After almost three years of living under a fog of grief, Ellen Shepherd is ready for the next chapter in her life. Perhaps she’ll find adventure during a visit to Galway. Her idea of excitement consists of exploring Ireland for yarn to feature in her shop back home, but the adventure awaiting her includes an edgy stranger who disrupts her tea time, challenges her belief system, and stirs up … feelings she thought she’d buried with her husband.
After years of ignoring God, nursing anger, and stifling his grief, Payne Anderson isn’t ready for the feelings a chance encounter with an enchanting stranger evokes. Though avoiding women and small talk has been his pattern, something about Ellen makes him want to seek her—and God again.
Can Ellen accept a new life different than the one she planned? Can Payne release his guilt and accept the peace he’s longed for? Can they surrender their past pain and embrace healing together, or will fear and doubt ruin their second chance at happiness?
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I have read and enjoyed Hope Toler Dougherty‘s books in the past. So, I was excited to have the opportunity to read her Irish Encounter. I was far from being disappointed. It is my favorite that I have read by her to date. I adored Ellen and Payne’s story. I thought the two could be easily be relatable. They both were dealing with some real life issues that so many go through. I love the element of faith and inspiration within the pages. It was, also, wonderful taking a journey to beautiful Galway.
I am giving Irish Encounter a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy a sweet and clean romance. I thought it was a great read and will love to read more by Hope Toler Dougherty in the future.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
When they first meet, Ellen Shepherd tells a stranger that she believes in both prayer and divine appointment and remarks that “Maybe you’re one for me today.” Little does she know just how true this may turn out to be! Irish Encounter tells the story of two people who have known grief and disappointment but have chosen totally different paths to handle their situations. Ellen has turned to God and relied on Him and prayer to help during the three years since her husband’s death and she is now returning to a place they had once visited together. Payne Anderson has chosen to nurse his anger and ignore his grief by turning away from God. It’s apparent that they are drawn to each and their chemistry is very strong but is it possible for this attraction to be stronger than their differing beliefs?
Hope Toler Dougherty has chosen the wonderful setting of Galway for this sweet and inspiring romance that focuses on hope, forgiveness, and second chances. Reading this book made me feel like I was sharing Ellen’s vacation with her. I was seeing the Irish countryside, visiting the yarn shops, and eating at some of the small pubs, but all vacations must end and many questions and doubts follow Ellen as she returns to the United States. Was her chance meeting with Payne truly ‘God ordained’? Can her strong Christian witness be a positive influence in Payne’s return to faith? Is it possible for Ellen and Payne to find a second chance at happiness, together?
Dougherty has written a lovely story and I am looking forward to reading more of her books. I recommend Irish Encounter to all readers who enjoy contemporary Christian romance.
I received a copy of this book from the author via Celebrate Lit. A positive review was never required. These are my own thoughts and opinions.
A warm, well-written story about a forty-something widow, Irish Encounter made me laugh, sigh, and cry. Despite revolving around a woman who lost her husband three years ago the book is uplifting and encouraging, rather than depressing and morose, as one might expect. Ellen is stronger than she thinks she is, and I enjoyed watching her self-confidence grow as she experiences Ireland for the second time without her husband. The dialogue is realistic and fluid, so much so, that I found myself arguing with her daughter as if she was real! The descriptions immersed me in the setting, so I could imagine the lush landscape of a country I’ve never visited. I loved Payne, and the good that Ellen brought out in him. He too walked a difficult, grief-filled journey, and I felt for him as he struggled to reconcile his guilt with growing feelings for Ellen. Themes of forgiveness and second chances are woven throughout the story without being preachy. Highly recommended.
Love the backdrop of Ireland in this book. I only wish more time had been spent in Ireland and that there were more Irish characters in it!
I dream of one day going to Ireland. Until then, I read books about it! Irish Encounter is a sweet story that shows love can strike twice and to be open to the unexpected chances that come our way. And being set in Ireland, with characters not from there, readers get to enjoy a visit to Ireland through Ellen and Payne.
I could NOT put this book down. It was so good. The characters make you root for them the whole way through and the author keeps you guessing how it will work out until the end.
Irish Encounter by author Hope Toler Dougherty is a contemporary Christian novel. The author brings the lush green of Ireland to life on the pages with her talented pen. Even though I have never been there, I have a wonderful idea of what it is like now thanks to this sweet book.
This is the story of Ellen Shepherd, a widow of three years. She and her daughter take a trip to Ireland where Ellen simply enjoys the tranquility of the beautiful country. Her quiet is interrupted by Payne Anderson, and sparks begin to fly off of the pages.
Ellen is a wonderful character and I immediately became invested in her story. I wanted to go shopping with her and learn about the different types of yarn. We would have tea in a quaint little place, too. The author provided such vivid descriptions that I felt like I went with them.
Payne is a troubled soul. I could feel his distress through the author’s words. The romance is sweet in this book. It kept me turning pages. I even enjoyed reading about the sheep.
Author Dougherty has a nice style of writing. I enjoyed her way of telling this story. The conversations were smooth and sounded realistic. Characters were well rounded with good characteristics as well as flaws. The problems they faced were normal for many people.
Books that contain a spiritual or faith message are my favorite. This one had those as well as life lessons. It was an encouraging, emotional story that most everyone will enjoy. I recommend this book. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but these are my honest words.
I liked this story. The flow was fantastic, the conversations beautiful. I especially like the relationship Ellen had with God; the ease with which she prayed and talked was very admired and worthy of emulation.
The chemistry between Payne and Ellen was just magnificent. I especially loved their first meeting in the cafe, very, very usual meeting.
Awwww I felt sorry for Payne about the experience that made him turn his back on God. But it was beautiful how Ellen’s faith and way with God intrigued and influenced him.
I loved his their love story started. I read the book in one sitting. It was that good.
I recieved a copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
Beautiful Ireland. Love the book cover. I enjoyed the book despite reading in digital format. I look forward to reading and reviewing the author’s books in print format.
Recommend the book.
Irish Encounter by Hope Toler Dougherty is a stand-alone contemporary older-couple romance. Trying to get over the grief of losing her husband, Ellen Shepherd travels to Galway, Ireland to help her daughter settle in for a year of study abroad. There she meets Payne Anderson, a fellow American, on vacation to attend a wedding. She helps him see his need for God and he helps her get over her grief. After a whirl-wind friendship they go their separate ways hoping to meet up again in the States. I’m usually not one for reading about older middle age couples and romance; but because this was set in Ireland and especially Galway, I took a chance. It was a great little story. I loved Payne’s sense of humor! Ellen was such a sweet person to get to know. All of the interaction was believable and down to earth. Just like real life! I truly enjoyed this book and being able to “re-visit” Galway.
I received this book from Celebrate-Lit for my honest review.
Be strong. Do not be terrified. The Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
Ellen Shepherd is visiting Galway, Ireland – a place she enjoyed a number of years earlier with her husband who has passed away. With all the memories a visit like that brings with it, strength was something she needed. What started out as a trip down memory lane became a most enjoyable visit that brought new life to her and those around her.
As a knitter and occasional crocheter, I loved all the detail surrounding the farms and yarn shops. For me, I expect that would be at the top of my list, should I ever have the chance to visit Ireland! The author’s attention to detail, especially when it came to describing all the gorgeous scenery and the multiple hues of green just added to the wish to someday travel to that country.
This ARC was received through Mantle Rock Publishing, Hartline Literary Agency and CelebrateLit. The thoughts and impressions are my own and were in no way solicited.
I thought this was a fun book. I really enjoyed meeting the characters. Ellen was full of all kinds of emotions and thoughts and while I couldn’t relate to her grief I felt like I could!
I’ve long wanted to go to Ireland. It’s on my bucket list for as soon as I can save up money for it. But until then I get to read books that bring it to life for me. This book did that. The scenes were very well written out and I could imagine myself there seeing what the characters were seeing.
I loved the sheep! We have sheep here on our farm so I loved reading about the yarn and the farm talking about how they made their yarn. Such fun.
Ellen has a lot of grief and she also has adult children. Payne also has grief but he lost his wife and child. They both need to let go of their pasts and let their hearts heal before they can move on and possibly find love again. But what if love sneaks up on both of them? And what if obstacles get in the way?
This was such a fun book. I didn’t want to put it down. There isn’t any suspense unless it’s wondering if Ellen will wake up from her injury or wondering if Payne will figure out the truth before he writes off their love forever.
I highly recommend you get a copy of this book and cuddle up with some tea and a blanket in the air conditioning. Pretend you’re in Ireland and fall into the story.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
I enjoyed this read, a rebirth, in a sense, having had the deep grief of loosing loved ones, and now being a bit older, can Payne and Ellen let go of their doubts and embrace this new relationship?
We begin this story in beautiful Ireland, and you see the country side through the eyes of this author. We also travel to shops and farms where the wool yarn is made, and you can almost feel it, and Ellen buys lots for her yarn shop in the States.
Payne is committed to a project in Africa, and these two may just be ships that past in the night. Will schedules and life permit these two a bit of happiness? Well. answers come, and you may be surprised at the ending.
A sweet read you don’t want to miss!
I received this book through Celebrate Lit, and was not required to give a positive review.
I have always wanted to go to Ireland. In fact it is on my bucket list. In a small way I think I can check Ireland off my list. The author took me on a glorious tour of Ireland where I saw beautiful farms, quaint little shops and memories of a place that holds beauty and hope.
Ellen is such a wonderful character that I felt I was walking beside her as she went to the shops and discovered beautiful yarn to order for her shop back in the states. The details of yarn and the vast array of colors fascinated me. I have never taken up knitting or crocheting but I admire the work that goes into it. It was a perfect place for Ellen to relax and enjoy herself . I love divine appointments and God sure had one for Ellen waiting for her in Ireland.
Payne is a handsome man with sad eyes that say I’m hurting to those around him. He may pretend that he is fine, but the eyes tell it all. His past is heartbreaking and painful. When he and Ellen meet I could feel that something good would come from their encounter. It was interesting to see how the author included Ellen’s daughter in the story. I laughed when her daughter was a little upset seeing her mother having lunch with a strange man.
One of the best things about this story is how Ellen was able to share her faith with Payne. They both have lost loved ones but one of them was still holding on to anger and guilt. I thought the part where Payne goes to church and really listens to the message was a turning point for him. The story is not only about finding happiness but also letting go of the past. Guilt can destroy someone if they don’t deal with it and Payne has allowed that emotion to dictate his life for too long.
I loved following Ellen and Payne on their journey to getting to know each other. One week could change their lives forever. Will Ellen be able to open her heart again? Can Payne forgive himself and allow God back into his life? To find out these answers you will need to read this well written book. Readers will discover how healing brings hope, forgiveness and unconditional love.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from this novel, but the premise sounded intriguing, and the intersection of faith and pain is often an interesting one to read. Traveling is not possible at the moment, so the chance to escape to another country via the pages of a book proved to the final draw I could not resist. I’m glad I took a chance on a new-to-me author, as I enjoyed the journey to Ireland.
I liked the pervasive faith element in this story. Ellen is a strong believer, and though not perfect, she does her best to rely on prayer and listen to the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Payne’s grief has largely sunk his faith, but as God will often do, a meeting with Ellen he cannot explain has him once more considering the things of God. I had to laugh at the inconvenience of answered prayer early in the novel, both life-like and frustrating at times.
I enjoyed the romance, and while it may not be the most realistic to think of a lasting relationship coming from a chance meeting in a cafe across the world from home, nothing is outside the bounds of possible when God is involved in a story. And isn’t that one of the points of fiction, to show us what’s possible, pulling us out of our everyday experience?
Aside from a couple of typos that slipped through, my only complaint is that this novel allowed too many events to rule the plot at the end rather than allowing the characters to see where they might go together. One obstacle after another was put in their way, and I wanted them to have their happy ending rather than continuing to struggle along.
This was a fun, interesting read, especially for anyone who enjoys stories with main characters who aren’t just starting out in life, or those who may want to travel to Ireland, but with the current restrictions or financial considerations, can’t make it to their dream destination at the moment. I recommend it!
I received a copy of this book through Celebrate LIt but was under no obligation to post positive remarks. The opinions expressed are both honest and my own.