Customer Reviews

In Sunshine or In Shadow

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3 star:		(1)
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Cynthia Owens has deftly created a cast of characters--hero, heroine and secondary players, that quickly become real as she weaves her tale. Siobhan, pronounced Shivaun as the writer cleverly informs us on the first page, is a heroine worthy of the name. She's strong, loving, compassionate; not a lady born, and not perfect, but a real woman, a true heroine. Rory O'Brien is the hero, a man near suffocating from guilt, afraid to love lest he cause more deaths.

Rory returns from America where he's lived since he was eleven, his fortune made, to the village in Ireland where he was born. He goes by another name, hoping no one recognizes him, his plan to use his money to help the village, atoning for the wrongs done by his father and imagined wrongs done by himself.

Rory's past catches up with him, and Siobhan is there to guide him to the light. In the process, there are nail-biting scenes, pages read quickly to find out what's going to happen. The author has a knack for suspense and until the end, you know something bad is going to happen, but you don't know what. Very well done. I enjoyed this book very much, the suspense, the true to life cast of characters, the love and the happy ending. I think you will, too.

In the wee town of Ballycashel, Ireland, 1850, Rory O'Brian, now known as David Burke, has returned to the site of his tortured past. Determination to right many wrongs drives him back to the people and land that once laid witness to the very things that drove him away. For years he has hidden from what happened, but now he seeks a little dram of peace for his soul and a place he can claim for himself and his daughter Kathryn.

But the town is far from over the scars cast upon it while he lived there as a boy. Still reemerging from the terrible waist of the infamous Great Famine, Ballycashel itself is in need of a healing as well. When their old master passes and this new one takes the reins, many are looking upon Burke with a knowing eye. Siobhan Desmond knows not why the brooding man attracts her so, but she feels in her heart he is a good person, despite her experiences with the old master. Like all residents of the town, her heart is still healing and she and Burke begin a tenuous dance as old as time--one of love and all the promise it holds in its grasp, if only they would seize it. Can Burke find a way back to the land that was always waiting to welcome him and let go of painful secrets? Danger is only a stones throw away and he and Siobhan will have to find a way to fight without sacrificing their hearts.

Many heartfelt sighs were wrenched from me as Burke and Siobhan's story unfurled. Author Owens pens in loving detail all that is dear to not only this couple, but the town itself as well. Their coming together is a catalyst that unwinds quickly and aids in relieving not only their minds, but the rest of the townsfolk too. The town, with all its residents, was at times like one character in itself, one that comes together to support Burke when he needs it most. But alas, his true salvation laid in Siobhan and their ability to find love once more. This was a truly enchanting tale of love lost and regained, revenge and a town saved. Bravo, Ms. Owens, for a wonderful read!

I enjoyed reading the book but felt it at times was not real. I found the use of Gaelic overpowering. The author was trying too hard to convey that they were indeed Irish. Although the plot of this book was good, it seem to rant on and on and become boring. As you turned the pages you could almost know what was coming next. I feel it needed more imagination.
Good work though for a first novel.

David Burke has a past and it's been a rough one. He used to be known in Ireland as Rory O'Brian but when he left he changed his name and began putting his life back together. But it's time to return to his homeland and face his troubled past and hopefully find the peace his soul so desperately needs. What he finds is not what he expects since a famine has left deep scars in Ballycashel. Will Ireland be the balm David needs or will it be too much for him.

Siobhan Desmond needs to find work in order to take care of her family. The famine hit them hard and when she learns a new master has returned to Ballycashel she seeks employment and instantly feels a connection to the newcomer. David seems angry yet she can see deeper into his heart and knows what he needs is a tenuous connection to something or perhaps someone. Perhaps the healing power of love will tie these two together.

Ms. Owen has penned a very romantic story demonstrating the power of love and how it can heal deep wounds not only for our protagonists, but for the village they call home as well. Ms. Owen was not afraid to add history to her writing therefore making this a well rounded read. This is one author I plan on keeping my eye on.