How do you hold onto a dream
with war churning around you?

What if your dream has
unforeseen consequences?

Historical Fiction
Published by The Fiction Works
Cover: Michael Arciniega
ISBN 1-58124-474-6

In 1919 Irish patriots mount a last desperate struggle for independence against their British overlords. As with all such struggles, the participants each have their own dreams and needs.

Geoff Somervell-Turner takes wealth, privilege, and dominion for granted. He's the conqueror and quick to rage when crossed.

Tynan O'Neill's soul smolders with a passion for freedom. He will wrest back control of his country if it costs his life.

Alissa Hamilton is loved by both men, but she is determined to carve out her own life in the chaos swirling around her.

Who will win? And at what cost?

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"Set in 1920's Ireland, Keegan Murphy is an enchanting book filled with historic detail. The romance doesn't dominate the story, which focuses more on Alissa's efforts to survive in unfamiliar surroundings."

"Living amidst the strife of war torn Ireland in the 1920s is not an easy task, especially when all Alissa wants is to continue to live in the Ireland she grew up in. Living in peace and breeding and raising horses is all that Alissa has ever desired to do. She has the land and the knowledge, and in one year, she will have the money from her father's inheritance to attain her goal. It turns out to be a very long year. First, her mother remarries to an English man Alissa cannot respect; on top of that she has to deal with the attitude of the English living in Ireland who despise the Irish. Since she's Anglo-Irish, it's particularly difficult for her to determine which side is in the right of it, if either is. Adding to Alissa's aggravation is the fact her mother hopes she will marry her step-father's English nephew, though neither woman has ever met the man. As everyone about her becomes increasingly sympathetic to the English, Alissa finds it more and more difficult to fit in. Then, after one confrontation with her step-father that leads to an accident, Alissa flees, and ends up with the very group of tinkers she fears murdered her father. Disguised as a boy, she finds it better to go by her father's pet name -- Keegan; and Keegan she remains, even when she finally meets up with Tye, a man dedicated to the Irish cause. As the Irish fight for independence from Britain, Alissa learns firsthand which cause you supported could mean the difference between freedom or oppression - or even life and death.

Ms. Straus lets you peek through the curtain of time to see what it is truly like to live in an unstable era where life and love become all the more precious because one never knows how long it can be enjoyed. Careful responses and half-truths become a way of life when you're unsure of which side you support. Keegan Murphy triumphs over all the obstacles in her way as she learns what is really of value in her life."

"Written with a deft and loving hand, Keegan Murphy's author has breathed life into a difficult time in Irish history and done it with grace and elan--both in keeping with the land and the times. It is pure magic."

Sheila Straus loves travel, history, and fascinating people. Her dream is to weave the three into compelling, well-written stories. When she's not writing she does the usual household maintenance stuff and hikes alongside the Rogue River every available opportunity. She lives with her patient husband, Warren, and her outdoor clothes line in sunny Southern Oregon. Two mostly grown-up daughters escaped a couple of years ago to pursue their own dreams.

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