THANK YOU BLOGGERS!
In May I took part in my first blog tour. It was a great experience. I am very thankful to all the bloggers who featured Kelegeen on their blogs during my tour. Here are a few highlights from blog tour reviews:
“The level of writing in this book is exceptional. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and the emotions run the entire gamut of human feelings. The characters are three-dimensional and relatable.” – My Devotional Thoughts
“I love the cover, the premise, and always a good historical novel…For the sensitive, the conclusion is emotional, wringing out all the poignant issues of pushing off to the unknown…” – Rosepoint Publishing
“Truly a masterpiece of historical representation! Prepare to love the characters and pray for the souls lost in this tragedy.” – C.E. Williams
Three copies of Kelegeen were given away via Rafflecopter during the tour. Congratulations to Andrea S., Sherry C., and Marion C. I hope you all enjoy reading Kelegeen.
I am especially grateful to Lori at Great Escapes Book Tours for organizing this tour! I look forward to working with her again when Erin’s Children is released in early December of 2020.
LAVINIA THE CHICKEN LOVES KELEGEEN!
Kristin S., winner of a copy of Kelegeen in the 30 Days of Free Books Giveaway, sent me this picture. While reading Kelegeen, her chicken, Lavinia, flew up to the arm of her chair and insisted on reading along with her.
Here’s what Kristin had to say about the book:
“I am loving Kelegeen! I’m almost done and just finished the chapter where Friend Sarah is introduced. My life has been very influenced by Quakers, so I was delighted to “meet” her. I love the world that you’ve created — not the starvation, hardship, and suffering, obviously, but the loving, serving priest (finally a positive role model of a priest in historical fiction!) and the sharing, generosity and love of the families. It’s a beautiful story and I can’t wait to read your next one!”
I hope Lavinia concurs!
THE POPE HAS A COPY OF KELEGEEN!
While visiting the Diocese of Worcester in November, Monsignor Kelly very kindly agreed to take a copy of Kelegeen back to the Vatican with him. Knowing it was going to the Pope, I signed it, packaged it up in a nice gift bag and included a short letter. Msgr. Kelly delivered the package right to the Pope’s residence. Not long afterwards I received the following in the mail:
The letter reads:
From the Vatican, 26 November 2018
Dear Ms. O’Finlan,
The Holy Father wishes me to express his gratitude for your kind letter and gift of your first novel, Kelegeen. He appreciates the sentiments which prompted you to share your work with him.
His Holiness will remember you and your intentions in his prayers, and he invokes upon you God’s blessings of joy and peace.
Yours Sincerely,
Monsignor Paolo Borgia
Assessor
Note that the date of the letter is my birthday – very cool birthday present!
