Dancing To An Irish Reel is an intriguing novel about a single American female, Hailey, who leaves the record business in Los Angeles, and relocates to Connemara on the west coast of Ireland.
There she meets her love interest, Liam Hennessy, a traditional Irish musician, who in true Irish fashion is scared witless at the prospect of love.
Claire Fullerton previously shared her experiences of living in Ireland with us, and has graciously offered a signed copy of her book as a prize for one lucky reader of Irish American Mom.
But before I share the details of how to enter this giveaway, let’s first learn a little more about Hailey and Liam….
Dancing To An Irish Reel:
To whet your reading appetite, here’s a quick synopsis of the book from Amazon:
“On sabbatical from her job in the LA record business, Hailey takes a trip to Ireland for the vacation of a lifetime. What she finds is a job offer too good to turn down.
Her new job comes with one major complication—Liam Hennessey. He’s a famous Irish musician whose entire life has revolved around performing. And Hailey falls in love with him. Although Liam’s not so sure love is in the cards for him, he’s not willing to push her away completely.
And so begins Hailey’s journey to a colorful land that changes her life, unites her with friends more colorful than the Irish landscape, and gives her a chance at happiness she’s never found before.”
Spiddal, County Galway one of the rural Irish settings in Dancing To An Irish Reel
Introducing Liam:
Dancing To An Irish Reel is written from Hailey’s point of view, the reader being privy to Hailey’s thoughts and aspirations, as she attempts to navigate the mixed up signals of an awkward courtship with an Irish man who lives with his mammy and daddy.
Here’s a little excerpt from the book introducing us to Liam …..
“At 27-years-old, Liam lived with his parents in the house in which he grew up. He was a world-class Irish traditional musician that traveled often to places like Germany, Austria and New Zealand. He was in demand as a player in touring bands because he was a master at playing the button accordion. As such, he was more than a musician: he was the bearer of a torch that represented the history of an old culture. He brought the language of Irish music to regions that otherwise would have never been enlightened.
Being an Irish traditional musician is a feat not easily arrived at. Rather, it is a feat painstakingly achieved. Most of the tunes in a traditional player’s repertoire have been memorized through listening and repeated execution, as opposed to memorization by reading musical scores. Traditional music has been passed down through generational lines, and with Liam’s family, there had been no interruption. His father was a player, and the world in which Liam grew up was one of constant exposure to traditional music as if it were a language. I came to realize much later that Liam’s first language was music, his second language was Irish, and his third was English.
“So, you must be another American looking for their roots, then,” Liam stated.
If that was a question, then it’s a fair one, I thought.
“Actually, I’m working at the Galway Music Center,” I said, then I followed with my poetry aspirations, hoping to impress upon him I was not just passing through.”
….. I like him already, even after just two paragraphs ….
Mainguard Street, Galway, Ireland
Galway:
Here’s a little excerpt from the book, where the author describes Galway, in poetic language that appeals deeply to my Celtic soul …..
“There is a feel about Galway you can wear around your shoulders like a cloak. It hangs in the air with its dampness; it walks the cobblestone streets and stands in the doorways of its gray stone buildings. It blows in with the mist from the Atlantic and lingers incessantly at every corner. I have never been able to walk the streets of Galway without feeling some unnamed presence accompanying me.”
Musicians:
Or how about this beautiful piece of prose as Hailey describes musicians …..
“There is a secret language musicians speak that does away with the need for articulation because it is intuitive and telepathic at its core…I felt as if I were in an insular bubble, privy to the secret internal mechanisms of a musician’s rarified gift…”
Praise For Claire’s Writing:
Claire Fullerton has garnered high praise for her writing, especially her deep and thoughtful insights into the nuances of Irish culture. Here are some snippets from the Amazon reviews that caught my eye …..
Claire Fullerton – Author of Dancing To An Irish Reel
“What drew me into Claire Fullerton’s book was the fresh and reflective narrative sung to us by her protagonist, Hailey, an American young woman quite suddenly immersed in an Irish culture so rich in rural tradition and language nuance that it almost seems as if she has been dropped into a previous century. Her love interest with the beautiful but conflicted Irish musician Liam seems but a subplot to the deeper story of Hailey’s budding romance with the Irish people, culture, and countryside.”
