Walter Keady

After her father's death, Sister Mary Thomas leaves her convent to reclaim the family farm in the Irish village of Kildawree. In 1950, her status as ex-nun scandalizes the women of the village, but her beauty, strength, willfulness and wit attract every eligible man — and a few who shouldn't be so available. Mary has no interest in marrying but decides to have a child. As the town tries to identify the father, we see what attracts them to this passionate Irish woman, particularly as she appears to the parish priest. He knows her attractions, does his best by her, and then suffers the consequences of his light hand and misjudging clerical spirit. Written with Keady's characteristic charm and graceful humor, 'Mary McGreevy' is a moving, funny, and forceful novel of the heart.