Customer Reviews

In Love and War

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It's been a long time since a book so caught my heart that I skip doing my taxes, practicing my harp, and doing the dishes just to read another chapter. It's one of those great, old-fashioned love stories, delicious but not overdone, and very, very real, with interesting characters and lots of "sparks."

The setting is a small village in beautiful, green Ireland, complete with unique people, church, pub, and Meaghann's dairy farm. And injured journalist Quinn Lawlor, who is heart-wrenching and gorgeous.

This novel is a fine example of the "wish-they-still-published-books-like this" variety: unput-downable and unforgettable.

Set in the early 1990's in a tiny village near Waterford, In Love and War tells the story of, Meaghann Power, an unmarried Irishwoman fast approaching forty and struggling to hold onto her family's dairy farm. Her parents are deceased, her younger brother, Declan, has taken a job as a teacher in the city, and Meaghann's only prospect appears to be a widower with five children and his eye on her farm.

Former television war correspondent, Quinn Lawlor carries the physical, mental, and emotional scars inflicted by a lifetime of watching his fellow man sacrifice all in the name of nationalism. While covering the civil war in Bosnia, Quinn finds himself caught in the crossfire with disastrous results. Embittered by the loss of his television career, Quinn retreats to Ireland, determined to write a novel that will expose the dark side of fanatical patriotism.

There were several things I enjoyed about this book. Ms. Barrett's prose is beautifully descriptive. In the opening scenes at the farm, Meaghann's overwhelming exhaustion is palpable and Quinn's bitterness practically oozes from his pores.

This novel is a classic romance, but the setting is what sets this story apart from so many others.

Meaghann's reluctance to act on her physical attraction to Quinn is more than a matter of our heroine playing coy or shielding her heart. An inherently practical woman, Meaghann is keenly aware of the impact an affair would have on her life in a tiny village where social life revolves around the pub and the church. She knows all too well that what's whispered in the pub will surely make it to the pulpit.

Quinn's experiences have blinded him to the nuances that shade every aspect of life in Ireland. His stubborn refusal to see the shades of gray nearly costs him everything.

Ms. Barrett skillfully navigates the tangled web of Irish Republicanism, the questionable tactics employed by the Provisional IRA, and the mixture of pride, fear, and ambivalence her characters wrestle.

In Love and War takes place in a country where legend is based in reality, and reality is often romanticized in prose, poetry, and song. I am an Irish-American woman who was raised on stirring songs of rebellion. In Love and War made me set aside my own romantic ideas and reexamine those shades of gray we so often overlook.

Occasionally, a romantic novel will catch my attention because it sounds refreshingly different. Set in 1993, against the background of a troubled Ireland, with a disillusioned war correspondent as the hero and a dairy farmer as the heroine, IN LOVE AND WAR by Suzanne Barrett is one such book.

Meaghann Power has run her dairy farm in the small village of Tinmagh, County Waterford for the past nine years with some part-time help from the young Foley twins. Realising that she can no longer manage unless she has full-time assistance, Meaghann has decided to rent out the old keep on her property. With the additional money, she can employ the Foley twins full-time and the tenant would provide an extra pair of hands around the farm.

Her uncle, Tom O'Donnell, suggests an American, Quinn Lawlor, as a suitable tenant. His father, Pat Lawlor, was born in Tinmagh but had moved to the United States many years ago. Apparently, Quinn wants somewhere quiet where he can concentrate on the book he is writing.

However, Meaghann is shocked when she meets her new tenant. Not only is he rude and aggressive towards her but he also has a crippled leg. She can forget the idea of any assistance from her tenant with jobs around the farm!

Meaghann is also worried about the possible consequences of her brother, Declan's friendship with the radical Republican activist, Fergus Burke.

Although Meaghann and Quinn's initial encounters are confrontational, a mutual attraction simmers below the surface. As their relationship deepens, it is threatened by Quinn's anti-violence stance, shameful family secrets that Meaghann has kept hidden for so many years and a series of dramatic events. Will their love be strong enough to survive?

I love Quinn because he is such complex character. Despite his initial rudeness and belligerent attitude, I found myself warming to him straightaway. I think he adopts this attitude as a form of defence mechanism to avoid having to interact with people. Having been physically and emotionally hurt, he needs `to fight his own battles' in order to rebuild his life. However, he has not counted on meeting Meaghann and having `this hungering need' for her.

