I first heard this song on one of my grandmother’s John McCormack records and have thought of it as an Irish song ever since. In fact, it’s become one of my favorites. But it was written by William Shakespeare Hays, the same American who wrote Mollie Darling. Although there seem to be several tunes that … Continue reading NORA O’NEAL: American Folksong
historical fiction
RAINBOW MAN Earns Its First Ratings
The first reviews for RAINBOW MAN are in! Here are some snippets from them on Amazon, where the average rating is: 4.4 STARS - I felt the characters were well described as well as the scenes. It was easy to picture both. The closeness of the Donovan Family was wonderful. They were always there for … Continue reading RAINBOW MAN Earns Its First Ratings
TWO OPPORTUNITIES for Free Historical Novels
These two giveaways are going on right now! SPRING INTO THE PAST giveaway includes a variety of Historical novels that are yours for the taking! Click here to see them all. Giveaway ends tomorrow, March 31, so enter while you can! ________________________________________________________ Not enough for you? Need even more books? Enter to win over 45 … Continue reading TWO OPPORTUNITIES for Free Historical Novels
The Quakers and the Underground Railroad
You’ve heard about the Underground Railroad in the southern coastal states, and Harriet Tubman’s and Frederick Douglass’s heroism in aiding slaves escape to the northeastern states and Canada. The Railroad actually had several distinct routes to freedom, as shown on this map from National Geographic. The branch on the Mississippi and Ohio rivers was established … Continue reading The Quakers and the Underground Railroad
RAINBOW MAN is here!
So it's been awhile since you heard from me, but there's a good reason: after exhaustive edits, critiques, and beta reads, RAINBOW MAN has been published! And here's the lovely cover chosen by my newsletter subscribers: This novel, like my previous ones, is set in the 1880s Arizona Territory. A bit more information on it: … Continue reading RAINBOW MAN is here!
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
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
Gifford MacShane, Author 