On an autumn day in 1890, eighteen-year-old Alice Butler and her sister Nora step out the massive doors of the Union Depot in Denver and into their new life, far from their home in Ireland. Call it what you may—coincidence, chance, or tragic fate—the same train has deposited two other young Irish immigrants at the foot of the Rockies that day: Thomas Quinn, a skilled carpenter with a heart for labor rights and brotherhood, and Emmett Kelly, a butcher with relentless self-interest at his core. In the following years, the lives of these four will intersect, leading to loves, conflicts, and unexpected alliances. A devastating dispute will shatter their world, testing their resolve to move forward.
We are at their sides as they navigate personal challenges amidst sweeping social and economic changes, and we witness the indomitable spirit and resilience of immigrants daring to dream. Watching every setback turn into a step forward, every heartache reveal a stronger bond, we learn for ourselves the essence of ambition, the price of progress, and the infinite capacity for hope.
Editorial Reviews of The Butcher on Colfax
Tierney’s historical tale is well-researched and engaging. The clear writing, good pacing, and extensive character and plot development make this an enlightening and enduring read. One will become quickly invested in the characters, learning much that is factual about the lives of Irish migrants in the US at the turn of the twentieth century. — Kate Robinson for The U.S. Review of Books
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Despite a title that suggests slasher fiction, J.T. Tierney’s The Butcher on Colfax Ave is, in fact,an engrossing historical novel about young Irish immigrants chasing the American Dream in turn-of-the-century Colorado.
Like the masterful world building in Ken Follett’s Pillars of Earth, The Butcher on Colfax gives readers a “you are there” feel for events—from the economic Panic of 1893 to the Spanish flu pandemic—and for the daily lives of those swept up in them. The author writes in a breezy but confident style about everything from why telephone companies preferred to hire girls (tall ones) to how folks reacted to the newfangled idea of customers gathering their own groceries rather than having clerks fetch them: “Wouldn’t that be chaos?” In Tierney’s hands, even a debate about taxation on oleomargarine is good reading.
Amusing period slang and snappy dialogue will appeal to a general audience, as when one character warns another: “you’re swingin’ at a wasp nest with a real short stick here.”
... an enlightening and enjoyable book. — BlueInk Review
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The Butcher of Colfax is a wonderfully entertaining as well as a richly rewarding read. Author J. T. Tierney has done a marvelous job of capturing the immigrants’ dream, the rich vein of entrepreneurial spirit that runs through so many of them, their resilience, and most of all their overwhelming desire for a better life not only for themselves but for their children. The four principal characters are all beautifully drawn and each of them is unique. I was drawn most to the female characters Alice and Maggie who, despite all the tragedies that had beset them in their immigrant journey, were strong, resourceful, resolute, and perhaps most of all, incredibly compassionate.
… I loved this story; its warmth, its shared experience, and its focus on redemption. I highly recommend this very readable novel.—Five-star Review by Grant Leishman for Readers’ Favorite
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Author J. T. Tierney utilizes great historical research and attention to detail to craft an immersive journey into the heart of the Irish-American immigrant experience in early 20th-century Denver. I was immediately swept away into the vivid storytelling that brought the characters' struggles and triumphs to life, making their pursuits and setbacks deeply relatable as we see their hopes and heartaches play out. I enjoyed how the author handles the different strands of the plot and weaves them into one bigger narrative picture. From Emmett Kelly's rise to entrepreneurial success to Thomas Quinn's labor activism, the work beautifully highlighted the diverse paths to the American Dream, and the portrayal of women’s roles and rights, and the 1918 influenza pandemic all played their parts in shaping the strong attitudes and emotional ties in the tale. To top it all off, the dialogue for these interesting and well-rounded characters was brilliant, offering authentic-sounding historical inflections and language, but penned in a way that is accessible and totally relatable to modern audiences too. Overall, The Butcher on Colfax Ave is a vividly penned work of historical fiction that I would not hesitate to recommend. — K.C. Finn for Reader’s Favorite
Hallie Bancroft’s 42-year-old life is in shambles. The universe has been dishing out lemons to her at mach speed: laid off from her job as a theater-set designer, abandoned by her boyfriend, and saddled with an apartment she can no longer afford.