Quinn's experiences as a war correspondent have had a profound effect on him. They have left him with a deep hatred of violence - `Each assignment was even more gut-wrenching than the last. And the warring factions never learned.' He believes that the Irish are no different from the Bosnians and Serbs. `Ancient hatreds overwhelmed all human decency. They were all fanatics, the lot of them.' I sense that this prejudiced view of the Irish has its roots in his own father's deep commitment to Irish Republicanism and the detrimental effect it had on the relationship with his own family, particularly Quinn.

For the last nine years, Meaghann's life has centred on running the dairy farm until Quinn's arrival awakens her dormant sensuality:

`She had known of the strong passion within her, and had done her best to harness those feelings into honest, hard work.'

I fully appreciate her initial reluctance to fully explore her relationship with Quinn. Tinmagh is a small village community where any scandal will make Meaghann's position untenable. However, Quinn shows her a `world of feeling outside her safe, pristine cottage', one which she is prepared to risk her reputation for.

Just as Quinn is haunted by events in his past, similarly Meaghann is haunted by closely guarded family secrets. She is afraid that if the truth is ever revealed, Quinn will hate her and the people of Tinmagh will despise her family. I felt that both needed to trust each other enough to be completely honest about their pasts.

Ms Barrett creates a wonderful chemistry between Quinn and Meaghann, their initial wariness of each other developing into a growing attraction culminating in the consummation of their relationship. The love scenes are both tender and sensual.

The political subplot involving Meaghann's brother, Declan, provides a real awareness of the turmoil and danger inherent in Ireland at that time. However, it doesn't overshadow the love story.

Ms Barrett has a wonderful creative writing style and I found it so easy to visualize the settings and characters in my mind. She also has the ability to convey the characters' emotions with such raw intensity.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a well-written and thought-provoking story, complex characters and powerful emotions.

Reviewed by CarolAnn

for The Romance Reviews

Review by Jen: I enjoyed this novel which has an interesting plot. A wounded war correspondent goes to a small Irish village, where his family was from before immigrating to America, to heal and write a book. There he meets an older woman (by about 8 or so years) who is tied to the land and falls in love. She's hesitant to get involved because she's older, uneducated, most of her life has been centered around her family farm, and she lives in a very small community where everyone knows everyone else's business. While there were times that the characters got a little whiny, complaining about the same thing over and over again, I really did grow to like them and wanted to see them get their happily ever after.

My only complaint is that the book was too political for my tastes. Because it's set in the early 90s when the IRA was very active, the author spent a lot of time discussing the civil war that was raging in Ireland. Yes, parts of it were essential to the story, but often times it felt like I was reading a poly-sci or history book rather than a romance novel. It was if the author was trying to get in all the information she learned while researching.

So to recap, it's a good book, well-written and well-rounded. But for someone like me, who doesn't really like politics, it's probably not the best choice of reading material.

This story has wonderfully full characters, beautifully detailed settings and a well written story all working together to make a very enjoyable read.

Meaghann is a solitary woman struggling to maintain a dairy farm in rural Ireland. She is nearing 40 but has not married as her fiancé had been killed 12 years earlier in an IRA related incident. Meaghann's younger brother, Declan, wants nothing to do with the family business.

Meaghann is a "good" catholic girl in a community that stresses older time values and morals. She helps at the church setting up flowers and pressing altar linens. Her Aunt is encouraging her to marry a local widower but Meaghann is not attracted to him. She would rather make it on her own even if she has a sense of loneliness.

Meaghann's Uncle has arranged for her to take on a border in the old keep on her property. Having a male border may create some moral concerns but Meaghann is determined to have the border who will bring in extra money and hopefully add an extra pair of hands to the work load. When Quinn arrives she is annoyed to discover that not only is he recovering from injuries, but he is rude and difficult.

Quinn is very bitter from all of the war he has seen as a television correspondent. Because of his injuries he no longer has that job and all he wants is to be left alone to write his book. Although he is sullen and withdrawn, Meaghann is physically attracted to Quinn. Bit by bit the two move from confrontation and contention to conciliation and consolation. Although the attraction is strong and the love affair begins to grow, they both have fears and reservations that keep them from really committing to the relationship.

