The Irish Girl

A Novel

From multi-award-winning historical fiction author Ashley E. Sweeney comes a family saga about the Irish immigrant experience spanning New York, Chicago, and Colorado so compelling that, USA Today bestselling author Kelli Estes says, "I read this story in one sitting."

Thirteen-year-old Mary Agnes Coyne, forced from her home in rural Ireland in 1886 after being accused of incest, endures a treacherous voyage across the Atlantic alone to an unknown life in America. From the tenements of New York to the rough alleys of Chicago, Mary Agnes suffers the bitter taste of prejudice for the crime of being poor and Irish.

After moving west to Colorado, Mary Agnes again faces hardships and grapples with heritage, religion, and matters of the heart. Will she ever find a home to call her own? Where?

©2024 Ashley E. Sweeney (P)2025 Tantor Media

High Hopes of a Favorite-Solid 3.5

Like all favorite books, this one started calling me to read- the excitement of knowing you have a good book to sink in to- about 3/4 of the way- the story should have ended. The last 1/4 felt like a rush and tangle of added events to attempt to make the book better- the book was really great until this point. No need to make it better. Started to feel dragged out … wanted it to end. To me… that IS a sad ending.

Wonderful story well told

Well described characters and scenes. Easily captured by the story. A thoroughly enjoyable listening experience.

Dragged Out & Torturous

Pace is important in any tale. The Irish Girl wants you to spend every minute on the trials & triumphs of the heroine. It is a drag. Perhaps it could have been a novellette or short story. Better the author to speed ocean voyages and train rides in order to concentrate on the plot line.