Customer Reviews

Ashes of Remembrance (Galway Chronicles, Book 3)

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have never been dissappointed by a Thoene book. Even those Thoene novels which are not my favorite titles are ten thousand times better than anything else out there. It is interesting that any criticism of their writing compares their books to other Thoene books not to the novels of other contemporary writers. It's because no one in their genre is as good as they are I think. I have my MA in Lit. I teach American and English Lit and drama. I just have to say, having read and reread their novels, I really feel that this Irish series is right up there with the best of the best of Thoene titles! It is obvious they are going to write a Book 4 for the Galway Chronicles. I just wish they would write faster! Bravo to the authors. You are the best I have ever read. (And I am comparing your writing to Steinbeck, Mitchner, Faulkner, Hemmingway...all of whom are long gone. May you live and write forever! We intellectually starving readers need you!)

It should have been a happy day in Ballyknockanor. Joseph Burke and Kate Donovan were finally getting married. But the rejoicing turned to sorrow when the groom was arrested at the reception for his part in the recent Irish repeal movement. Unknown to Joseph and Kate, this is part of a larger scheme by neighbor Colonel Mahon in an attempt to take over their lands. As he plots and schemes, Kate finds herself in danger. Joseph becomes a further victim of the plot. Will last minute attempts to stop his punishment be successful? Will he and Kate ever be reunited? Can she survive Mahon's plans for her?

The first part of this book was so hard for me to get through, I thought about quitting. I just wasn't sure that I could deal with any more of the character's sadness. But just before I quit, the pace of the story really picked up and I got drawn into these character's lives once again. There are so many fascinating plots levied against them, I had a hard time putting the book down until I reached the satisfying ending. As always, the Thoene's back up their story with wonderful historical research that makes this time period come vividly to life.

With the way this book ended, you can bet it won't be too long before I'm back for the final chapter in these characters's saga. And I'm sure I'll enjoy it just as much as I did this chapter. Well worth reading.

I have thoroughly enjoyed reading the Galway Chronicles- I'm anxiously awaiting my copy of the next book. I really enjoy historical fiction, and I love anything about Ireland's past, so these books have been such a treat for me. I'm even recommending them to my dad, who strictly reads non-fiction, because I think he would enjoy them immensely. Through all the tragedies and horrors that these characters have experienced, one common theme is evident- God is always there, always protecting, loving, and comforting, even while the world is crashing all around. A sincere thank you to the authors, for conveying such a wonderful message and a terrific story.

I must admit that at first I had some trouble getting into the Galway Chronicles. I think now it was a matter of getting used to the authentic Irish dialect and the fact that the heros of the story are Catholics! After chapter two of the first book my brain adjusted and I have been hooked ever since. Marvelous stories! This one follows the story of Kate and Joseph and the beginning of the political troubles of pre-famine Ireland. I am learning things I never understood about the true beginning of the Irish troubles. More than that, my faith is being stretched. My ingrown prejudices against Catholics (don't all Protestants have even a bit of suspicion?) have been challenged. My heart has been opened to those whom I have been taught all my life to suspect. Could Catholics know and love the same Jesus I know? Well, what a thought. Probably these books will offend a number of Protestants because they seem to show that both Irish Catholics and Irish protestants really banded together in that time to free themselves from English rule. They had a common love of Christ and of liberty. They were something like the founding fathers of our own nation!~ What a revelation! Are these books banned in England? Are they burned in some Protestant church parking lot because they seem to say that Christ is alive and well in the hearts of men and women on both sides of the denominational lines? I have known that my goal as a beliver in Life for the unborn was shared by Catholics. I was once surpirsed by that in my early days as a bigot. Now I am finding that we share the same Lord, the same baptism, the same hope. Bravo to the Thoenes for writing a series of novels which tell the truths of God's love so clearly in such an unexpected way. The topic was explored with great courage and tremendous spiritual insight. Can't wait for book four!May God bless them in tearing down the walls between Protestant Christians and Catholic Christians. (Just as they have done between Jews and Christians in their Zion books.)

I cannot express the positive impact the Galway Chronicles (and other Thoene books) have had on my life. The stories are more than just stories. Ashes of Remembrance is a superb continuation of the Galway Chronicles. I hear book 4 will be out soon. I can't wait to read it!

