Cover photograph by ysbrandcosijn
A new life is built with blood, sweat and a song.
"The Family Mosaic" is a sweeping historical fiction novel inspired by the extraordinary life of my great-great-grandfather, Peter O’Reilly. He was a charming young Irishman who traded the security of his home in Mullingar, County Westmeath, Ireland for the promise of adventure in America.
Peter O'Reilly
The novel spans more than a decade and thousands of miles, following Peter from Ireland to Boston and across the hell-on-wheels railroad camps of Texas.
At the age of 19, Peter left the rolling hills of Ireland behind as a stowaway on a ship to Boston. He carried with him little more than the photos of his siblings, impossible dreams, and an unwavering belief that America offers every man a chance to build a better life.
This photo of Peter O'Reilly hung in the home of his youngesst son, James Patrick O'Reilly, for years.
These are three of the photos Peter had in his pocket when he left Ireland as a stowaway to Boston. They are of photos of his siblings, Michael, Annie and Brigid. He had photos of his other siblings too, but they have been lost.
Irish Poet
When Peter arrived on the shores of Boston in 1869, the reality of the New World dealt him a swift and brutal blow. Amid hardship and heartache, he found strength in friendship and a love that anchored him. He was determined to build a future for his family, but it demanded a price.
Peter refused to be broken. With a quick joke on his lips, a lighthearted poem in his pocket, and a song to dull the ache of tragedy, he fought for his piece of the world. Later in his life, he would earn the name "The Irish Poet of Denton."
Like a mosaic
Like a colorful mosaic, Peter's life left vibrant, lasting pieces of love and strength that shaped the Texas towns he lived in and the heart of the large family he loved and raised.
I invite readers back to the frontier in my next novel, "Denton," for the gripping sequel to "The Family Mosaic." Set in 1881, the story follows Peter, the legendary "Irish Poet of Denton," as he transitions from a rugged teamster and saloon owner into a farmer and city alderman. Caught between the fierce devotion of his daughters and the deep-seated resentment of his sons, he must endure profound family tragedies. He ultimately buries two wives and five children. Readers will watch a wild Texas frontier town grow up alongside one of the men who built it, discovering the indelible, lasting imprint of a true pioneer. Available in 2028.
In 2016, my husband, my mom, my boys, and I visited Peter's childhood home in Mullingar, County Westmeath, in Ireland. It was my mom's birthday, and it was a great way to celebrate. Through us, Peter's story continues, and the picture of his family mosaic grows with more colorful pieces.