The Legend of Shannonderry

by Carol Warburton

Gwyneth Beddows, a young woman of nineteenth-century England, has often felt lonely and unloved by her father, who believes the rumors that his pretty daughter might not actually be his child. The one place the young woman can find consolation is in the saddle of her spirited stallion. The magnificent horse shows promise as a racehorse and has drawn the attention of Irish horse master Cormac D'Arcy, who is visiting England on business. The handsome young man also brings a lifechanging message from Gwyneth's grandmother—a frail yet feisty Irish woman Gwyneth has never met. Events orchestrated by her father force Gwyneth to flee England, and with the help of D'Arcy, she arrives at Shannonderry, her maternal family's ancestral home, where Gwyneth learns of a legend that will have a profound impact on her life and the lives of those around her. Touched by the promise of destiny, Gwyneth seeks to save the family estate from certain ruin. But with fierce rivals on the scene and her embittered father in the periphery, Gwyneth faces grave danger that may place her far beyond the reach of D'Arcy's rescuing hand—and she must call on the strength of her heart if the historic legend of Shannonderry will ever be fulfilled. About the Author Books have always been an important part of Carol Warburton's life. In addition to writing several books, she worked thirteen years for the Salt Lake County Library. Her novels have been set in the United States, Mexico, Australia, and Ireland. She and her husband, Roy, live in West Jordan, Utah.

Genres: Romance, Historical Fiction, Historical, Clean Romance, Lds Fiction, Fiction, Historical Romance

First published September 1, 2010

Reviews

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

The loyalty I feel toward this author is solid, to say the least. Her second book, "Before the Dawn" is in my top ten of all-time favorite books. I've read it several times; it comes off the shelf about once a year, right around the rainy season. Although I've never met the author, that book was like a personal gift to me, from her.

But getting on to this book... though it didn't replace "Before the Dawn" or even make the top ten, I did enjoy it. Carol Warburton writes with a beautiful simplicity that makes you feel the emotions with her characters.

I just wish the covers of her books would stop getting plastered with FACES. Although her first two didn't; "Before the Dawn" has a fabulous cover. This is a horrible trend in books in general. Do not show me what the characters look like! I HAVE an imagination! That's why I READ!

Anyway. I'm happy to have read that Carol Warburton is working on another novel. As long as they keep coming, I will keep reading.

[Mummy Cat Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I saw the cover of this book I was instantly drawn to it. After reading the summary of it, though, I was a bit confused. The cover is very attractive but it gives off a modern feel, in my opinion. The book, however, is set in 1810.
Other than the cover, this book had its problems. But first, the premise was good. I still enjoy reading about pretty girls and their horses. Mostly becuase I wish I could be one. Oh well.
I liked Gwyneth, the main character. I felt she was likable and she had her challenges but was determined to over come them, always. I liked D'Arcy but I felt his name was a lame choice and I could see that the author tried really hard for him to be Gwyneth's savior but he fell short for me in that respect. I think I would have liked him more if the author hadn't tried so hard to impress the reader with how great Cormac D'Arcy was.
Also, the book talks about how Gwyneth was destined to save Shannonderry. This isn't a spoiler, but at one point i thought this would become a subplot and the author would create more on this line. However, Warburton did not and so that entire story line really fell flat for me and could almost have been taken out of the book. I understand it's purpose and I wish Warburton would have taken it somewhere.
Lastly, Warburton didn't try hard to deceive the reader. This isn't necessarily bad but now days the thing in literature, in my opinion, is to deceive or trick...keep the reader on their toes, etc. and Warburton did none of that. I'm not sure it ruined the book and i don't know that it would have made it any better, it was just something I noticed.

[Taffy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story is a 19th century Cinderella story, except there is a father who isn't nice. Gwyneth is not treated well by her father thanks to a stupid rumor. Her stepmother also treats her poorly. When Gwyneth's grandmother, someone she hasn't met, sends for her, Gwyneth is overjoyed at the prospect of leaving home.

What she finds in Ireland shocks her. She is part of a legend. Can she live up to it? And will the Irish man who thinks English girls should stay in England love her? Or will her past rise up to ruin everything?

Carol does a fine job in making the reader feel they are in Ireland. Her characters grow and mature. I found myself wanting the two main characters to fall in love and make it work. And for the locals to like Gwyneth, even if she is part English.

I could also "see" the characters in my mind. I thought the main character had unusual coloring for being from Ireland and England. But set her apart.

Carol also did well in building tension between the two countries or between people. I enjoyed reading her tale from beginning to end.

