THE GREENEST WIND is a children's book set in West Cork, where a young German girl changes from feeling alone in a strange place, to never wanting to leave. A common complaint for anyone who spends more than a few days in this magnificent corner of Ireland.
Today I'm delighted to introduce you to Gesine Shculz's middle grade novel, THE GREENEST WIND.
A perennial seller in its native Germany, and already translated into Swedish and Dutch, this novel for ages 10 to 100, now makes its appearance in English.
Plus to celebrate the launch of her story in English, Gesine has graciously sponsored a giveaway with three lovely prizes for readers of Irish American Mom to win.
But before we delve into the giveaway, let's first learn about Gesine's sweet book, where families are imperfect, but with love and kindness everything works out.
Learn About The Greenest Wind:
Lucy can hardly wait for summer vacation – she and her mother are flying all the way from Germany to sunny California!
But at the last minute, the plan falls through and she winds up having to fly all alone to Ireland instead. To an eccentric aunt she doesn't even know, and who, apparently, lives in an old cottage without a roof. And that in a country where it rains all the time!
Lucy doesn't want to go, not one little bit, but there's no other option. By the end of the five weeks, though, she has to admit it was the best vacation ever.
About Gesine:
Author Gesine Schulz was born in Northern Germany. Because she liked books and wanted to see the world, she became a librarian and worked abroad for more than ten years, mostly in Ireland and New York.
Now a full-time writer, she makes her home in Germany's Ruhr Valley with her two cats, one Irish and one German, and a lot of books. She has published a number of novels, many short crime stories, and a children's mystery series.
Gesine loves visiting West Cork, the setting of THE GREENEST WIND.
Find out more about Gesine and her books on her website and follow her on Instagram and Twitter.
Translation Of The Greenest Wind From German To English:
Translator Rebecca Heier holds an MFA in Literary Translation from the University of Arkansas.
She was chosen to participate in the Emerging Translators Programme sponsored by New Books in German, and was a winner (second place) in a children's literature translation competition sponsored by the Frankfurt Book Fair New York.
Born and raised in the U.S., she lives in Speyer, Germany.
Book Cover:
Cover Designer Sam Kalda is an award winning illustrator based in Minneapolis. His first book, “Of Cats and Men: History's Great Cat-loving Artists, Writers, Thinkers and Statesmen” was published by Ten Speed Press in 2017.
His work has appeared in the The New York Times, The New Yorker, Wall Street Journal, Vogue, as well as on products at West Elm.
The Prizes:
Today we have three lovely prizes for three separate entrants to win. Here they are:
1st Prize
- The Greenest Wind – A Summer in Ireland, by Gesine Schulz and translated by Rebecca Heier. eBook Version - Winner can choose from these available formats: epub, mobi, or pdf.
- Irish Lucky Penny
- Postcard-size magnet of the book cover
- Five skeins of yarn, hand-dyed in Ireland by Eve Chambers - 3 x DK sockblend Swamp Thing, 2 x DK sockblend Forest (worth 85 Euro approx.).
In the novel Lucy loves knitting patchwork throws. When in West Cork she discovers hand-dyed wool and knits a little masterpiece in many shades of green.
Yarn by Eve Chambers Textile - Hand-dyed and handspun yarns and textiles from the wilds of the Mizen Peninsula, West Cork are created by Eve Chambers.
Irish Lucky Penny - These Irish coins feature a Celtic bird design by Gabriel Hayes. She was a noted Irish sculptor and painter. The coin was withdrawn from circulation in 2002 upon the introduction of the euro currency.
2nd Prize:
- eBook The Greenest Wind – A Summer in Ireland. By Gesine Schulz. Translated by Rebecca Heier. Available formats: epub, mobi, or pdf.
- Irish Lucky Penny
- Postcard-size magnet of the book cover
3rd Prize:
- Irish Lucky Penny
- Postcard-size magnet of the book cover
The Giveaway:
Three lucky readers will win each of the prizes as outlined above.
