McVeigh, Jennifer

Both social commentary and an engaging story; highly recommended for all readers. ["McVeigh's second novel may disappoint…this tale is far from heartwarming and not for those who want a happy ending": LJ 12/16 review of the Putnam hc.]

McVeigh's second novel (after The Fever Tree) may disappoint that book's admirers as this tale is far from heartwarming and not for those who want a happy ending. But fans of historicals in which setting is key, as in Frank Delaney's Irish epics, might appreciate. [See Prepub Alert, 8/1/16.]

McVeigh's debut paints vivid portrait of a part of the world we rarely experience in Victorian-era romance. Although it is crafted around a protagonist who is naive to the point of frustration and while the story line is slow to get off the ground and requires much patience on the part of the reader, the writing is solid and delivers in the end. Fans of historical fiction with romantic elements will enjoy this one. [See Prepub Alert, 10/28/12.]