Review and Giveaway: Irish Meadows by Susan Anne Mason

Will Brianna and Colleen have the courage to stand up to their father's schemes to save their horse farm and instead pursue true love? Don't miss Irish Meadows, the newest book by Susan Anne Mason! As the farm slips ever closer to ruin, their father grows more desperate. It will take every ounce of courage for both sisters to avoid being pawns in their father’s machinations and instead follow their hearts. And even if they do, will they inevitably find their dreams too distant to reach?

Join Susan in celebrating the release of Irish Meadows by entering to win her Kindle Fire giveaway and RSVPing to her September 1st author chat party!

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire HD 6
• One copy of Irish Meadows

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on 9/1. The winner will be announced at the Irish Meadows Facebook party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Susan and other readers, as well as for a chance to win some great prizes!

RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK, TWITTER, or PINTEREST and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 1st!

My Review

I almost didn't read Irish Meadows. I bypassed it several times—the description didn’t entice me one bit—but I was captured by the striking cover. The cobalt riding habit. Those eyes. Unfortunately, the cover was the best part, and I should have remembered the old adage about books and covers.

It didn’t start well. The opening scene is Gil confiding his life history to a horse. Original, yes. Good, no. I thought after that unengaging start things could only get better. It didn't. I didn't like any of the main characters, the plot didn't engage me and it seemed as though some of the most interesting parts (e.g. Colleen's character change) were all told, not shown, which didn't make it seem realistic.

I've had a look at the other reviews on Amazon, and it seems I'm in the minority in not loving this book. It got a starred review from Library Journal (but so did another Bethany House historical novel which has recently been hitting the news for all the wrong reasons). I wanted to like Irish Meadows, but I really don't. At this point, I can't even finish it (one reviewer assures me the last quarter is the best, but I don't know if I want to put myself through that).

Thanks to Bethany House and Litfuse for providing a free ebook for review.