There was a bit of convenience or unbelievability but Ireland is full of magic, right?


Ratings:

V: Bad guys

L: None

S: None.

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

It’s a typical proper historical romance. Nothing out of the ordinary, but also not very exciting. Predicable but sweet

[Kammie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has a great combination of misunderstanding, horse breeding and horse racing, romance, legends, and jealousy. I got a glimpse of Irish history and conflicting religions. I enjoyed the story telling so much that I read the book in one day!

[Cheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great book!! Set in England and Ireland, I can imagine in my mind the beautiful lush green countryside in which she rides her stallion Tyrn, wearing britches and a hat to cover her hair, flying over hedges in daring races. Gwyneth has always wondered about her mother, who died giving birth to her. She has never met her Grandmother who lives in Ireland. When circumstances send her running from her home to Shannonderry where her mother was born and raised, she feels like she is finnally home. I can't decide which Carol Warbuton book I like best, her books are among my favorites, vivid detail that makes you imagine you are right beside the characters in the book.

LOVED IT AGAIN!!

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good read. I was surprised I liked it as much as I did. There was a predictability problem and the ending drug a little, but other than that it was good. The writing was ok and there was a small religious undertone but so light it was barley there for anyone who doesn't like to read that and it wasn't directed at any one religion. I liked the main character, I wish we could have had a little more of her thoughts and feelings she was just a little flat, but I don't expect a lot of deep character development from these types of books. It a good read for fans of a light clean romance.

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great story about a girl, Gwyneth, who is half Irish and half English. Her mother died right after she was born and her father refuses to talk about her mother, thinking he was betrayed. When her grandmother sends for her, she jumps at the chance and runs away to Ireland, with the help of Cormac D'Arcy.

This is an especially great story if you like historical romance and mystery, mingled with a love of horses.

[Kathy * Bookworm Nation · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one. It was a fun escape. I liked Gwyneth, she had a lot of spunk. Cormac was also a great leading man, he supported Gwyneth, but was also a great protector. Their relationship was fun to watch evolve. The setting is fun, it makes me want to travel to Ireland. There is a bit of a mystery and some adventure. The ending was great. Overall, a fun story, great setting and a romantic love story.

[Aimee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always been a fan of Carol Warburton's books. After all, I named my youngest after reading one of her books. I really enjoyed this book and put all others I was reading down to finish it. I think I might have read it too fast though, because I'm sad it's over.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly entertaining- one of my favorite Warburton books yet. I loved the backdrop of 19th century English and Irish rivalry. I almost wish there was a sequel- maybe with Owen the brother or their children going back to England.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like this book and do recommend it to anyone who wants a little bit of mystery, romance, and action. You get to go into a whole new time period and experience what may be happening. One example I liked the book was the way Gwyneth, the main character, showed power and stability even when she was mocked, pushed around, and made fun of. An example from the text is, "Gwyneth glanced at Flynn, saw him nod, and read the accusation in his rheumy eyes. 'Tis your fault. If ye'd stayed in England, the cattle and Bradach would still be alive. Naught will come to Shannonderry if ye stay." "I am not going back to England," She said. "Shannonderry is my home now." She showed she was not going to be pushed even if a trial got in her way. She would grow from it and keep going to make everything better. I really liked the book because it also had a bit of romance that grew and grew throughout the story making you excited and happy. Apart from the text is, "The woman actually told a truth. I am wooing you, though not to have Toryn. I want to have you... to hold you and love you and..." He brought her cupped face close to his. " kiss you," He finished." One of the last reasons I like this book is the way it brings the reader to the time and place of the events and period of time. The way the author describes and makes you feel like the reader is there is amazing. A piece from the text that shows this is, "The gravel was so narrow and heavily lined with oak and birch trees that all she could see was rain-dampened trees and heavy undergrowth...then gazing across a wide expanse of grass at the high Normon towers and turreted walls of Shannonderry...it’s ancient stone walls and turreted towers gave off an aura of strength and endurance." These are some reasons and evidence on why I thought this book was really good and recommend it to others. I hope others will read this book and see the things I thought were so marvelous about it. Thank you!

[Maria Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were two things that bugged me about this book. First was the cover. Very pretty model but it seemed to me that she was too modern looking, she is wearing mascara and her hair and eye color were both wrong. Her blonde is too dark to fit the book description. It called her hair white and platinum. The cover was not. And her eyes are also too dark. The book said they were aqua. They almost look brown on the cover.

