Irish Lady [Mass Market Paperback]

Jeanette Baker (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 1998

Born in the Belfast slums, Meghann McCarthy has left that life far behind. She is now a rich, brilliant barrister, living in London's classiest district. Yet when Meghann agrees to defend Michael Devlin, a notorious Irish nationalist--and the boy she once loved--she comes face-to-face with the true power and spirit of her heritage and a passion she cannot deny. .

Editorial Reviews

Review

Meghann McCarthy is a highly successful attorney in London about to put her reputation on the line to defend an accused murderer. Never mind that the man she is defending is her first love and brings back memories of a much younger Meghann, one who grew up in war-torn Ireland. Never mind that she has left the voices of her past behind her in order to build her career. With one phone call from her foster mother asking for help, Meghann is once again thrown back into life in Ireland. Although Michael Devlin isn't exactly being cooperative, especially since Meghann left him years before, Meghann is determined to prove his innocence. Meghann finds help in the form of Nuala O'Donnell, a time traveler and ancestor from the 16th century. As she becomes immersed in memories of her past, Meghann finds herself seeing events from Nuala's life -- her love for Rory O'Donnell and subsequent heartache. Nuala's purpose in sharing these events is to make Meghann realize how important love is -- regardless of the sacrifices. With Nuala's help, Meghann and Michael prepare to fight for his life. No doubt it will be a difficult task, especially with the different political factions seeking a scapegoat. Will the Irish girl turned English lady have her day in court and win her love's freedom? And will Meghann and Michael overcome their differences and pursue their feelings? It takes some innovative thinking and courage, but with a 16th century Irish lady on their side, they simply can't lose this battle of love.Without a doubt, this is one book that will find its way on the keeper list of many readers. Not only do we get a modern-day story in the form of Meghann and Michael, but we get linked to a 16th century love story, as well. Nuala O'Donnell steals the limelight as a robust character with incredible passion and fortitude. What a delicious, yet poignant read! Ms. Baker has woven Irish history into a touching piece of fiction that leaves the reader seeking more. Her characters are so realistic that their emotions seem to leap off the pages. I found myself deeply engrossed in the life of Nuala O'Donnell as it unfolded around the main storyline. What an innovative way to tell a story! Truly one of the best and most touching books I have read -- a true love story complete with a host of emotions!Amy Wilson -- Copyright © 1998 Literary Times, Inc. All rights reserved -- From Literary Times

About the Author

Author of fifteen novels, including the RITA Award-winning paranormal Nell, Jeanette Baker has been hailed by Publishers Weekly as a forceful writer of character and conflict whose novels RT Book Reviews calls "irresistible reading." Jeanette lives in California during the winter, where she teaches literature and writing, and in County Kerry, Ireland during the summer.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Pocket (March 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0671017349
• ISBN-13: 978-0671017347
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.1 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,613,752 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Jeanette Baker is the award-winning author of fifteen novels, most of them set in the lush countryside of historical and contemporary Ireland where she lives and writes during the summer months. Her ancestors, the Flahertys, hail from Inishmore the largest of the Aran Islands located off the coast of Galway. She takes great pride in the prayer posted by the English over the ancient city gates, 'From the wrath of the O'Flahertys, may the good Lord deliver us.'

Jeanette graduated from the University of California at Irvine and holds a Masters Degree in Education. For the remainder of the year, Jeanette teaches in Southern California and enjoys the company of her grown children. She is the Rita award-winning author of NELL.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stunning! I loved this book!, December 28, 2001

By 

Beachreader "BeachReader" (Port Townsend, WA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Irish Lady (Mass Market Paperback)

To put it quite simply, after reading four of Jeanette Baker's books in the last couple years, I am hooked. IRISH LADY was the first of several of her older books that I have read and it is as compelling, if not more so, that her current contemporaries. IRISH LADY, with a bit of the paranormal mixed in, is two stories in one. The first, a story set in the 20th C. amidst Northern Ireland's "Troubles" and the second set in 16th C.Ireland around the time of the "Flight of the Earls" but also dealing with the Irish political scene and the long fight with the British. There is plenty of romance in both stories as well and although there are painful scenes, the story is ultimately one of good triumphing and of love nearly conquering all. Those familiar with Irish History will enjoy seeing it come to life via Baker's words. Those unfamiliar will still be taken in by Baker's marvelous storytelling abilities. I can't recommend this book enough and know of no better proof of this than to say I am glad I already have the rest of her books and am now reading her book NELL (winner of the 2000 Rita for best paranormal romance).

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Breathtakingly wonderful!, March 27, 1999

By 

C. Bittay Dintino (Lakehurst, NJ USA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Irish Lady (Mass Market Paperback)

After reading IRISH LADY in one sitting, I sat down and read it again. This beautifully crafted work is much too special to be thought of as simply another romance novel. This story of Meghann, who escapes from her Belfast past to become a successful London attorney, and Michael, a former IRA soldier is both intense and ethereal. Both Meghann and Michael must come to terms with the past while securing their future together. Through the wisdom of Nuala O'Donnell, a 16th c. ancestor, Meghann reconciles herself to her heritage, her convictions, and her heart.

If you are unfamiliar with Irish nationalism, one read of this book will well acquaint you with it. You'll finally understand what Bono was saying when U2 recorded "Sunday, Bloody Sunday". Though Ms. Baker does take liberties with the history of the 16th c. (which she admits in her notes), her insight into modern Irish nationalist politics is right on target.

IRISH LADY is a truly wonderful book with realistic and vivid characters, a smart plot, and crisp writing. This is a keeper.

4.0 out of 5 stars INTERESTING WITH A TWIST OF PARANORMAL!, January 19, 2012

By 

April A. Renn "aarenn(AprilR)" (Henderson, NC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Irish Lady (Casablanca Classics) (Paperback)

IRISH LADY by Jeanette Baker is an exciting historical romance set in 16th and 20th century Ireland. It is the story of Meghann McCarthy ,born in the slums Ireland,in Belfast and moved to New York and Michael Devlin,an Irish charmer and an ex-IRA soldier. It has a twist of paranormal mixed with rich political Irish history. "Irish Lady" has strong characters,an interesting plot,danger,political danger,a bit of romance,and heritage. If you enjoy historical writing with paranormal twists,Ireland,the IRA,political intrigue,danger you will enjoy "Irish Lady". A great read for any historical readers,history buffs,Ireland history readers,romance readers or just looking for an interesting fast paced story. Received for an honest review from the publisher. Details can be found at Sourcebooks Casablanca,a division of Sourcebooks,Inc. and My Book Addiction Reviews.

RATING: 4