonging they both deserve. I'm a big fan of forced proximity and meddling family members, which is included, but that is nothing compared to the fulfilling character arcs both Owain and Catriona experience in this beautifully written story!
March 20, 2023
I enjoyed this one!
I loved the setting of immigrants trying to make a life in a new country, even when they are treated differently.
Loved the story of a lone man who doesn't know a loving home and family being thrown into one, and a widow trying to keep her family strong and together.
Cute story!!
I loved the setting of immigrants trying to make a life in a new country, even when they are treated differently.
Loved the story of a lone man who doesn't know a loving home and family being thrown into one, and a widow trying to keep her family strong and together.
Cute story!!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews