A compelling and heartfelt story about the power of faith, family, and our need for connection.–Richard Paul Evans, New York Times Bestselling AuthorTWO TEENAGERS, TWO CENTUREIS, ONE CITY.1817 Ireland – Allen Hamilton crosses the Atlantic alone to find a way to save his family from social ruin and starvation before it’s too late.2018 Fort Wayne, Indiana – A gifted young artist suffering from … Indiana – A gifted young artist suffering from debilitating grief finds healing and inspiration in her Irish ancestry when she unearths Allen Hamilton’s noble rise from rags to riches in Antebellum American.
Based on a 200-year-old letter collection, Once Upon an Irish Summer brings to life and weaves together this true story of faith, hope, and romance.
more
Once Upon an Irish Summer is one girl’s journey to falling in love with history and geneology. All she needed was to find the right connection, and suddenly the “dull and boring” became the “interesting and exciting”. The dual timeline allows the reader to see the research Bethany uncovered through the eyes of her relative as he lived it. It made my heart happy to see another history-lover born. The writing style was great for younger teen readers. It was admittedly a little too juvenile for me to love it personally, however I feel that the author did a great job for the intended audience. I would easily recommend this one to tween and teen readers who either love history already or you want them to love it.
*I received a copy of this book through JustRead Tours. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.
This was well written and a page turner. Finished it in three days. Book is set in my hometown which adds to charm. These places described in book are real—- I have walked in lakeside park, used the genealogy library, etc.
A sweet and charming read that blends two stories together, the past and the present. Family ties, history, romance, and a bit of a mystery. The descriptive setting pulls you into the stories as you learn discover the family tree and the stories behind the names. It’s easy to read and relatable. This story has a little something of everything. Perfect read, not only for teens but adults as well. I really enjoyed this one. This story is worth reading. Especially if you love history and genealogy.
From the enchanting cover to the enchanting story filled with an unforgettable tales of real life characters Once Upon An Irish Summer is a book to read. Wonderful characters in different time periods chasing thier dreams and hoping for a better life. This really is an unforgettable book. I am glad I read it.
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
Once upon an Irish Summer is definitely worth reading! I enjoyed it from cover to cover. I was taken in from the very start of this descriptive, engaging, relatable, educational, heartbreaking, and infectious story. I enjoyed the fluidity of the two time periods bringing generations closer together. I was renewed in my own desire to seek-out the untold stories of my own family’s history. I was taught lessons of unrelenting patience, perseverance and unconditional love found within the precious bonds of family. I’m anxious to read more from this talented and gracious new author.
Once Upon an Irish Summer is a sweetly told contemporary story that allows the reader to look to the past and present to find meaning and fulfillment through family ties. It is woven with curious elements that are playful and relevant in the world of modernity but kept within a richer historical foundation based on real documents of the time. It’s a clever approach to a personal story by an imaginative storyteller that leaves me with a greater interest in diving deeper into the stories of my ancestors. Overall, a good, clean, interesting story, especially for teens!
Once Upon an Irish Summer is a perfect read for teens and adults. The novel is entertaining and inspiring with a touch of romance! The story is relatable and begs one to reconnect with their roots. Five stars!
I loved this book. Literally. I didn’t want to put it down. It had the whole Irish thing going for it in the first place. My great grandad was from Ireland and I love all things Irish of course. So my favourite story within the story was the one in the past. It was so good.
Of course, the present-day story was good too. This is a young adult book which you can definitely figure out by the main character being a teenage girl who’s about to turn 16. The second main character is a teenage boy who used to be one of her best friends. I love the rapport they have together and how easily they can go back to being best friends.
I’m in awe of the letter collection and want it to be real. I want to touch it and read it and love it. History is something important to me and family history is even more so. So this was the perfect book for me to read!
I recommend this book and think it’s definitely one I’d let my teenagers read. While there are a few kisses and chat about dating it’s a pretty clean book with a good central theme.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from JustRead Publicity Tours. 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.
What a fun book! I enjoyed it very much! Its a split time novel. In the present day, Beth is a young girl who gets a job helping her grandma with geneaolgy research. In the 1800s day, Allen, is an immigrant from Ireland trying to make a living in America. Both stories were fun to read. I liked how Beth does research on Allen and then we get a more indepth picture of Allen’s life. I found his story fascinating. Genealogy is really cool and something that I have enjoyed doing. Beth is a little younger then what I would normally read but she was relatable. I think younger readers will enjoy it as well. It was a clean and well written story. I think the reader can learn valuable lessons right along with Beth.
I recommend this to my family and friends.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
This is a well written book that hooks you on the first page. It is suitable for all ages and a very enjoyable read. I hated to see this book end. I highly recommend this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
A charming story of how a girl (at first reluctantly) connects with her ancestors and is able to find perspective and peace to help her deal with her own trials. It’s really made me think about what traits and talents I might share with my great-grandparents and the legacy they’ve left for me. A thoroughly enjoyable read!
Such a wonderful story that makes family history exciting! I was eager to delve into my own Irish ancestry after reading this, and will admit that all of Allen Hamilton’s parts I read out loud with a not so great Irish accent to make it even more enjoyable for me! I am now dying to embark on a journey to Ireland myself!! I sincerely enjoyed reading this! At a time when travel is limited, it was wonderful to escape my own home to embark on an adventure with young Beth to Fort Wayne, IN while she was working through the death of a loved one, and finding herself along the way via her interactions with her ancestors. I would highly recommend this read to anyone interested in family history work, Irish nuances, Midwestern charm, challenges of the 19th century, or navigating the heart of a modern teenager. This is the book for you!
Very simply this book was really fun to read, and it was hard to put down. The historical account of Allen leaving Ireland for America intertwines his life’s challenges and successes with those of his modern-day researcher, Beth. It was great to have two great stories that melded together to create one great book. Good job Wendy—not only musician, artist, and genealogist, but now author, too!
Wendy Spooner’s, Once Upon an Irish Summer, quickly takes you into the world of the immigrant struggle capturing the American dream, crossed with the generation gap of indifference towards genealogical research. As Beth, a teenage artist, is compelled to engage in family research over the summer, to earn money for her future art lessons, she learns the importance of family connection, not only in her present but also in her past. Her thinking shifts on what true love really looks like, and how forgiving yourself is important for moving on and healing a wounded heart. Wendy’s vivid language instantly transported me into a world of hardship, love and loyalty in the pursuit of happiness. And drew me into the compelling nature that comes with the excitement, connection and intrigue of family research. This ingenious page turner leaves one not only wanting to know more about the main character’s future and ancestors, but sparks a curiosity in discovering your own ancestral stories as well. A mix of lighthearted moments, and intense struggles leaves you wanting to know what the next page will bring. As Wendy takes the reader into the world of her own ancestors to captivate her audience, she also kindles a turning to ones own lineage. With this, I can see Allen Hamilton nodding at Mrs. Spooner and saying, “Well done!”
This is a FABULOUS read and is perfect for both teens and adults!! It’s the perfect mixture of history, romance, and a touch of mystery. I love the originality of the storyline, it keeps you captivated every second!
Once upon an Irish Summer is a great read for any book lover! The book connects two teenagers in two different time periods, who may be experiencing different trials but both draw strength from their family and their faith. The characters quickly come to life and you cheer them on as they unlock the mystery of their past and find hope for the future. A must read!