An Irish Odyssey, From Despair to Hope

"Sepia-toned history comes alive with thoughts and conversations as contemporary as our own." -Pastor Tim Christenson, Colonel, USMC (Ret.)"I learned a lot about the Irish Potato Famine through Erler's depictions of people who experienced it. . . . The time travel [helped] interpret the historical background of the 1800s and the telling of the story" -Mary Schmidt"A compelling story that needs to be shared and reflects a lot of excellent research." -Rev. Dr. Kurt Ziemann

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Standing in the shadow of Ireland's Great Hunger, one woman wields an unyielding strength that shapes the destiny of generations.

When time-traveler Emilia Parker views history through the eyes of her Irish great-great grandmother, Maggie Cantlon, she witnesses firsthand the deathly grip of starvation, the anguish of loss, and the cruelty of England's "coffin ships." Yet, amidst her suffering and trials, Maggie retains unyielding hope.

Inspired by true events, "An Irish Odyssey" follows the Cantlon family from the shores of Ireland to the wild frontiers of Canada and Michigan, where they start new lives in the lumber camps of 19th-century America.

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Emotionally compelling, "An Irish Odyssey" offers a unique perspective of Erler's Irish immigrants through vivid characterizations, immersive storytelling, and a revelation into the political and economic injustice they endured. This novel is an ideal choice for book clubs and readers who enjoy historical fiction, Irish heritage, and epic family stories.

MF Erler

PeaksAndBeyond.com

Praise for An Irish Odyssey...

"Reading this book, I learned a lot about the Irish Potato Famine through Erler's depictions of people who experienced it. Books that I love to read are historical fiction that follows families through generations. This one was great to read as it followed the struggles and the strength of the Irish as well as other immigrants that land on foreign soils. The story hung together well, as I was eager to find out what happened to these richly full characters she developed. The time travel was helpful to interpret parts of the historical background of the 1800s and not intrusive in the telling of the story. Erler is a writer who paints a clear picture to the reader. A great skill to have. I felt the pain, the struggles, the stench of death, and hope for each new baby. Thank you, Ms. Erler, for sharing this story of struggle, strength, hope, and faith." -Mary Schmid, Retired Teacher Montana

"An Irish Odyssey: From Despair to Hope takes on a compelling story that needs to be shared, and reflects a lot of excellent research." -Rev. Dr. Kurt Ziemann, Ohio

"An Irish Odyssey is another well-formed time-travel story of Twenty-first Century characters journeying back into their ancestor's lives. Scenes of the Irish Potato Famine come alive for modern readers, and bring long-forgotten history into focus. Once again, readers learn that many times there is nothing new under the sun." -Pastor Tim Christenson, Colonel, USMC (Ret.), Montana

"An Irish Odyssey is the best book I've read in a long time. My heart ached for what the characters had to go through, and yet they managed to find hope in the end. Everyone should read this book!" -SFP, Author, Oregon

"If you've ever had the feeling that life has given you more than you can handle, you'll really appreciate this book. It's a woman's journey through difficulties many of us experience, to find acceptance and self-transformation in the end." -Richard Bartlett, M.A., Ph.D.

"Far from Magnolia Drive" is a book that shares one woman's struggle through her emotional and spiritual journey. Author MF Erler tells the story of a brave woman, Mary Anna, who faces several issues that affect many people today. She talks about how parenting a child with special needs (Tourette's Syndrome) . . . The grief of loss in leaving behind a home you love, physical separation from family, and the death of her parents are covered with honesty. I felt inspired and hopeful for Mary Anna, and even for myself. Erler writes with a voice of authenticity. It is very relatable. I found it to be a page turner - I didn't want to put it down!" -Kathleen McCafferty, Ordained Minister, United Methodist Church

"FAR FROM MAGNOLIA DRIVE is an intimate and captivating story of a seeker who traveled through bouts of hopelessness and despair. The telling of Mary Anna Parker's journey is written brilliantly and compassionately by M.F. ERLER. This fictional character was totally believable and real as she traveled through her journey familiar to many. As a reader, Erler led me, with her descriptive writing, to seek along with Mary Anna for a return of hope and trust in her life. This is a must read for anyone who seeks for a return of trust and hope in their lives... how to convince herself that life had been worthwhile. I was captured and felt the struggle right along with Mary Anna.." - Mary M. Schmidt, Retired Teacher

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