About
Ana Kavanagh’s only memories of home are of fire and pain. As a girl she was the only survivor of a terrible blaze, and years later she still struggles with her anger at God for letting it happen.
At a nearby parish she meets and finds a kindred spirit in Eoghan Hamilton, who is struggling with his own anger–his sister, Cara, betrayed him by falling in love with one of his enemies. Cast aside by everyone, Eoghan longs to rejoin the Fenians, a shadowy organization pushing for change back in Ireland. But gaining their trust requires doing some favors–all of which seem to lead back to Ana. Who is she and who is searching for her? As dark secrets from Ana’s past begin to come to light, Eoghan must choose which road to follow–and where to finally place his trust.
Review
First off, let me say, if you enjoyed the first book in this series, you will enjoy the second. I didn’t realize that the mystery in book one wasn’t completely over, so it continues through book 2 (and most likely a book 3?).
The writing in this novel was so well done and engaging that I found myself flipping through the pages faster than I had anticipated. I was really fascinated to see what would happen between Eoghan and Ana and how all would be revealed to Cara. However, I will say that I felt like the romance lacked a bit of something. While they did take time to get to know each other, something about the relationship felt like it happened speedily. There were also a few moments were I felt like Ana and Eoghan kind of contradicted themselves a bit and I know it was to create tension, but I was slightly confused. That said, this novel is the kind of mystery I like, heavy on the romance and light on the mystery.
The mystery is pretty interesting because it has one single culminating event that has spiderwebbed into other people’s lives. I think it’s very clever how Ms. Ludwig is unraveling it slowly.
Spiritually, I love the theme of trusting God and just acknowledging that He is so much bigger than us. I also like the realization that one character has about how he made the church his god and not actually Jesus.
Overall, I found this novel to be enjoyable. It’s not weighed down with a lot of details and facts and is very people driven. Though the romance wasn’t particularly what I like, I don’t think you will be disappointed if you pick this one up!
Romantic scale: 7
**I received this novel from BethanyHouse. My opinion was not affected in anyway.**
remaininhislove 