~ Judith Ingram
These reviews describe the book as a celebration of hope, friendship and discovery. Poetic prose create an alluring story and a beautiful dance of the heart.
“Dancing to an Irish Reel is also a lyrically written story. Its language is fluid and beautifully descriptive with laser sharp intelligence and pacing without any gaps. It reads like a celebration of hope, youth, friendship, and discovery as the narrator confidentially shares her longing to connect and her awestruck appreciation for all that is Irish.”
~ Ellen Comeskey
The Giveaway:
Claire Fullerton has generously offered a signed copy of Dancing To an Irish Reel as a prize for one of Irish American Mom’s readers.
To enter our giveaway just leave a comment on this blog post by noon on Sunday, July 26th, 2015. You can leave any comment you wish. What you write does not affect your chances of winning.
If you need some inspiration, why not share your insights into the nuances of Irish love and courtship, both old and new, from matchmaking to dowries, or crazy marriage proposals. The sky’s the limit when the topic is love ~ Irish style.
A winning comment will be chosen randomly. Remember to leave your e-mail so I can contact you should you win. Your e-mail won’t be published or shared, just used to contact our lucky winner.
The winner will be announced on Sunday July 26th, at the end of this post. I’ll send the winner an e-mail so Claire can mail the book.
You may check out Irish American Mom’s complete terms and conditions for sweepstake entries by clicking here.
Best of luck to all our entrants and a big thank you to Claire Fullerton for sharing her book with Irish American Mom’s readers.
And a big thanks to all who enter and help spread the word to family and friends about this little giveaway.
July 26th, 2015 – We Have A Winner:
Good news. Our winners have been chosen using the random “Pick Giveaway Winner” WordPress plug-in.
Congratulations to …..
Kathleen
I’ll send you a quick e-mail, Kathleen, to let you know you are our prize winner.
Thanks to everyone who joined in and entered this little giveaway.
And a big thank you to the Claire Fullerton for sponsoring this wonderful prize. Wishing her every success with this novel and all of her writing endeavors.
Slán agus beannacht!
(Goodbye and blessings)
Irish American Mom
Here are some other ramblings about all things Irish and Irish American, which you might enjoy.
Ellis Island
Never Let The Truth Get In The Way Of A Good Story
Our Irish Heritage
The book sounds so interesting. Just my wish to relocate to Connemara; someday???
Hi John, living in rural Ireland was a dream of mine as well, so I moved to Connemara for a year. It was the most pivotal, life-enhancing year of my life! “Dancing to an Irish Reel” came to me as an idea after I moved back to America. I wrote the book as a means of sharing the way I found Ireland, which is to say that the island has more heart and soul than any place I could have fathomed.
Good afternoon Clair,
What a nice surprise that you took the time to respond to me, thank you very much. I have been to Ireland four times now, in the Spring and in the Fall and each time was filled with beauty, surprises and of course great people and craic’. To actually live and immerse myself into the land and the neighbors would be the icing on the cake. As far as where, I could not agree with your decision more, Connemara seems to me to be the place. Maybe even where I came from??? John
I just love your blog! I have been to Ireland twice and so wish I could go again. Look forward to a chance to win this book. It sounds wonderful.
Thanks for your kind words about my blog. Pat.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Pat, I hope you go to Ireland a third time; I hear the third time is always the charm!
This book sounds like something I could get lost in!
Melissa, Dancing to an Irish Reel will definitely take you on a journey! Thank you for entering the giveaway!
My family immigrated during The Great Hunger, I would love to go to Ireland to search for family left there.
JB, The Irish are so thorough, comprehensive and accommodating in helping anyone to research their family! You’ll have an easy time researching your family, and I wish you good luck!
My grandparents came to the U.S. from Ireland and it is one of my favorite places to visit. I’m a reader/reviewer and would love to get my hands on this romance story!
Pat – Glad to hear you love visiting Ireland, the land of your forebears. Thanks for entering this giveaway.
Mairéad
Sounds like the kind of story I would like to live. I look forward to reading it.
Thank you, Cynthia! And of course, I’d love to hear your thoughts once you do!
Would love to read this book! My mother came from Galway so I’m partial to anything about the county.
Cathy, we have a little something in common. My grandmother’s family came from Galway! It is my favorite county in Ireland, and there is something special about Galway City. I find it historically preserved, yet vibrant with modern day energy.
