Review: Great ending to a great trilogy!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 03 17, 2013
In the final book of the Ballymuir Trilogy, Dorien Kelly brings us full circle in the cycle of life. We see a side to Vi that was hinted at but not fully brought to light in the other two books. She's always been a fun-loving, free-spirited person but melancholy at times. She's a nurturer, a peace-keeper, she's fiercely protective of those she loves and a kind and loving friend. We find out what she is hiding and we watch her transform herself with the help of her family and the love of a good man.Vi has lost the "sight". It just went away and she feels like she's lost her best friend. Finances are making her clean and sell her nam's home. Of course, her mam refuses to help the twins so it is falling to her, again. What she discovers during this time has left her feeling lost, confused, angry and bereft. Then there is Liam. The lost love of her youth. The only man she ever gave her heart to only to have it broken. She won't deny the attraction and she cannot deny her body of what it craves. She'll keep her heart out of it and enjoy the time that she has with him. Well, until he decides that "Rafferty's Gold" is buried on her land and he is going to find it and claim it for his own, no matter the consequences.Liam has returned to Ireland with his daughter, Meghan. He has no intentions of staying. A six month visit while his ex-wife is working in a dangerous location. He has no idea how to be a father or how to tame his daughter. Hopefully, with the help of family, he'll work through this time with Meghan, find "Rafferty's Gold" and head back to Boston to rebuild the company that was swindled out from under him. Then there is Vi. He was surprised to hear she was back in Duncarraig and had to make sure the rumors were true - he needed to see her. She was the only woman he gave his heart to and only married Beth when she became pregnant. He was an absentee husband and parent. But, Vi - the woman he dreamed about, thought about and wished he could have every day of his life - he'd do anything for her, to get her back into his life, to have her love again. Well, almost anything ... no, he will not give up his search for the gold. The legend says that it will be returned to a Rafferty when the need is greatest. He had need for it and will fight Vi to the end to make her see that it belongs to him and not her or some fancy museum.As we learn of Vi's past and the guilt that she has lived with, our hearts break. Liam has no idea of what happened or what he left behind when he went to America. No one, except mam, knows of her secret. But she knows that in order to love fully and with her whole heart, she has to tell Liam the truth and pray that he understands. She knows that nam is guiding her as her "sight" slowly comes back to her. She knows that nam is trying to tell her something very important but it is being blocked. After a careful and thorough look inside herself, everything becomes clear. It's time to forgive everyone, including herself."The Brightest Flame in Ballymuir" was a wild and fun ride with more tales and legends of the Emerald Isle. We are introduced to the whole Rafferty Clan which brought some much needed humor to the pages as the details of Vi's past are being revealed. The Kilbrides finally come together as a unit with her mam taking a good look at herself, as well, and starts to forgive those who she thinks did her wrong. Michael and Kylie have a beautiful baby girl. Pat and Danny are living in Ballymuir and working for Michael. Muir House is thriving under Jenna and Dev's love and devotion. The spirits are returning to Vi and now it's time for her to make a life with Liam. But, what of the gold?I really do leave Ballymuir with a heavy heart. There is so much potential for other books and I would so love to keep hearing the stories of times past. Again, Ms. Kelly brought Ireland to life with her writing. You could hear the lilt of their voices, see the smiles in their eyes and hear the songs that are sung. I wish I knew more about Irish Folklore to know if the tales told in these books were true or a figment of Dorien Kelly's imagination. They were told with such passion that you could not help to hope and believe that they were true.So, on behalf of the whole Guilty Pleasures Crew, I would like to leave you with an old Irish Blessing and wish you all a very Happy Saint Patrick's Day!May love and laughter light your days,and warm your heart and home.May good and faithful friends be yours,wherever you may roam.May peace and plenty bless your worldwith joy that long endures.May all life's passing seasonsbring the best to you and yours!