The Lady of Galway Manor

Written by Jennifer Deibel

Narrated by Heather O'Neill

In 1920, Annabeth De Lacy’s father is appointed landlord of Galway Parish in Ireland. Bored without the trappings and finery of the British Court, Annabeth convinces her father to arrange an apprenticeship for her with the Jennings family—descendants of the creator of the famed Claddagh ring.

Stephen Jennings longs to do anything other than make a career in his family’s jewelry shop. The past has taught him to no longer believe in love and the “lies” the Claddagh ring supposedly promises. How can he peddle what he now finds offensive?

The war for Irish independence gains strength, and the De Lacy family is caught in the cross fire. As events take a life-threatening turn, Annabeth and Stephen will discover that the bonds of friendship, love, and loyalty can only be made stronger when put through the refiner’s fire.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: Feb 22, 2022
• ISBN: 9781705050675

Jennifer Deibel

Jennifer Deibel is the author of A Dance in Donegal (winner of the Kipp Award for Historical Romance), The Lady of Galway Manor, and The Maid of Ballymacool. Her work has appeared on (in)courage, on The Better Mom, in Missions Mosaic magazine, and in other publications. With firsthand immersive experience abroad, Jennifer writes stories that help redefine home through the lens of culture, history, and family. After nearly a decade of living in Ireland and Austria, she now lives in Arizona with her husband and their three children. You can find her online at www.JenniferDeibel.com.

Reviews for The Lady of Galway Manor

[Miriam Elaine Espino · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I loved this audiobook! Heather O'Neill's charming narration increased my appreciation of it. Her beautiful Irish accent enriched my experience of the story and her artistry added depth and charm to the characters.

Jennifer Deibel did not just craft a well-researched book. I believe she was able to capture the spirit of the Irish warmth, kindness and creativity as she and her family previously lived amongst them for several years. This was a very fascinating trip to the Ireland of the 1920s for me. I cannot wait to read her other book, A Dance in Donegal and perhaps, visit the Emerald Isle someday.

[thequietreader · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Lady Annabeth de Lacy has become fascinated with the famed Claddagh ring and convinces her father to let her do a scandalous thing: apprentice at the jewelry shop the ring is made. Having a lady as an apprentice is the last thing Stephen Jennings wishes, but cannot refuse the British lord who makes the request. Two worlds collide as these two try to understand that each other in a time of revolution and war.This was a straightforward book with no surprises. Well, I suppose I was surprised by how little there was about the art of jewelry making and smithing. I was hoping for more of that based on the description.Annabeth and Stephen were...well, honestly I found them uninteresting. He was burned by love once and has sworn off the emotion. She is the lady who isn't like other ladies (and I was never clear on why) who just wants to help where she can. Nothing was remarkable or even overly memorable about then, except for how difficult it was for them to communicate with each other!I did get the sense that the author does have a love for Ireland. I just wish there had been more than just glimpses of the culture. That might have redeemed the book some in my eyes.Overall, there is nothing offensive about this Christian historical romance. It just wasn't my cup of tea. Readers who have enjoyed her previous book may find this one interesting.

[harley0326 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A breathtaking story set in 1920 along the gorgeous countryside of Ireland. I have always wanted to go to Ireland and see all the historical sites it has to offer. The author helped me get there through her words that danced across the pages as I envisioned what it looked like during this time period. Lady Anna is a delightful character with charm, grace and elegance. She may come from an influential family but she does not like to flaunt that fact around. Indeed she is an humble woman with a pure heart and willingness to help others. I loved that Anna wanted to learn more about the craft of designing jewelry and was thrilled when she was offered an opportunity to show her talent. Stephen was not my favorite character at first because he seemed a little rude and way too protective of the family business. He judged Anna at first because of who her father was so it took me a bit to at least tolerate him. Stephen is still angry about the problems between the British and Irish which does cause friction between him and Anna at times. The story is good at times but does seem to stall at certain points which caused me to lose interest at times. The author does show how both characters need to work on some issues which makes them face trust, loyalty and forgiveness. Set against the backdrop of turmoil between two countries it is a look at how we need to look at both sides before placing blame or judgment. I received a copy of this book from Revell Reads Blogger Program. The review is my own opinion.

