"In Golden Splendor"
(An Heirs of Ireland Novel)
by Michael K. Reynolds
Description
Irish immigrant Seamus Hanley is a lost soul, haunted by his past
as a U.S. Army deserter and living alone in the wilderness of the
Rocky Mountains in 1849. But after witnessing a deadly stage coach
crash, he finds purpose in the scattered wreckage -- a letter with a
picture of a beautiful and captivating woman named Ashlyn living in San
Francisco at the height of the Gold Rush.Moved by her written plea
for help, he abandons all and sets out on an epic journey across the
wild and picturesque American frontier. While being pursued by those
who want to hang him, Seamus encounters fascinating characters
including a young Pauite Indian who makes the ultimate sacrifice in
helping Seamus to cross the snowy Yosemite Valley.
My reaction to this, the second in the Heirs of Ireland series is, "magnificent!" I was impassioned by Flight of the Earls, and equally impressed with In Golden Splendor. The author shares impressive knowledge of the history of mid-19th century America and the gold rush. It is obvious that much research went into the writing of this indepth novel. and the terrain traversed by a young Irish immigrant, an Army deserter.
Seamus Hanley's uncertain future is affected by many varied incidents throughout his search for a beautiful young woman whose picture he discovered in a letter. His travels from the Rocky Mountains to the coast of California are filled with unforgettable moments. I find it difficult to put into words the effect this novel held for me. I experienced numerous emotions throughout the reading of this book. There are numerous impressive passages. The one below took my breath away.
"There spinning beneath them, breathlessly and seemingly miles below, was a valley finely taylored in a stunning cloak of white and generously covered with snow-flocked forestry.It lay at the base of a symphony of granite that reached like grateful hands up to the heavens."
The poetic descriptions throughout this book add grandeur to adversity as Seamus traverses the mountains and unpredictable countryside, having no knowledge of what lay ahead.
I highly recommend this unforgettable novel of haunting memories that touched my heart and brought tears of both sadness and joy. This series is an impressive set of novels, books that I will read again. I can hardly wait to read book 3 in this series, Songs of the Shenandoah!
Disclaimer: I received this book from Michael K. Reynolds in exchange for my honest review. All expressed opinions are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.
Battered but
changed for the better, Seamus reaches San Francisco on Christmas Eve
as the city burns in the tragic fire of 1849. But there is little time
for rest, as an even greater, more harrowing adventure involving Ashlyn
is about to begin.
Biography
Michael K. Reynolds is the author of a series of Irish historical novels published by B&H Publishing Group.
Heirs of Ireland Historical Saga
An epic and sweeping Irish 19th century historical series written with a cinematographic eye. It features gripping suspense, memorable characters and breathtaking settings.
Michael is a writer with more than two decades of experience in crafting fiction, non-fiction, journalism, copywriting and documentary production.
My thoughts ~
Biography
Michael K. Reynolds is the author of a series of Irish historical novels published by B&H Publishing Group.
Heirs of Ireland Historical Saga
An epic and sweeping Irish 19th century historical series written with a cinematographic eye. It features gripping suspense, memorable characters and breathtaking settings.
Michael is a writer with more than two decades of experience in crafting fiction, non-fiction, journalism, copywriting and documentary production.
My thoughts ~
"God comes to us in golden splendor........."
My reaction to this, the second in the Heirs of Ireland series is, "magnificent!" I was impassioned by Flight of the Earls, and equally impressed with In Golden Splendor. The author shares impressive knowledge of the history of mid-19th century America and the gold rush. It is obvious that much research went into the writing of this indepth novel. and the terrain traversed by a young Irish immigrant, an Army deserter.
Seamus Hanley's uncertain future is affected by many varied incidents throughout his search for a beautiful young woman whose picture he discovered in a letter. His travels from the Rocky Mountains to the coast of California are filled with unforgettable moments. I find it difficult to put into words the effect this novel held for me. I experienced numerous emotions throughout the reading of this book. There are numerous impressive passages. The one below took my breath away.
"There spinning beneath them, breathlessly and seemingly miles below, was a valley finely taylored in a stunning cloak of white and generously covered with snow-flocked forestry.It lay at the base of a symphony of granite that reached like grateful hands up to the heavens."
The poetic descriptions throughout this book add grandeur to adversity as Seamus traverses the mountains and unpredictable countryside, having no knowledge of what lay ahead.
I highly recommend this unforgettable novel of haunting memories that touched my heart and brought tears of both sadness and joy. This series is an impressive set of novels, books that I will read again. I can hardly wait to read book 3 in this series, Songs of the Shenandoah!
Disclaimer: I received this book from Michael K. Reynolds in exchange for my honest review. All expressed opinions are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.
Looks like a good story. Thank you for sharing about this author and the story. :-)
ReplyDeleteThis series is one of the best I've read. I still have the third in the series to read, and I'm hoping to squeeze it in soon. I promised myself I'd take some time this summer to catch up on books that I haven't had a chance to read.
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