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Irish Born Trilogy #1-3
Born In trilogy collection
Contemporary Ireland is the setting for the stories of three beautiful, passionate sisters, each with a special gift and a hunger for true love. A complete trilogy in one volume: Born in Fire, Born in Ice and Born in Shame.
768 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1994
About the author
Nora Roberts
1,765 books55k followersNora Roberts is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than 200 novels, including Hideaway, Under Currents, Come Sundown, The Awakening, Legacy, and coming in November 2021 -- The Becoming -- the second book in The Dragon Heart Legacy. She is also the author of the futuristic suspense In Death series written under the pen name J.D. Robb. There are more than 500 million copies of her books in print.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 269 reviews
July 12, 2019
Actual rating: 3.5 stars, rounded up.
I think this is the fourth time I’ve read this trilogy. It’s sweet and cozy and I’m sure I’ll end up rereading it yet again. However, it’s apparent that Nora has grown tremendously as an author during the twenty-five years since this trilogy was first published. There’s a good bit of needless melodrama in her older works that has been cut out of her newer books, and the Irish Born trilogy is no exception.
In each of the three romances, there were multiple dramatic moments that had me rolling my eyes and groaning. Which is not the greatest feeling when reading a romance novel. The characters were varied and charming, but each of the romances managed to feel almost like carbon copies of one another.
So why do I keep reading it? Nora does a phenomenal job with many elements. Her descriptions of Ireland is absolutely gorgeous, and magical even before the supernatural seeps gently into the story. The way she writes families alway moves me. And most impressively, Nora is able to portray art in all its various forms in a way that is visceral, tangible, and often breathtakingly beautiful. The passion she imbues in her fictional artists and the works they create will always have me coming back for more. Also, Nora’s prose is always so lovely that it’s an art in itself. There’s a magic to her craft.
Even though Nora’s older works like this trilogy will always be my comfort reads, I can’t say that these three books are objectively great. But they transport me to somewhere beautiful when I need to escape, so they’ll always have a special place in my heart.
I think this is the fourth time I’ve read this trilogy. It’s sweet and cozy and I’m sure I’ll end up rereading it yet again. However, it’s apparent that Nora has grown tremendously as an author during the twenty-five years since this trilogy was first published. There’s a good bit of needless melodrama in her older works that has been cut out of her newer books, and the Irish Born trilogy is no exception.
In each of the three romances, there were multiple dramatic moments that had me rolling my eyes and groaning. Which is not the greatest feeling when reading a romance novel. The characters were varied and charming, but each of the romances managed to feel almost like carbon copies of one another.
So why do I keep reading it? Nora does a phenomenal job with many elements. Her descriptions of Ireland is absolutely gorgeous, and magical even before the supernatural seeps gently into the story. The way she writes families alway moves me. And most impressively, Nora is able to portray art in all its various forms in a way that is visceral, tangible, and often breathtakingly beautiful. The passion she imbues in her fictional artists and the works they create will always have me coming back for more. Also, Nora’s prose is always so lovely that it’s an art in itself. There’s a magic to her craft.
Even though Nora’s older works like this trilogy will always be my comfort reads, I can’t say that these three books are objectively great. But they transport me to somewhere beautiful when I need to escape, so they’ll always have a special place in my heart.
October 2, 2007
Before you puke on your keyboard... I have to say that Nora Roberts does the most fantastic job of describing Ireland, I have never been (yet), but I honestly feel like I was there, and the character/family development is really great in this book. And yes, the love stories are awesome and heart-warming too!!! (ok, now puke.)
August 7, 2010
I picked this up because it came in a stack of books, and I thought, why not? I've never really given romance novels a try, and it's fun to laugh at books sometimes. The first chapter of the first book in the trilogy matched my expectations splendidly: unbelievably dramatic occurances in less than 10 pages, and an excessive reliance on simile. But as I continued on through the story, I found myself really enjoying the characters and their joys and dilemmas.
Towards the end of the first book, I began to question why Roberts writes these novels aside from the obvious success she enjoys. She seems to be intelligent, and there were hints that she could in fact write a greater work of literature. Then, not three chapters into the second book in the series, the romantic hero, a mystery-thriller author expresses what I can only assume is Roberts' same view: that writing for fun is enjoyable, and while she could write "literature" that comes with responsibilities and expectations that she does not necessarily want to be beholden to. I can live with that.
So, all told, it was wonderfully enjoyable! The Concanon sisters are lovely, the Irish are stereotypically wonderful, and the romance is passionate. Hurrah.
Towards the end of the first book, I began to question why Roberts writes these novels aside from the obvious success she enjoys. She seems to be intelligent, and there were hints that she could in fact write a greater work of literature. Then, not three chapters into the second book in the series, the romantic hero, a mystery-thriller author expresses what I can only assume is Roberts' same view: that writing for fun is enjoyable, and while she could write "literature" that comes with responsibilities and expectations that she does not necessarily want to be beholden to. I can live with that.
So, all told, it was wonderfully enjoyable! The Concanon sisters are lovely, the Irish are stereotypically wonderful, and the romance is passionate. Hurrah.
November 9, 2012
4.75/5.0 (A-)
Re-read the Born In Trilogy (1994 to 1996) by Nora Roberts (Born in Fire, Born in Ice, Born in Shame) for the upteenth time. Why do I love this trilogy? Well, Roberts has a way with her depiction of those small rural places in Ireland. In this case it's County Clare with its farming land, the village, pub, and all the requisite places: castle ruins, cliffs, and the sea. But of course Roberts' characters, from the protagonists to the villagers, are the main attraction. There is spitfire Maggie and her jackeen Rogan, cool-as-a-cucumber Brie and her charming Yank Grayson, and of course beautiful-oh-my-god-I-have-a-crush-on-him Murphy Muldoon and clueless-somebody-smack-her Shannon. I've read and re-read this trilogy countless times and know these books like the back of my hand. I still love them!
