A Novel Evening With Irish Eyes

I had so much fun guesting on A Novel Evening, an exciting British podcast for book lovers everywhere. Host Dannie Carter and I chatted about my historical novel, IRISH EYES — Tammany Hall, WW1, Prohibition/speakeasies — we covered A LOT. Plus, a sneak peek at what I’m writing now (hint: sequel) and who I’d invite to my fantasy “novel evening” (and who’s on my Naughty List). Have a listen!

In Conversation for IRISH EYES with Fiona Davis

Last Thursday’s (January 4) in conversation book talk for IRISH EYES at the Barnes and Noble Upper West Side Manhattan was a magical evening (Subway train derailments aside). Fiona Davis was a superb moderator and the newly renovated bookstore is bright and airy and in every way conducive to chatting. But don’t take my word for it. Enjoy the video, and if you’d like a *signed* copy of IRISH EYES, you can pick one up at B&N at 2289 Broadway @82nd Street.

IRISH EYES Release Day + Sarah, Duchess of York

The wait is over! IRISH EYES, my historical saga set in turn-of-the-century New York City, is for sale wherever books are sold. I’ve received a VERY special SURPRISE Release Day prezzie — a gorgeous review from bestselling author, Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York!

WELL DONE TO HOPE C. TARR FOR A MAGICAL JOURNEY, SO GRUELLING, 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.” – Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York

Find Irish Eyes at any of these brick-and-mortar and online booksellers:

Amazon

Amazon UK

Barnes & Noble

Bookshop.org

Target

Walmart

Books-A-Million

River Road Books

Book Culture – signed copies avail in-store

The Corner Bookstore – signed copies avail in-store

Thunder Road Books – signed copies avail in-store


Join me in celebrating later tonight at Thunder Road Books, an awesome indie bookstore in quaint Spring Lake, New Jersey. As part of Spring Lake’s Holiday Shopping Soiree, from 5-7pm, I’ll sign copies of Irish Eyes and raffle off a gift basket of tasty NYC-themed treats to one lucky winner. Cocktails, mocktails, snacks — we are going to have THE A-B-S-O-L-U-T-E BEST TIME. Join us!

Speaking of winners, congrats to the winners of my Irish Eyes Shelf-Awareness Giveaway sponsored by AuthorBuzz: Laurie J., Susan B., Beth T., Melissa M., Mary G. and Lizz at Curiouser Books. Your copies of Irish Eyes are en route in plenty of time for the holidays.

Also, darling historical fiction author Finola Austin and I are giving away a signed copy of Irish Eyes and Finola’s brilliant historical novel, Bronte’s Mistress to one lucky winner. If you haven’t already done so, pop over to Finola’s site, The Secret Victorianist, and enter to win. Bonus: read our fun and (hopefully) informative interview on writing the historical novel.

xo Hope

In Convo with Finola Austin + IRISH EYES Book Giveaway!

Before we all scattered for the Thanksgiving holiday, I chatted with historical fiction author Finola Austin AKA The Secret Victorianist about my inspo for Irish Eyes, what I’m working on now (hint: it’s the sequel!), and killing my darlings, namely, two prologues, neither of which made it into the final book.

Pop on over to The Secret Victorianist to read the interview, then sign up for Finola’s monthly newsletter to win a copy of Irish Eyes *and* a copy of Finola’s brilliant historical novel, Bronte’s Mistress. One lucky winner will receive both books. Giveaway closes December 7th — the Irish Eyes Release Day!

Irish Eyes on Irish Central!

Recently I caught up with the fine folks at IRISH CENTRAL to chat about IRISH EYES, my historical fiction debut out with Lume (Joffe) Books this December 7th. Irish Central is the largest Irish culture media outlet in North America, and I’m so excited to share my fictional heroine, Rose O’Neill’s, story with its readership. Read the full interview here.

🥁IRISH EYES & Sequel Sell to Lume Books

As we ford into another new year, I’m thrilled to announce that IRISH EYES, my historical fiction debut, sold to London-based publisher, Lume Books in a two-book deal! IRISH EYES will release worldwide in November 2023, in print, digital and audiobook. Here’s a taste.

It is 1898. In the aftermath of America’s war with Spain over Cuba and the Philippines, eighteen year-old Rose leaves her beloved Inishmore and boards a steamer for New York City in search of the Yank soldier who swore to marry her. Herded through the emigrant landing depot at The Battery, abandoned and alone, she discovers the New York streets are no more paved in gold than those of Galway. To survive, she must ford through Lower East Side tenements and sweatshops, Fifth Avenue mansions and tony hotels, tangling with Tammany Hall for the soul of the husband 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 everything.

A second book, STARDUST will follow Rose’s children and grandchildren into the Second World War and will release in 2024.

Cover reveal and pre-order details coming later this year, so do check back!

Wishing everyone a 2023 brimming with blessings.

xo Hope