[becky_l-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Jennifer Deibel’s second novel has proven to be every bit as fantastic as her debut. I fully expect The Lady of Galway Manor to at least be nominated for an award, if not win big. Why?First of all, Deibel takes us back to 1920s Ireland, where social justice is fought for, and oppression is used to control people. It is a time when Britain is fighting to retain her hold on the island, and the Irish want none of it. We see a lot of prejudices, each about the other nationality. Whether it be Stephen, who dislikes Lady Annabeth DeLacy for her family’s representation of rule by force, or the townspeople who refuse to look beyond Anna’s heritage to her heart, hate and bitterness sew tragic results. Even Anna is forced to admit to prejudices against the Irish, originally assuming them simple and uneducated. One can’t help but see similarities to what is happening in our own country, with great strife and discord resulting.Secondly, Deibel fills her pages with great scenery, exciting action, and relatable characters. Reading The Lady of Galway Manor is like a mini-field trip to Ireland with a chance to learn about the famed Claddaugh ring design. With two opposing political forces, there is plenty of tension and action. And the characters! Oh, my!! All are drawn so well I could understand even the ones I didn’t like.But Seamus is my absolute fave! His is a gentle spirit, attempting to guide Stephen to see each person for themselves, not their country. I love his way of getting to the heart of the matter as Stephen’s attitudes. So loving, so direct, so challenging!He is a constant champion of Anna. “Hate is fueled by ignorance, son. The first step toward peace is the genuine desire to understand your so-called enemy. Don’t punish her for the sins of her fathers. Let her learn. Teach her. Guide her. And maybe one day you’ll see what I do. In both of you.”Thirdly, the romance was thwarted. It peaks out of the novel, starts to emerge, and then is repressed so many times. Is it possible for a romance between Stephen and Anna to survive?If you read one historical fiction book about this year, I highly suggest The Lady of Galway Manor!I received a copy of the book from LibraryThing’s Early Reviewers. No positive review was required, and all thoughts are my own.

[polarmath · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Annabeth and Stephen meet as she takes on an internship with his family. They are in the jewelry business and not only sell jewelry, but also the idea that goes with it . Stephen is not convinced of the legend of the Claddagh ring, but as Annabeth and Stephen get to know each other, opinions can be changed. They also find themselves in some life changing situations as the war for Irish independence is going on and have to learn to lean on each other even more. I received a book to read, the review is mine.

[lifeofliterature · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

What an enjoyable read! I really liked reading about the history of the Claddagh ring and learning more about its significance. I also thought the historical details of the 1920s War for Independence in Ireland was well written and described. I enjoyed reading about the growth of the characters in this novel as well; especially Annabeth, who overcomes some preconceived notions about the Irish as she works with Stephen. It felt like the characters were real as they wrestled with realistic struggles and changed in the story. The spiritual growth was also encouraging to read. It was easy to be transported to the Irish setting and made me dearly miss the time I once lived in Ireland. This novel is well worth the read! I am looking forward to more by this talented author.I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

[fcplcataloger · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Ireland's fight for independence, the Claddagh ring, and a son wanting to escape from the jewelry business that is his legacy --- are all a part of this riveting story, but there's also the allure of a young British woman who yearns for more than a life of luxury. Annabeth de Lacy is The Lady of Galway Manor and her joy for life and her love for others make it hard for most to resist her. Most, except Stephen Jennings, who believes that the British are overpowering, the legend of the Claddagh ring is a hoax, and there is no guarantee of eternal love. What follows is a journey filled with conflict, loss, and disappointment, but buffered by hope, faith, love, and loyalty.Author Jennifer Deibel's knowledge of the Emerald Isle and the addition of the Claddagh legacy, along with the heated political atmosphere that was evident in 1920, make this story especially engaging. It is, however, the attraction between the Irish Stephen and the British Annabeth that grabbed my heart. He is certain that undying devotion doesn't exist, and she is equally sure that she's found it in him. The history fan in me loved the historical detail, and my romantic side adored Annabeth and Stephen! I recommend this stunning story to all who enjoy historical Christian romance.I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a favorable review. These are my own thoughts.

