The Last Bride in Ballymuir (Ballymuir Series) [Kindle Edition]

Dorien Kelly (Author)

Book Description

A Romance Writers of America RITA Award finalist!

When Michael Kilbride, a handsome man with a dark past, arrives in the Irish village of Ballymuir, rumors begin to fly. While many turn against him, one woman steps forward--the village's beloved schoolteacher, Kylie O'Shea. Kylie's friends have long believed that proper Kylie is bound to fulfill the local legend of being the last bride in Ballymuir. But sparks soon ignite between Michael and Kylie. Will Kylie, who also hides secrets, find the courage to confront her past and claim passion as her own?

Praise for The Last Bride in Ballymuir:

"A strong plot, entertaining secondary characters, and an enjoyable small-town setting... . Lovers of Irish romance will definitely look forward to the next installment." Romantic Times Magazine

"The Last Bride in Ballymuir is filled with equal parts warmth, humor, and angst. For a story that will tug at your heartstrings, bring tears to your eyes, and leave you smiling with happiness, I recommend The Last Bride in Ballymuir." AOL's Romance Fiction Forum

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Dorien Kelly is the award-winning author of The Last Bride in Ballymuir, the first novel in her captivating trilogy set in Ireland from Pocket Books. She is the recipient of both the Romance Writers of America's Golden Heart Award and the Georgia Romance Writers' coveted Maggie Award. A frequent visitor to Ireland, Dorien has followed the coast from Dublin to Dingle and north to Dungloe, and tracked the River Shannon from beginning to end. When not traveling the Irish byways with her family, Dorien can be found in Michigan. For a bit of flavor from her journeys, visit her website at www.dorienkelly.com.

Product Details

• File Size: 706 KB
• Print Length: 389 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0743464583
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: Koa'e Press (August 17, 2012)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B008ZHSN2W
• Text-to-Speech: Enabled
• X-Ray: Enabled
• Lending: Enabled
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #489 Free in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Free in Kindle Store)
  • #29 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Literature & Fiction > Women's Fiction
  • #36 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Literature & Fiction > Contemporary Fiction

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

60 of 62 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars thanks for taking me home... June 11, 2003

By Sean OTuathal

Format:Mass Market Paperback

I don't read romance novels, but in the case of Dorien Kelly's "The Last Bride of Ballymuir," I made an exception. To my great joy I found a tale of haunting truth told honestly, a message of hope forged into being, where none should exist, and a new writer of whom I shall expect much. The lion's share of the action in this tale is internal: that of the struggle of its two main characters. Both seek to overcome reputations earned, rightly or wrongly, find the courage to stand for themselves, one another, and the right to eek out a bit of happiness in a small town which holds staunchly to its quirky ways. Michael Kilbride's evolution throughout this novel is nothing short of heartwrenching. He is a "throw away" child who must learn not to give up on himself. Kylie O'Shea, in classic Irish form, is fighting the ghost of a past not of her making. She is a true heroine, willing the carry the cross of her shame, rather than run from her home. One could compare this work the the epic Irish classic "Deirdre of the Sorrows," wherein two lovers must run the risk of tearing apart the very fabric of thier lives for the hope of a love that will stand for all time. Dorien Kelly's Ireland is the one I remember, the one I ache for, and through her writing, the one I can find myself standing upon once more. Only twice have I read a novel in which I have missed the characters for days afterwards. The Last Bride in Ballymuir is one of those two.
I sense, the next two in Kelly's triolgy will do likewise.

Sean OTuathal
Writer, Poet, Literature Teacher

29 of 32 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars What a wonderful novel! April 26, 2003

By deefossen

Format:Mass Market Paperback

Dorien Kelly has created a beautifully written story that's so rich with detail I could practically smell the Irish tea. However, the richness in detail doesn't overshadow Kylie and Michael's love story. These opposites do more than just attract--they sizzle and practically jump right off the pages. This book has it all. Old secrets, old wounds and a tender story about healing and moving on. There are also some interesting secondary characters, including Michael's sister, Vi. I can't wait for her story.

31 of 36 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A beautiful love story June 9, 2003

By Susan E. Peterson

Format:Mass Market Paperback

After reading the reviews for this book, I had to write my own--especially after reading the one that was so negative. I'm always surprised when non romance readers pick up a romance novel and find themselves disappointed. It's as if they aren't sure what they're buying when the package tells them very clearly what they're in for--a beautiful love story. Ms. Kelly delivers that love story with wit, gentleness and generous dose of warm tenderness. I loved this book. The land was lush and the characters were multi layered. Kylie O'Shea was the perfect match for Michael Kilbride. She was tempered steel cloaked in softness to his prickly outer covering, shrouding a wounded heart. If you like your romance with a bit of angst and a lot of atmosphere, be sure to pick up, THE LAST BRIDE OF BALLYMUIR. You won't be disappointed!

More About the Author

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Dorien Kelly has published over fifteen novels and novellas with St. Martin's Press, Harlequin and Pocket Books. She has also taken a leap into the world of indie publishing and is loving every minute of it! Her Ballymuir novels (Irish contemporary romance) have found new readers and the series continues to grow. Recipient of the Romance Writers of America's Golden Heart award and finalist for their coveted RITA award, Dorien lives in Michigan (and from time to time, Nebraska, too) with dogs, children, and various other forms of insanity. Visit Dorien's website at www.dorienkelly.com. You can also visit Ballymuir at www.ballymuir.com.