I’m excited about this new mini-series, Irish Brides, and honored to kick it off with The Wedding Journey as well as a free online read. The series starts toward the end of the Irish potato famine, 1845-1852, when a million people died and a million others immigrated. At this time nearly all the land was owned by rich English families and overseen by agents or middlemen. The tenants were powerless, penniless and lived on potatoes and water. It’s no wonder why so many dreamed of a new life and the possibility of owning their own land.

In The Wedding Journey, you’ll see how the ship owners took advantage of the fleeing Irish by selling passage on overcrowded and unsanitary ships, where thousands upon thousands died at sea. One of the best things about what I do as an author is my ability to create story people who deal with the worst conditions history can throw at them and survive. Meet the Murphy sisters, three young ladies determined to leave their lives of poverty and forge new lives in the land of the free and the home of the brave.

I was fortunate to find a diary, written by a man aboard an immigrant ship, and between its pages I learned of the daily life and hardships of the journey to the new land. I’m always inspired by stories of men and women who courageously face the unknown and who face devastating hardships to triumph over weather, suffrage, poverty, false accusations, and I like to write strong people of enormous character. The Wedding Journey was an opportunity to populate an entire ship with interesting characters and watch them interact. I believe you’ll be inspired by their stories of courage and their discoveries of love.

The Wedding Journey
Love Inspired Historical, April
ISBN: 978-0-373-82911-8

Blurb:
The mysterious inheritance is the answer to a prayer. Now Irish lass Maeve Murphy and her sisters can come to America. She’s sure happiness awaits her, even if it won’t–can’t–come from widowed ship doctor Flynn Gallagher. Yes, he made her his assistant, but she’s not foolish enough to fall for the man all the eligible, wealthy female passengers admire.

Flynn Gallagher may have his pick of ladies, but only one cares as he does for the sick and poor. Flynn vowed never to marry another woman who would break his heart. With Maeve, has his heart found safe harbor at last?

Link to The Wedding Journey on amazon:
The Wedding Journey (Love Inspired Historical)

The Wedding Journey, Book One in the Irish Brides trilogy is Cheryl St.John’s fortieth book. In May, Renee Ryan’s Mistaken Bride is the story of middle sister Bridget. June brings A Baby Between Them by Winnie Griggs.

Cheryl has given us lots of fun things to do today. Enjoy!

1) DRAWING: Cheryl is giving away the complete set of three autographed books to one person who emails her with the names of the two main characters in Donnelly’s Promise. Include the character names as well as your name and address in the body of the email and DRAWING ENTRY as the subject line. Send to: SaintJohn@aol.com.

2) FREE READ: The Harlequin website features a free daily online read, the prequel to The Wedding Journey: Read Vaughn and Darcy’s story, titled Donnelly’s Promise.

3) TRAILER: You don’t want to miss The Wedding Journey book trailer. I got a sneak peek and it’s awesome. Check out Flynn Gallagher and tell us what you think!

Scroll down to see THREE of Cheryl’s most prized possessions from Saturday’s Sneak Preview. Cheryl, what a joy to have you with us on Calico Trails!

15 thoughts on “Calico Trails Welcomes Cheryl St. John”

  4. Pam Hillman

    Cheryl, the pleasure is all mine!

    Wendy, thank you for stopping by. Wendy, I started the prequel too! I plan to read the whole thing. I have an Irish carpenter hero too, so can’t wait to see Donnelly’s Promise unfold! For those new to Cheryl’s work, you can read Donnelly’s Promise for FREE online and you’ll see what a great writer she is.

    Sherri, I agree. Loved the book trailer.

    Hey, all you lurkers out there, don’t forget to email Cheryl so you can be entered to win her giveaway.

  5. Janet Dean

    Hi Cheryl. Love your books. This series sounds fabulous!! How did you find that diary?

    I enjoyed hearing about the signifance of your rings. I cherish objects that remind me of family and the past. Probably all historical writers do.

    Pam, thanks for hosting Cher today.

    Janet

  6. Valri

    These look like such great books, Cheryl! I don’t remember reading books of this time period before so it’s something new! Fantastic!

  7. Shelske

    Hi Cheryl,

    Great to see you here. Love this series. Your first book really got me hooked. I am reading book 2 now & it just continues what you started. Can’t wait for book 3 & I know Winnie will have done a great job to complete the story. Can’t wait for your next adventure. Love all your books & have read them all so far…
    Have a great day.

  9. Cheryl St.John

    Wendy, thanks for checking out the prequel. It was a joy to write.

    Thank you, Sherri. Smooches!

    Okay, Pam, I will have to have a copy of your Irish carpenter story.

    Hi Janet! I found the diary while puttering around for info online. It was one of those books that lets you read the whole thing online. What a treasure I stumbled across.

    Shelske, didn’t Renee do a fabulous job? I just got Winnie’s books in the mail today (lucky me, eh?) so I can read it asap.

  11. Carla Olson Gade

    What a great book trailer! And Flynn….well, I’m speechless. The novels all sound awesome. Thanks for sharing about your rings, too, Cheryl! Precious, indeed.

  12. Deb

    Loved the book trailer and the touching history behind the heirloom rings!

    Looking forward to a great read!

  15. Cheryl St.John

    All the names went into the cowboy hat – and the winner of the trilogy is…

    Ronnie Swanson

    Ronnie, your books will be in the mail asap.

    Thanks to all who entered the drawing!

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