Re-read 1-1-2019

I've read this book so many times, but it's been a few years. I decided that 2019 was going to be the year I re-read some of my favorite adult romances, and where better to start than Nora Roberts?

This may not have been the first Nora Roberts book I ever read, but it's close to it. Furthermore, it's one of my favorites by her. I've always wanted to go to Ireland, since I was a little girl. It was a dream I wasn't sure would ever come true for me. So for the longest time I lived vicariously through books and movies, hoping that one day I'd be able to experience it for myself.

My amazing husband took me to Ireland in the spring of 2017, and it was the most wonderful trip of my life. When I decided to read this book to kick of my 2019, I was nervous that it wasn't going to affect me the same way it used to, since I have been fortunate enough to experience Ireland first hand. I am so happy to say that not only was this book as wonderful as I remember, the level of nostalgia I had while reading this was truly gratifying. Her descriptions of Ireland and its people and just the overall atmosphere was spot-on perfect. From the very first scene in the pub, I was transported back.

As far as the actual romance, I really like these characters. There is such a fun hate-to-love between Rogan and Maggie. Their banter had me grinning like an idiot.

I also really enjoy all of the family dynamics. There is complexity and depth to the characters and the way they relate to one another.

One other thing I appreciate about Nora Robert's books is the obvious research that she puts into the things that are important to her characters. Maggie is an artist. Her primary medium is glass. Roberts describes the art of glassblowing in a way that lets the reader know that she did her research without it being boring. Granted, I'm not exactly sure I understand it all, but it was definitely well-written.