Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(0)
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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!

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!!!

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.

The other night I finished reading what is probably the best historical novel I've read yet this year. When I received the book, I thought it would take me some time to finish as it is two books in one, and I simply don't read that fast. I already knew I loved the author's previous work, so I anticipated a good read. I was unprepared for just how good this book would be!

Award-winning author B.J. Hoff wrote SONG OF ERIN as two separate books ten years ago under the titles CLOTH OF HEAVEN and ASHES AND LACE. SONG OF ERIN combines the two into one epic saga that spans the ocean from Ireland to America. As Mrs. Hoff's website states, "The mysteries of the past confront the secrets of the present in the magnificent SONG OF ERIN saga." Magnificent indeed!

"The story features two of the author's most memorable characters: Jack Kane, the charming but ruthless titan of New York's most powerful publishing empire, who battles the darkness of his soul while fighting to help his people. And Samantha Harte, the woman he loves, whose grace, light, and well-bred exterior conceals a past too shocking to reveal."

It honestly takes a lot for me to get this excited about a book, which may sound strange considering how many books I promote. And of course, we all have our favorite authors. I like to announce Christian fiction and make readers aware of what's out there. But like I said, I don't read that fast, so I can't possibly keep up with every book on the market. And I often enjoy what I read.

But it is a rare book that literally will not let me go, that makes it hard for me to turn off the light at night, that holds me captive turning pages so that I justify laying around reading for hours and hours a day! (I may want to do that sometimes, but I usually won't let myself give in to the pleasure.) Unless I am holding an amazing book!

SONG OF ERIN is that book!

Honestly, even if you don't think you like historical fiction or don't have a fascination with Ireland, you still need to read this book! It is fascinating! B.J. Hoff is a master of character development, and I promise you - you will know these characters well by the time you are finished.

I waited until I finished the book to comment because some books have disappointing endings. Not this time! I was wholly satisfied with the ending - I absolutely LOVED this story!

Song of Erin arrived in a timely and like new condition. My only regret was that the book was soooo long- not the seller's fault. I was very pleased with our transaction. Thanks.

To come to America for a new life, only to be crushed as soon as you get there - a tragedy that has happened. "Song of Erin" follows Terese Sheridan among other characters as she is faced with tragedy and agony that she left Ireland to avoid in the first place. Other characters come along, each in depth and human as they interact with one another in this entertaining saga and historical romance, making "Song of Erin" a top pick for community library romance collections.

I read Cloth of Heaven and Ashes and Lace when they first came out. Song of Erin combines the two into one great book. Since it's been so long since I've read them, it was even better the second time around! I can't wait for her next book. She makes historical events come to life. The whole time I'm reading any of her books, I worry about her characters' (many!) trials and tribulations with breathless hope that they will make it in the end! Great read!!

Whenever I read a B.J. Hoff book I am struck by the way her writing sings with elegance. Her character's are so well developed it's like meeting instant friends. They seem to step right off the page into the reader's heart. This is a panoramic story, finely tuned and complex, reaching from the back alleys of Galway to the streets of New York. A tightly woven tale of love and forgiveness, sorrow and joy, and a strong, unyielding faith in God. Highly recommended.