Looking for adventure? In "Ashes of Remembrance", Bodie and Brock Thoene's story about the lives of Joseph Connor Burke and Kate Donovan take a turn towards adventure. The book starts out with joy, as the long awaited romance between Joseph and Kate culminates into a wedding. But shouts of joy soon turn into tears of sorrow. Immediately after the wedding, Jospeh is arrested and charged with treason. Meanwhile, Colonel Mahon has his eye on Burke's estate, and through his trickery Joseph is sentenced to transportation for life ... to Australia. And our favorite characters all return, including Mad Molly, whose prophetic babbling and busy-bodying again proves to be essential.

Unlike the earlier two novels of "The Galway Chronicles" series, "Ashes of Remembrance" is less political and less theological. But what it lacks in spiritual depth, it makes up for in adventure and excitement. At sea, Joseph faces hardship, cruelty, the elements, and shipwreck. It is somewhat of a pleasant change of pace from the first two novels, and it's an adventure story well told. At home, Kate faces murderers and kidnappers who are willing to resort to any measures to get hold of Burke's land. The brutal suffering perpetrated in the religious struggles of the Irish is not absent, but functions more of a backdrop for the evil personal ambitions of Mahon. But whether at home with Kate or at sea with Joseph, the adventure is non-stop.

The Thoenes are sensitive to the fact that real Christians do experience real suffering. They are not afraid to depict Christians being the victims of real tragedy and betrayal. In fact, this suffering is thematic in this novel. The title "Ashes of Remembrance" originates in the simple wisdom of the nurse Miss Susan, who explains to Kate how trials and sorrows play an important part in one's life, and make you stronger. "Back home they set fire to the canefield before they cut the cane. Burn away the leaves and rubbish so's they can press the cane to make sugar ... Life ain't nuthin' but a canefield. Sorrows burn away the trash. A person finds out what matters and what don't. What's left is the sweetness. Pressed out, boiled down, and purest crystal. One day, Miss Kate, you tastes the sugar and don't remember the ashes no more." (p.87-88) It's profound wisdom. By the end of the novel, we discover that all the sorrows are not yet over, and that we need to read book four to taste the sweetness. The sorrows of "Ashes of Remembrance" may eventually turn to sweetness for Kate and be forgotten, but for the rest of us, this is definitely a tale of adventure worth remembering.

This is book number 3 of the Galway Chronicles Series. I did not realize this book was part of a series and read it out of order. However, I went back and read the first two books and the last. I could not put them down. The history that is a backdrop for the novels is fascinating and gives one an understanding of the animosity between the English and the Irish. The characters are so real and the story keeps you on the edge wondering what will happen next. I loved all four of the books.

The continuing saga of the Joseph Connor Burke family continues on his wedding day to his love Kate Donovan. What ensues is tragic, as Lord Burke is arrested for treason shortly after saying his vows.
After he is tried and found guilty he is banished to Australia. He boards a hideous prison ship The Hive. Ironically he has been pardoned of all charges but the news is unable to reach him in time.
Kate steps into her new role as Lady Burke and yearns for news about her beloved Joseph.
I was unable to put this book down. The characters feel like real people and not just characters in a book. It is easy to share in their joys and hardships.
I suggest having the sequel "All Rivers to the Sea" on hand so you can continue this compelling story.

This novel was a solid follow up to Only the River Runs Free and Of Men and Angels. This series is great if you like anything about Irish history. The Thoenes paint a vibrant picture of the Irish culture in the mid 1800's. You can identify with the characters and get emotionally attached.

If you liked the other two books you will definately approve of this one. It has all the same great qualities of the two before it. I hoope that it is not the last! The books are GREAT, read them!

This is not only a short review but a request for information. I am in total agreement with the previous reviews I just read giving this series 5 stars. My question is: Is there a book four? If not, I sincerely hope it is in the author's computer awaiting completion soon! Since finishing this book it was left completely open for the sequal which I will continue to look for. Keep up the wonderful writing. and let us know when we can obtain the next in the Galway Chronicles.
Thanks