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eBook HighlightsMarch 2025
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Virtues of the Irish Saints: A Journey of Faith, Peace and Love
by Gary McLoughlin
A Journey Through Celtic Holiness and HopeStep into the rich spiritual heritage of Ireland with Virtues of the Irish Saints, a captivating exploration of the holy men and women who shaped a uniquely Celtic expression of Christianity--one deeply rooted in nature, mysticism, hospitality, and unwavering faith. Beginning with the courageous mission of St. Patrick, who returned to the land of his captivity to ignite a spiritual transformation, this book is more than a historical reflection--it's a timeless guide for navigating today's challenges with grace and purpose. Through vivid storytelling and spiritual insight, readers will encounter the lives of beloved Irish saints, including: - St. Aidan of Lindisfarne - gentle in heart, bold in mission- St. Brendan the Navigator - a fearless seeker of God across the seas- St. Brigid of Kildare - a beacon of compassion and generosity- St. CiarĂ¡n of Clonmacnoise - founder of a monastic legacy- St. Columba of Iona - poet, peacemaker, and visionary- St. Columbanus - missionary of Irish wisdom across Europe- St. Ita of Killeedy - spiritual mother to future saints- St. Kevin of Glendalough - contemplative soul in harmony with creation- St. Oliver Plunkett - martyr of faith in a time of persecution Blending history, hagiography, and Celtic spirituality, this inspiring collection invites readers to draw strength from the virtues of these saints--courage, humility, simplicity, and joy--and to discover how their enduring witness can illuminate our own spiritual path today.
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Murder at the Blarney Bash
by Darci Hannah
Follow the aroma of shamrock sugar cookies to the Beacon Bakeshop, a lighthouse on the shores of Lake Michigan where amateur sleuth Lindsey Bakewell is busy preparing for Beacon Harbor's St. Patrick's Day festivities - with a little help from her adorable Newfoundland, Wellington, of course! Lindsey is baking up a storm--shamrock sugar cookies, Guinness chocolate cupcakes, Irish soda bread--for the well-timed grand opening of the Irish import gift shop, the Blarney Stone, owned by her boyfriend's uncle, Finnigan O'Connor, recently relocated from the Emerald Isle. But it's Uncle Finn himself who seems full of blarney when he gleefully reveals a pot of real gold he claims he stole from an actual leprechaun. And Finn's fortune takes a turn for the worse when he's arrested for the bludgeoning of a small unidentified man dressed as a leprechaun--the murder weapon alleged to be his now-missing shillelagh. Eccentric Uncle Finn may enjoy believing he's outwitted a leprechaun, but he would never be so deluded as to clobber one with his walking stick. Now Lindsey will need more than the luck of the Irish to seize a golden opportunity to catch the real killer.--
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The Best of Frank O'Connor: Introduction by Julian Barnes
by Frank O'Connor
The most generous one-volume collection ever published of short stories, autobiographical writings, poetry, and essays by the writer Yeats called Ireland's Chekhov. Selected and arranged thematically by Julian Barnes, the rich mix of writings in The Best of Frank O'Connor starts off with his most famous short story, Guests of the Nation, set during the Irish War of Independence; chronicles his childhood with an alcoholic father and protective mother; and traces his literary influences in brilliant essays on Joyce and Yeats. O'Connor's wonderfully polyphonic tales of family, friendship, and rivalry are set beside those that bring to life forgotten souls on the fringes of society. O'Connor's writings about Ireland vividly evoke the land he called home, while other stories probe the hardships and rewards of Irish emigration. Finally, we see O'Connor grappling, in both fiction and memoir, with the largest questions of religion and belief. The Best of Frank O'Connor is a literary monument to a truly great writer.
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45 Saint Patrick's Day Recipes for Home
by Kelly Johnson
Delight in the Flavors of the Emerald Isle with Our Saint Patrick's Day Cookbook! Immerse yourself in the spirit of Ireland with a collection of authentic and inspired recipes perfect for celebrating St. Patrick's Day. From classic Irish stews and hearty shepherd's pie to delectable desserts infused with Irish spirits, this cookbook is a treasure trove of culinary delights. Elevate your St. Patrick's Day festivities with dishes that showcase the rich and diverse flavors of Irish cuisine, whether you're planning a festive gathering or simply want to savor the taste of the Irish at home. Embrace the warmth and hospitality of Ireland with our Saint Patrick's Day Cookbook and bring the luck of the Irish to your kitchen!
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Cathedral
by Nelson DeMille
St. Patrick's Day, New York City. Everyone is celebrating, but everyone is in for the shock of his life. Born into the heat and hatred of the Northern Ireland conflict, IRA man Brian Flynn has masterminded a brilliant terrorist act - the seizure of Saint Patrick's Cathedral. Among his hostages: the woman Brian Flynn once loved, a former terrorist turned peace activist. Among his enemies: an Irish-American police lieutenant fighting against a traitor inside his own ranks and a shadowy British intelligence officer pursuing his own cynical, bloody plan. The cops face a booby-trapped, perfectly laid out killing zone inside the church. The hostages face death. Flynn faces his own demons, in an electrifying duel of nerves, honor, and betrayal.
