I’ve just finished the much-anticipated third book of the Heirs of Ireland series by Michael K. Reynolds, Songs of the Shenandoah. This three book saga has followed members of the Hanley family as they traveled from the starving shores of Ireland to New York (Flight of the Earls), across the country into the California Gold Rush (In Golden Splendor) and now finally to the turmoil of the American Civil War.
Songs of the Shenandoah was a beautiful and adventurous tale. The descriptions are so wonderful, I could picture the sweeping vistas just as if I were watching a movie. Though Reynolds wove a tender romance through the pages, the love story that caught my heart was the love between the siblings, particularly the brothers Davin and Seamus.
Since the books focus on different family members you could read the novels separately, but I strongly encourage you to begin with book one and read the series in order. By the time you reach Songs of the Shenandoah, the depth of the story will be much more meaningful if you’re already familiar with the Hanleys’ history. I had to go in search of tissues a few times while reading, because by the mid-point I felt like part of the family. I’ve enjoyed each of the three books making up the Heirs of Ireland series, but Songs of the Shenandoah was the best of the bunch.
I can’t wait to see what Michael Reynolds writes next.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book for free from B&H Fiction for the purpose of review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
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