When her best friend intervenes, Hallie finds herself with five others in a Cape Cod mansion so gigantic it could have its own ZIP code. There, she meets Quinn O'Neill, a dashing widowed professor in his early fifties who, much to Hallie’s surprise, loves wordplay and literature as passionately as she does. Sparks fly, and before you can say “pants on fire,” Hallie and Quinn are caught up in an unexpected, sizzling love affair.
A beautiful future seems to await them. But when surprising new job opportunities crop up and Hallie’s ex-lover reappears, all bets are off. A happily-ever-after ending for Hallie and Quinn seems as elusive as a desert mirage. Can either of them find the right words to make it a reality, or are they stuck mute on the express train to JustFriendsville?
“The prose is bright and fresh, featuring cheeky jokes and colorful similes that are hilarious and engaging.” — Jenna Lefkowitz for Foreword Clarion Reviews
"A wonderful read with many layers, it is one of those books that stays with you." — Kat Kennedy for The U.S. Review of Books
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Editorial reviews of Love, Literally
Tierney writes in an easy, conversational manner, which early on proves to be a style of writing that immediately draws one into the book. It is well-paced and explores the characters’ motivations and concerns in a dramatic tension that holds well throughout the novel. The reader is very quickly immersed in the lives of the author's strong characters and their interactions.
One of the most engaging and delightful aspects of the narrative is the wordplay between Quinn and Hallie. Anyone who loves words will enjoy the many puns included, as well as the information concerning the origin of certain words and phrases. Tierney does a fabulous job with this language theme in the novel. The spontaneous wordplay is well done and fun to read. In fact, it is what sets this book above others and makes the love story angle interesting. This is certainly a wonderful read with many layers. It is one of those books that stays with you. Readers may find themselves rereading passages that are most compelling and informative. This one belongs on the shelf of anyone who enjoys a good story, rich language, historical information, and cultural details. — “Recommended” review by Kat Kennedy for the US Review of Books
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J. T. Tierney has a real knack for character development and emotion that has resulted in an enchanting novel immersed in the complexities of love and self-discovery. … Love, Literally is a poignant exploration of the human heart that I would highly recommend for fans of vivid, realistic contemporary romance everywhere. —Five-star review by K.C. Finn for Reader’s Favorite
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The author’s writing and knowledge are evident throughout the book. The novel is set in the charming town of Chatham on Cape Cod, and the author’s descriptive writing allows readers to visualize every scene easily. …The story is not centered around the typical love-at-first-sight trope but instead explores the complexity of relationships and the struggles that come with them.
The character development in the book is exceptional. Both Hallie and Quinn undergo significant transformations throughout the story, and the author portrays these changes in a realistic and relatable way. The supporting characters are also well-written and add depth to the plot. The author’s use of humor and wit is one of the book’s most significant strengths. The banter between Hallie and Quinn is witty and entertaining, and the author has a unique way of making even the most mundane situations funny. …
Love, Literally is a well-written, emotionally satisfying, and thought-provoking book. — Starred review by Richard Simone for Hollywood Book Reviews
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A riveting character-driven tale laced with romance and drama, Love, Literally is a heartwarming novel about friendship, love, and second chances. … Tierney paces the plot without haste, giving readers ample time to soak up the setting and get to know the characters. Every character is well-fleshed-out with backstories that add layers to their personalities and show their agency. Aside from Hallie and Quinn's relationship, I also enjoyed Maria's story and the stimulating conversations among the friends at Lisa's house. Contemporary romance readers shouldn't miss this one. This book is tailor-made for you! — Five-star review by Pikasho Deka for Reader’s Favorite
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J.T. Tierney gathers two couples and two singles into one big house in a New England paradise in Love, Literally. And the results are nothing short of surprising. With humor and intellect, this romance demonstrates the true building blocks of loving relationships. …
While the love story takes center stage, my favorite relationships in the book are among the women. Hallie and her best friend Maria are written perfectly as two great friends who have been through a lot together in their twenty-year relationship. I also enjoyed Maria’s individual chapters and her personal struggles. The ways she deals with the guilt of being wealthy while maintaining relationships with her rich friends is an eye-opening perspective. I also loved her relationship with her daughter Joli and the ride they get taken for in this book. For being a secondary character, Maria really jumps off the page as a relatable mother, friend, and woman.
