The Irish Upstart
by Shirley Kennedy
High-spirited Evleen O'Fallon comes from a humble cottage in County Clare, Ireland. Rich, handsome Lord Thomas owns one of the biggest estates in all England. "Never love an Englishman," warns Evleen's mother, but when Evleen and Lord Thomas undertake a harrowing journey across the Irish Sea, a love that knows no boundaries begins to bloom. Suddenly Evleen finds herself an outcast in London's ton. No one will marry a twenty-four-year-old Irishwoman, no matter how beautiful, but Lord Thomas's heart rejects convention and he cannot deny his attraction to the lovely Irish girl. Soon Evleen is faced with a decision: should she return to her simple life in Ireland or should she find in Thomas's arms a love that breaks every boundary?ReviewA...tale with a determined, independent heroine and an equally strong-willed hero who both frustrate and fascinate one another. -- Romantic Times, April, 2001From the AuthorA recent, wonderful trip to Ireland inspired me to write The Irish Upstart. I was especially impressed with the 6th century monastic site of Conmacnoise with its Whispering Arch where "courtin couples...stand one on each side, whisperin' heir words of love to one another." Of course, Thomas and Evleen stand in that very spot in the story!