Love seeing you in my inbox! I enjoy your blog so very much. This sounds like my kind of read. Thanks for your wonderful Irish insights.
Hi Mary Ann – I’m so glad to hear you’re happy to get notifications of my newly published blog posts. It’s lovely to hear from readers who enjoy my ramblings.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
I would truly love to own this book. And reading it even more! Thank you!
Thank you, Eva! I wrote Dancing to an Irish Reel for all those interested in the beautiful soulful, magical land of Ireland! I’m so thrilled to read your comment!
I love the Irish literature, visiting the country and the Irish people!
I agree with you, Mary Jane!
So love to read about the Irish and Ireland. My great grandparents came from Ireland and I want to learn all I can about their life and life in Ireland . Plans in process to visit Jun of 2016!
Zee – I hope you have a wonderful trip to Ireland next year. Happy planning!
Mairéad
Zee, planning a trip to Ireland will fan the flames of excitement and see you all the way through until June of 2016! I know you’ll love seeing Ireland; I’m happy for you!
This book sounds fantastic! I know what my next Amazon purchase is!
Thank you, Kristen! Mairead did an incredible job of describing Dancing to an Irish Reel’s premise to her blog followers! She has a keen eye for nuance,, and I stand in line with everyone who follows her fascinating blog!
this sounds like a book I would enjoy!
Thank you, Sheri, and thank you once again to Mairead!
sounds like a great true Irish Story to get lost in.
One of the most beautiful symbols of Irish love is the claddagh ring and the meaning it signifies. Love, faith and friendship. Since my maiden name is Joyce and the creator of the ring is Richard Joyce is has even more meaning to me.
Rosemary – The claddagh ring is a magnificent symbol of Ireland, and its deep meaning is simply beautiful. With a name like Joyce, the claddagh ring is truly an important piece of your heritage.
Best wishes, and thanks so much for supporting this giveaway.
Mairéad
How wonderful, Rosemary. And I believe the Joyce family comes from Galway, where the Claddagh resides.
I Love Ireland!!!?
I just came back from Ireland a few weeks ago spending most of my time in Galway. I always feel right at home there.
Kathleen – So lovely to hear you feel right at home in Galway – it’s a wonderful city and county.
All the best,
Mairéad
Kathleen, I am envious of you for recently being in Galway! But I was there last October and had a wonderful time. What I love about Galway is its artistic, moody feel. I love its streets and its churches, the Spanish Arch and the Claddagh. Galway is truly a unique town.
Would love to be entered in the giveaway!
I hope I’m lucky!!
I love reading this website. I have learned so much from it. I love everything about Ireland and wpuld love to read this book. 🙂
Hi Mary – I’m delighted to hear you find my ramblings and recipes informative – it’s wonderful to hear back from readers who find my little tidbits of information about Ireland educational and entertaining.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Mary Sullivan ( a wonderful Irish name) I, too, am a fan of this website! I am also so grateful to Mairead for championing my book!
If I can’t get back to Ireland anytime soon then I will at least enjoy reading about it!
AMY, I think you have the perfect attitude! I adore people with a positive outlook!
My father’s family came to the US from Ireland in 1820 and I’ve always been proud to say I’m of Irish heritage. My husband & I visited there for the first time this past May and were enchanted with the spectacular scenery and the genuinely friendly people – such a magical, mystical place! This book sounds sweet & memorable as well and I look forward to reading it.
Gwen – It’s lovely to learn that you enjoyed your trip to Ireland and that you found it to be a magical and mystical place. I feel such a yearning for Ireland, I always love to know when others experience that magic too.
All the best,
Mairéad
GWEN, I bet you felt right at home in Ireland. I think for those of us with ancestral lineage, there is an inexplicable pull towards and identification with Ireland that is like its own life force! Reading Dancing to an Irish Reel should take you back to Ireland!
This book sounds like it should be next on my list! Love Irish style? I have quite a few ancestors from Ireland, but they were some of the first to settle this country, so I can’t say I have recent Irish blood. I have been working on my genealogy this summer and have found many of them married in Ireland before coming to the colonies. The ones born here seem to marry someone whose family had emigrated from Ireland as well. I visited Ireland in 2013, fell in love with the country, and went back last year. The bad thing about working on genealogy this summer, I found out one of my ancestors was from Stranorlar, which we drove through last year. If I had only known, I would have taken pictures of the town! 🙁
Hi Janine – My husband’s family is originally from Convoy which is just outside Stranorlar, County Donegal. Beautiful countryside there and the Finn river is spectacular. Thanks for stopping by and entering this giveaway.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Janine, I truly hope you go back to Stranorlar now that you know this! Also, I’ve always thought any connection to Ireland, however far removed, makes you Irish!
