Roberts, Nora. Jewels of the Sun.

Title: Jewels of the Sun
Author: Roberts, Nora
Publication Date: 1999
Number of Pages: 368
Genre: Romance
Geographical Setting: Ireland
Time Period: Late 1990’s
Series: Irish Jewels Trilogy, Ardmore Trilogy 1

Plot Summary: Psychology professor Jude Murray moves to Ireland after a somewhat amicable divorce in need of relaxation and escape. She seeks to create a new identity and lifestyle. Living in her grandmother’s old home, she forms bonds with relatives and neighbors and becomes acquainted with the ghost who cries in the second-floor window. Jude discovers the beauty of the Irish countryside, which she falls in love with. She becomes romantically involved with Aiden Gallagher, the local pub owner and is forced to decide what she believes about love, marriage, and local legend. An unresolved ending leaves the door wide open for future books in the series.

Similar Authors and Works (Fiction): Bourke, Angela – By Salt Water: Stories (Irish setting, women and relationships); Kelly, Dorien – Hot nights in Ballymuir (American woman moves to Ireland, Irish magic); Thompson, Dawn – The Falcon’s Bride (Celtic legends and romance).

Similar Authors and Works (Non-fiction): Heaney, Marie – Over Nine Waves: A Book of Irish Legends (compilation of Irish lore); Allen, Darina – Irish Traditional Cooking – Over 300 Recipes from Ireland’s Heritage (Irish recipes, including pub favorites); Rittenburg, Ann and Whitcomb, Laura – Your First Novel: A Published Author and a Top Agent Share the Keys to Achieving Your Dream (encouragement and guidance for readers seeking to write a novel).