To enter just leave a comment on this blog post by noon on Sunday, July 28th, 2019.
Any comment will do. What you write does not affect your chance of winning, but if you need inspiration why not tell us if where your "greenest wind" rises in Ireland.
A winning comment will be chosen randomly. Remember to leave your e-mail so that I can contact you should you win. Your e-mail won’t be published, just used to contact our lucky contestant for mailing of the prize.
The winner will be announced on Sunday, July 28th, 2019, at the bottom of this blog post.
You may check out Irish American Mom’s complete terms and conditions for sweepstakes’ entries by clicking here.
Many thanks to everyone for stopping by to check out this book giveaway.
Gesine would be ever so grateful if you could share this post with family and friends and help spread the word about her writing.
And many, many thanks to Gesine for sharing her love of West Cork with us today,and for sponsoring these prizes.
Winners Chosen July 28th, 2019:
Our lucky winners were randomly chosen using the Pick Giveaway Winner plug-in by WordPress. Congratulations to:
1st Prize: Pauline Barry
2nd Prize: Veronica Koebel
3rd Prize: Uli
I’ll be in touch to arrange mailing of your prizes.
Many thanks to all who supported this little giveaway. Wishing Gesine every success with her writing.
If you're interested in other books set in Ireland or featuring the Irish in America, here are a few more recommendations to check out...
The Fairly Stillwart Chronicles
Thanks for following my recipes and ramblings.
Slán agus beannacht,
(Goodbye and blessings)
Irish American Mom
Here are some Pinterest friendly graphics if you would like to share this giveaway with friends....
And here's another....
If you enjoyed this installment, then here are some other ramblings you might enjoy ….
Barley Cove Beach, County Cork
The Rose As A Symbol Of Ireland
- Our Irish Heritage - A Kid's Guide to the Irish Diaspora and Irish National Anthem
- An Irish Tour Following in the Footsteps of Saint Brigid
- Did You Know These 7 Authors Were Irish?
- Kelcie Murphy And The Academy For The Unbreakable Arts
- In Memory Of An Irish Dad
- Roots and Wings By Brendan J Nangle
- Learn How To Cook With Guinness
- Oliver Goldsmith - Anglo Irish Poet
Sue
My “ greenest wind” rises in Kinsale, Ireland specifically the Scilly walk which I walked in May from Fort Charles to Kinsale on a beautiful day. Lovely!
Irish American Mom
What a beautiful walk - Kinsale and Charles Fort are magical. Thanks for checking out this book.
All the best,
Mairéad
Maureen Harrington
Lovely idea for a book . I’d be more than happy to share with the grandkids 🙂
Irish American Mom
Hi Maureen - This is a sweet story about life and celebrates the beauty of West Cork and its people. Thanks for stopping by.
Mairéad
Robin D
I would love to win. I would share with my grandchildren. Having an Irish great-grandma I’m sure they would enjoy the story. And being a knitter I would put the yarn to good use 😉
Irish American Mom
Hi Robin - How wonderful that you are sharing of Ireland with your grandchildren. Lovely to learn you too are a knitter. This green yearn is spectacular - two of Ireland's forty shades of green.
All the best,
Mairéad
Gesine Schulz
Hello Robin – you might not get the chance to put the yarn to good use. Quite a few of my young readers wanted to learn knitting after reading the book. 😉
Sandy
I look forward to sharing this book with the nieces in my life. Some of my happiest holiday moments have come from trips to Ireland. Cork is on my wish list, have never been, because it seems to have such a great vibe and beautiful scenery.
Irish American Mom
Hi Sandy - I think County Cork is one of the most beautiful places in the world - now I'm a little biased since all of my ancestors hail from this corner of the world, but I think many will still agree with me. I hope you make it there someday.
All the best,
Mairéad
Gesine Schulz
Hello Sandy – as The Greenest Wind is also the story of a niece and her aunt I would love to know what you and your nieces think about it.