[mizroady · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Annabeth DeLacy had led a sheltered, privileged life of the upper classes in England. That quickly changed when her father, Lord Delacy was appointed landlord of a parish in Galway City, Ireland. It was 1920 The Irish War of Independence was looming on the horizon and there was much unrest. The only information she had about the Irish people was from her father’s prejudices; they were an uneducated, coarse, lazy and dishonest people, incapable of ruling themselves. While this did not color her attitude toward them, it did leave an impression. She was not enamored with the genteel life and had no desire to stay tucked away in the mansion and play socialite. She is surprised when her father agrees to her apprenticing to a local jewelry artesian Stephen Jennings. His family’s linage is from the creators of the famous Claddagh ring. Stephen is a closed up bitter young man who had no clue his father had made the arrangement. The daughter of an English Lord is the very last person he would want in his shop. Unlike her class, Annabeth is down to earth, sympathetic and caring of others. The mix of these two unlikely coworkers and people makes for some very interesting events that unfold. I loved Annabeth’s innocence and sincerity. Seeing the true condition of the poor Irish through the eyes by someone who had only known wealth was moving. I could feel the shock, awe and compassion that touched her heart. I also admired her character as no matter how distant or hateful Stephen was she always responded humbly and in kindness. I think my favorite character was Stephen’s elderly father. His joyfulness (in spite of any situation) sincere love and warmth toward everyone jumped off the pages and captured my heart. I wanted to give him a hug!I found Annabeth’s father and mother’s prideful arrogance aggravating. How could they have raised such a sweet daughter? It was easy to see the wealth and position they so valued was empty. Most of all I was fascinated by the Claddagh ring and its history! I had never heard of it until I read this book. I immediately went to the internet to see what one looked like. So beautiful! It made me want one of course!A strong faith is God is the golden thread that runs through this incredible story. Once again Ms. Deibel paints a vivid picture of not only the characters, but the era and the struggles of those living in that time. An extraordinary book! I can’t wait for her next one!

[kris_anderson-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The Lady of Galway Manor by Jennifer Deibel is a tale about a father and son silversmith’s who create claddagh rings and an English lady who wishes to learn the craft. The author transports readers back to 1920 in Ireland when the Irish rebellion is taking place. When Galway City gets a new English landlord, tensions rise. I thought The Lady of Galway Manor was well-written with developed characters. The author captured the time and place beautifully. The feelings between the English and Irish were realistic along with the attitudes of the people on both sides. The story captured the unrest and instability in Ireland. It was a tense time in the Emerald Isle. I liked Anna or Lady Annabeth De Lacy. She is an intelligent, creative, and compassionate woman. Stephen shows her around the city, and she gets a chance to truly experience it. She is amazed at the creativity (the arts) of the people. I just loved Stephen’s father, Seamus. He is a lively character who added humor to the story. Stephen is a dower fellow who wishes to get away from the legend of the Claddagh. Life has dealt Stephen some cruel blows which have changed him. He is bitter and is not willing to let go of it. The vivid descriptions of Galway City brought the scenery alive for me. I enjoyed learning about the history of the Claddagh (I have a sterling Irish Claddagh ring of my own). The romance between Stephen and Anna developed over the course of the book. I enjoyed watching Anna and Stephen fall for each other and deal with issues keeping them apart. The ending was lovely and emotional. I like how everything played out for the characters. Readers who enjoy historical fiction will be delighted with The Lady of Galway Manor. The Lady of Galway Manor will send you back in time where there is astonishing tension, a displeased silversmith, a devious dad, an artistic Annabeth, an unsolicited suitor, and a surprising secret.

[ecataldi-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Annabeth De Lacy and her family have been sent to Galway to keep an eye on the Irish rebels. Without the English court to keep her entertained, Annabeth convinces her father to let her apprentice at a local jewelry shop. Annabeth is enthralled with the Claddagh design and it's meaning and she finds herself falling for Irish customs and ways of life. The only problem is that is putting her at odds with her English family who view the Irish as beneath them. The jewelry shop owner's son, Stephen, is an attractive young man with big dreams and a hatred of the English. He is initially appalled at having to take his new English landlord's daughter under his wing and show her the ropes of the business. Soon however, he finds himself falling for her and she for him. Can they place their prejudices aside and see what is right in front of them? A moving historical romance that inspirational readers will love.

[erinclark_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

In 1920 Lady Annabeth De Lacy and her family have moved to Ireland to become the landlords of Galway Manor. Unbeknownst to the family her father has been sent to Ireland as punishment for bad behavior (ie. gambling) This is at a time when tensions are high between the British and Irish people. Britain wants to hold control over Ireland and Ireland wants its independence. Annabeth is in a longterm engagement with a wealthy lord back in Britain but is loathe to go through with the marriage. In order to keep her wits about her she implores her father to let her apprentice at a local jewelers where they create the famed Claddagh ring. As she learns the jewelry trade her eyes and heart open to the Irish people and she realizes that her prejudices against the Irish are racist and just plain ignorant. Anna is especially taken with Stephen Jennings, the jeweler she is apprenticed to. Stephen wants none of it. He doesn't want a woman apprentice and he can't understand why his father agreed to take her on. As time goes on and the two work together and get to know each other their hearts both open and more than just friendship blossoms. The times are turbulent and history is in flux. Stephen, Anna and their families must negotiate these dangerous and possibly deadly circumstances as best they can while being true to each other. This makes for a great historical fiction/romance. Highly recommended.