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The Boy from the Sea
by Garrett Carr
Ireland 1973, a baby boy is found on the beach of a close-knit fishing village. Fisherman Ambrose Bonnar offers to bring the child into his own family: his son, Declan, wife, Christine, and up the lane, Christine's sister and aging father. The townspeople remain fascinated by the baby, now named Brendan, as he grows into a strange yet charismatic young man. ... tells the story of a family and community, all thrown into turmoil by Brendan's arrival. The family's fortunes rise and fall over the years--as do the town's, because nothing happens to one family here that doesn't happen to them all--as the forces of a voracious global economy and modernized commercial fishing wreak havoc on their way of life. In the village, Brendan and Declan are wildly different and often wildly at odds; out on the sea, Ambrose worries about his children, but cannot afford to tear his attention from the brutal work that keeps his family afloat. As the world around them keeps changing, the mystery of one boy's origins pulls them all toward a surprising, stormy fate.--Provided by publisher.
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Ireland: A Short History
by Joseph Coohill
From the first prehistoric inhabitants of the island to the St Andrews Agreement and decommissioning of IRA weapons, this uniquely concise account of Ireland and its people reveals how differing interpretations of history, ancient and modern, have influenced modern Irish society. Combining factual information with a critical approach, Coohill covers all the key events, including the Great Famine, Home Rule, and the Good Friday Agreement.Updated with two new chapters expanding the discussion of pre-modern Ireland, as well as developments in the 21st century, this highly accessible and balanced account will continue to provide a valuable resource to all those wishing to acquaint themselves further with the complex identity of the Irish people.
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A Letter from Ireland: An absolutely heartbreaking page-turner about families, secrets and unbreakable friendships
by Ann O'Loughlin
My whole life, I've been haunted by a secret I've left behind on the coast of Ireland. I may be gone, but if you're reading this Casey, I need to tell you everything... When Casey's dear friend Rosie passes away, her heart breaks in two; Rosie didn't even tell her she was sick. And when a mysterious letter arrives from beyond the grave, describing the secluded island where Rosie spent every summer, Casey questions if she really knew her friend at all. With Casey's hectic job ruling her life, and her marriage crumbling around her, she books a ticket to this beautiful Irish island to feel close to Rosie again, and find out what secrets she has hidden there. Casey rushes to Rosie's tumbledown cottage and immediately falls in love with the glimmering shores and breathtaking coves of Scarty Island. Why did Rosie keep this magical place a secret, even from her own husband? Desperate for answers, she jumps to the aid of locals organising afternoon teas for tourists, and helps handsome but overworked pub owner Shay. Though Shay stays tight-lipped, Casey notices how his hazel eyes shine when she makes him laugh, and how her heart skips a beat when his rough hands brush hers. But just as Casey finds herself falling for Shay's quiet strength, a final letter arrives that changes everything. The tear-stained pages tell the story of a forbidden romance and a tragic day at sea that destroyed Rosie's life. It could shatter Casey's blossoming romance and tear the small island community apart. Will Casey find the strength to confront the ghosts of the past and confess her love for Shay? Or will she decide that some secrets are meant to stay buried, and say goodbye to Scarty forever? An utterly uplifting and heart-stopping read bursting with Irish magic that will tug at your heartstrings. Perfect for fans of Susanne O'Leary, Tricia O'Malley and Mary Alice Monroe. What readers are saying about Ann O'Loughlin: 'OMG! OMG!!... I was utterly glued to the pages and I had tears absolutely streaming down my face... I was devastated when I turned the last page... Will stay with me for a long time... I LOVED it.' Bookworm86, 'Blew me away... had me sobbing uncontrollably... Unforgettable... a book that has found its place in my heart... A story that I will never forget.' Sarah K Reads, 'Kept me awake most of the night... I just had to finish it... Grabbed my attention from the first page... I just kept wanting to turn the pages.' Goodreads reviewer, 'Gripping... My eyes hurt from the uncontrollable tears I shed... Amazing... Really tugged on my heartstrings... Stunning... I totally recommend this glorious emotional read... Loved it.' Cindy L Spear, 'Moving and incredibly powerful. A box of tissues will come in handy... It will tear at your heart... An absolutely brilliant read, worth more than 5 stars!' Goodreads reviewer,
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Gail Borden Public Library District
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Main Library - 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin, IL 60120 - 847-742-2411
Rakow Branch - 2751 W. Bowes Rd., Elgin, IL 60124 - 847-531-7271
South Elgin Branch - 127 S. McLean Blvd., South Elgin, IL 60177 - 847-931-2090
http://www.gailborden.info/
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If a title in this list is not available in the format you prefer, please request it online.
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