My favorite hands down? Although Born in Fire IS fiery and Born in Shame has my favorite Irish hunk Murphy Muldoon as its hero, for me Born in Ice is the most romantic of the three books and the one I read slowwwly this time around. It took me forever to finish it because I wanted to savor every word. This trilogy by Nora Roberts is a classic and it is still my #1 favorite trilogy by this author.
PS: I replaced my single copies of the books because they fell apart from re-reading with this 3-1 hardcover, hoping that it would hold up for a long time and take less space in my book shelf. So far so good!
Re-read the Born In Trilogy (1994 to 1996) by Nora Roberts (Born in Fire, Born in Ice, Born in Shame) for the upteenth time. Why do I love this trilogy? Well, Roberts has a way with her depiction of those small rural places in Ireland. In this case it's County Clare with its farming land, the village, pub, and all the requisite places: castle ruins, cliffs, and the sea. But of course Roberts' characters, from the protagonists to the villagers, are the main attraction. There is spitfire Maggie and her jackeen Rogan, cool-as-a-cucumber Brie and her charming Yank Grayson, and of course beautiful-oh-my-god-I-have-a-crush-on-him Murphy Muldoon and clueless-somebody-smack-her Shannon. I've read and re-read this trilogy countless times and know these books like the back of my hand. I still love them!
My favorite hands down? Although Born in Fire IS fiery and Born in Shame has my favorite Irish hunk Murphy Muldoon as its hero, for me Born in Ice is the most romantic of the three books and the one I read slowwwly this time around. It took me forever to finish it because I wanted to savor every word. This trilogy by Nora Roberts is a classic and it is still my #1 favorite trilogy by this author.
PS: I replaced my single copies of the books because they fell apart from re-reading with this 3-1 hardcover, hoping that it would hold up for a long time and take less space in my book shelf. So far so good!
February 19, 2011
I am not going to review every Nora Roberts book that I have read in the past because she is quite prolific and it would get redundant and I honestly cannot remember all the plots. I think someone finds someone else attractive but at least one cannot admit it so there is sexual tension, then lots of sex, and then they live happily ever after? Sometimes there is some magic , a family legacy, or a mystery. Certainly not great works of literature (however still 100% better than “the grapes of wrath”). I think I have read every one of her books to date because despite the cheesy nature, the ending is always happy and the read is easy. Frankly, I like these books and will continue to read each one that comes out. I am going to post this same review for each of her books that I have read in the past.
April 3, 2018
Fijne en ontspannende bundel, maar wel jammer dat Boekerij met hun flaptekst al het eea verklapt. Een paar heerlijke clichés in het idyllische Ierland, waarbij sneltrein-romances de hoofdrol spelen. Zeker vermakelijk, maar niet echt bijzonder.
July 3, 2019
I love each of these books individually and it's so nice having them all in one place. This was the first Nora Robert's I ever read and love going back to it whenever I'm feeling down.
September 14, 2020
2020
I find Maggie and Brie easier to love. Shannon is a bit more of a struggle for me, but it is nice to watch the three of them come to terms with each other. To start to accept each other for who they are. And to start seeing past their parents mistakes (although the girls are not mistakes, but adultery is) and start seeing each other as and family of the blood and a family of the heart.
I find Maggie and Brie easier to love. Shannon is a bit more of a struggle for me, but it is nice to watch the three of them come to terms with each other. To start to accept each other for who they are. And to start seeing past their parents mistakes (although the girls are not mistakes, but adultery is) and start seeing each other as and family of the blood and a family of the heart.
January 1, 2018
The born in trilogy has to be my absolute favorite trilogy of all times. I loved them and to be honest, I think it was my stepping stone to my love of the In Death series. Not because they were similar in any way.
It was simply because once I heard Fiacre Douglas on audible, he became the voice of Roarke in my head, along with a young Hugh Jackman as the body whenever I read the series.
It was simply because once I heard Fiacre Douglas on audible, he became the voice of Roarke in my head, along with a young Hugh Jackman as the body whenever I read the series.
February 10, 2020
I did not review these book the first time I read them several years ago. I had a spell of no reviews, but just re-read all three books and they are one of, if not THE, favorite of Nora Roberts trilogies. I love the setting in rural Ireland in present time. I am sure the author has spent some time in Irish pubs, because there are several in her novels and I walk away just feeling like I have been in one too and enjoyed every minute there. The people in this book just got to me - I LOVE them all. There is no villain, just the story of three couples, each totally unique and wonderful in their own way. It's story of family, joy and love in parts of it and a great deal of negative relationships in some.
I am always totally blown away by the research that this author must do to write such beautiful detail about so many things. In the first book it is the amazing artistry of Maggie who is a glass blower. I know nothing about how these masterpieces are created - or didn't until I read this book. Maggie is a loaner and wants to keep it that way. When the owner of one of the most prestigious art galleries in the world "discovers" her and want to make her rich and famous, she wants no part of it. Rogan is just so perfect for her in spite of a very rocky beginning.
