When Irish Guys Are Smiling (S.A.S.S.)

During the month of March, I try to read as many St. Patrich's Day related novels as possible. I do run into the most delightful Irish tales imaginable. When Irish Guys are Smiling popped up, I thought it would be a nice celebratory Irish read, and it did not disappoint. This is such a light, fun book to escape into. The adventure just sweeps you off your feet and into the pages for a wonderful travel to Ireland.Seventeen-year-old Delk is looking forward to studying abroad in Ireland to escape her hum-drum life in Tennessee. Her current unhappy condition stems from her mother passing two years prior and her father's recent remarriage. She is beside herself and needs to breakaway and regroup, and she is given a wonderful opportunity to live in a castle and learn a new culture for a semester. Upon arriving in Ireland, she meets some of the most delightful students that are attending the same program. Within hours, she has befriended Iris, Lucy, Latreece, Trent and Brent. Shortly afterwards, on one her outings, Delk meets the local farmer's son, Pather (same age as the others). This is important in the fact that Delk will form a strong bond and relationship with drop-dead, gorgeous Irishman Pather: he relates to Delk's sorrow and her loss of a mother, which they will connect strongly from this.The overall premise of this story is that Delk, while visiting a foreign country amongst her peers, she finds solace and peace, and she will learn a great deal about herself. This will greatly assist in getting her out of her funk period and alleviating the pain she has carried; and just basically, growing up and living in the here and now with a much greater, more valuable outlook on her life.The Ireland scenery, backdrop in this story is very descriptive and well-written; combine that with the characters and the storyline, and you have one breathtaking adventure that should not go unread. Simply, a lovely Irish tale!

The characters are charming and fun. Each of them grows over the course of the book, becoming truly interesting people. I'd love to follow each of them to see what happens next in their individual lives. I admire the way the author weaves in information about Ireland's history, arts, and sheepshearing! Delk is an original ... she's so lovely and brave and smart. The romance part is page-turning, but I won't spoil it for you. Just know that you'll be smiling and crying happy tears when you read the last page. I truly want to know what happens next!

Delk Sinclair can't wait to get as far away from Nashville, Tennessee, as she can. Her mother passed away two years ago, and her father has remarried someone that is only ten years older than she is. And her new stepmother is going to have a baby. On top of that, it's almost time to start presenting to society. Without her mom by her side, the last thing Delk wants to do is go through the frenzy of debutante preparations. So Delk finds herself in Ireland for the S.A.S.S (Students Across the Seven Seas) program at Tremain Castle. Along with twenty-four fellow students, she will be immersed in Irish culture for the semester. Thus, she will avoid everything at home.Within the first twenty-four hours in Ireland, she befriends Iris, Lucy, Latreece, Trent, Brent, and, most importantly, Pather. Pather is the local farmer's son, and can relate to the loss of a mother. Delk and Pather form an instant connection and their friendship grows.While in Ireland, Delk learns a lot about herself that she never knew. Slowly, by letting her new friends in, Delk realizes that they like her for who she is. She begins to accept that her father is happy with his new wife. And she acknowledges that Paige isn't trying to replace her mother, but to help her heal.Ms. Supplee writes a novel that fits the S.A.S.S. series perfectly. A young student wants to leave their own home for some reason. And while on their own in a foreign country, they will come to learn much about themselves.WHEN IRISH GUYS ARE SMILING is a sweet addition to the series. Ms. Supplee paints a beautiful portrait of the lush landscape that is Ireland. The setting is realistic with the damp cold that the country can be known for. And the reader can get a taste of the drafty castle when the fire goes out. But even with the dreary weather, the reader falls in love with the Emerald Isle and becomes envious of what Delk gets to experience.Reivewed by: Jaglvr