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Cover of Born in Shame

Born in Shame

First published 1996 · 486 pages

A warm, atmospheric journey into the heart of Ireland, where family secrets give way to sisterhood, magic, and sweeping romance.

What it feels like

Reading this book feels like stepping out of a cold, bustling city and into a warm, fire-lit Irish cottage. It is a deeply comforting and atmospheric romance that wraps the reader in the lush, green landscapes of County Clare and the rich tapestry of local folklore. The pace is steady and inviting, allowing the emotional weight of family secrets to slowly unravel into a beautiful story of sisterhood and belonging. The prose is sensory and romantic, lingering on the mist over the hills and the quiet intimacy of shared cups of tea. It is a perfect escape for anyone who loves stories about guarded hearts learning to trust, the magic of discovering your roots, and the undeniable pull of a love that feels destined.

Mood
  • lush
  • cozy
  • atmospheric
  • sun-warmed
  • mystical
Tone
  • earnest
  • romantic
  • warm
  • reverent
Pace
steady
Themes
finding home · sisterhood and belonging · healing family wounds · magic of the everyday · city meets country
The writing
Sweeping and sensory, the writing lingers on the lush landscapes of Ireland and the warm, intimate details of domestic life.
The arc
The protagonist moves from a place of guarded isolation and identity crisis to a profound sense of belonging and open-hearted love.
Who it's for
Romance readers who crave stories about found family, deep-rooted sisterhood, and the healing power of a beautiful, slightly magical setting.
Content notes
  • grief
  • past infidelity
  • family secrets

About the book

A talented graphic artist, Shannon Bodine's life revolved around her job at a prestigious New York advertising agency. But her world was turned upside-down when she learned the identity of her real father: Thomas Concannon. Respecting her late mother's last wish, Shannon reluctantly traveled to County Clare. There, her loneliness and shame melted away in the embrace of the family she never knew existed. And amid the lush Irish landscape steeped in mysticism and legend, she discovered the possibility of a love that was meant to be...

Description from Open Library.

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