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Reviews and Endorsements

Catharine, Queen of the Tumbling Waters
  • Midwest Book Review: https://www.midwestbookreview.com/mbw/may_24.htm#suziehousley
    "Catharine, Queen of the Tumbling Waters, provides a remarkable historical account that sheds light on the extraordinary journey of a courageous woman navigating a male-dominated society. Delve into the pages of this meticulously researched book to witness the unwavering determination that enabled Catharine to survive and thrive in the face of adversity.
    Prepare to be swept away by the captivating narrative of Cynthia G. Neale, an author whose pen weaves tales of resilience and empowerment. Join in on a journey filled with inspiration and hope as we explore the remarkable story of this literary trailblazer.
    Get ready to discover a world where courage and determination reign supreme, and every page holds a treasure trove of wisdom waiting to be unraveled. Let Cynthia G. Neale's story serve as a guiding light in your quest for strength and empowerment." ~ Susan Housley, Midwest Book Review
  • ​Historical Novel Society:  historicalnovelsociety.org/reviews/catharine-queen-of-the-tumbling-waters/ 
    Written in a lyrical style, this novel effectively evokes the terror of the times and the joyful moments of private life in Catharine’s relentless quest for peace. It weaves in images of living and moving across cultures, and it offers readers a very broad view of forces in effect in colonial America probably not known to many of us. It seems a fitting tribute to the life of a remarkable woman.~ Karen Bordarnaro, Historical Novel Society
  • Neale vividly recreates the lost world of the early American frontier, where Catharine and her family navigated an uneasy borderland between colonists and Native peoples." ~ Chad Anderson, Author of The Storied Landscape of Iroquoia: History, Conquest, and Memory in the Native Northeast
  • Neale's writing is almost poetic, and brings to life our complicated American history - which is especially poignant right now as America is torn, once again, by those who wish to enforce their will on others. Catharine, Queen of the Tumbling Waters is well researched and unfolds at a steady pace giving clarity to the realism of our brutal past, and the potential of our great nation. This is one of the few books that I will revisit again. An extraordinary read. ~ Michael Cimino, author of Music Head, A Memoir of Purpose and A Beginner's Guide to Wine
  • ...this novel is a true masterpiece of historical fiction. It educates, enlightens, and entertains in equal measure. It brings to life a remarkable period in American history through the eyes of an even more amazing woman. Catharine Montour's story is one of resilience, courage, and the enduring quest for peace, and it deserves to be celebrated. Take advantage of the opportunity to read this captivating and enlightening book. It is an invaluable addition to the world of historical literature. ~ Michael T, Book Party Podcast
  • Through it all, Catharine's voice sings in beautiful, lyrical language that emanates from her deep connection to the natural world and the culture of her people, the Iroquois. The story offers readers a valuable and eye-opening lesson about our country's so called "founding." A remarkable, important historical novel that deserves wide recognition ~ Nancy Kelley, author of The Whispering Rod
  • To read this thoroughly researched story is to go back in time and enter a complex and dark period in U.S. history and get to know one of its heroines who would otherwise be forgotten. This is an important book. ~  Haviva Ner-David, rabbi and author of Hope Valley and To Die in Secret
  • Cynthia G. Neale has captured the essence of Catharine, Queen of the Tumbling Waters as she was known and revered during her lifetime, a woman whose story was fairly obscured amid a changing world that robbed her ancestors of their heritage. This book will open your eyes, and perhaps your heart, to the history you never learned in school. It is as intriguing as it is inspirational.~ Patricia Taylor Wells, author of The Eyes of the Doe and other works
  • Catharine’s personality is very relatable and lovable. Her demeanor and how she navigates her life through everything that happens are admirable. The book is written well, and the author has skillfully allowed the reader to imagine everything that is described.~ Jeyran Main, Review Tales

The Irish Dresser Series
https://www.irishecho.com/2017/10/haunting-the-house-of-history
https://celticlifeintl.com/cynthia-neale/
https://www.artistswithoutwalls.com/tag/vera-hoar/
https://archive.org/details/podcast_edinroad_guest-author-cynthia-g-neale_333268429
https://golowd.com/2019/03/11/irish-novels-celebrate-the-immigrant-experience/
http://flashlightcommentary.blogspot.com/2014/02/interview-with-cynthia-g-neale-author.html


The Irish Dresser Series: By Individual Volume

The Irish Dresser, A Story of Hope during The Great Hunger (An Gorta Mor, 1845-1850):

  • The Irish Dresser is an exciting, entertaining, and highly recommended story of taking risks and facing new challenges for the sake of hope.~ Midwest Book Review
  • Ms. Neale has drawn a vivid picture of the physical and emotional challenges facing Irish immigrants to American in the nineteenth century. ~ The Irish Emigrant
  • In addition to a gripping plot, the story is beautifully told in the cadences of Irish speech." ~ Mary Quattlebaum, Children's Literature Critic

Hope in New York City, the Continuing Story of The Irish Dresser:
  • The novel is full of convincing historical detail. Young readers should enjoy getting to know a courageous and engaging teenaged heroine, and they will learn a great deal about the Irish immigrant experience. ~ Historical Novel Society
  • Cynthia Neale's writing is vivid and lively—so much so that we forget we are reading history and, instead just snuggle up for another well told tale about Nora McCabe."~ Aine Greaney, Author of the The Sheepherders Dance and The Big House.

