Book Corner — A Dance in Donegal by Jennifer Deibel
Jul 6, 2021
Jennifer Deibel is a middle school teacher in Glendale whose work has appeared on (in)courage, on The Better Mom, in Missions Mosaic magazine, and others.
What is this book about?
After the loss of her Irish mother in the summer of 1920, Moira Doherty decides to fulfill her mother’s wish for her to leave Boston and teach in her mother’s home village of Ballymann in Donegal, Ireland. Though a few locals offer a warm welcome, others are distanced by superstition and suspicion. Rumors about a scandalous family reputation abound and threaten not only her new position but also her life.
Moira must rely on the kindness of a handful of unlikely friends including Sean, a handsome thatcher, to help her clear her family name before it’s too late. As she seeks to navigate her new life in Ireland, she may find that this is truly the life she was always meant to live.
Historical romance fans will embrace this lyrical tale of family and relish the cultural nuances, the rich history and the beautiful setting imbedded in the pages of A Dance in Donegal.
What do you want your readers to gain by reading your book?
It is my prayer that anyone who reads this book will walk away encouraged and challenged in their own faith to know God more and follow where He leads no matter the consequences.
Why did you write this book?
I started writing this book as a way to process our experiences during the two years with lived in Donegal as students studying the language and culture. What began as a sort of therapeutic exercise quickly turned into something I sensed God leading me to expand and continue to pursue. Thus, A Dance in Donegal was born.
Who do you hope will read this book?
This book is really for anybody; however, I believe it will resonate most with women ages 20-70 (though plenty of men have read and enjoyed it!). People who enjoy inspirational historical fiction with a hint of romance — fans of Sarah Ladd, Julie Klassen, and Liz Curtis Higgs — will enjoy A Dance in Donegal.
Where can this book be purchased?
This book is available wherever books are sold! Links to retailers can be found on my website at jenniferdeibel.com/books