There is a feeling of relaxation that accompanies this book. The serene Cape Cod setting is a wonderful fit for this funny romance. Rather than the standard summer environment that most people think of when imagining Cape Cod, this story takes place in the off-season, giving everything a slowed-down and intimate feeling. Tierney describes her settings seamlessly: from Chatham to Nantucket to Provincetown and Boston. I lived in the area briefly, and it made me feel happy to return there through the book’s authentic depictions.
Looking for a romance novel with realistic love in an ideal setting? Love, Literally is the one for you. — Review by Jaylynn Korell for Independent Book Review
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J.T. Tierney embraces the male and female perspectives through the novel without stereotypes, focusing on Quinn's, Hallie's, and Maria's points of view. Hallie is a forthright and charming middle-aged woman, who enjoys wordplay and appreciates open-minded people. The language and banter between Hallie and Quinn entertained me, as it was a different kind of foreplay. Nineteenth-century British literature amuses the couple, and they value candor. Tierney addresses wealth, sexual orientation, and politics without making it the focus of the work, and readers experience the depth of the characters as they share their pasts and unload secrets. The spark between Hallie and Quinn is strong as they explore whether their romance will dwindle or turn into a roaring blaze. Hallie's views are infectious, and her points are valid, making Love, Literally a good selection for readers who enjoy a strong female protagonist in an uncertain love story. —Five-star review by Courtnee Turner Hoyle for Readers’ Favorite
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The prose is bright and fresh, featuring cheeky jokes and colorful similes that are hilarious and engaging. - Foreword/Clarion Review
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Love, Literally by J. T. Tierney is a slow-paced contemporary romance that pairs well with cold evenings and mugs of hot chocolate. This story shows the temptation and hesitation to leap into the future while staying attached to the perceived safety of the past: a typical case of the devil we know. The themes explored include loyalty, beliefs, grief, heartbreak, romance, healing, kindness, drama, secrets, and scandals. Tierney has assembled and developed thought-provoking characters, which leads to a wholesome story. Beyond Quinn and Hallie, I saw life through the lens of Maria, Lisa, Mike, Paul, Jolivia, and Maddie. How do we balance helping the less privileged without hurting our finances? Is it right to detest others for not giving as much as we do? I also loved the conflicting discussions about faith, sexuality, and abortions. However, my highlight was watching Hallie’s journey to self-discovery. It’s never too late to start over. — Five-star review by Jennifer Ibiam for Reader’s Favorite
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Hallie’s relationships, friends and lovers, are the main focus of the book and is where the real meat and grit of this story lies. The other characters are also clearly animated, flaws and all. This really makes the book an enjoyable read.
The literature references throughout are nicely timed and executed and for those who are even vaguely familiar with British (and Irish) literature, they will appreciate the good timing and repeated referencing and quotes. Joyce, Thackeray, Bronte, etc. Really nicely done. — Review by Nicky Matthews for Reedsy Discovery
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J.T. Tierney's unorthodox approach to crafting a love story results in a captivating and incredibly realistic book. There is a beautiful deviation from the time-worn formula of young love with a tendency for all parties in the romantic entanglement to be head over heels for something more mature in both the ages of the parties involved and their interactions. With the main characters' atypical backstories, Tierney expertly embodies the theme of finding love in the most unlikely places. Quinn and Hallie's remarkably sophisticated exchanges and distinctive wordplay characterize Love, Literally. … Tierney's Love, Literally is in a class of its own. — Five-Star Review by Essien Asian for Readers’ Favorite
J.T. Tierney is a retired professor of American government. Author of several academic books and many articles in scholarly journals, he was a contributing writer for The Alantic for several years after he left academia. He later turned his attention to writing fiction.
The early weeks of the pandemic lockdown in 2020 provided the inspiration for Love, Literally, his first novel.
His second novel —The Butcher on Colfax— is a work of historical fiction, exploring the lives of Irish migrants to Colorado in the 1890s.
His third novel, a satire about the political controversy over COVID-mitigation measures, is coming out later this summer.And he currently is at work on a political novel, set in Washington, DC over the period from 1950 to 1985. It’s a tale of ambition, power, illusion, and delusion.