Norah, the Making of an Irish-American Woman in 19th-Century New York:
  • Neale weaves a historical fiction that is both beautiful, and haunting. The words float off the page and play out like images on a movie screen. Norah's deep longing, and richly felt heritage flow through the prose. ~ Christy Dorrity, Irish Central
  • Norah is a beautiful story. It will stay with you long after you close the cover. In this tale we watch as Norah wants to hide her Irish heritage rather than embrace it. Norah did not realize that our heritage is part of what makes us who we are.~ Readers' Favorites and Book Reviews and Award Contest
  • Hers is an American story of self creation through sheer grit and imagination. This historical novel paints an authentic and compelling picture of what it means to be young, poor, and female longing for a better life in 1840s New York City—a place teeming with Irish immigrants, beset by gangs, challenged by feminists and abolitionists, and imbued with the vibrancy of a young nation seeking its potential.~ Nancy Kelley, author of The Whispering Rod
  • In her exciting historical novel, Norah, Cynthia G. Neale shows us 19th Century New York through the eyes of an Irish-American woman and thus gives us new insights into this tumultuous time.  We see Norah McCabe making her way against all odds.  A memorable journey! ~ Mary Pat Kelly, author of the best-selling novel, Galway Bay
  • The morals of this tale are extremely poignant. When this author talks about truth, her words make your head spin. This story is filled with so much intrigue, mystery, and beauty, that you’ll cling to every word while watching Norah grow into a strong, courageous, and brilliant woman. ~ Feathered Quill Book Reviews
  • A page-turner, a provocative rendering of immigrant life, and a paean to the Ireland Neale clearly loves, the novel will certainly enhance your bookshelf as it has mine." ~ Mary Donnarumma Sharnick, author of Thirst and Plagued, historical fiction set in Venice
  • I felt as if I knew Norah personally. I cheered for her as she came to respect her heritage. If I could give this book higher than 5 stars I would. This is an excellent read that you won’t want to miss." ~ Review, Readers’ Favorite
  • Make no mistake, although at times the language is breathtakingly lyrical, Cynthia Neale tells it like it was, grit and all. ~ Deborah Swift, author of The Lady's Slipper, The Gilded Lily, and The Poison Keeper.

The Irish Milliner, The Making of an Irish-American Woman in 19th-Century New York:
  • Neale’s deft storytelling weaves together the struggles of Norah's daily life with the historical tapestry of a critical period, offering readers a compelling glimpse into a bygone era.~ Charles Hale, author of Untangling the Shadows: Searching for the Voices of My New York Irish Ancestors
  • This timely novel spans centuries to bring to our attention to a topic as old as yesterday, as expedient as tomorrow - emigration. Neale's work, written with love and insight, reminds us that our neighbor is all mankind.~ Tim Pat Coogan, Irish broadcaster, journalist, writer and author of  Michael Collins, 1916 The Easter Rising and The Famine Plot
  • Suddenly the Civil War seems very relevant and Cynthia Neale does a great job of focusing on the role of the Irish in the conflict. And it's great fun to be in touch with her wonderful character, Norah McCabe, again!” ~ Mary Pat Kelly, author of Galway Bay and Of Irish Blood
  • The Irish Milliner is a finely-crafted novel and powerful story of a woman caught in the social and political backwash of a rapidly-changing country that will  shape her and her family’s lives forever.  Norah McCabe is an unforgettable Irish-American woman who is spirited and imbued with a remarkable sense of  independence and self- will, of steely courage and a burning desire  for justice and human rights for all—black or  white, slave or freeman. Above all, it is her unshakable and buoyant spirit that shines through these pages. It is a story that stays with you long after you put the book down." ~ PJ Curtis, A Nightingale Falling, now an Irish feature film
  • Cynthia Neale's beautifully written, well researched novel is a gift for our times. To witness the immigrant experience at a tumultuous period in our history through the eyes of the Irish Milliner and Norah McCabe softens the heart, expands the mind, and drives home once again Burke's quote, 'Those who don't know history are doomed to repeat it.'" ~ Joanna Rush, actor, playwright, author of Asking For It (Kick!)

Pavlova in a Hat Box, Sweet Memories & Desserts:
  • I was lucky enough to meet the author when I bought the book, and to be honest she charmed me into doing so - then out of curiosity I tried a recipe or two, just because the book (beautifully put together) makes them sound so good and is so engaging. I am no baker by any means, but this book could make one of me. I am now queen of the Lemon Madeleine. One of the favourite cookbooks on my shelf. ~ J.R. Colliss Harvey, author of Red: The History of the Redhead, Walking Pepys' London (An Armchair Traveller) and other works.
  • As a chef taught by his mother, I find Cynthia Neale’s Pavlova in a Hat Box a stroll down memory lane. You can feel the love and passion in every word. The photos are enticing and the recipes delicious sounding and inspiring. The book has captured the true feeling of pleasure, beauty and love that gathering around the table can bring to family and friends.~ Chef Harry
  • If you've got a sweet tooth and an eye for deliciously vivid watercolors, this confection of a cookbook will make you wish you, too, had grown up in New York's Finger Lakes region with a powerhouse baker of a mother - From Ceili Cake to Cranberry Tarts, the secrets are all here. ~ Karl Zinsmeister, co-author of Finger Lakes Feast: 110 Delicious Recipes from New York's Hotspot for Wholesome Local Foods
  • Cynthia Neale's Pavlova in a Hat Box is a delicious celebration of life! Written in memoir style, her writing flows easily and the recipes feature fresh, wholesome organic ingredients. I cannot wait to try the Spiffy Spiced Molasses Cookies and the Rocking Rhubarb Pie ~ Marilynn Carter, author of No Fret Cooking and other works
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