C.A. Logan Author

Back Cover Text

In the spring of 2016, newly retired Kara leaves her home in Canada on a genealogical quest to rediscover her grandfather’s ancestral village on the north coast of Ireland.  She is quickly captivated by Ballybeg’s rural beauty; the idiosyncratic locals; the Giant’s Causeway and the traditional myths and legends.

David arrives in the village with his eyes fixed on a huge development deal, which would wipe out the area’s charm – if only his streak of bad luck would stop. Imogen is a conservationist who keeps herself apart from the villagers because of an old family scandal, but new circumstances may draw her back. The three clash over a reputedly enchanted grove on the townland of Lisnasidhe that generations have left untouched out of respect for the fairy inhabitants.

In Ballybeg, everyone has their opinion and no trouble in sharing it. Even the land has her own perspective of history. Then there’s the greedy speculators, the unsuspecting lovers, yarnbombers, and a quirky local storyteller who may hold all the answers. And Irish fairies? Well, that depends…

The Irish Within Us copyright 2023 by C.A. Logan Published by FriesenPress Fiction 336 pages   Black & White  5.5 x 8.5 inches ISBN Hardcover #978-1-03-916901-2 Paperback #978-1-03-916900-5 eBook #978-1-03-916902-9 Categories: ~ Fiction, Fantasy, Humorous ~ Fiction, Small Town & Rural ~ Fiction, Family Life Keywords: Uplit, Whimsical, Return to Ancestral Village, Reluctant Witch, Storyteller, Modern, Midlife Distributed to the trade by The Ingram Book Company ips@ingramcontent.com

Reviews

(4 stars) ” … seemingly straightforward disagreements blow up into a riot of competing forces in which even fairies play a role. … the prose is light, varied, and buoyant. It does an able job of vivifying the verdant landscape, with its buried gems, hidden cottages, and colorful wool. Thus, as the book works toward its raucous final showdown, its hilarity and entertainments win out, and satisfaction is achieved.”

        — Foreword Clarion Review

“When Kara arrives in Ballybeg, Ireland—her grandfather’s ancestral village—she soon finds herself embroiled in a dispute with distant relations, over land that’s rumored to be enchanted. The plot is evenly paced, with dustings of magic that add charm.

Logan uses the story’s three main perspectives to add tension, and the simple, well-executed prose keeps this appealing mystery-turned-cozy-action novel afloat. The setting is skillfully rendered, evoking images of idyllic landscapes surrounded by shimmering waters.

Though good triumphing over evil is a common theme, Kara’s perseverance, and the support of her trusty friends, as well as the townspeople of Ballybeg, against greedy foreign developers is skillfully wrought in this satisfying novel.

Kara’s journey affords her the opportunity to rediscover her passion for the magic of history and Ballybeg’s extraordinary surroundings, and her character arc is both relatable and appealing. Logan’s accomplished storytelling will keep readers invested from the start.”

— The BookLife Prize Critic’s Report

What Readers Say

“Logan spins a tale that entertains from beginning to end. “

“☆☆☆☆☆ Great Read! An exploration of family, heritage, community and folklore. Interesting character and a story most can relate to as we search for connections to our past. I couldn’t put it down.”

“Great summer read ☆☆☆☆☆”

“a mad roller-coaster with fairies, witches and golf…”

“☆☆☆☆☆ A lot of fun to read”

“… sure to entertain and transport you to another world.”

“☆☆☆☆ This was a fun read.”

“Bringing alive the beauty of the land and the feisty villagers in the fight to save their heritage. A great read. Looking forward to future works from this new novelist.”

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