Best wishes from Germany,
Gesine
Mary
I would love to visit Ireland someday. The yarn looks so lovely and I can imagine so many possibilities.
Irish American Mom
Hi Mary - Just looking at the photo of those five skeins of green wool gets our creative juices flowing. They are lovely.
All the best, and thanks for stopping by.
Mairéad
Laurie
What a sweet book. And I love green yarn!
Irish American Mom
Hi Laurie - West Cork is a perfect setting for a book. I'm so glad to see Ireland being introduced to young readers all over the world.
All the best,
Mairéad
Pauline Barry
My daughter would love this book. She loves all the traditional Irish stories, like tir na n-og and children of lir. This would be a great addition to her collection. She has also just started to learn to knit, thanks to her Irish Nanny
Irish American Mom
Hi Pauline - It's wonderful your daughter has such a keen interest in her Irish heritage, so this book would be perfect for her alright. I'm delighted to hear her Irish Nanny is passing on our tradition of knitting. Preserving these skills and passing them on to future generations is so important.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Gesine Schulz
Hello Pauline – maybe The Greenest Wind would inspire your daughter to knit a patchwork afghan similar to the one Lucy knits in West Cork.
A reader in Austria sent me this photo of a throw she knitted after reading the book: https://wp.me/p3DAMs-xB
Good luck!
Gesine
Julia Coppedge
Learned of your book via pursuit of learning more about history, sheep, wool, and the cultures from which they come.
Irish American Mom
Hi Julia - What an interesting topic to be researching. Sheep and wool have played an important role in Ireland's history and economy throughout the centuries. Many thanks for checking out this post and for supporting our little giveaway.
All the best,
Mairéad
Marcia Kerschsn
So very interested in Ireland and it's rich history of wool!
Irish American Mom
Hi Marcia - Ireland's history of wool is a rich one indeed. Our woolen products are beautiful and iconic symbols of Ireland to this very day.
All the best,
Mairéad
Anne Parsons
With ancestors from Waterford Cork and Kerry, I'm very mch a part of the Wild Irish West
Irish American Mom
Hi Anne - Your ancestors hail from three contiguous counties boasting some of the most magnificent coastline in the whole wide world. I hope you've been blessed to experience it for yourself.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Sea Chauvin
Lovely lovely book. My granddaughter and I will love sharing it and knitting something green together when we finish. My dream is to take her to Ireland one day soon. When I visited, years ago, I wanted to never leave and have shared my love with my grandchildren in many ways but this would be the most special! 🍀
Irish American Mom
Hi Sea - Knitting a beautiful Irish green creation together would be a fantastic way to celebrate your Irish heritage. Sharing your love of Ireland and your family heritage is a wonderful gift to give to your grandchildren. Thank you for being so proud of your Irish culture.
All the best,
Mairéad
Gesine Schulz
Hello Sea – armchair travel is a wonderful way to get to know other countries I always find. But I hope you and your granddaughter will have the chance to visit Ireland togehter some time.
All the best,
Gesine
Mary Sullivan
I've loved all of the books mentioned on this site and will enjoy this one too. The yarn would make a lovely throw to keep warm while reading about Ireland.
Irish American Mom
Hi Mary - Thanks for letting us know you enjoy the Irish themed books I introduce here. Many are small imprints or produced by independent publishers, and it's nice to use this little corner of the web, to help spread the word about books set in Ireland or based on Irish characters.
Lovely to learn you too like to knit or crochet.
All the best,
Mairéad
Gesine Schulz
Hello Mary – here are some more photos of the throw Austrian reader Edith knitted after reading The Greenest Wind: https://wp.me/p3DAMs-Km I admire the different patterns she used.
I don't know if you like the children's books by Noel Streatfeild? There is one that takes place in West Cork, too: The Growing Summer (also published as The Magic Summer).
Happy reading!