Declan begins to bring around some politically inclined friends that cause concern for Meaghann. Quinn is furious when he begins to suspect that Meaghann is somehow involved in the Irish rebellion. As if that strife is not enough, Quinn is called back home unexpectedly and Meaghann is forced to face the likelihood that he might never return.

I really enjoyed the description of day to day living on the dairy farm. (I was blessed to visit a cheese/dairy farm in Gouda, Holland and this book brought back wonderful memories of that visit.) The characters are full and complex and the interaction between Meaghann and Quinn is rich with emotion. I liked how their relationship developed and grew. The story moved along very well and the author presented some interesting insights for thought on the political issues and tangles of Irish Republicanism and stubborn Irish pride. I definitely recommend this story for its deep romance and rich warmth. I look forward to reading another book by Ms. Barrett, Late Havest, very soon.

Even before the injuries that ended war correspondent Quinn Lawlor's career he'd become disillusioned by all the fighting and the purpose behind it. Whether fighting for freedom, honor, or even religion it all seems so pointless. While he heals from his injuries, Quinn is spending time in Waterford, Ireland living in a rental where he intends to write a book and hopes to be left in peace.

Dairy farmer Meaghann Power is no stranger to the troubles brewing throughout Ireland. Her own family was more involved with the I.R.A. (Irish Republican Army) then she wants to admit. She's doing her best to leave that part of her family history in the past, besides the day to day operations of running a dairy leave her very little time for anything else. Taking in a boarder would solve a lot of problems. She'd have an extra income and he could help with some of the repairs desperately needed around the place.

Meaghann's hopes that her boarder will be able to help around the dairy are dashed when he arrives and she learns that he's injured and has to walk with a cane. It's not the end of the world but his unfriendly attitude and demands to be `left alone' set her teeth on edge. Quinn is bitterly angry and under his editor's advice he fully intends to write an explosive novel about the Irish conflict. His own father's obsession with supporting `the cause' left him bitter and angry - couple that with recent events in his own life and Quinn is more than ready to lash out at the fanatics of the world with his writing.

Quinn's demands for isolation are thwarted - first by an unflappable cat who doesn't cower in the face of Quinn's bluster, then by Meaghann herself. As Quinn and Meaghann's friendship grows into a pulse pounding desire she fears that he'll learn about the events of her past and her family's involvement in the I.R.A. Will Quinn's preconceived hatred of anything involving the Irish rebellion cost them a chance at a future together?

IN LOVE AND WAR is a poignantly intense story that pulls readers into the lives of the characters and doesn't let up until the very end. Quinn and Meaghann are realistic characters who have roots in Ireland but see the rebellion from opposing viewpoints - and that leads to some rather heated arguments between them. The romance is tenuous because of their individual fears and deep-seated emotional issues coupled with the fact that he'll be leaving once his book's done. It's obvious to the reader that Quinn and Meaghann are perfect for each other but there are so many troubles between them I was constantly wondering if they'd be able to overcome it all.

It's obvious that Suzanne Barrett put a great deal of research and care into the Irish rebellion and she does an amazing job giving the reader insight into the situation from a more personal level rather than just something you'd see in passing on the news. IN LOVE AND WAR is by no means a lighthearted read. It's thought provoking and emotionally driven with characters who could easily be your own loved ones.

Chrissy Dionne (courtesy of Romance Junkies)

In Love and War offers parallels to life and living, between individuals and society; because the struggles of nations - indeed even the eternal conflict, fall as mere tapestry to all that is heartfelt between one man and one woman. It sounds complex, but is more honestly described as compelling, from start to finish.

The setting is the very fascinating world of contemporary Ireland. This isn't the quaint, packaged tourist Ireland folks like to imagine - it's far more real than that, but also, in the final analysis, also more enchanting. And, Ireland being Ireland, the past is never far away. The history, yesterday's morals, today's gossip, the danger inherent when people still really care, all contribute to a real and lively sense of place. When political events are shared, they aren't distant and grand, but happening round tables down at the local pubs.