In the second book her sister Brianna is her total opposite in temperament and she has turned their childhood home into a wonderful B&B. She is am amazing cook, keeps a beautiful garden, and truly cares about her guests. When on the off season a murder mystery thriller writer comes to spend 3 months researching the area for settings for his current novel - well this is actually my favorite of the three books and Gray is probably my favorite character. There is so much in this one about the man who writes about murder and intrigue but combines it with a deep knowledge of what goes on in the minds of his characters.
Sometimes this author has a bit of (or a lot of) supernatural and magic in her books. There is a hint of it in the other two but this third book has an old legend that took place in a stone circle or "dance" about a knight and a witch - or maybe just a woman with the sight. When the much loved neighbor who owns the farm with the stone circle first sees Shannon, he is struck wordless. He has waited all his life for the woman whose face he saw 15 years earlier when he picked up an ancient broch in the middle of the stone circle. Murphy has been in all of the books, but he owns this one.
Loved the read and now that I have read them twice I am sure I will do so again.
I am always totally blown away by the research that this author must do to write such beautiful detail about so many things. In the first book it is the amazing artistry of Maggie who is a glass blower. I know nothing about how these masterpieces are created - or didn't until I read this book. Maggie is a loaner and wants to keep it that way. When the owner of one of the most prestigious art galleries in the world "discovers" her and want to make her rich and famous, she wants no part of it. Rogan is just so perfect for her in spite of a very rocky beginning.
In the second book her sister Brianna is her total opposite in temperament and she has turned their childhood home into a wonderful B&B. She is am amazing cook, keeps a beautiful garden, and truly cares about her guests. When on the off season a murder mystery thriller writer comes to spend 3 months researching the area for settings for his current novel - well this is actually my favorite of the three books and Gray is probably my favorite character. There is so much in this one about the man who writes about murder and intrigue but combines it with a deep knowledge of what goes on in the minds of his characters.
Sometimes this author has a bit of (or a lot of) supernatural and magic in her books. There is a hint of it in the other two but this third book has an old legend that took place in a stone circle or "dance" about a knight and a witch - or maybe just a woman with the sight. When the much loved neighbor who owns the farm with the stone circle first sees Shannon, he is struck wordless. He has waited all his life for the woman whose face he saw 15 years earlier when he picked up an ancient broch in the middle of the stone circle. Murphy has been in all of the books, but he owns this one.
Loved the read and now that I have read them twice I am sure I will do so again.
January 26, 2023
This book is three in one. I liked the characters and story enough to be interested for the first two books. Corny but it is a romance book. I couldn’t stand the last book. I didn’t even finish the last one.
Mild spoilers below:
Something about Shannon kept annoying me and Nora Roberts made Murphy seem like such a creep the way he perused Shannon that I couldn’t stand him anymore when I really liked his character in the previous books. I did not see how their attraction was going to be genuine or even make sense and felt like I was just reading it to finish it so I decided to stop after once scene in particular pissed me off. I realize this took place in the 90s but still I didn’t understand Shannon’s reasoning behind her emotions whatsoever.
Mild spoilers below:
Something about Shannon kept annoying me and Nora Roberts made Murphy seem like such a creep the way he perused Shannon that I couldn’t stand him anymore when I really liked his character in the previous books. I did not see how their attraction was going to be genuine or even make sense and felt like I was just reading it to finish it so I decided to stop after once scene in particular pissed me off. I realize this took place in the 90s but still I didn’t understand Shannon’s reasoning behind her emotions whatsoever.
December 8, 2021
I love Nora Roberts. She has a way with words that just sucks me into her stories and this trilogy is no different. I love Maggie and Brianna. Maggie, the fireball and her sister Brianna, the more sedate one. They really make these stories.
March 4, 2023
Loved this trilogy, it was so good. The diverse personalities of all the characters, sisters and husbands were well developed. Loved the addition of different gifts of artistry in the characters as well. It was a feel good romance all the way around.
May 3, 2011
I got hooked on the first book Born in Fire which is the story of Maggie Concannon. Maggie's story starts with the sale of her first piece of blown glass and the celebration in the local pub with her father. The owner of a series of galleries shows up to buy more of the glass and persuade her to sign him as her exclusive agent. Of course this is a romance so sparks fly as he pursues her.
The second book in the trilogy was Born in Ice, the story of her younger sister Brianna who has turned the family home into a B&B. A famous American author decides to stay at her little inn while he works on his latest thriller. He is drawn into the life of the Irish village and has a taste of what a real home would be like. He just wants the romance without strings and plans to return to his nomadic life after the book is done.
When Brianna finds letters from an American woman addressed to her father the sisters are shocked to learn that they have a half-sister. Maggie and Brianna hire a detective to find the woman and her child and find Shannon Bodine on the day of her mother's funeral. The third book, Born in Shame, is the story of that newly found sister, Shannon Bodine,. She travels to Ireland to find out who she is and finds a strange connection to the land and a 'dance' of stones in her dreams.
The second book in the trilogy was Born in Ice, the story of her younger sister Brianna who has turned the family home into a B&B. A famous American author decides to stay at her little inn while he works on his latest thriller. He is drawn into the life of the Irish village and has a taste of what a real home would be like. He just wants the romance without strings and plans to return to his nomadic life after the book is done.
When Brianna finds letters from an American woman addressed to her father the sisters are shocked to learn that they have a half-sister. Maggie and Brianna hire a detective to find the woman and her child and find Shannon Bodine on the day of her mother's funeral. The third book, Born in Shame, is the story of that newly found sister, Shannon Bodine,. She travels to Ireland to find out who she is and finds a strange connection to the land and a 'dance' of stones in her dreams.
