“I believe the story to be an enduring portrayal of Irish culture and history and would like it to be available to everyone,” says the author, Andrea Scholer. “Racking in a million dollars from my book doesn’t make me a good author, it makes me marketable. Literature should always be about the voice of the writer, not his or her bank account.”
A paperback version of the story is also available to purchase. Ten percent of the proceeds of every novel sold will go to the charity GOAL, an international organization helping to serve the poorest of the poor.
The story is about an American woman, Audrey Ray, who is sent to Ireland on assignment from an estates firm in Seattle. Instead of completing the requirements of her job, she spends her days exploring ancient archaeological sites and bonding with the locals. Her time abroad is limited, and she wants to embrace all she can of the isle during her stay, hoping to find an inner peace she has never known, burdened by a secret that could ruin her chances of happiness forever.
During her wanderings, she meets a Gaelic footballer, Liam O’Neill, who is plagued with crippling doubts about his team. The nation anticipates championship glory for them, but he is unconvinced they have enough talent to win. Unknown to either is an ancestral connection they share that spans nearly two centuries, when tragedy devastated the land Liam calls home, a time of war when friendships were divided and lovers ripped apart.
A consequence of destiny, Audrey must make a decision that could correct the indiscretions of the past and lead her to the miracle she has always longed for. Or will plunge her and Liam straight into damnation.
Excerpt
‘All counties around Ireland joined the fans in the stadium with their applause, as did their brothers and sisters watching by satellite around the world. For the first time in many years, maybe since the days of war, the Irish stood together, giving their last thanks to a football team that had inspired more than just the nation. Though only for the smallest moment, during a breath in time on a casual evening in Croke Park, Eire’s people united with an unbreakable Gaelic spirit.’
About the charity GOAL
‘From its first year of operation in 1977, when it spent a mere €12,000 on a street children’s project in Calcutta, GOAL has grown and grown – spending over €400 million implementing relief and development programmes in 50 countries in the past 30 years.’ – Karen O’Shea, Goal Ireland
Goal is an international organization and has no affiliation with the author’s views presented in the novel.
Publication Details
‘When Gaelic Spirits Wake’ is published by Mallette House Books and was released on January 7, 2008. ISBN: 1434843688
For more information, including a media kit and photos of the cover and of the author, please visit mallettehouse.com/
Photos of the cover of ‘When Gaelic Spirits Wake’ and of Andrea Scholer can be viewed and downloaded at www.mallettehouse.com/
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