Gesine
nicole henke
mY 12 year old would love to read this book! She loves yarn and cats, and I think the story would resonnate with her. thanks for sharing and hosting the giveaway
Irish American Mom
Hi Nicole - Your 12-year old is a perfect age for enjoying this middle grade novel. I always like to find a sweet book with a heartwarming message for my little one. This book is a pleasant change from too many vampires and dystopian settings, which seen to have overrun books for young adults. Thanks for stopping by and checking out this book and giveaway.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Gesine Schulz
Hello Nicole – Lucy's aunt Paula has a cat called Frau Schmidt 🙂
My wonderful translator Rebecca Heier decided to keep that name and not change it to Mrs. Schmidt or something similar.
There are two dogs in the book as well. Neighbor Niall Corrigan' Ulysses was of course allowed to keep his name, but young Martin's dog is now called Geronimo.
Best wishes,
Gesine
Gloria Vodicka
I am always thrilled to read a new book about Ireland and now I have the opportunity to pass that on to my granddaughter. She is a sprite! I think her Irish heritage just oozes from her. I would love to be able to send her this new ebook.
Thanks for the opportunity.
Gloria
Irish American Mom
Hi Gloria - I love how you say your granddaughter's "Irish heritage just oozes from her." Isn't that wonderful? I hope she will carry her love of Ireland and Irish culture with her forever.
Take care,
Mairéad
Gesine Schulz
Hello Gloria – I would love to hear how your granddaughter liked The Greenest Wind should she get to read it.
Best wishes,
Gesine
Leslie Carroll Lotz
Having just finished a manuscript about an Irish-American young girl, I was surprised and delighted to read your post this morning. My story is, also, for middle grade readers. My mother's family came from Cork, my father's family from Germany--I smiled at this serendipitous announcement. A teacher of Gaelic here in the states was one of my beta readers for the story, and I learned a lot from her about the many customs of Ireland. I will be eager to read this new novel. Thank you for bring it to your readers attention. I enjoy reading all the wonderful articles you post about Ireland!
Irish American Mom
Hi Leslie - Amazing how this book is so perfect for you, especially since you have Cork and German family connections. I'm delighted to hear you are working on a manuscript about an Irish American girl, and that it too is for middle grade readers. Having an Irish teacher review your story as a beta reader was a brilliant idea, and it sounds like you learned quite a bit from the input you received. Completing a novel and fully researching the premises included is far more intensive and time consuming that readers of the finished product ever realize. Wishing your every success and inspiration as you bring your writing project to completion. Please keep us posted when it is published.
All the best,
Mairéad
Gesine Schulz
Hello Leslie – Serendipity indeed!. Middle-grade readers can be a wonderful audience. I enjoy getting feedback from them. Sometimes they send me photos of a poster or a book presentation-box when they give a talk about their favorite book in class: https://wp.me/p3DAMs-NB 🙂
Good luck with your novel!
Gesine
Anna Layer
The storyline sounds wonderful!! And, as a knitter, how fun that it includes knitting!! When my lifelong dream of going to Ireland became a reality, I allowed myself to purchase some yarn while I was in Ireland. But, I still haven't used it, as I want to think of just the perfect project to use for such special yarn! 🙂 Hopefully, I'll get to return to Ireland someday for more yarn!
Irish American Mom
Hi Anna - Irish yarn is lovely and I do hope you get back to the Emerald Isle someday to purchase some more. I'm thrilled to learn through all these comments that so many Irish American Mom readers are knitters. I too love to click my needles and knit. Perhaps knitting is in our Irish genes.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Gesine Schulz
Hello Anna – I still have some wonderful Irish green-speckled tweed waiting to be transformed (not by me ;-)) into a skirt or a throw or something else. I am waiting for the perfect idea …
And speaking of more yarn, did you have a look at Eve Chamber's yarn? So very tempting https://www.instagram.com/evechamberstextiles/
Best wishes,
Gesine
Jonna Peguero
I discovered Ireland last summer on a knitting tour and fell in love with the beautiful country. I would share this book with my daughter teaches second grade and I would knit something beautiful with the yarn!🍀
Irish American Mom
i Jonna - Thanks so much for stopping by. A knitting tour of Ireland sounds fascinating. I love to learn of ways to explore interests and hobbies through travel, and Ireland is a perfect destination for knitters. This yarn is magnificent and just waiting to be transformed into something beautiful.