November 25, 2011
Wow, just (sighs). Nora Roberts spun a wonderful tale of people brought more to life with every turn of the page. Seeing the sisters bloom and grow in each story, the rich landscape, culture and essence of Ireland made everything so utterly complete.
The hard unyielding love that all fell victim, slave and owner to made my heart leap for them all.
In the end, to see Shannon give in to her heart was like living a deep fanciful dream. Oh to be swept up and carried into the magic and let go.
I can't say now which book I enjoyed the most. Having the characters bleed so naturally into the next it's hard to think of them as separate. The thing I think I like the most is knowing how Maggie's and Brie's stories continued, that it's okay to not see the complete puzzle that would form a perfect picture at the end of 'Born in Shame'. I'm quite content actually.
The hard unyielding love that all fell victim, slave and owner to made my heart leap for them all.
In the end, to see Shannon give in to her heart was like living a deep fanciful dream. Oh to be swept up and carried into the magic and let go.
I can't say now which book I enjoyed the most. Having the characters bleed so naturally into the next it's hard to think of them as separate. The thing I think I like the most is knowing how Maggie's and Brie's stories continued, that it's okay to not see the complete puzzle that would form a perfect picture at the end of 'Born in Shame'. I'm quite content actually.
August 7, 2011
I have to say that I am addicted to anything Nora Roberts writes about Ireland. Irish Born is a three in one and I adore the stories of the three sisters finding themselves and romance while doing what they love. These women have relatively normal lives that are pushed into the extraordinary by their god given talents. Of course they are easy to read and follow the romance format, but they have such lovely imagery , character development , and just the right mix of everyday with glitz that it completely makes up for the predictability of plot. I certainly do not want to call this a guilty pleasure, because I do not feel guilty about reading anything.
August 16, 2016
Feels like a lot of the problems of the Concannon family could have been avoided with birth control. Two out of the three love interests were selfish and controlling, and I had so many issues with the first and last story and the borderline domestic violence themes. That was not romantic in the least. Why do we continue to write love interests that are more villains than heroes? Why can't we read about nice men? Men that don't tell their women to be quiet or that they know better or that assault them? Too much to ask?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 17, 2014
When all else fails to keep my attention, there's Nora Roberts.
June 30, 2015
Hilariously stereotyped and laughable cliches.
August 1, 2023
Born in Fire
This is the first book in the Born in Trilogy of three sisters. How they overcome their greatest fears to have their happy lives.
Maggie knows what she wants in her life. She's happy with the way things are, even if the hurt runs deep from the lack of her mother's support. Her glass work is what keeps her sane. When some slick jackeen wants to manage her career, sparks fly; as do the fireworks.
Rogan knows what he wants in his life. The Galleries keeps him busy, and he has friends for the social side of things. When he sees Maggie's glass work, he knows he needs to have her work on display at his Galleries. He'll do anything to accomplish that.
Maggie is someone I can easily relate to. The fire and temper that burns inside of her is what I've often felt as well. I loved to see how things came together with her and Rogan.
Born in Ice
This is the second book in the Born in Trilogy of three sisters. How they overcome their greatest fears to have their happy lives.
Brianna's dream has been to turn her childhood home into a bed and breakfast. She loves to cook for others and enjoys the random company. Thanks to Maggie's success as a glass artist, she's able to do that. When a Yank writer books a room for a few months to write his next story, she's more than obliging - it gives her something else to focus on instead of the disturbing news that her father had a child by another woman.
Grayson lives for the next place to hang his hat. A gypsy at heart that writes thriller stories the lifestyle is perfect for him. Until he meets the quiet innkeeper in Ireland. He's more than happy to accept the hospitality of the country and move on. But can he leave behind the quite lady of the cottage that managed to steal his heart?
This is a very heartwarming story. I loved the setting for the cottage. Grayson brought something refreshing to the story and I really enjoyed the dynamics.
Born in Shame
This is the third book in the Born in Trilogy of three sisters. How they overcome their greatest fears to have their happy lives.
Feeling the hurt and betrayal from the news her mother gave her before she died, Shannon made the decision to go to Ireland to meet the family she didn't know existed. Much to her surprise, the neighbor, and life long friend of Maggie & Brianna, starts courting her. How can she know what she feels for this strange man when she doesn't even know who she is any more?
Murphy has a deep love for the land, and what comes of it. He's feet are firmly on the ground. Yet a prickly American woman can set him back and make him feel like a teenager again. He knows her face from his dreams, and from their past lives.
While I enjoyed the dynamics of Shannon and her half-sisters, I'm not sure how I liked the sudden "past life" aspect between her and Murphy. Add into the fact that Murphy wasn't paying attention to her "no" really bothered me. There was no hint of the "Witch and the Warrior" story in the previous books, making the seem like a last minute idea to tie Shannon and Murphy together. Despite that, I did enjoy the story.
This is the first book in the Born in Trilogy of three sisters. How they overcome their greatest fears to have their happy lives.
Maggie knows what she wants in her life. She's happy with the way things are, even if the hurt runs deep from the lack of her mother's support. Her glass work is what keeps her sane. When some slick jackeen wants to manage her career, sparks fly; as do the fireworks.
Rogan knows what he wants in his life. The Galleries keeps him busy, and he has friends for the social side of things. When he sees Maggie's glass work, he knows he needs to have her work on display at his Galleries. He'll do anything to accomplish that.
Maggie is someone I can easily relate to. The fire and temper that burns inside of her is what I've often felt as well. I loved to see how things came together with her and Rogan.