Ms. Barrett's story is a study of people, both in a broad frame and in a narrow, intimate context. The main characters are outstandingly individual. It matters not if the intrigue on the grander scale is not of particular interest to the reader, because Quinn and Meaghann are continually of interest. Both are strong, self-possessed people, admirable for many traits. Quinn, especially, is all the more intriguing because of his personal struggles and demons. Some of the dialogue is simply a hoot: I adore it when people talk at cross-purposes, so believably.

There are certainly a few characters that don't go much beyond a certain formula of a person. Brid, family matchmaker is quaint yes, but overdone and clichéd. I found her tiresome and perhaps more to the point, so did Meaghann. However, some of these secondary characters certainly seemed to exist merely to goad our heroine. Perhaps, this is merely an accurate reflection of many a small community. As Ms. Barrett tells us: "The problem with tiny Timnagh was that everyone was aware of its comings and goings." Actually, this `problem' is never-endingly engaging for readers, and so perhaps it's not surprising if the odd person does fall into a stereotype. The `bad' like Fergus Burke seem thoroughly bad, as plain as Aunt Brid's good. Even the fence-sitters, like Declan come out a bit too predictable. This is hardly a complaint however, because Quinn and Meaghann themselves more than make up for some plastic secondary staff. Although we want and expect something between them, absolutely nothing there is simple and straightforward.

It is very fun to note that exactly the sort of things dear old Aunt Brid worries about start to happen. The attraction between the two of them is all the more impressive because neither of them are really expecting it. The political issues don't just intrude. We discover, to our own surprise, that there is more to our Meaghann than we were given to understand at the outset. Her motivation is not as simple as it would seem. She is, in fact, a person with her own demons. To say more would be to give too much away

Word or language use occasionally gives us a subtle sense of some of the interplay of ironies going on here. That growing sense of risk - personal, even if driven by the political - guarantees that you will remain on the edge of your seat. Emotionally intense and intriguing, Ms. Barrett's characters, their struggles, beliefs, but ultimately their loves, will keep readers turning these pages. Clever.

I strongly recommend you read In Love and War.

Originally posted at the Long and Short of It Romance Reviews

When I started this book, I was immediately transported into the lives of the two main characters, Quinn and Meaghann. I especially was drawn into Meaghann's life. After reading how hard she worked, I felt tired, and I ached for Quinn and his physical struggles. Ms Barrett created a world I believed, and more importantly a place and time I could see clearly in my mind. Well written, and worth reading again.

Set in the early 1990's in a tiny village near Waterford, In Love and War tells the story of, Meaghann Power, an unmarried Irishwoman fast approaching forty and struggling to hold onto her family's dairy farm. Her parents are deceased, her younger brother, Declan, has taken a job as a teacher in the city, and Meaghann's only prospect appears to be a widower with five children and his eye on her farm.

Former television war correspondent, Quinn Lawlor carries the physical, mental, and emotional scars inflicted by a lifetime of watching his fellow man sacrifice all in the name of nationalism. While covering the civil war in Bosnia, Quinn finds himself caught in the crossfire with disastrous results. Embittered by the loss of his television career, Quinn retreats to Ireland, determined to write a novel that will expose the dark side of fanatical patriotism.

There were several things I enjoyed about this book. Ms. Barrett's prose is beautifully descriptive. In the opening scenes at the farm, Meaghann's overwhelming exhaustion is palpable and Quinn's bitterness practically oozes from his pores.

This novel is a classic romance, but the setting is what sets this story apart from so many others.

Meaghann's reluctance to act on her physical attraction to Quinn is more than a matter of our heroine playing coy or shielding her heart. An inherently practical woman, Meaghann is keenly aware of the impact an affair would have on her life in a tiny village where social life revolves around the pub and the church. She knows all too well that what's whispered in the pub will surely make it to the pulpit.

Quinn's experiences have blinded him to the nuances that shade every aspect of life in Ireland. His stubborn refusal to see the shades of gray nearly costs him everything.

Ms. Barrett skillfully navigates the tangled web of Irish Republicanism, the questionable tactics employed by the Provisional IRA, and the mixture of pride, fear, and ambivalence her characters wrestle.

In Love and War takes place in a country where legend is based in reality, and reality is often romanticized in prose, poetry, and song. I am an Irish-American woman who was raised on stirring songs of rebellion. In Love and War made me set aside my own romantic ideas and reexamine those shades of gray we so often overlook.