Irish Tales and Tunes to celebrate St. Pat's at Orland Park Public Library on Friday, March 6

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day early with Irish Tales & Tunes at the Orland Park Public Library on Friday, March 6 at 7 p.m. Author Mary Pat Kelly will share tales from her newest novel, “Of Irish Blood,” with music by Catherine O’Connell.

Kelly will talk about and read from “Of Irish Blood,” the sequel to her popular “Galway Bay” novel. Books will be available for purchase and signing at the event. O’Connell, one of Chicago’s favorite Irish singers, will entertain with Irish tunes and songs from the early 20th century, the book’s time frame.

Refreshments will be served including Irish soda bread, appetizers, fruit and pizza provided by event sponsors Winston’s Market in Tinley Park, Fox’s Restaurant and Pub of Orland Park, and Chicago Gaelic Park.

Inspired by the life of Kelly’s great aunt, the novel’s 24-year-old heroine Nora Kelly finds herself climbing the ladder of success in the early 1900s until she falls for the wrong man. Nora takes on Paris, mixing with couturiers, artists, and “les femmes Americaines” of the Left Bank such as Gertrude Stein and Sylvia Beach. Her encounters with a scholar, priest and determined Irish women convince her to fight to free Ireland.

Reviews include:

“A fascinating story… engrossing central character.” Mary Higgins Clark

“An incredible writer captures the world of Parisian fashions in the 1920’s.” Tommy
Hilfiger

“...featuring plenty of action…The ongoing saga of the Kelly family will appeal to historical and Irish American fiction fans.” Booklist

“Of Irish Blood is a masterpiece of historical fiction!” Irish American News

“Galway Bay,” Kelly’s first book in the series, was published in 2009. Her premier novel, “Special Intentions,” was based on her experiences as a nun on the West Side of Chicago. She also has written nonfiction works on subjects as varied as Martin Scorsese and Air Force fighter pilot Scott O’Grady’s rescue from Bosnia. She makes films and has worked as a screenwriter in Hollywood as well as a “Saturday Night Live” producer in New York.

An Irish-American born and raised in Chicago, Kelly lives in New York City with her Irish husband Martin Sheerin. She attended St. Mary of the Woods College in Terre Haute, Indiana and the former Marywood High School School in Evanston.

For more information visit www.orlandparklibrary.org, Irish Tunes & Tales or call 708-428-5100. The Orland Park Public Library is located at 14921 Ravinia Ave. in Orland Park.