‘The Shaping of The Union’ by Donna Fletcher Crow

Independently Published,
10 March 2022.
ISBN: 979-8842204313-2 (PB)

This book is part of The Celtic Cross Series - The Pursuit of Peace Epoch 8

Donna Fletcher Crow has meticulously researched this momentous period in Ireland's history and has retold the story through the eyes of two main female protagonists. 

In 1996 the American Mary Hamilton and her fiancé Gareth are set to return to his native Scotland in despair after their efforts to bring about peace for the young people of Belfast through their reconciliation centre is ruined by a violent trashing of the centre and the wounding of Gareth.  However Mary is drawn to read their hosts' family journal recounting the historic struggles of past families on the area.  In 1789 Lenny Price a feisty young woman and her brother Evan join forces with the McCracken family to fight for peace for the Nation and freedom from British imperialism.  This ultimately involves them with the revolutionary plans of Wolf Tone a charismatic American who Lenny is drawn to.  Many adventures follow Lenny and her compatriots which eventually involves her to discover a spy in their midst who is bent on ruining all their plans. 

This is a fascinating fictional re-working of turbulent times in Ireland and brings in well-known characters such as John Wesley and provides the reader with a deeper understanding of the possible motivations of various groups of Irish radicals and conservatives, Unionists and Separatists and their families and followers.  The book ends with a return to 1996 and evidence of the Troubles which were besetting Belfast at that time.  We are led to anticipate the next episode in the sequence of events.
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Reviewer: Toni Russell

Donna Fletcher Crow  is a former English teacher and a Life Member of the Jane Austin Society of America. She is the author of 50 books, mostly novels dealing with British history.  The award-winning Glastonbury, A Novel of the Holy Grail, an Arthurian grail search epic covering 15 centuries of English history, is her best-known work.  She is also the author of The Monastery Murders: A Very Private Grave, A Darkly Hidden Truth and An Unholy Communion as well as the Lord Danvers series of Victorian true-crime novels and the literary suspense series The Elizabeth & Richard Mysteries. Donna and her husband live in Boise, Idaho.  They have 4 adult children and 12 grandchildren. She is an enthusiastic gardener.

To read more about all of Donna’s books and see pictures from her garden and research trips go to: http://www.donnafletchercrow.com/

You can follow her on Facebook at: http://ning.it/OHi0MY

Toni Russell is a retired teacher who has lived in London all her life and loves the city.  She says, ‘I enjoy museums, galleries and the theatre but probably my favourite pastime is reading.  I found myself reading detective fiction almost for the first-time during lockdown and have particularly enjoyed old fashioned detective fiction rather than the nordic noir variety.  I am a member of a book club at the local library and have previously attended literature classes at our local Adult Education Centre.  I am married with three children and five grandchildren.’