All the best,
Mairéad
Gesine Schulz
Hello Joanna – There are knitting tours?! What a brilliant idea. I must tell my knitting and Ireland-loving friends about that.
Best wishes,
Gesine
Rose Kent
Best of luck to Rebecca Heier with The Greenest Wind! Thanks,
Mairead, for letting us all know about it.
Irish American Mom
Hi Rose - Thanks for stopping by to check out this book with an Irish setting and for supporting our little giveaway.
Take care,
Mairéad
Geraldine McGovern
Perfect timing! I just taught my nine year old granddaughter how to knit. The wool would be put to good use!
Thank You!
Irish American Mom
Fantastic, Geraldine. Lovely to hear you too are passing on our Irish knitting tradition to your granddaughter. Well done!
All the best,
Mairéad
Gesine Schulz
Thank heavens for grandmothers, Geraldine! Great-aunts, too 🙂
All the best,
Gesine
Rozalynd Mansfield
This book sounds delightful and thank you so much for sharing about it. I will definitely want to read it. I myself am presently working on a young adult historical fantasy series set in nineteenth century Ireland and I am always interested in other fiction for young people about Ireland and its many unique qualities.
Irish American Mom
Hi Rozalynd - I'm excited to learn there are so many writers in our little Irish American Community. Nineteenth century Ireland was a volatile time, resulting in epic and transformational changes to Ireland and America - an intriguing time in which to set your novel. Wishing you every success with your writing.
All the best,
Mairéad
Gesine Schulz
Oh, and another writer! All the best for your historical fantasy series, Rozalynd. The genre is very popular among young people, I know.
Best wishes from Germany,
Gesine
Carly
I'd love to read this novel with my 6th grade son who has been taking step since he was 5! His school travels to Ireland next summer. He is also a spinner and a weaver-- our own sheep wool. Working on a tartan right now! Wish I could post a photo for you.
Irish American Mom
Hi Carly - I love to hear of children learning Irish step dancing - it's such an important part of our Irish cultural heritage. I hope your son's school will have a wonderful experience in Ireland next year. You're doing a wonderful job as a mother - your son has so many talents. Spinning and weaving are important crafts from our past and it's lovely to hear of them being mastered by young people today, like your son. From 'field to fabric' - your family's doing amazing things.
All the best, and thanks for stopping by.
Mairéad
Gesine Schulz
Wow, Carly – A school trip to Ireland, how wonderful! Hopefully, your son will get to visit an arts and craft market or even a weaver.
All the best,
Gesine
Mary
I’m headed to the Emerald Isle September 2-17!! My second time going. There will be 7 of us heading to this beautiful island. Cork is one of our stops during our 2 week stay. If I don’t win the book I’ll look for it while we are there. Best wishes to all you Ireland lovers! Mary
Irish American Mom
Happy travels, Mary. Say hello to County Cork for me - have a fantastic time and I hope the sun shines on you.
All the best,
Mairéad
Gesine Schulz
Hello Mary – say hello to County Cork from me, too! The Greenest Wind is an ebook and not yet available in print, so you won't find it in book shops there yet.
Have a wonderful trip!
Gesine
Merryellen Towey Schulz
This sounds like a great book for my half German kids to read to their kids, who through their other parents are actually even more Irish than my kids. I love reading your blog!
Irish American Mom
Hi Maryellen - A German girl in Ireland - the perfect character and setting for a story for your Irish-German-American grandchildren to enjoy. Thanks for your kind words about my blog, and thanks as always for following and reading my ramblings.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Gesine Schulz
Hello Maryellen – greetings from Schulz to Schulz 🙂
Gesine
Sheila McTeague
What a fascinating storyline. Being that I have a grandson and granddaughter I’m sure that they would love to hear about this girl. And how she came to love a place with finally an open mind.