A beautiful book showing how close Claire managed to get to the Irish & their attitudes to life!
Thank you so very much for this wonderful comment, Helen! By the way, my grandmother was named Helen. Her family, the Fords, were from Tuam, Co, Galway. I’ve always loved the name Helen.
Being Irish to the bone I would love this book , thank you Mairead
YES! With name as fabulous as Maureen O Hanlon, you will indeed love Dancing to an Irish Reel!
There have been many colourful marriage proposals in rural Ireland; such as “How would you like to be buried with my people.?”
Likewise there were many clever matchmaking strategies. However, the less healthy aspect of matchmaking can be seen in “The Quiet Man” and John B. Keane’s wonderful play, “Sive.”
And where would you leave “Darling Kate”, a very sad poem written by the late sean McCarthy;
You are fair of face, dear Kate, now you’re nearing twenty-one,
I hesitate to spoil your dreams, when your life has just begun.
Your father, he is old, a grah, and I am far from strong,
A dowry from John Hogan’s son would help us all along.
Just think of it, my darling Kate, you would own a motor car,
You’d wear fine linen next your skin and travel near and far.
Hogan’s lands stretch far and wide, from Rathea to Drummahead;
He owns sheep and cows and fine fat sows; pyjamas for the bed.
I know he’s tall and skinny, Kate, and his looks are not the best,
But beggars can’t be choosers, love, when you’re feathering your nest!
He’s been to college in the town; his shirts are always new,
What does it matter if he’s old, he’s just the man for you.
I know you love young Paddy Joe, him with the rakish eye,
I’ve seen the way you look at him whenever he goes by.
I will admit he’s handsome, Kate, but he doesn’t own a car,
Sure, he likes to fight and drink al night above in Sheehan’s bar.
Did I ever tell you, Kate a grah, that I was pretty too?
The summer days seemed longer then, and the sky was always blue!
I was only gone nineteen, and your father fifty-three,
But he owned the land on which we stand and he seemed the man for me.
There was a young man lived next door, I loved with all my might,
It was his face that haunted me when your father held me tight;
I longed, dear Kate, down through the years, for the soft touch of his hand.
But young love is no substitute for ten acres of fine land.
You will wear a long white dress and a red rose in your hair,
I will throw confetti, Kate, the whole town will be there;
You will make a promise true, to honour and obey,
I will stand on your right hand, and I’ll sell my love away.
Tears are not for daytime, Kate, but only for the night,
You’ll have a daughter of your own and teach her wrong fro right;
Rear her strong and healthy, Kate, pray guidance from above.
Then one fine day when she’s nineteen—she might marry just for love.
Oh my, Mattie. This poignant poem brought a tear to my eye. It tells the story of many a poor young girl in rural Ireland years ago. My own grandmother’s marriage was arranged, with a dowry even involved. It amazes me that she is only two generations removed from me and look how times have changed.
Thanks for this wonderful and insightful comment.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Thanks Mairead.
“Darling Kate” was written by Kerry songwriter, the late Sean McCarthy. I wrote a play “And all his songs Were Sad” about the life and works of Sean. It was staged by the Pantagleize Theatre Company, in Fort Worth, Texas in 2010. If any other group wants to produce it they can contact me. I can provide recordings of all songs featured in it.
Mattie
How impressive, Mattie, I enjoyed your post immensely!
It would be fantastic if I won this book! This would help my mind to go back to Connemara and the wonderful west coast of Ireland. I loved the place and I often remember the moments of my journey to Connemara and Galway. So… let’s keep the finger crossed!!
Claudia – It sounds like this book would bring back many happy memories of your time in Ireland and Connemara.
All the best,
Mairéad
Claudia, you are exactly the kind of reader for whom I wrote this book, as well as for others who long to know of Ireland, especially if they have Irish connections!
great gift for my grand daughter
How perfect of you to think of your grand daughter!
