Book Beat - Flight of the Earls by Michael K. Reynolds

In 1846 Ireland, Clare Hanley tries to protect her family from the ravages of the potato famine, but her father is stubborn, her mother lost in grief, and her grown brother is useless. The only hope for the family's survival is for Clare and her brother Seamus to emigrate to America and send their earnings home.

However, New York City proves to be harsh, seedy, and dangerous - and their mentor in America may not be who he claims to be.

Flight of the Earls is Michael K. Reynolds's debut novel, the first in the Heirs of Ireland series. The novel makes you care deeply for the characters but rightly refuses to romanticize the plight of the Irish at home or abroad. The writing sings, the story thrills, the characters are unapologetically realistic, and the message of hope and trust shines even in the grit. A novel not to be missed!

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