[coverloverbookreview · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Ireland is one of my favorite places I’ve ever visited, in real life and now in fiction. When a friend and I visited a few years ago we each bought Claddagh Rings, so I was familiar with the history, which made this story all the richer. I visualized the shop as if I’ve been in it, connected with the characters, and sank into this story with ease.It is effortless to connect with Annabeth. She has clear vision and intuition and I like how open she is. I also loved Stephen’s tough exterior and soft center. I enjoyed their style of communication and their relationships with their families. The Irish setting, practically a character in itself (in a good way) kept me turning pages more slowly so I could savor every moment.I learned so much Irish history and enjoyed every moment of it. This story centers on love, loyalty, family, and faith. The authors notes are an extra treat – so don’t skip over that.Jennifer Deibel is a gifted storyteller. She has created a magnificent setting and characters that will live on long after you close the book. If you enjoy a sweet romantic historical faith-filled tale, The Lady of Galway Manor is for you. And if you’ve ever wanted to visit Ireland this is a wonderful way to do so. Disclosure: #CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book.

[chrirob · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Lady Annabeth wants nothing more than to be left alone to design & create her own jewelry; however, ladies of the gentry do not follow such pursuits. At least, that is what she thought, until her father actually let her begin an apprenticeship with a local jeweler when her family moved from England to Ireland. Stephen Jennings does not want to have anything to do with the British interloper that has come to apprentice at his father's shop. The British have no business in Ireland and need to leave - permanently! As tensions run high in the shop, so too do the tensions mounting between the British and the Irish. If a war is coming will it be a war between countries or between two hearts?This was a good, quick read and I liked the ending & epilogue to show what happened to everyone.

[lamb521 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Title: The Lady of Galway ManorAuthor: Jennifer DeibelPages: 336Year: 2022Publisher: RevellMy rating: 5 out of 5 stars.The Lady of Galway Manor is a novel steeped in the history of Ireland and the Claddagh Ring. The ring’s rich history and meaning is intriguingly written in the pages of the story. The ring has three key elements: a crown for loyalty, a heart for love and a pair of hands for friendship. Readers will become captivated by the way the maker of the ring, Stephen Jennings, doesn’t really believe in love anymore since his former fiancée left him.Now enter Lady Annabeth De Lacy, who is to apprentice at the Jennings’ store. In the town of Galway, many don’t know what to think of a lady who should live according to her station in life and away from the Irish, who instead seeks out the people of the land. Lady Annabeth is quite taken with the ring, legend, people, and land, but will the local townsfolk accept her as she is not from Ireland?Stephen Jennings reluctantly agrees to teach Annabeth what he knows, and perhaps open her eyes to the heart of the people of Galway, Ireland. Annabeth becomes interested in Stephen the more time she spends around him, learning to make jewelry. However, her father wants her to marry a lord in England so that the family can remain in good standing, with title, money, and land. Will Annabeth marry the lord in England to save her family, or will she win the heart of Stephen before it’s too late?I found this to be one of the richest and most compelling stories where Irish lore, land, and the Claddagh Ring grip the heart of readers and never let go. I knew of the Claddagh Ring and some of its background story which made this all the more captivating to read. At the end of the book is the Acknowledgments. Please don’t skip reading this last word from the author. Within the section, she shares her experience while she lived in Galway and her reason for writing this story at this time. The past does indeed speak to the present and casts a shadow into the future. I hope readers will also visit the store either in person or online that exists in Galway and still makes the Claddagh Ring today.Enjoy and share the novel with friends and family; it is truly a wonderful experience meant to be shared!Note: The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility.

[virginia51-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book has most everything you could want in a historical romance. We get to learn about the politics taking place in Ireland in the early 1920’s. This includes the prejudices that were felt between the Irish and the English. This book also gets in to what happens between the rich and the poor. I love learning about the legend of the Claddagh ring. Annabeth and Stephen go through a lot while Stephen teaches her about jewelry making. This story made me laugh and cry. I could not put the book down. I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

[tealadytoo · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This was a pleasant, inoffensive story, and nicely romantic toward the end. But overall, a bit of a disappointment, because it could have been much more. There are many elements in the story: the political conflicts, the cultural conflicts, the jewelry making background and the family secrets/distresses. Fewer plot threads treated with more depth would have improved the story. And the author attributes the external conflicts almost entirely to the political situation, without ever mentioning the religious issues bound up with the politics. The Catholic/Protestant divide was a major obstacle to peace, and never even rated a passing mention. Overall, a sweet and enjoyable read, but not, I fear, a memorable one.I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[huberk-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

