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IRISH EYES, Book 1 of Hope’s American Songbook series, spans twenty-five years of Gilded Age through the Jazz Age Manhattan, as seen through the eyes of spirited Irish-born Rose O’Neill.
In light of all that’s since happened, I suppose it makes a sad sort of sense that the great love of my life should come to me by way of despair and carnage of the darkest, most savage sort…
December 1898. In the aftermath of America’s war with Spain, Rose leaves her beloved Arans and boards a steamer for New York City. Herded through the emigrant landing depot at The Battery, abandoned and alone, she soon discovers that the New York streets are no more paved in gold than those of Galway. To survive, she must ford her way through Lower East Side tenements and sweatshops, Fifth Avenue mansions and tony hotels – tangling with Tammany Hall for the soul of the man with whom her fate is inextricably linked while fighting her feelings for the first love who still holds her heart. Just as she begins to make peace with the past, the Great War erupts in Europe, threatening to topple the dynasty for which she has sacrificed so much.
December 7, 2023 from Lume/Joffe Books.
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Praise for Irish Eyes
Well done to Hope C. Tarr for a magical journey, so grueling, so full of optimistic belief, in the hope of a better future. I loved Rose and how she fought for her own strength within herself."
With Irish Eyes, Tarr delivers an expansive, breathtaking tale centered around Rose O'Neill, a fierce Irish immigrant who’s determined to succeed. Rose’s voice is eloquent and lyrical, the writing glorious, and the historical detail superb."
LOVED this book - fascinating insight into the early days of the Irish in America. A feisty strong-willed heroine in the hands of an experienced confident author. Full of warmth and romance and humour, a wonderful read.
Hope Tarr's IRISH EYES is romantic, lyrical, and rich with historical detail. Readers will root for the brave Rose as she navigates the immigrant experience in an ever-expanding New York City. A compelling read!"
Readers will race to the end, not wanting to put this book down. Tarr writes beautifully, with great pacing, settings, sensitive love scenes, plot twists, just the right amount of period-specific language, and a superb epilogue...The American Songbook series is off to a great start. Highly recommended."
Hope C. Tarr's Irish Eyes is a treat for lovers of New York City history, Irish American culture, and second-chance romance. From the wild Aran Islands to the gritty tenements of the Lower East Side, and from the gilded ballrooms of high society to the terrifying infernos of workplace fires, Tarr transports us to the world of Rose O'Neill, as she arrives in a new country seeking answers from the man she loves, but soon finds herself forging an unexpected path towards her own American Dream."
Irish Eyes was one of the best books I ever read! Absolutely brilliant."
As with a favorite TV show or fab film, cracking the cover on a beloved book is best savored as a social experience. Whether held in-person with wine and noshes or online with virtual cocktails and a smorgasbord of emojis, book clubs and reading groups are an awesome way to dish on both classic novels and new releases.
For IRISH EYES, Hope has created a unique guide of nearly 20 questions to help get the book party started.
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Want Hope to speak (virtually) at your book club? Contact her here to schedule.
Hope is the author of four screenplays and twenty-five historical and contemporary romances. Browse past works
On Tour with IRISH EYES
MORE INFOA Novel Evening With Irish Eyes
MORE INFOIn Conversation for IRISH EYES with Fiona Davis
MORE INFOIRISH EYES Release Day + Sarah, Duchess of York
MORE INFOIn Convo with Finola Austin + IRISH EYES Book Giveaway!
MORE INFOIrish Eyes on Irish Central!
MORE INFOIrish Eyes Unboxing Video
MORE INFOIRISH EYES #CoverReveal
MORE INFO🥁IRISH EYES & Sequel Sell to Lume Books
MORE INFOThe Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire for THE IRISH TIMES
MORE INFOInterview with Irish Central
MORE INFOPodcast – Episode Three, The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire of 1911: An Emigrant’s Experience
MORE INFOPodcast – Episode Two, The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire of 1911: An Emigrant’s Experience
MORE INFOPodcast – The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire of 1911: An Emigrant’s Experience
MORE INFOSharing the Love with a Giveaway
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Use these hashtags to follow Hope on social media:
#IRISHEYES – Fun (and occasionally bizarre) factoids about Ireland, and the Irish experience in New York, with a focus on the NYC neighborhoods and sites featured in the book.
#HISTORYMATTERS – More of the aforementioned fun factoids only about history in general.