The first time I heard this song, I thought it was Irish in origin, as it has the same appeal. But it was written by William Shakespeare Hayes (1837-1907), a prolific American lyricist who is often compared to Stephen Foster. The more I hear it, the more I love it. You can sing along with … Continue reading MOLLIE DARLIN’, Traditional American Folksong
Author: Gifford MacShane
THE WOODSMAN’S ROSE Character Sketch: Annie Griffiths
Annie is the fiancee of Daniel Donovan, a delicate girl who suffers from debilitating headaches. But Annie is also know as the best baker in their community, and she's volunteered to make a wedding cake for Daniel's brother Frank's wedding to Patricia Flaherty. This excerpt from THE WOODSMAN'S ROSE is inspired by her talents. Daniel … Continue reading THE WOODSMAN’S ROSE Character Sketch: Annie Griffiths
THE WOODSMAN’S ROSE now available; First review is in!
THE WOODSMAN'S ROSE was released yesterday. All the retailers' links are in one place at Books2Read: When a friendship is shattered, can a fragile young woman with the gift of insight heal the rift? 1880s Arizona: Daniel Donovan wants nothing more than to get married, unless it's to restore his friendship with his closest friend, … Continue reading THE WOODSMAN’S ROSE now available; First review is in!
THE WOODSMAN’S ROSE is Available for Pre-Order
THE WOODSMAN'S ROSE, Book 2 in the Donovan Family Saga, is set to release on January 25, 2021, and is available to pre-order right now! Find all the Retailers offering the pre-order at Books2Read. If your favorite site isn't there, watch for updates, as they're still coming in! I'm also very please to announce a … Continue reading THE WOODSMAN’S ROSE is Available for Pre-Order
An Answer to That Age-Old Question: What to do with the kitty’s Santa hat when the kitty won’t wear it?
Find a fake kitty who doesn't mind wearing it: OR: or, better yet... HOPE YOUR HOLIDAYS ARE MERRY & BRIGHT!
WHISPERS IN THE CANYON: Another 5-star review from Readers’ Favorite
This lovely review was written by K. C. Finn. (No spoilers!) "WHISPERS IN THE CANYON is a work of fiction in the historical, romance, and interpersonal drama sub-genres, and was penned by author Gifford MacShane. Written as the opening novel to the Donovan Family Saga of books, this work is largely suitable for all readerships, … Continue reading WHISPERS IN THE CANYON: Another 5-star review from Readers’ Favorite
THE WINDS OF MORNING Is Available Now
1848: the third year the potato crop failed in Ireland. The Protestant landlords have absconded back to Britain, leaving the Catholic peasants to fend for themselves, while the English feast on the massive amounts of Irish food they're importing every day. With two younger brothers to feed, Molly O'Brien takes her father's place on the … Continue reading THE WINDS OF MORNING Is Available Now
Coming in January: THE WOODSMAN’S ROSE
Book 2 of the Donovan Family Saga spotlights the romance between Daniel Donovan and Annie Griffiths. But all is not well in their world. Here's a bit of a teaser for you: Daniel Donovan wants nothing more than to get married, unless it's to restore his friendship with his closest friend, Alec Twelve Trees. Alec … Continue reading Coming in January: THE WOODSMAN’S ROSE
WHISPERS IN THE CANYON: A Readers’ Favorite Review
A 5-star review by Cheryl E. Rodriguez [with spoilers removed]: Whispers in the Canyon by Gifford MacShane is an emotionally charged love story. Adam Donovan is deeply rooted in his Irish heritage. He and all of the Donovan clan live by a heartfelt code of conduct. “A man without a family has no one, but … Continue reading WHISPERS IN THE CANYON: A Readers’ Favorite Review
The Hedgerow Schools of Ireland
In the 18th and 19th centuries, Irish Catholic children attended school to learn English and arithmetic. In densely populated areas, school might be held in an abandoned barn or building, but in the country, the children literally sat in front of the hedgerows that separated one small croft from another. There were few, if any, … Continue reading The Hedgerow Schools of Ireland
