Abandoned by her father and neglected by her self-centered, unstable mother, Sheila McGee cannot wait to escape the drudgery of her mill village life in Northern Ireland. Her classic Irish beauty helps her win the 1941 Linen Queen competition, and the prize money that goes with it finally gives her the opportunity she's been dreaming of. But Sheila does not count on the impact of the Belfast blitz which brings World War II to her doorstep. Now even her good looks are useless in the face of travel restrictions, and her earlier resolve is eroded by her ma's fear of being left alone.
When American troops set up base in her village, some see them as occupiers but Sheila sees them as saviors--one of them may be her ticket out. Despite objections from her childhood friend, Gavin O'Rourke, she sets her sights on an attractive Jewish-American army officer named Joel Solomon, but her plans are interrupted by the arrival of a street-wise young evacuee from Belfast.
Frustrated, Sheila fights to hold on to her dream but slowly her priorities change as the people of Northern Ireland put old divisions aside and bond together in a common purpose to fight the Germans. Sheila's affection for Joel grows as she and Gavin are driven farther apart. As the war moves steadily closer to those she has grown to love, Sheila confronts more abandonment and loss, and finds true strength, compassion, and a meaning for life outside of herself.
I have one copy of this book to giveaway. The contest is open to US and Canada only. Please leave a comment below with a way to contact you to enter. The winner will be chosen on March 11.
This book sounds really good. I really enjoy books that are set in other countries, and Ireland is one of my favorites.
ReplyDeletetwoofakind12@yahoo.com
Thanks for the giveaway. I would love to win.
ReplyDeletelizzi0915 at aol dot com
I am captivated by this wonderful book. thanks for this giveaway. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteWhat a fascinating story. Thanks. rojosho(at)hotmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteThanks for the opportunity to win!
ReplyDeletepocokat AT gmail DoT com
Thanks for the opportunity to enter this contest.
ReplyDeleteI would love to read The Linen Queen :) *Thanks* for the giveaway!
ReplyDeletetheluckyladybug[at]gmail[dot]com
Thank you for including me.
ReplyDeletetiredwkids at live dot com
Looks intense!
ReplyDeleteericandsarita(at)gmail(dot)com
Sounds like a great love and war story! Please enter me!
ReplyDeletemeredithfl at gmail dot com
Pretty please enter me. I'd love to read this!
ReplyDeleteniteofblu at gmail dot com
This sounds like a great storyline. Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeletemtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com
I would love to read this book. Thanks for the chance to win.
ReplyDeletepeacelily_2006(at)yahoo(dot)com
I love to read fiction based partly on family memories and this one is in Ireland! My father as a reconnaisance pilot during WWII while based in Ireland. He loved the country and the people. I promised him and will visit there.I would love to read this book.
ReplyDeleteCarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com