Born in Ice
This is the second book in the Born in Trilogy of three sisters. How they overcome their greatest fears to have their happy lives.
Brianna's dream has been to turn her childhood home into a bed and breakfast. She loves to cook for others and enjoys the random company. Thanks to Maggie's success as a glass artist, she's able to do that. When a Yank writer books a room for a few months to write his next story, she's more than obliging - it gives her something else to focus on instead of the disturbing news that her father had a child by another woman.
Grayson lives for the next place to hang his hat. A gypsy at heart that writes thriller stories the lifestyle is perfect for him. Until he meets the quiet innkeeper in Ireland. He's more than happy to accept the hospitality of the country and move on. But can he leave behind the quite lady of the cottage that managed to steal his heart?
This is a very heartwarming story. I loved the setting for the cottage. Grayson brought something refreshing to the story and I really enjoyed the dynamics.
Born in Shame
This is the third book in the Born in Trilogy of three sisters. How they overcome their greatest fears to have their happy lives.
Feeling the hurt and betrayal from the news her mother gave her before she died, Shannon made the decision to go to Ireland to meet the family she didn't know existed. Much to her surprise, the neighbor, and life long friend of Maggie & Brianna, starts courting her. How can she know what she feels for this strange man when she doesn't even know who she is any more?
Murphy has a deep love for the land, and what comes of it. He's feet are firmly on the ground. Yet a prickly American woman can set him back and make him feel like a teenager again. He knows her face from his dreams, and from their past lives.
While I enjoyed the dynamics of Shannon and her half-sisters, I'm not sure how I liked the sudden "past life" aspect between her and Murphy. Add into the fact that Murphy wasn't paying attention to her "no" really bothered me. There was no hint of the "Witch and the Warrior" story in the previous books, making the seem like a last minute idea to tie Shannon and Murphy together. Despite that, I did enjoy the story.
August 22, 2019
Born in Shame...A Book Review
******SPOILER ALERT ***********
I read all 3 of the Irish Born books in a row and while I enjoyed each...this one here's my absolute favorite. Something about Shannon and I have loved Murphy since book 1.
So we meet the elusive Amanda...on her deathbed and Tom Concannon's love child, Shannon. Instantly I found myself drawn to Shannon. Such a strong willed, independent girl. She finds out in adulthood that the man she grew up thinking was her father is not. Of course she is angry. She feels lost and as she projects her angst her mother, Amanda falls into a coma never to wake again.
It just happens that the detective Rogan Sweeney has hired zeros in and ends up two days after Amanda's death on her doorstep coming face to face with Shannon.
Poor Shannon not only has just had her world completely turned upside down...now this detective tells her she has two sisters in Ireland who are searching her out.
She ends up corresponding with her sister Brianna and finds herself halfway a cross the world...setting down in Ireland.
Bri opens her heart to Shannon right away but complete tension between Shannon and Maggie. I loved when Murphy first sees Shannon. So much emotion can be felt. The chemistry is vibrating throughout the pages.
There is this amazing underlying story and it centers around Shannon and Murphy with dreams of another life. It is all neatly woven and fascinating.
Shannon begins painting these amazing works of art and catches Rogans eye, which I love because I felt the strong similarities between Shannon and Maggie from their meeting and to know they are both artists and respect one another. I just love this.
The story never falters from Shannon trying to FIND herself and along the way she finds her soul mate in Murphy. I need to note at the end of Chapter 13 when the pin is presented to Shannon from Murphy...seriously so romantic it pulled my heart strings to see this moment...feel it just from words.
Then...chapter 15... I was in tears. I felt the pull....the emotion...the love between them. I was so upset as we made our way through the book and Shannon's emotional walls that kept blocking Murphy's love. He is just such a dreamy catch and I read mist of this book...especially his parts in a thick irish accdnt which made it even dreamier!
To watch the final chapter unfold...to feel the raw emotion, the pain, the hurt...I cried again...and I'm not a crybaby.
The painting frenzy was so well written I felt as if I were in that room with Shannon. But to feel the light bulb go off and see them find each other at the dance... finding the painting showing the man and woman on the horse together. It was as it should be.
This series was amazingly well written and so much emotion entrapped into the words within each page.
"The circle of copper with the figure of a stallion embossed" Chapter 13 last page. Talking about the pin Murphy found when he was a boy in the center of the dance. He fell asleep with the pin in his hand and dreamed of Shannon.
******SPOILER ALERT ***********
I read all 3 of the Irish Born books in a row and while I enjoyed each...this one here's my absolute favorite. Something about Shannon and I have loved Murphy since book 1.
So we meet the elusive Amanda...on her deathbed and Tom Concannon's love child, Shannon. Instantly I found myself drawn to Shannon. Such a strong willed, independent girl. She finds out in adulthood that the man she grew up thinking was her father is not. Of course she is angry. She feels lost and as she projects her angst her mother, Amanda falls into a coma never to wake again.
It just happens that the detective Rogan Sweeney has hired zeros in and ends up two days after Amanda's death on her doorstep coming face to face with Shannon.
Poor Shannon not only has just had her world completely turned upside down...now this detective tells her she has two sisters in Ireland who are searching her out.
She ends up corresponding with her sister Brianna and finds herself halfway a cross the world...setting down in Ireland.
Bri opens her heart to Shannon right away but complete tension between Shannon and Maggie. I loved when Murphy first sees Shannon. So much emotion can be felt. The chemistry is vibrating throughout the pages.
