'Thought-provoking and powerful'

At the end of last year, I entered my novel ‘Irish Secrets’ into the Wishing Shelf Book Awards (http://www.thewsa.co.uk/). Although I didn’t win, I was delighted to be a finalist, and to receive an overall ranking of 4.5 stars. In addition, finalists receive feedback from the readers, which is also posted on Amazon and Goodreads by the award organiser.

I was very happy with the feedback I received!

Of the 17 readers:

16 would read another book by this author.

17 felt it was easy to follow.

16 would recommend this story to another reader to try.

17 felt the pacing was good or excellent.

16 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.

8 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.

9 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.

Readers’ Comments:

‘An interesting look at the Irish system of baby adopting many years ago. Excellently written; sad in many parts. Books of this nature are important reminding us of how lucky we are and how terrible history often was.’ Male reader, aged 41

‘I liked the romantic element I thought that was well written; lots of chemistry.’ Female reader, aged 56

‘Well plotted with a strong romantic undercurrent. I enjoyed this very much.’ Female reader, aged 47

‘This author is best working with characters and speech. The characters develop well this way. A powerful novel looking at a very dark Irish secret. Well done.’ Male reader, aged 55

Summary: ‘Thought-provoking and powerful. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards

Irish Secrets

While working at Mist Na Mara Arts Centre, Kara Stewart embarks on a search for her mother’s birth parents; she’d been adopted in the 1960s by an American couple. Kara soon realises the task is not as simple as she’d anticipated when she meets with a wall of secrecy surrounding Irish baby adoptions.

Ryan Brady is hiding the secret of his real identity, but when he offers to help Kara trace her Irish family, his attraction to her is undeniable.

As the mystery unravels, secrets drive a wedge, not only between Kara and her mother, but also between Kara and Ryan.

Can Kara and Ryan find a way to heal the rifts created by all these secrets and find love?

Irish Secrets is being re-published by Tirgearr Publishing, and is available (until November 13) at the pre-release sale price of 99 cents/99 pence! http://www.tirgearrpublishing.com/authors/Martin_Paula/