This week’s review: THE ROSEWOOD WHISTLE by Pat McDermott
If you’re looking for a book to get you into the Irish spirit, look no further! Author Pat McDermott will take your straight to Ireland with her romantic novel, THE ROSEWOOD WHISTLE. With historical references and musical musings you’ll get swept away to the green pastures of beautiful County Mayo all the while hearing the haunting lilt of the whistles and violins.
Gemma Keenan Pentrandolfo is spending the summer in Ireland doing research for her next book. Gemma’s husband Larry was not the best husband that he could be and when he died, he left behind emotional scars so deep that Gemma can almost hear his belittling of her even from the grave. She’s staying in County Mayo, in a small town called Westport where everyone knows everyone and everyone’s business too! On her way home from market she sees a McHunk watering his garden. Doesn’t hurt to stop and look for a second, does it? Well, when she ends up sopping wet and thoroughly embarrassed, she is hoping to never have to run into McHunk again.
But it’s a small town.
In a familiar pub Ben Connigan, a retired tech expert who is now a tourist guide, is meeting up with his friends. He comes to the pub to listen to traditional Irish tunes played by his extended family and friends. Long ago, before Ben’s now deceased wife took his heart for music away, Ben was a dream to hear playing the whistles. If only he could get past the demons of the past and get back to his music.
Ben and Gemma are both broken spirits who just need some hope and encouragement to break free of their past and move on to a future of beautiful stories and sweet music.
There is a particular Irish folk song that plays a part in this lovely book. It is called “She Moved Through The Fair”. I never heard the song before but found myself so curious about it that I looked it up. What a beautiful and haunting song. I found a rendition of it on YouTube performed by Josh Groban https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMxIDuRBYmc . You’ll love the song and you’ll love this book.
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Maryellen is a 46-year-old avid reader, runner, and reviewer who lives near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with her husband Mike and their two rowdy cats. The fact that she has a car named RoxyBlue and has a phone named Janet (Miss Jackson if you’re nasty) are only two of a million reasons why I love her. Couple that with her insight, intelligence, and her always half-full glass of optimism and it makes for an exceptional book reviewer. I am lucky to have the honor of Maryellen allowing me to post her reviews here every Monday.
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As an aside, please help me in wishing our lovely Maryellen a Happy Birthday this week! For my BFF, a calorie-free cyber cake with fashion and bling. Happy Birthday, my friend.
May your special day be filled with happiness!
Sherry Gorman 