This “elegantly written” trilogy follows an unforgettable Irish heroine from the potato famine through immigrating to America (Eileen Goudge). “An epic saga that sweeps you into the life of a remarkable woman,” Ann Moore’s trilogy of breathtaking historical novels covers Gracelin O’Malley’s life from the 1845 Famine and the Young Ireland movement to the mass emigration to America, culminating … America, culminating in the wild frontier of 1850s California (Romantic Times). Through it all, Gracelin’s indomitable spirit and Moore’s “vivid historical detail” prove most hauntingly memorable (Kirkus Reviews).
Gracelin O’Malley: As the potato famine devastates Ireland, Gracelin openly defies her English husband by feeding the desperate souls who come to their door, and secretly sides with the rebels who call themselves the Young Irelanders—including her beloved brother, Sean—as they fight to free their homeland from the yoke of English rule.
“Lyrical, pitch-perfect prose . . . Historical fiction at its finest.” —Publishers Weekly
Leaving Ireland: Forced to flee Ireland, Gracelin takes her young daughter with her on an arduous transatlantic voyage to New York City. As she tries to make a new life for herself and her daughter, she reunites with her brother and befriends a runaway slave, getting swept up into the volatile abolitionist movement.
“Moore blends romance and adventure. . . . Strong and likable characters and a well-paced story will make readers look forward to Gracelin’s next appearance.” —Booklist
’Til Morning Light: With her two children, Gracelin travels to post–Gold Rush San Francisco to meet the sea captain who has proposed to her. But when she arrives, he is nowhere to be found. Although destitute in a dangerous city, Gracelin vows to make a secure life for her children and find her brother.
“Readers who have been following the story of Gracelin O’Malley will be thrilled with the concluding volume in Moore’s trilogy.” —Booklist
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Great trilogy. Made me think about the early lives of the Irish and the tragedies that they went through.
Good beach read
Extremely well written story on a topic I knew almost nothing about lead by a wonderfully strong woman and tied with a lovely bow.
This 3 book series kept me turning pages relentlessly until I finally reached the end, The combination of history and fiction lead me eagerly on the journey with Caitlin.
I loved these three books. It was amazing the strength of the characters as they faced so many obstacles in their lives. The descriptions of life during a tragic historical event, the Potato Famine, in Ireland seemed so realistic that the reader felt they were there. The issues presented regarding immigration of the Irish to America parallel today’s immigration issues with different classes and segregation of people who are different. The story of Grace, her family and friends drew you in from the beginning of the book to the end of the trilogy. I admired Grace’s strength to face all the adversity in her life and her ability to forge forward for the sake of her children. I will definitely look for more books by this author.
If you love Irish history you will love this trilogy.
Great historical fiction
Loved that is covered a long period of time and was about life for Irish during the famine and then after they came over to America. Tragic lives they led and so much to overcome but they did and many survived and some succeeded. The characters were very realistic, adventurous, daring and easy to love.
There was a lot of historical information in the books which meant that I also learned a lot about a tragic time in the Irish past.
Highly recommend
As a novel based on history the author reveals the plight of the Irish at the hands of their oppressors the Brits during the 1800s. A series of wrong policies caused the death by starvation of millions of Irish. Hard to read. Had to take a break to not be overwhelmed by the tragedy unfolding in the book.
Loved this whole series!
This trilogy is the first I have read by Ann Moore
I will be looking for others
Her characters are so realistic and their plight was historically true
A very good read
I really loved these books I could not put it down. Thank you thank you
I HIGHLY recommend this trilogy. The saga is well written and offers a descriptive depiction of Ireland and the US in the Mid 1800s. You will find yourself thinking about these characters throughout the day and sneaking in a chapter anytime you can.
I am looking for more novels from Ann Moore.
Love this book. Wonderful read.
Very enjoyable and well written historical fiction!
I thoroughly enjoyed the historical nature of this book and loved reading the trials and tribulations of Gracelin O’Malley. What a strong woman she is!
Beautifully written .
If you like historical fiction you will love this book full of heartache, trials, faith and will. Starving and struggles of making the decision to move to the unknown of another country when you love home and family is tough. But this book has a happy ending despite. I will be reading this again as I really enjoyed the whole series.
As the story begins, Gracelin O’Malley is only six years old and her mother has just drowned and her brother Sean severely injured. Thus begins a saga starting in 1840’s Ireland and ending in 1860’s America. The characters are wonderful, and the seting includes the great potato famine and Ireland’s struggle for autonomy, and later includes New York City and San Francisco.
At age 16 , Grace is married off to the local squire and finds herself the lady of the manor -not necessarily a good thing. Although much happens to Grace, it is shocking to remember as the book progresses that she is only seventeen or eighteen years old for much of the book. Several parts of the book brought me to tears, while others were heartwarming or charming. This is one of the best series that I’ve read in a long time.
amazing trek from old world into many places in the new world a lot of coincidences but plausible.