Likely, this book is a worthy enough read for those that are attracted to romance novels, one with an addiction motif to add the requisite complications, and expressive setting detail. To me though, it is drawn out, and employs a disappointingly weak eco-lit premise. I guess I was expecting too much. ( )

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters fascinated me from the initial introduction of their flawed personalities. Their flaws developed into interesting and loving individuals I that I found myself caring for more as I continued to read the book. The description of the countryside also provided an interesting perspective and depth to the story. I would read again. ( )

I think this is simply not the book for me. I only got about 60 pages in, but it wasn't grabbing me. The book creates a wonderful sense of Ireland, a place I know and love, and it's quite romantic. The prose is prettily flowery with loads of wonderful adjectives. I think I just felt like I knew exactly where the story was going as soon as I hit Chapter 2 -- I skipped ahead and I was mostly right.

Apart from the predictability, I also felt like the dialogue was odd. At one point, her AA sponsor says to Annie, "Time to fly?" She responds, "'Yes.' Her eyes welled with tears. 'Just look at me go.'" End chapter. That struck me as a bit silly. Who says that seriously? It just doesn't feel like a real human interaction.

All that aside, I think people who enjoy a good nostalgic and slightly mystical read will really enjoy "The Crows of Beara." ( )

This is a wonderful new novel about one of my favorite places to visit – Ireland. The author does such descriptive writing about Ireland that I feel like I’ve been on a mini vacation. Ireland and environmental issues are the central themes of this novel but the relationship between the two main characters – Annie and Daniel is what makes this novel so memorable. Annie and Daniel are both flawed people trying to forgive themselves for their pasts and discover future selves. Annie is an alcoholic who is just out of rehab. Her marriage is falling apart and the PR company she works for is getting tired of giving her second chances. Her last chance to keep her job is a PR job in Ireland trying to convince a small town that the new jobs that will be provided by a copper mine are more important than the environmental problems that the mine would cause. The first person she meets in Ireland is Daniel, a metal artist, who is fighting with the demons in his past and working with many of the people in town who oppose the mining operation. Despite their differences, Annie and Daniel are drawn to each other. The more Annie sees of the beautiful Beara peninsula, the more she questions the mine owners plans to destroy the environment. Will Annie and Daniel be able to forgive themselves for their pasts and discover happiness in their future?

This a wonderful story about love and redemption, the beautiful country of Ireland and the importance of family

Thanks to the publisher and tlc books for a copy of this book to read and review. ( )

Annie is a woman who has had her world implode due to her own actions. She is just out of rehab and is trying to rebuild what she had but she is still making questionable decisions. Her home life is collapsing and it’s by the grace of her coworkers that she still has a job.

An opportunity to redeem herself at work is offered but it means going to Ireland – far away from her support network but Ireland is a place that is very special to her and Annie feels if she can get back there all will work out. She is to convince the people that a proposed mine is a good thing for them. But when she gets there she finds that sometimes PR is not always right and some people just cannot be bought with pretty words.

As she gets to know the issues and the people, especially one person – Annie finds that perhaps she is on the wrong side of the issue. She also needs to determine where her future lies. Mystical elements might be helping her decide.

This was a beautifully written book full of complicated characters. I don’t usually read these drama type of books but something about this one intrigued me. It was probably the setting as I have long wanted to visit Ireland and in all likelihood the only way I’m going to get there is through reading. Ms. Johnson surely took me there with her words as they brought at least a small corner of the country alive. I was flying with the choughs. These cousins of the crow are fascinating birds and I was happy to be introduced to them through this story of passion and love for birds, a land and survival. ( )