There is this amazing underlying story and it centers around Shannon and Murphy with dreams of another life. It is all neatly woven and fascinating.
Shannon begins painting these amazing works of art and catches Rogans eye, which I love because I felt the strong similarities between Shannon and Maggie from their meeting and to know they are both artists and respect one another. I just love this.
The story never falters from Shannon trying to FIND herself and along the way she finds her soul mate in Murphy. I need to note at the end of Chapter 13 when the pin is presented to Shannon from Murphy...seriously so romantic it pulled my heart strings to see this moment...feel it just from words.
Then...chapter 15... I was in tears. I felt the pull....the emotion...the love between them. I was so upset as we made our way through the book and Shannon's emotional walls that kept blocking Murphy's love. He is just such a dreamy catch and I read mist of this book...especially his parts in a thick irish accdnt which made it even dreamier!
To watch the final chapter unfold...to feel the raw emotion, the pain, the hurt...I cried again...and I'm not a crybaby.
The painting frenzy was so well written I felt as if I were in that room with Shannon. But to feel the light bulb go off and see them find each other at the dance... finding the painting showing the man and woman on the horse together. It was as it should be.
This series was amazingly well written and so much emotion entrapped into the words within each page.
"The circle of copper with the figure of a stallion embossed" Chapter 13 last page. Talking about the pin Murphy found when he was a boy in the center of the dance. He fell asleep with the pin in his hand and dreamed of Shannon.
May 4, 2022
Overall, this is a 3, maybe a little over a 3 for me - like a 3.2.
Born in Fire - 3: I liked the start, the interaction between the sisters. Maggie's fiery temper was fun to read about, but there was something about her hesitance about Rogan that just didn't do it for me. Although I could understand her commitment issues, they came off as a little too superficial to me. And that dragged it down. Rogan and Maggie had chemistry, but the story itself seemed to drag on for too long.
Born in Ice - rated a 4, maybe a 3.5: I had a more difficult time rating this one. I enjoyed it much more than the other two stories. Brianna reminds me more of myself, and then there's Grayson. An American writer who unwittingly falls in love with her. I felt closer to these two characters - understand Brianna wanting to be a peacekeeper between family members, and Grayson's marathon writing sessions and bursts of inspiration - I've had many of them over the years. Grayson's realization of what he desired, while taking awhile, seemed the most natural to me of the characters.
Born in Shame - 3, almost a 2.5: I felt thrown off by the paranormal aspect of this installation. Although, Born In Ice gives some hints to the spiritual/paranormal nature of the stone circle (dance) and other ruins, with the legends, it was so fleeting that it being front and center of the story of romance and reincarnation between Murphy and Shannon kind of seemed out of the blue. It was stated that Shannon didn't really have friends back in New York, so in the end it was easy for her to finally decide to stay in Ireland, but we never saw any of her life in New York before she left to find her roots, so it was hard to feel and believe she would toss out her entire old life.
Murphy's character seemed a little off - especially his being tonguetied at first around Shannon. It made him seem like a silly and shallow version of what he was in the previous books. Or the possessiveness he had. After all the dragging on, the ending of the paranormal part was fast paced - although the romance and book itself had an abrupt feel about it. We never learned if Maggie was carrying a son or daughter, and things just seemed rushed.
It took me a very long time to get through the third installation, even longer than it took to get through the first. Sadly, I think the third one could have worked better and been more interesting if there had been some more hints of that direction in the earlier books, or if the paranormal aspect had been more like a mystery. If Shannon was the woman in Murphy's dreams and she got some of the Concannon looks from Tom, wouldn't he have seen hints of it in the other sisters years ago? Just my thoughts.
But finally done, 9 months from the time I started Born in Fire.
Born in Fire - 3: I liked the start, the interaction between the sisters. Maggie's fiery temper was fun to read about, but there was something about her hesitance about Rogan that just didn't do it for me. Although I could understand her commitment issues, they came off as a little too superficial to me. And that dragged it down. Rogan and Maggie had chemistry, but the story itself seemed to drag on for too long.
Born in Ice - rated a 4, maybe a 3.5: I had a more difficult time rating this one. I enjoyed it much more than the other two stories. Brianna reminds me more of myself, and then there's Grayson. An American writer who unwittingly falls in love with her. I felt closer to these two characters - understand Brianna wanting to be a peacekeeper between family members, and Grayson's marathon writing sessions and bursts of inspiration - I've had many of them over the years. Grayson's realization of what he desired, while taking awhile, seemed the most natural to me of the characters.
Born in Shame - 3, almost a 2.5: I felt thrown off by the paranormal aspect of this installation. Although, Born In Ice gives some hints to the spiritual/paranormal nature of the stone circle (dance) and other ruins, with the legends, it was so fleeting that it being front and center of the story of romance and reincarnation between Murphy and Shannon kind of seemed out of the blue. It was stated that Shannon didn't really have friends back in New York, so in the end it was easy for her to finally decide to stay in Ireland, but we never saw any of her life in New York before she left to find her roots, so it was hard to feel and believe she would toss out her entire old life.
Murphy's character seemed a little off - especially his being tonguetied at first around Shannon. It made him seem like a silly and shallow version of what he was in the previous books. Or the possessiveness he had. After all the dragging on, the ending of the paranormal part was fast paced - although the romance and book itself had an abrupt feel about it. We never learned if Maggie was carrying a son or daughter, and things just seemed rushed.