Thank you for this chance
Irish American Mom
Hi Sheila - This would be a lovely book to read out loud with your grandchildren. Reading Irish stories with them is a wonderful way to share your Irish heritage and learn about it together. Many thanks for all your support.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Erin Friedman
We loved Adare -- so charming, beautifully green. My three granddaughters were born in Germany -- so this will be a perfect read-aloud when they are a bit older.
Irish American Mom
Hi Erin - Adare is one of the quaintest and most charming villages in Ireland. I love all those thatched cottages on the Main Street. Thanks for checking out this book which would be perfect for your family since the main character is German.
All the best,
Mairéad
Maureen Koebel
I would enjoy reading this story myself! My mother was a Sullivan. Her father's side of the family all came from Cork. (I also enjoy crocheting so the yarn would be lovely as well).
I shared this offer with my daughter who teaches 5th grade. She enjoys incorporating Ireland into her lessons 🙂
I always look forward to your writings. Thank you for letting us know about this book.
Irish American Mom
Hi Maureen - Sullivan is a very popular name in County Cork, so this book would be perfect for you. And the yarn would also be right up your alley since you love to crochet. Thanks for letting your daughter know about this book and giveaway. It's wonderful to hear she is incorporating lessons about Ireland in her teaching.
Take care and thanks for stopping by,
Mairéad
Sinita
Hello Mairead!
I only got to spend a day in County Cork, so of course we had to Blarney Castle! I loved the drive through all the gorgeous green to get there! This prize is so perfect and timely as I just found out that I’m going to be a Grandma!
Irish American Mom
Congratulations on your wonderful news, Sinita. As your grandchild grows you'll be able to share your Irish heritage through stories like this. Glad to hear you got to see Blarney Castle. It's amazing. You could spend a whole vacation in County Cork, there is so much to see. Hope you get to visit again someday.
All the best,
Mairéad
Veronica Koebel
Hello!
I teach 10 year olds and incorporate Irish history into the currriculum. I know my students would be excited to win a contest for our classroom!
Irish American Mom
Hi Veronica - It's lovely to learn you teach Irish history to your students. That's wonderful. Thanks for checking out this book and giveaway. It would be wonderful to win for your class.
All the best,
Mairéad
Terence McDonough
Hello, I love most things Irish. I especially like spending time in Rathbarry, Clonakilty, Cobh, and Castletownbear.
Terry
Irish American Mom
Hi Terence - You've picked some wonderful spots in County Cork. Inchydoney beach near Clonakilty is one of Ireland's most beautiful spots. It was a childhood haunt when we used to spend summers in West Cork.
Thanks for stopping by, and take care.
Mairéad
m broderick
it all sounds so magical thanking you for your blog
Irish American Mom
And thank YOU for following and reading my ramblings. This is definitely a sweet and magical story of family, love and kindness.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Mary Ann
I visited West Cork with two of my siblings in 2013. Both maternal and paternal grandparents hail from there. The book and prizes sound exciting! Good hearing from you. God Bless you and yours.
Irish American Mom
Hi Mary Ann - I'm delighted to hear you had the opportunity to visit the land of your ancestors in West Cork. This book should be an enjoyable read. So happy to learn you enjoy my ramblings.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Rose Brown
Long long ago two sisters from Ireland married two brothers from London. They stayed married until they were old and grey, but the women were only truly content when they went back to visit Ireland. My late husband whose mother was one of the sisters, said she used to lose many pounds of weight without going on a diet when she was back home. She was a professional pastry cook and he used to tell me many stories about when he was growing up. Apart from the one that his mother's flaky pastry was so high and how she made ends meet when his father was out of work and seven lived in the one room, she had a heart of gold. Workmen in the street used to call her an angel when she took them down a pot of steaming hot tea down several flights of stairs from a block of flats in Bethnal Green. But she had a temper as well, when the naughty oldest one defied her. That was him, Patrick William, born in 1926.