4 stars, History of CladdaghTHE LADY OF GALWAY MANORby Jennifer DiebelAn arranged marriage, a titled English Family moving to Galway Manor in Galway, Ireland to help promote peace. A man who has given up on love. A jeweler's apprentice.The book has charming parts, about the origin of the Claddagh ring and the crafting of them, in 1920. A lot of historical information about the beginnings of Ireland's quest for freedom from English oppression.I received a complimentary copy of #theladyofgalwaymanor from #bakerpublishinggroup and #revellbooks I was under no obligation to post a review. #claddaghring #galwayireland #historicalfiction

[alekee_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I really enjoyed this read, and it kept me page turning for answers. I also looked up when Ireland finally achieved independence.I could see why the locals did not care for the Lord and his family, they wanted to be rid of British rule over them, similar to what went on in the US many years prior.How would you feel if you had to marry a creepy old man, well, that is what is seems to be happening to Lady Annabeth, and we are there as she comes to terms with her fate.This story gifts us with some sweet romance, people with strong faith in God, and some that will go with the mob thinking. Be sure to read the author's notes at the end, they are a gift, and we are also given an epilogue!This is the second book by this author that I've read, and will be looking for more!I received this book through Net Galley and LibraryThing, and was not required to give a positive review.

[susan0316 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

It's 1920 and there is a lot of turmoil between the English aristocracy and the Irish people. Lord DeLacy has just been appointed as the landlord of Galway Parish. He brings his wife and his daughter Annabeth to what he considers an uncivilized country full of people who are beggars and cheaters. Annabeth is bored without all of the parties and events that she went to in London so she begs her father to let her learn how to make jewelry. She convinces him to to arrange an apprenticeship for her with the Jennings family--descendants of the creator of the famed Claddagh Ring. Stephen who runs the shop with his father is not happy with this turn of events. He has no trust in the English and doesn't understand why the daughter of the Lord wants to work with him. Plus he's hiding a secret from his father and the rest of the town - even though the Claddagh rings that his shop specializes in is a symbol of love, he no longer believes in love. He'd been hurt by love in the past and has no plans to fall in love again.Both Annabeth and Stephen carry the prejudices of their background into their day to day lives but they begin to see that maybe everything they believed many not be true. The war for Irish independence is gaining ground in Galway and many people resent the English represented by Lord DeLacy and his family. The town members begin to plot against the family and when something catastrophic happens, the family is in dire jeopardy. Can Annabeth and Stephan go beyond the prejudices they've been taught about the English and the Irish and become true friends or maybe even more?Ireland was in turmoil over their treatment by the English and the people were beginning to plot trouble against them. The author does a great job of threading what was really going on in Ireland at this time with her fictional story. The two main characters are a perfect example of the need to judge other people for themselves and not based on what they've been taught.Overall this was a well written book about Ireland along with a romance between two interesting characters -- one who doesn't want to spend her life doing what is expected of her and the other who wants to change his life but isn't sure how.Thanks to Revell publishing for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.

[pat_bunk_malecki · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

In 1920, Annabeth De Lacy's father is appointed landlord of Galway Parish in Ireland. Annabeth, his daughter, convinces her father to arrange an apprenticeship for her with the Jennings family--descendants of the creator of the famed Claddagh Ring.Stephen Jennings longs to do anything other than run his family's jewelry shop and apprentice the landlord’s daughter. Stephen has no desire to be part of the jewelry business and he has lost his belief in love and can no longer “sell” the Claddagh Ring promises.The township is not pleased having Mr. DeLacy as the new landlord. Quietly they plan and plot to undo his control. In the DeLacy household, Mr. DeLacy intends to help the barbaric and uncultured people of Galway. As Stephen and Annabeth work together, she finds that the people of Galway are not as uncultured as led to believe. They are talented, loyal, masterful craftsmen. A bond of friendship and love begins to grow between Stephen and Annabeth as turmoil stirs around them and their relationship is tested. The images of the sights of Ireland, the history of the Claddagh Ring is fascinating. I enjoyed this book and would recommend it.

[grammy57 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I have not read anything by Jennifer Deibel before but she has immediately become a favorite. I asked to read this book through Netgalley.com based mostly on the cover picture. I was not disappointed at all. The book was very informative and interesting. It is a historical fiction, Christian book. A lot of the background is based in history. I read an ARC copy and the editing was very well done, though not perfect.This is not a preachy kind of Christian book, it has an undercurrent in that the main lady character relies on her faith in many things. The thing I was most disappointed with was in the epilogue, there was one thing that was not resolved UNLESS there is going to be a sequel and it gets resolved there. It is left in such a way that it is possible. I hope that is the case as I'd like to have that resolved also.I give this a 4 out of 5-star rating and would recommend this book to all who like Christian, historical fiction.