The other thing was that I kept wanting Gwyneth to be more defiant. She wore breeches to ride but only in private. To race she pretended to be a boy and said she didn't care if her opponent found out. But she did care about everyone else. I wanted her to just be a woman who would dress and ride as she wanted come what may.

Anyway, it is a sweet romance. Clean. Christian theme of faith that God will answer prayers, but not overwhelming. Minor conflicts were not really nail biters. I never really wondered how it was all going to work out in the end. But I liked it well enough to read more Carol Warburton.

[Jennifer Tidwell · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a great story. There are a lot of characters and story lines that the author creates. She is able to wrap them all up and finish the story completely. It was refreshing to have all the threads tied nicely into a bow- there were no questions remaining. Not everything was perfect, but at least all the story lines were addressed. I really appreciated that the main character's trusted friend is a beautiful horse.

[Liesl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. One of the things I like about it, is that she gives voice to many different characters in the book. You don’t only hear the thoughts of the main character, and then have to wait for the next chapter to hear from the second main, but you hear many different character’s thoughts during each scene. She blends them together seamlessly.
Much love and excitement and character growth.
I only give five stars if it is a life-changing book. That’s why only four stars.

[Tricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not really that complex or amazing of a book - and it took me months as I’d read a little here and there . . . But I really did like it!! Clean and fun place and period! Just kind of happy and light with a little intrigue and conflict.

[vivian waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

So wonderful! I Have read it so many times !!!!!!

Wonderful !!!
Love the book !!!!!! Wonderful great Great great great yes yea yes 😇😇😇😇😇 great great great greast great

[Daryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story.

[Sarah Wade · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was suggested to be because of my love of Edenbrooke. While along the same genre, this one failed to capture my heart as much. I liked the story but it seemed very long. That alone made me less enthusiastic to read it as I felt like it would never end. The characters were likeable enough but I never felt drawn to them. All in all, it was an ok book that I liked reading but probably won't read again.
.

[Ashley Lavering · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story was sweet but a bit slow. There was trials but it all seemed a bit smooth. With that said I did enjoy the lyrical element about the story. The love story was sweet.

[June · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this novel and the way it portrayed true life in the early 1800's. Having English and Irish heritage it was a fun read to see how one special young lady brought life back into Shannonderry.

[Heidi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Content: Clean

So there's nothing wrong technically so I gave it 3 stars rather than 2.... Can't say I would really want to recommend it as I just feel so so about it.

[Christy Peterson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked the bit of history of Ireland and the heavy inclusion of horses.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lighthearted & enjoyable. I haven't read a book from this time period ever or at least in a while. Refreshing. Some plot line elements were predictable

[Lexi · Rating 4 out of 5]

you know what’s magical? reading this book while traveling in ireland.

also, irish men really are as hot as cormac d’arcy.

[Hanni · Rating 4 out of 5]

The cover is what got me. Loves this book. Cute and such a fairy tale.

[Happy Reading Watching · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to this one and it was an enjoyable read. I love good, clean romances but the best part of this book was that the two charcters actually communicated!!!!
You heard me right the two love interests actual communcate! Can you tell that I am tried of reading about stories that are bult on miscommunication. The Legend of Shannonderry was a breath of fresh air. Healthy relationships have communication and I loved that Carol Warburton included this in her story.
I'm looking forward to reading more of here books. :)

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this historical fiction about English and Irish relations. Gweneth Beddows is born in the 19th century England to a wealthy horse training father and Irish born mother. Her mother dies during her birth and before she dies her father believed that he was betrayed by her mother and withholds his love because he suspects that his bride was unfaithful. After 22 years, Gweneth still is trying to gain her father's attention. The only way so far is her horse sense and Toryn. When her ailing Irish grandmother, sends a request to have her come to Ireland and reside/inherit Shannonderry, her mother's mom calls to her. She runs away from an arranged marriage that she doesn't want and takes her racing horse Toryn with her. Just like the English, the Irish are now so accepting of Gweneth, but she pushes through the dislike and makes a stand to save Shannonderry from ruin. Her horse Toryn causes a stir because he is a good racer. The irshman, Cormac D'Arcy who helps her get to Ireland falls in love with her, but she suspects his love interest her a desire to own Toryn. Cormac must prove his love first for her. The plot thickens with threats are make toward Gweneth to leave and then Cormac for helping her. Then her father comes to claim the horse that is rightfully hers. Old vendettas against the Weston family comes into play too. In the end her father learns the truth about his deceased wife's love for him and her faithfulness, then he is able to let go of his hurt and love his daughter.