Love your website IAM and what a lovely idea.
Irish American Mom
Hi Rose - Thank you for sharing your family story of the two sisters who married two brothers. It's amazing how, no matter how much time is spent away from home, our Celtic spirits are most at home in Ireland. Your mother-in-law sounds like a typical Irish mother, kind and loving, but with a sharp tongue whenever required. So glad you like my website and enjoy my stories.
Take care,
Mairéad
Carolyne
My heritage is German on my mother’s side and Irish on my fathers side. I’m sure I will never know the joy of visiting either of my homelands, so I read about them. When I’m not reading I’m knitting and crocheting; add beautiful Celtic music and sometimes I can pretend I’m in a lovely cottage by the sea; Sitting in an overstuffed, soft chair with a peat fire warming my feet and a cup of tea to warm me inside. Thank you for letting me share.
Irish American Mom
Hi Carolyne - I love how you imagine yourself to be in Ireland as you knit and crochet while listening to the strains of Celtic music. I'm so happy my blog can bring a little piece of Ireland to you, and with this post it's a little bit of Ireland with a German twist.
All the best,
Mairéad
Patricia Delaney
I visited Ireland several years ago when my daughter was a student in Dublin. I would love to win the yarn for her as she is not only an avid knitter but also studying to be a librarian like the author,Gesine. Thank you.
Irish American Mom
Hi Patricia - It sounds like this post is perfect for you and your daughter. Lovely to hear she likes to knit, a craft loved and perfected by many Irish people. Thanks so much for stopping by and checking out this giveaway.
All the best,
Mairéad
Eileen McMaster
My daughter & I would totally enjoy the book. My husband & I took our children to Ireland last summer & visited Cork (my grandfather’s hometown).
Irish American Mom
Hi Eileen - That's wonderful that you had the opportunity to visit Cork, where your grandfather grew up. This book would be a great read for you and your daughter, for sure.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Barbara Quinlan
I would love my Irish born middle school daughter to read this novel. Our town is twinned with West Cork I will be suggesting this book to our sister city committee and middle school library.
Irish American Mom
Hi Barbara - Thanks so much for suggesting this book to your middle school library - a great read for children who are interested in learning more about your town's twinning with West Cork. I hope your daughter enjoys it too.
Take care,
Mairéad
PJ
Ahhh...I don’t have to think twice about where “My Greenest Wind” rises at all! The top of Healy Pass is definitely my heaven on earth, and I left a tremendous chunk of my heart there a few weeks ago...I am still envisioning my very own stone cottage, thatched roof, of course, surrounded by foxglove, buttercups and wildflowers galore❣️ My view to the left is that of the valley. The lake to the right, and the fields dotted with only a few other homes and a peace that surpasses all dreams...
Irish American Mom
Hi PJ - The Healy Pass is a slice of Irish heaven for sure. A well chosen spot for your "greenest wind." Keep dreaming your Irish dreams and maybe one day you'll find yourself in your little thatched cottage in the Healy Pass surrounded by beautiful Irish wildflowers.
All the best,
Mairéad
Sandi
The greens in those gorgeous yarns are so beautiful. My favorite color! I can only imagine how beautiful Ireland is! Blessings to you!
Irish American Mom
Hi Sandi - Those beautiful greens in this West Cork yarn reflect the Irish countryside for sure. It's usually green all year round, and there truly are forty shades of green.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Lila Johnson
I have had the pleasure to visit Ireland twice. I would love to share this book with our recently adopted son.
Irish American Mom
Hi Lila - Delighted to hear you've had the opportunity to explore Ireland twice. It's a country that's difficult to visit only once, there's so much to see and do. I hope you enjoy reading with your son - wishing your growing family a lifetime of happiness together.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Mary D
Thank you for sharing this author and book with us! It's such a great thing to get access to books we might not see on other sites. My family ancestors are not from Cork, but it sounds wonderful.
Irish American Mom
Hi Mary - Thanks for stopping by. It's always a pleasure to introduce readers to new writers and books that are not part of mainstream American publications.
