Book Review and Giveaway: In Love and War by Suzanne Barrett

This story is rich in character, setting and romance.
In Love and War by Suzanne Barrett

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Turquoise Morning Press (January 6, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1935817418
• ISBN-13: 978-1935817413

    Price: Paperback $13.99; Kindle $4.99
    Genre: Contemporary Romance
    My Rating:  4.25 of 5.0

Product Description
Embittered war correspondent Quinn Lawlor returns to his ancestral home in Ireland where he finds solace in the arms of Waterford dairy farmer Meaghann Power.
Meaghann must separate her daytime life as farmer and daughter of Irish rebels from nights of blazing desire for the one man she shouldn't love.
Will their passion prove strong enough to overcome a decades-old bitter struggle?

Review: 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 Although he is sullen and withdrawn, Meaghann is physically attracted to Quinn.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.

Thank you to Ms. Barrett for the book to read and review. She has also graciously offered to giveaway an eBook copy AND an autographed trade paperback copy!

TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY:

PLEASE NOTE if you want to be entered for the 

A. The ebook - open internationally.

B. The print book - US and Canada only.

C. Either.

1.   Visit the author's website and tell me something you note of interest. Please leave your email address.

2.  For an extra entry comment on the Author's Interview.

3.  For another entry Answer the author's question at #12 from the Interview.

4.  For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

5. For two entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.
(Six total entries possible.) MAKE SURE YOU LEAVE YOUR E-MAIL!

* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on February 25, 2011.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.