Author Archives: Sydney Wakeford

  enjoyed this book tremendously!

Appropriate that I finish this book on St Patrick’s Day. The third in the Remembering Ireland Series by my friend Leara Rhodes, “Tybee Rhapsody” was an enjoyable read. I loved the scene of the pilgrimage up a mountain ending with a storm that becomes a composition of despair and exhilaration at the same time. ThisContinue reading “Tybee Rhapsody – Deborah G., 3/17/2026”

Leara Rhodes’ first two books, “Spancil Hill” and “The Darkest Midnight in December,” introduced her as a talented storyteller, one worthy of endorsement by the Celtic Heritage Foundation. Those two books took us from 1885 Ireland to 1907 America, leaving us with some of our favorite characters headed back to Ireland.  In “Tybee Rhapsody,” Rhodes continuesContinue reading “Tybee Rhapsody – Rosemary W.”

I was drawn to Tybee Rhapsody for its blend of music, nature, and personal transformation, and what stayed with me most was how those elements are shaped by the realities of a woman’s life in the early 1900s. Gertrude is an accomplished pianist, but her relationship with music is influenced by the limitations placed onContinue reading “Tybee Rhapsody – Anonymous Goodreads review”

Tybee Rhapsody is a beautifully layered novel that weaves together music, nature, and personal redemption. Set against the vivid landscape of Tybee Island, the story immerses the reader in a world where place and creativity become essential to healing. Gertrude, an accomplished pianist, is a compelling protagonist whose life is upended by circumstances she neverContinue reading “Tybee Rhapsody – Donna H., March 2026”

A young woman, the daughter of Irish immigrants, leaves all her friends and family in New York City to test her abilities and pursue a career–nothing startling by today’s standards–except the setting of The Darkest Midnight in December is Savannah in the early 20th century, when it was most uncommon for a woman to aspire to moreContinue reading “The Darkest Midnight in December – Anne C.”

Have you ever taken a leap of Faith?  Leara Rhodes’ second novel, The Darkest Night in December, takes you on Sharon McGee’s journey from poverty to hope. It is a delightful read of a young Irish woman’s determination to follow her dream. The story follows Sharon from her harrowing voyage from NYC to Savannah, Ga.Continue reading “The Darkest Midnight in December – Mitzi B., 2026”

Rich with detail, the flavor of real history, and a story that will consume you.

This well-researched novel will appeal to readers who love horses, the history of Ireland in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and stories of Irish immigrants in NYC. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Well written story of Irish history and immigration to America