Book Recommendation: Grounded Hearts by Jeanne M Dickson

Original Time and Setting

I asked to review Grounded Hearts because it’s been a long time since I’ve read and reviewed a book with an Irish setting (or even Irish characters). I was also intrigued by the hero, a pilot in the Royal Canadian Air Force, as my Welsh grandfather also served in the RCAF. This was actually the one disappointment in the book, and it was entirely my fault. Dutch was actually a Canadian serving in the RAF, not in the RCAF. So I’m still waiting for a story about the RCAF in World War II (hint, hint).

Nan O’Neil is the midwife in the village of Ballyhaven, County Clare, Ireland, in World War II. She’s a widow, and still hasn’t got over the death of her poet husband, or her regret that they were never able to have children. She’s now being pursued by Shamus Finn, a pig farmer who is now a member of the Local Defence Force … and one who enjoys the power rather too much.

When an injured Canadian flyboy shows up on her doorstep in the middle of the night, Nan decides to help him. 

She’s a nurse. She can’t turn him away. Even though Ireland is neutral—if caught, he’ll go straight to an internment camp, and she’ll face prison. Personally, I found this aspect fascinating. I’d known Ireland was neutral during World War II, but I’d never stopped to wonder why. Grounded Hearts told me, and showed me a uniquely Irish way of dealing with the problem.

The writing style reminded me of the British and Irish fiction I’ve enjoyed over the years from authors such as Beth Moran. There were a few too many “she thoughts” for my taste, but that small weakness was more than made up for by the understated Irish humour and wordplay.

If you’re looking for a traditional Christian historical romance set in World War II Ireland, you’re looking in the wrong place. 

Grounded Hearts has an irreverent Irish flavour. There are references to the rhythm method, marital relations (and relations outside marriage), and body parts. It’s a long way from obscene, but conservative Christian readers may well find it offensive.

But if you’re the kind of reader who’s looking for fresh well-written fiction with an original plot, a little suspense, a little romance, and a lot of Irish humour, then you’ll enjoy Grounded Hearts.

Thanks to Waterfall Press, Litfuse Publicity, and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review. You can find out more about Jeanne M Dickson at her website, and you can read the introduction to Grounded Hearts below:

About Iola Goulton

I am a freelance editor specialising in Christian fiction. Visit my website at www.christianediting.co.nzto download a comprehensive list of publishers of Christian fiction. 

I also write contemporary Christian romance with a Kiwi twist—find out more at www.iolagoulton.com.

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