It took me a very long time to get through the third installation, even longer than it took to get through the first. Sadly, I think the third one could have worked better and been more interesting if there had been some more hints of that direction in the earlier books, or if the paranormal aspect had been more like a mystery. If Shannon was the woman in Murphy's dreams and she got some of the Concannon looks from Tom, wouldn't he have seen hints of it in the other sisters years ago? Just my thoughts.
But finally done, 9 months from the time I started Born in Fire.
June 18, 2019
This would probably be my fourth time reading this series and I can't believe it still makes me feel the way it made me feel when first read the series about seven years ago--it made me feel great. The reason I re-read this series is that I had this sudden urge to read an Irish romance and I downloaded a couple of books that had to do with the subject but none of the ones I tried worked for me. So I decided to go back to what I know are great books and although old they are, the story is still so refreshing and Nora Roberts captures the beauty and essence of the Irish country with her beautiful writing style. She also manages to wrap us around the characters feeling and development really well, to the point where we just never want to let go of these characters.
Born in Fire is the story of the first of three sisters, Margaret Mary Concannon, and she is just a hot-headed, stubborn woman. Rogan Sweeney, owner of Worldwide Galleries (one of the most prestigious art galleries in the world) wants Maggie Concannon to be an artist that he gets to manage and sell her art at his galleries. Maggie, the glass artist, doesn't want to be managed by anyone, she wants to keep doing what she does best alone without being restricted to a contract. And well, throughout the story, we see them fighting over each other and they are both the same people--stubborn and hot-headed, which gave the story a little bit of humor if you will.
Born in Ice is Brianna Concannon's story and she might not be an artist when it comes to the true sense of the word, but she owns her own Bed and Breakfast and she's an artist in the kitchen. She's super sweet and reserved and her whole life she's been a mediator between Maggie and her mother because you see her mother was never a good mother and one issue that surrounds the sisters' lives. Grayson Thane, the internationally bestselling author, has come to stay at her Bed and Breakfast for six months to write his next book, little does he know that he gets more of what he bargained for. Grayson doesn't like to settle down, he's better known for being a nomad, traveling around the world without a worry on his back, but that all changes when he finds Brianna and she gives him a reason to stay.
Born in Shame, the book of Shannon Bodine, a long lost sister that Brianna only happens to find out about in the past year. After Maggie and Brianna find out about her, they invite her over to Clare, a county in Ireland to meet with estranged family. Shannon doesn't know what to think of it, of this family and her newfound identity. There she meets people she didn't know were going to mean so much to her, especially Murphy Muldoon. Murphy has been a friend of the family for all his life, Maggie, Brie and he grew up together. When he meets Shannon he knows he'll do everything in his power to keep her. It's like love at first sight, although is only one-sided and Shannon is still thinking about going back to New York, he fights for her, he will never stop until all she sees is him. But the thing is, Shannon is as stubborn and hotheaded as Maggie, so Murphy's in for one helluva ride.
The Irish Born trilogy is good to read if you are ever interested in going to Ireland, if you have visited Ireland, if you like romance, if you've watched the movie Leap Year, and if you like Nora Roberts, Debbie Macomber, Nicholas Sparks, then you'll most certainly enjoy this series. Anyone 18 and older can read this book.
Born in Fire is the story of the first of three sisters, Margaret Mary Concannon, and she is just a hot-headed, stubborn woman. Rogan Sweeney, owner of Worldwide Galleries (one of the most prestigious art galleries in the world) wants Maggie Concannon to be an artist that he gets to manage and sell her art at his galleries. Maggie, the glass artist, doesn't want to be managed by anyone, she wants to keep doing what she does best alone without being restricted to a contract. And well, throughout the story, we see them fighting over each other and they are both the same people--stubborn and hot-headed, which gave the story a little bit of humor if you will.
Born in Ice is Brianna Concannon's story and she might not be an artist when it comes to the true sense of the word, but she owns her own Bed and Breakfast and she's an artist in the kitchen. She's super sweet and reserved and her whole life she's been a mediator between Maggie and her mother because you see her mother was never a good mother and one issue that surrounds the sisters' lives. Grayson Thane, the internationally bestselling author, has come to stay at her Bed and Breakfast for six months to write his next book, little does he know that he gets more of what he bargained for. Grayson doesn't like to settle down, he's better known for being a nomad, traveling around the world without a worry on his back, but that all changes when he finds Brianna and she gives him a reason to stay.
Born in Shame, the book of Shannon Bodine, a long lost sister that Brianna only happens to find out about in the past year. After Maggie and Brianna find out about her, they invite her over to Clare, a county in Ireland to meet with estranged family. Shannon doesn't know what to think of it, of this family and her newfound identity. There she meets people she didn't know were going to mean so much to her, especially Murphy Muldoon. Murphy has been a friend of the family for all his life, Maggie, Brie and he grew up together. When he meets Shannon he knows he'll do everything in his power to keep her. It's like love at first sight, although is only one-sided and Shannon is still thinking about going back to New York, he fights for her, he will never stop until all she sees is him. But the thing is, Shannon is as stubborn and hotheaded as Maggie, so Murphy's in for one helluva ride.
The Irish Born trilogy is good to read if you are ever interested in going to Ireland, if you have visited Ireland, if you like romance, if you've watched the movie Leap Year, and if you like Nora Roberts, Debbie Macomber, Nicholas Sparks, then you'll most certainly enjoy this series. Anyone 18 and older can read this book.
October 18, 2021
The Irish Born Trilogy
Nora Roberts has done a magnificent job of the three books. Born in Fire is about the oldest sister Maggie who is a glass blower a very independent woman who will let no one tell her what to do, until see meets her match in Rogan and they do have there ups and downs. He is owner of a worldwide art gallery or galleries.
