Tensions are high in early twentieth century Ireland as the nationalist movement, seeking independence from Britain, grows in strength and passion. Can this centuries-old goal be achieved through political means, without violence? This question challenges the Irish both within their country and in the widespread Irish diaspora, including Americans eager to finance a revolution modeled after their own.

Against this backdrop, Cally, Charlie, his fiancée Laoise, and the long-lost Billy, the missing “treasure” of the treasure hunt in Book Two, each face their own “faeries.” Cally, who almost dies from a second bout of typhoid and must work hard to catch up with her nurse’s training, guards her growing love for Ryan. She carries secrets she has shared with no one, not even her brother Teddy. When the time comes, terrified to return to Ireland for her beloved adopted brother Charlie’s wedding, she finds refuge and solace with Teddy, his Oneida wife Sunrise, and their engaging baby Aiyana. But will she be able to heal the rifts her actions cause with Ryan and with her daughter Felicity?

Everything seems to be going well for Charlie as he and Laoise marry. They too carry a secret, a happy one. They blend their professional callings as pianist and violinist into a repertoire in demand across Europe and the United States. After her beloved mother’s death, tensions arise, though, when Laoise makes a decision she’s unwilling to share with Charlie. Her deceit shocks Charlie into reevaluating his values, his dreams, and his marriage.

Billy ran away from his mother in Idaho the day he turned thirteen, seeking his father and his identity. Devastated to learn his father is dead, Billy’s ambition to become a doctor motivates him to stay in Ireland when an excellent school offers him a place in exchange for secret messenger service for the nationalists. Rattled by how dangerous this becomes, he must reach his own determination about what will best allow him to be free to fly. Will he be capable of taking a stand despite pressure from Mr. MacDonagh, a teacher who has invested a great deal in Billy’s academic success? A special friend Fred, renewed relationship with his uncle and cousin when his mother dies, and his own hard work and determination help Billy thrive.

But who is that old woman?

Like the others in the series, this book is built on extensive historical research and features discussion questions for book clubs. Facing the Faeries 1906 also includes links to Charlie and Laoise’s repertoire, both individually and as a playlist, for hours of listening to the gorgeous music of their time. As always, the author hopes the living Malcomson family descendants will forgive and enjoy her fictional embellishments of their ancestors’ lives.