Review of House of Eire

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João Ramos
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Re: Review of House of Eire

Post by João Ramos »

I find Irish culture fascinating, so I'll probably like this book.

You wrote an excellent, cohesive, and engaging review, Gerry. The story of this book seems believable, and the characters will both get to know their origins better and fight for what is right.
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Shirley Ann Riddern Labzentis
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Post by Shirley Ann Riddern Labzentis »

Another great review. I had also read and reviewed House of Eire and I enjoyed the book very much.
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Post by Julie Basil »

This sounds like a very well-written story and a great way to learn more about Irish history for those who don't like reading books that are solely about history. Keep up the great work, Gerry!
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Post by RJ Reviews »

This book was an easy read with mysteries unveiling throughout the narrative. The author did an amazing job of creating an captivating story. I enjoyed reading your detailed and insightful review, as always. Thank you.
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Post by Dana Lawrence Lohn »

I love that a man named Gerry, conceivably thoroughly Irish, reviewed this book. The Gaelic language sprinkles within it sound fun and the green cover suits the content!
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Post by Stephen Christopher 1 »

Hi Gerry, I also read and reviewed this book and, for the most part, agree with you. This is the third in the series and I read the other two first. If you didn't, did you feel like any of the backstory was missing?
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Post by Tobi Adefila »

The cover of the book is quite attractive. I bet the story is going to be an interesting one. Thanks for this lovely review Gerry.
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Post by Martina Sette »

This book offers mystery, murder, and a taste of Irish culture. June Gillam crafts believable characters and a compelling plot. I'm very curious about it and I think I'll read it. Great review!
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Post by Jaituni Sanghavi »

Lovely review, Gerry! I recalled my time reading this book. I did not enjoy it as much though, but I am so glad you did! Happy reading! :techie-studyinggray:
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Post by Marvelly »

One thing I love about the reviews is the suspense giving and how the actor was able to blend mystery, murder, folklore, and history, along with a glimpse into Irish culture.
I will surely read this book
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Gerry Steen
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Post by Gerry Steen »

Stephen Christopher 1 wrote: 09 May 2024, 01:32 Hi Gerry, I also read and reviewed this book and, for the most part, agree with you. This is the third in the series and I read the other two first. If you didn't, did you feel like any of the backstory was missing?
Hi, Stephen. I did not read the other two books, but I feel that this book can stand alone. I did not wish for any more backstory. Having read this book, i want to read the other two. As the North-American Irish say, "Top of the morning to ya!" :tiphat:
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Post by Terry Kimble »

Wow, Gerry, you made me think twice about that book cover. I had seen it when perusing books to read but never gave it a second thought until I looked at it again through your eyes. Now, it seems interesting. :eusa-think: I enjoy a good mystery. Great review!
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Gerry Steen
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Post by Gerry Steen »

Dana Lawrence Lohn wrote: 08 May 2024, 22:18 I love that a man named Gerry, conceivably thoroughly Irish, reviewed this book. The Gaelic language sprinkles within it sound fun and the green cover suits the content!
Not quite thoroughly Irish but 3/4 of me has Irish roots. " May your troubles be less, and your blessings be more, and nothing but happiness come through your door." :tiphat:
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Gerry Steen
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Post by Gerry Steen »

Marvelly wrote: 09 May 2024, 06:41 One thing I love about the reviews is the suspense giving and how the actor was able to blend mystery, murder, folklore, and history, along with a glimpse into Irish culture.
I will surely read this book
Hi, Marvelly. Thank you for your feedback. Enjoy the book. :tiphat:
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Post by Susan Ledezma »

Gerry Steen wrote: 30 Apr 2024, 21:40 [Following is a volunteer review of "House of Eire" by June Gillam.]
Book Cover
5 out of 5 stars
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Do you like novels containing mystery, murder, suspense, folklore, and history? Would you like to learn and experience a little bit of Irish culture? Would you like to know the difference between the tourism ideas of an Irish-American land developer and small, traditional Irish businesses? If you answered yes to these questions, you will enjoy reading House of Eire by June Gillam.

Believe it or not, I was attracted to this book by its cover. The green-colored cover contained a picture of a castle-like tower, the title House of Eire, and a small three-leaf shamrock. I assumed this novel would have some Irish content and was not disappointed.

The main character, Hillary Broome, and her spouse, Ed, were parents to a charming 10-year-old girl, Claire. Hillary's great-grandparents had emigrated to America during the Irish Potato Famine of the 1840s. Hillary wanted to explore her Irish roots in Ireland and visit her friend Bridget. Ed had promised Hillary a honeymoon trip to Ireland ten years ago. He was invited to participate in a law-enforcement conference in Ireland. Since the stars were aligned, they decided to take a two-week family vacation in Ireland.

Hillary's friend, Bridget, was at war with an Irish-American land developer, who wanted to build an amusement park for tourists. Bridget felt that tourists to Ireland needed to know about Irish history and the injustices endured by the Irish in the 1840s. She believed that installing monuments in remembrance of the Irish plight would better serve tourists and Ireland. A line was drawn, and a lot of money was at stake. How would this battle be resolved? You will have to read this book to find out.

June Gillam developed believable characters. No one was a superhero. She narrated this story using the third-person narrative. The plot had suspense, mystery, murder, and twists. I was made privy to the thoughts of the main characters. The plot was revealed through these thoughts and character dialogues. The plot had an even pace. I enjoyed all of these aspects.

The themes in the story included the joys of family, the pain of parental abandonment, the longing to feel connected to the past, shame, Irish folklore, cowardice, the Irish Potato Famine of the 1840s, and restless spirits. I enjoyed reading this book. The editing was professionally done, and the novel was easy to read. I appreciated that some Gaelic words were sprinkled throughout the story. This lent authenticity to the Irish theme. I did not find anything negative to report. Therefore, I gave House of Eire 5 out of 5 stars.

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House of Eire
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This seems like a wonderful professionally written book. I don't know much about Irish Folklore but I would love to learn more about it. I'll keep thos book in mind. Thank you for the very insightful review.
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