Song of Erin: Cloth of Heaven/Ashes and Lace (Song of Erin Series 1-2) [Paperback]

B. J. Hoff (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2008

The mysteries of the past confront the secrets of the present in bestselling author BJ Hoff’s magnificent Song of Erin saga.

In her own unique style, Hoff spins a panoramic story that crosses the ocean from Ireland to America, featuring two of her most memorable characters. In this tale of struggle and love and uncompromising faith, Jack Kane, the always charming but sometimes ruthless titan of New York’s most powerful publishing empire, is torn between the conflict of his own heart and the grace and light of Samantha Harte, the woman he loves, whose own troubled past continues to haunt her.

Originally published to strong sales nearly a decade ago, this new edition combines two of BJ’s best novels into one saga–length volume.

“The Song of Erin contains some of my favorite characters. This story—and its people—hold a very special place in my heart.” BJ Hoff

Product Details

• Paperback: 560 pages
• Publisher: Harvest House Publishers; First Edition edition (April 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0736923527
• ISBN-13: 978-0736923521
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #905,019 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

BJ Hoff's writing is known for her historical settings, her unforgettable characters, and her lyrical prose. She is the bestselling author of numerous historical fiction series, including the Riverhaven Years, the Mountain Song Legacy, the Song of Erin saga, the American Anthem series, and An Emerald Ballad series.

Her five-volume Emerald Ballad series was the first major work of fiction to bring the Irish immigration experience to the CBA marketplace-and the work that first brought BJ an international reading audience.

Her readers know they can expect to meet some memorable people in her novels and also know that many of those people will be immigrants-Irish immigrants particularly but not exclusively.

BJ admits to a passion for "building worlds." Whether her characters move about in small country towns or metropolitan areas, reside in Amish settlements, secluded mansions, or coal company houses, she creates communities where people can form relationships, raise families, pursue their faith, and experience the mountains and valleys of life.

She's intent on making her historical novels relevant to the present by developing characters and settings that, while staying true to the history and culture of their times, reflect many of the spiritual trials and social problems faced by contemporary readers. Her novels are meant to be "stories that build a bridge from the past to the present."

Her literary awards include the Christianity Today's Critics Choice Book Award for fiction; a Gold Medallion Award finalist; and a number of Excellence in Media Silver Angel awards. Her books have been translated into many foreign languages, and she frequently hears from her international readers in countries such as Ireland, England, Norway, and Germany.

A former church music director and music teacher, BJ is a member of the Authors Guild, the Irish American Cultural Institute, and the Appalachian Writers Association.

She writes from her home in a small town in east central Ohio. She and her husband share a love of music, books, and time spent with their family: two married daughters, three lively young grandsons, a loopy Golden Retriever, and a cunning, incorrigible but lovable cat.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Epic, Breathtaking Story!, May 6, 2008

By 

Kelli Standish "Editor, FocusonFiction.net" (Corpus Christi, TX, United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Song of Erin: Cloth of Heaven/Ashes and Lace (Song of Erin Series 1-2) (Paperback)

Length:: 1:51 Mins

Absolutely EPIC, amazing historical romance. From the wild shores of Ireland to the dark streets of New York in the 1800s. This is a story of hope, heartbreak, and redemption that stays with you for a very long time.
And that Jack Kane character is just... dreamy!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best books I've ever read, October 2, 2009

By 

Shirley A. Chatham - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Song of Erin: Cloth of Heaven/Ashes and Lace (Song of Erin Series 1-2) (Paperback)

Oh my...where do I begin? This book was SO good, on all levels! The message was neatly woven in, the characters large as life and completely believable, seeming to leap off the page, the amount of detail was just enough to keep you riveted, not excessive or boring. It was obviously well researched with a meticulous eye for detail, which I appreciate. All around, it was a just a FANTASTIC book! I can't say how glad I am that I bought it. The way she brought her characters to Christ was very convincing, it brought tears to my eyes. A MUST read!!!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A song of redemption, July 7, 2009

By 

Loves Books (Alaska) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Song of Erin: Cloth of Heaven/Ashes and Lace (Song of Erin Series 1-2) (Paperback)

This is an engaging story set in the 1800's in Ireland and New York. Many of the Irish people were starving and still not recovered from the English soldiers. Thus, their goal was to escape their poverty and loss and come to America. When the lucky ones who survived the conditions in steerage arrived, they found no welcome for "the Irish" in New York. Almost all the main characters carry scars from their childhood or past which they try to forget but end up turning them into dark secrets. The book is an involved and satisfying saga of how some of the characters confront their pain and loss and finally find redemption and love through faith and the guiding hand of God.