All the best,
Mairéad
Uli
Da dieses Buch unser liebstes Kinderbuch und wir dringend Englisch lernen müssen, wäre dieser Gewinn perfekt für uns. Wir lieben Irland und wollten auch schon immer so eine irische Patchworkdecke stricken wie Lucy. Wir wünschen dem Buch ganz viele Leser in Irland und im englischsprachigen Raum überhaupt. Ganz liebe Grüße von Uli
Irish American Mom
Dankeschön, Uli. Mein Deutsch ist nicht gut. Ich habe in der Schule Deutsch gelernt, aber ich habe es vergessen. Ich hoffe, dass Sie eines Tages nach Irland gehen und dieses Buch auf Englisch lesen werden. Liebe,
Mairéad
Kitten WAW
I've reconciled myself to the fact that I'll never personally visit all the beautiful places, nor meet all the wonderful people, in this world. But with the marvelous gifts authors give us, I know I can at least bask in the feel and spirit of other lands and other souls. Although it's a thrill to see the splendors of the world first hand, it's really when we see through the eyes of another that we gain an appreciation beyond the visual.
Irish American Mom
Hi Kitten - I love your advice - "Although it’s a thrill to see the splendors of the world first hand, it’s really when we see through the eyes of another that we gain an appreciation beyond the visual." Reading books is a wonderful way to gain such insights. Many thanks for adding to our conversation.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Kate Baggott
I'd love to take my children to West Cork before they grow up! Barring that, I can read them this book.
Irish American Mom
Hi Kate - Books are a wonderful way to create a visual picture of other lands and places. Lovely to hear your family enjoys reading.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Cheryl Briggs
Such beautiful landscape!!!! I think it's the perfect place for a book, either the story or to read!!!!!
Irish American Mom
Hi Cheryl - My mother was born in West Cork so I know and love the landscape of this magical landscape. It's beautiful, even beyond words.
All the best,
Mairéad
Nicole Acuna
These are all so beautiful! I love the book and The yarn would make the most beautiful cabled sweater too 🙂 my family comes from County Cork so Ireland holds a special place in my heart.
Irish American Mom
Hi Nicole - Lovely to hear you hold Ireland close to your heart. The green shades of these lovely yarns reflect the Irish landscape.
Many thanks for checking out this giveaway.
Take care,
Mairéad
Teresa Knittingdancer
I would love to win this beautiful green yarn and book to share this book with my great nieces.
Irish American Mom
Hi Teresa - Thanks for stopping by to learn about this middle grade novel set in West Cork and for supporting this giveaway. The wool is spectacular.
All the best,
Mairéad
Connie Kline
Win or not I wil have to have this book for my grandson! Lovely, lovely giveaway!
Irish American Mom
Thanks, Connie. So glad you find this book topic interesting and might share it with your grandson.
All the best,
Mairéad
Shelley True
Sounds like a wonderful story. I'll look into getting it for my granddaughter's birthday.
Thank you for taking time to share Ireland with those of us who want to experience it, but haven't yet.
Irish American Mom
Hi Shelley - It's my privilege to introduce Ireland to so many who love this little island in the Atlantic Ocean. Thank you for your interest and love of my homeland.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Deirdre Magner
Usually this time of year I'm in Ireland with a group tour - but this year, it just didn't work out. So I'm missing my wonderful green "home".
This book looks charming - I have a neice for whom it might be perfect!
Thanks for making us aware of it!
Slan,
Irish American Mom
Hi Deirdre - Sorry to hear you didn't make it home this year Hopefully, next year you'll make it back. I'm so glad to be able to introduce books such as this to readers. Thanks for stopping by to check it out.
All the best,
Mairéad
Samantha
What a lovely giveaway! Would love to win the yarn to make something for my grandmother 💙
Irish American Mom
Hi Samantha - Nice to learn you too are a knitter. A green handmade creation would be lovely for your grandmother.
All the best,
Mairéad