This is one of the Irish Eyes Series of Books. Years Ago, Cully Mulligan visiting the US, sweeps Bridget off her feet. She fell desperately in love with him, they were quickly married, but then he vanished. For years, she presumed he had abandoned her - and the son he never knew he had, forcing her to work to support herself and their son.
Click here to see the rest of this review
But suddenly fate steps in. She learns that Culley did not abandon her, but was killed in a car accident. Since they were just married there was no reference to her as next of kin so she was never notified. However, Culley's mum has learnt that Culley was married and fathered and son and she wants Bridget and Culley's son Jacob to come home to Ireland. Not having any family, and no reason to stay in Tennessee, she takes her son to live with his father's family. Right off, Culley's mum and sister accept them with open arms, especially since Jacob is the image of Culley.
The one thing stops this new home from being a dream come true is Culley's brother, Riley. He thinks she is a lying fortune hunter, since he believes Culley never married her, that he would not marry when he had a childhood sweetheart waiting in Ireland for him. And he is determined to prove that she is nothing but a golddigger trying to steal the family's land.
However, his determination to hate her is instantly undermined when he recognises her as the woman in his dreams.
The review of this Book prepared by DeborahAnne MacGillivray
Jove, Jun 2002
ISBN: 0515133094
When her grandmother dies leaving her in debt, Bridget Mulligan sees no hope for her son's well being until the letter arrives from Ireland. She learns that her husband Culley never abandoned her as she had thought for years, but actually died in a car accident. His mother and sister want her to come to Ireland to live with them though his older brother Riley thinks she is a gold digger.
Bridget and her son travel to Ireland where she feels the nearby ruined castle calling her. Though her female in-laws shower her with love, Riley treats her rather shabbily. Still even though he does not fully believe that Jacob is his nephew, he begins to act like an uncle towards the lad. Neither one wants it, but soon Riley and Bridget fall in love. However, chances of anything between them are improbable as both savor the memory of Culley and he remains doubtful about her motives. Finally there is the family curse.
Award winning Deb Stover provides her fans with an exhilarating paranormal romance within a classic-style romantic story line starring two souls who mistrust one another while falling in love. Riley remains obstinate a bit too long, but the audience will still cherish this hunk. Bridget is a strong female protagonist doing what needs to be done for the sake of her son. The support cast supplements the plot by providing depth to the personalities of the lead duet. With a strong cast, the key to MULLIGAN STEW is the ability of Ms. Stover to interweave her two subplots into one entertaining cohesive tale.
Harriet Klausner
The review of this Book prepared by Harriet Klausner