Cheryl St. John is a wonderfully talented author of memorable historical romance reads, and she has created a remarkable love story called "The Wedding Journey". This book is the beginning of the "Irish Brides Series" from Harlequin's Love Inspired Historical brand. I love reading historical romance for many reasons, all of which are to be found in "The Wedding Journey". I have always lived in historical romance. I just “reside” in the modern world. From as far back as I can remember, I was always drawn to times of old, ladies and gentlemen from another era, and clothing and customs from days gone by. My mother and I always lived with her parents, and I grew up with values from an older generation. I was also lucky enough to hear stories passed on from several generations, play dress-up in wonderful clothing from different decades, and be taught manners and behavior from a more courtly society. "The Wedding Journey" is the first story of the three Murphy sisters, Maeve, Nora, and Bridget, who are grieving the loss of their father, and wondering how they will make ends meet. An unexpected windfall comes in the form of an inheritance from a man who once loved their mother. He had purchased a home outside Boston, MA, and left it as a place for their mother to live should she ever come to America. Their mother had died a decade ago, and now without both parents, the sisters decide to leave Ireland and cross the ocean to the land of possibilities. They determine to find temporary employment on the voyage to their new home, and Maeve becomes the assistant to the handsome ship's doctor, Flynn Gallagher, who is a widower. Flynn is as Irish as the Murphys, but he comes from a background of wealth and privilege far removed from the humble origins of the sisters. Nonetheless, he is captivated by the sincerity and innocent charm of the lovely Maeve Murphy. Petite, red-haired, and blessed with a fresh complexion and sparkling blue eyes, Maeve stirs feelings in Flynn's grief-stricken heart. His deep sorrow at the loss of his wife and young son to cholera had left him emotionally scarred and driven him to seek advancements in the prevention and treatment of disease, allowing him little time for personal considerations. His admiration for the genuine warmth and care for others possessed by Maeve and her sisters helps him to begin to communicate more with others and to find enjoyment in the simple everyday pleasures of life. The jumble of passengers on this voyage are headed across the sea for a wide variety of reasons, and many of them will find their lives changed by the crossing. The author has written an amazing and involving story line, with the ship itself being a "world within a world". I was fascinated by the travel necessities of the times, and how people had to adapt for survival on this type of ship voyage. My eyes were also opened to the devastation of the Irish people due to disease and the potato famine. Beginning in 1845 and lasting for six years, the potato famine killed over a million men, women and children in Ireland and caused another million to flee the country. Small wonder that the promise of the land of milk and honey that was America in the mid to late 1800's drew people from far and wide, and that their dreams and emotions were quite intense. "The Wedding Journey" is indeed the journey of a lifetime, where hearts are revealed and hope is reaffirmed. Highly recommended for lovers of great historical romance.

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