Born in Shame is the third and final book in Nora Roberts’ Born In Trilogy. The trilogy is about the lives of three women with ties to life in Western Ireland. This first book, Born in Fire, tells the story of Margaret Mary (Maggie) Concannon, the eldest Concannon sister, who is an artistic glassblower who becomes a glass sculptress. In the second book, Born in Ice, focuses on Brianna Concannon, Maggie’s younger sister, who runs a Bread and Breakfast. In this final book, Born in Shame, focuses on a young American woman named Shannon Bodine.
Shannon, a young graphic artist by day, has returned home to care for her ailing mother Amanda. Her mothers’ last words to Shannon was a deathbed confession that turns Shannon’s world upside down. She learns that her mother, as a young woman, had fallen in love with a man named Thomas Concannon, a married man for whom she met during a trip in western Ireland. Upon return from her trip, she had learned she was pregnant. As to not shame her family, she went out on her own to raise her child without contact with her family. Soon after, Amanda met and married a sweet and loving man who raised Shannon as his own. Her mother’s last wish was for Shannon to travel to County Clare Ireland. Before Shannon could ask any questions, her mother had passed. Everything in her life was turned upside down and now she questioned everything.
Shortly after her mother’s funeral, Shannon received a letter for Brianna inviting her to visit. Needing a change of scenery, Shannon heads to Ireland to fulfill her mother’s request, to meet the Concannon’s and to get some answers.
Upon arrival in County Clare, Shannon quickly understood the beauty that surrounds her. While meeting Brianna and Maggie’s families, Murphy Muldoon, a close family friend, and neighbor stops by and is struck with love at first sight.
The attraction between Shannon and Murphy is undeniable. Despite Shannon’s reluctance to accept Murphy’s intentions and coming to grips with so much change in her life, she finds her way with grace and poise. To help with all her emotions, Shannon returns to her love a drawing and painting, in the hopes to capture the mystical side of this beautiful country.
For me, my favorite character is Murphy. Who could resist Murphy Muldoon? He is this incredibly handsome, intelligent, artistic, hard-working guy that most women dream of? His admiration and knowing that Shannon is the one, Murphy is willing to do whatever it takes to be with her. The annual ceili held at Murphy’s place was written in such detail. You feel like you are one of the locals and watching an undeniable romance unfold before your eyes. One just cannot get enough Murphy!
I have immensely enjoyed this trilogy. I have thoroughly enjoyed all the characters, but of the three books, Born in Shame is my ultimate favorite. That being said, it is imperative to read Born in Fire and Born in Ice prior to reading Born in Shame. The mystery of their parents past unravels throughout the trilogy, with the final layer coming full circle in this book. An excellent read!
Enjoy!