Then there is Born in Ice the middle daughter that runs a B&B called Blackthorn, her name is Brianna and she can cook, clean, and garden like no bodies business and has the kindest, softest heart and falls madly in love with one of her boarders that has come to Blackthorn to stay for several months to write a new book. Gray has no home he roams the different countries writing his books.
And then there is Born in Shame with the youngest half sister Shannon coming all the way from New York
to meet her half sisters she has never known about and falls in love with Murphy a farmer and very close friend of her two half sisters. Wonderfully written stories.
Nora Roberts has done a magnificent job of the three books. Born in Fire is about the oldest sister Maggie who is a glass blower a very independent woman who will let no one tell her what to do, until see meets her match in Rogan and they do have there ups and downs. He is owner of a worldwide art gallery or galleries.
Then there is Born in Ice the middle daughter that runs a B&B called Blackthorn, her name is Brianna and she can cook, clean, and garden like no bodies business and has the kindest, softest heart and falls madly in love with one of her boarders that has come to Blackthorn to stay for several months to write a new book. Gray has no home he roams the different countries writing his books.
And then there is Born in Shame with the youngest half sister Shannon coming all the way from New York
to meet her half sisters she has never known about and falls in love with Murphy a farmer and very close friend of her two half sisters. Wonderfully written stories.
September 29, 2019
Beautiful. Funny. Infinitely touching.
There are some that will argue that Nora Roberts' writing is formulaic. They will smugly do so as if to say anyone could write just as she does. Maybe jealousy, or envy or just plain stupidity leads them to make such proclamations. But, the Irish Born Trilogy, formulaic or not, has brought me great pleasure for many years now. There are not many things guaranteed to make one laugh, cry and wonder in this very jaded world, but County Clare and Tom Concannon's daughters do this for me. This is a treasured story of family, love, lust, forgiveness and belonging. I will continue to read it again and again and always be thankful to Ms. Roberts for her lovely alchemy.
There are some that will argue that Nora Roberts' writing is formulaic. They will smugly do so as if to say anyone could write just as she does. Maybe jealousy, or envy or just plain stupidity leads them to make such proclamations. But, the Irish Born Trilogy, formulaic or not, has brought me great pleasure for many years now. There are not many things guaranteed to make one laugh, cry and wonder in this very jaded world, but County Clare and Tom Concannon's daughters do this for me. This is a treasured story of family, love, lust, forgiveness and belonging. I will continue to read it again and again and always be thankful to Ms. Roberts for her lovely alchemy.
December 13, 2021
This trilogy was definitely one of the best I've read in a while. It was beautiful, compelling, emotional, dramatic, sympathetic, sweet, funny, sad and wonderful. Each of the characters all shone in their own way and each had their own strengths and weaknesses. It was amazing to see their characteristics travel from book to book and see what kind of developments they gave to each character individually and all characters together. I definitely count this trilogy among one of my favorite series I've read and I would recommend it to anyone who would enjoy a series full of heart, amazing characters and romance!
June 17, 2022
An Irish study on love
I really like these stories. They cover a lot of the different "forms" of love...parents for children, male and female, friends, brothers and sisters, relationships of all kinds. And, in each relationship, the struggle of communication, of situations, of different backgrounds, and of different expectations, those things that make us who we are. I enjoy stories of Ireland, the country, the people, the different cultures within. I kind of wish their had been an epilogue to end the stories of each combined...what was Maggie's child, the wedding, the resolving of any other issues...etc. I guess that happily ever after will be left to each reader.
I really like these stories. They cover a lot of the different "forms" of love...parents for children, male and female, friends, brothers and sisters, relationships of all kinds. And, in each relationship, the struggle of communication, of situations, of different backgrounds, and of different expectations, those things that make us who we are. I enjoy stories of Ireland, the country, the people, the different cultures within. I kind of wish their had been an epilogue to end the stories of each combined...what was Maggie's child, the wedding, the resolving of any other issues...etc. I guess that happily ever after will be left to each reader.
September 30, 2022
creative people from ireland with wonderful partners... loved the series and each of the charcters for their strengthes and flaws- betrayals and forgiving and letting go of the pain and new beginnings.
handling the topic of step-siblings and religous beliefs in modern age- well done and good converstion starter
true art in many forms from musicians creating song ,dancing folk dances,
painting, blowing glass,weaving,singing, writing, even cooking and setting a beutiful table. artits in all shapes and sizes in these tales of Ireland .
January 10, 2023
Rating 4 for the whole trilogy. This series was written almost 30 years ago, so there isn't any advanced technology but the story of toxic families and the redemptive power of love makes for a good story no matter the setting. There is a lot about religion so have care if you have experience religious trauma.
As for the romance, the trilogy is setup in the traditional Nora Roberts style. Her archetypes of both men and women can be found in the 3 couples. It makes for a cozy read and almost a palate cleaner between other high angst books.
As for the romance, the trilogy is setup in the traditional Nora Roberts style. Her archetypes of both men and women can be found in the 3 couples. It makes for a cozy read and almost a palate cleaner between other high angst books.
August 21, 2017
An incredible portray by Nora Roberts sketching Ireland alive in front of your eyes with terrific artistic skills of the protagonist of the first and the third book alongwith the serenity and poise of the character of the second narration...though the collection came with a predictable ending yet it was certainly an impressive and feel good one swaying through the beauty of the countryside, bonding between sisters and the talents they possess...
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