I’ve only been to Ireland once, but now I’m obsessed. What is it about Ireland that once you’ve been there you can wait to retutn? I’ll add this book to my reading list. Thanks Mairead for your blog.
Ginger – I think you’ve posed a million dollar question – There is something about Ireland we can’t quite put a finger on, but it captures the imagination and draws us back.
Thanks for reading my blog.
All the best,
Mairéad
I love that you used the word obsession! I certainly identify! Ireland has a magnetic pull!
This sounds like a fun and relaxing book! I love books set in Ireland!
I’m so glad you like Irish settings. I wrote the Irish setting of Dancing to an Irish Reel as if it were a character in the book!
Looks like a good book!
Thank you, Carla. Mairead did an incredible, artistic job of Dancing to an Irish Reel’s visual presentation!
I can’t wait to read this book (whether I win it or not). I love the comment that “there is a secret language musicians speak”. Ireland is one of my favorite places to be and Claire did such a wonderful job expressing the beauty of it. thanks for the excerpts!
Glad you enjoyed these excerpts, Traci and thanks for supporting this giveaway.
Mairéad
Traci, you have made my day!
I just returned from Ireland, truly an inspiration for the right brained writer, musician or artist!
My only regret is that I didn’t have the time to meander through the gardens at Blarney Castle…
as the Faerie Gardens would have appealed to my imaginings <3
Look forward to obtaining one of your tales soon!
~Valerie
Hi Valerie – “Meandering” is such a great verb to describe how Ireland wishes us to wander through her fields, forests and gardens. Next time I’m in Cork I’ll have to check out those Faerie Gardens – they sound intriguing.
I’m still editing my historical fiction novel and starting the process of searching for an agent or publisher. Fingers crossed I’ll be successful.
Best wishes, and happy writing,
Mairéad
Oh, Mairead, my fingers are crossed! Please keep me posted!
Love Ireland! Went there on my honeymoon and we can’t wait to go back. 🙂
What a brilliant website! I only found it today, while searching for the words to “The Old Woman of the Roads.” My mom was born in Derry (not Londonderry, lol) 88 years ago, and was trying to remember the words to the poem a few days ago, but couldn’t. She loves to read any kind of book involving Ireland, and am sure she’d get quickly enraptured in this one, with a hot cuppa tea at hand. She is currently on her way back to Derry for another summer visit, including a stop in Bantry Bay where my younger brother now lives. I grew up listening to my mom read from Irish children’s books about leprechauns and fairies, my favorite being “Clever Tom and the Leprechaun.” I’ve been to Ireland 6 times, and it is a land of eloquent beauty which will never lose its magical charm. The people exude friendliness as naturally as they breathe. It would be wonderful to have this book sitting on my mom’s rocker when she returns from Ireland; as though she had never left. Much luck to everyone. Cheerio!
Hi Colleen – Thanks for checking out my website – I’m so glad you found my little corner of the world wide web – search engines are simply amazing. Just like your mom, I love that poem by Pádraic Colum – such beautiful, poignant words. Hats off to your mother, firstly for traveling to Ireland at 88 years of age, and secondly for journeying the length of the country from Derry to Bantry. I know how long that trip is – my husband is from Donegal, right beside Derry, and my cousins live in Bantry.
It’s lovely to hear your mom has shared so many of the old tales from Ireland, and that you have been blessed with the opportunity to visit Ireland so often. I can just picture your mom, sitting on her rocker with a nice cuppa, enjoying a good romantic tale from Ireland like ‘Dancing To An Irish Reel’. Best of luck and thanks for supporting this giveaway.
Take care,
Mairéad
Colleen, what an engaging post you’ve written!
I’ve never been to Ireland, but I’ve wanted to go ever since I saw Darby O’Gill and the Little People when I was a child (also the start of my lifelong crush on Sean Connery). Thank you for this intriguing introduction to Ms. Fullerton’s novel and the wonderful photos that make her story seem so real.
Thank you very much.
Looks like a really exciting read! I love anything to do with Ireland.
Would love to win a signed copy of this book.
Thank you so much to the fabulous Mairead for hosting the author signed giveaway of the print version of Dancing to an Irish Reel. I am grateful to all who entered and am thrilled over the interest in my love song to Ireland! I hope you all find your way to reading the book! Congratulations to the winner. Watch your mailbox! Slainte to all!