Hello, I’m Colleen Marie!
About One Spirit of Love
Welcome to One Spirit of Love, where I share a love for all things reading, writing, animal-assisted learning, small-town country living, and faith ✞
I write inspirational small-town romance with Irish charm. You can always count on stories full of beautiful country settings, endearing small towns, memorable characters, and clean, heartwarming romance. I love morning sunrises and evening bonfires, good books, Irish ceili dancing, and Jesus.
Recent Book Release
New ReleaseKayleigh’s Knight
CHRISTIAN NEW ADULT FICTION NOVEL
EMERALD ISLE UNIVERSITY SERIES
BOOK #2
Kayleigh O’Reilly has worked hard to have the perfect life. Graduating at the top of her class, her dream of becoming a writer is within reach when she's awarded a spot in the renowned Creative Writing Program at Emerald Isle University. Just as all of her dreams are coming true, her world is turned upside down when her boyfriend breaks up with her the day she leaves for Ireland.
In the land of Saints and Scholars, Kayleigh begins her freshman year broken-hearted and in need of inspiration. Hope comes in the form of Seamus Murphy, the local fisherman and ruggedly handsome poet, and his offer to rent a small uninhibited cottage by the sea so she can focus on her writing. Feeling free for the first time, Kayleigh begins to rediscover herself and the dreams hidden deep in her heart.
Inspired by the enchanting small town of Cloverdale, Kayleigh accepts a position at the local newspaper. The future is bright until she uncovers a deadly plot to revenge a decades old feud. Danger looms over the town and Kayleigh must decide who she can trust and if true love is worth the risk. As the storm threatens to destroy, will Kayleigh finally be able to find the words to write her own story?
Upcoming Book ~ Fall 2025 
Upcoming Releaseashling’s anchor
CHRISTIAN NEW ADULT FICTION NOVEL
EMERALD ISLE UNIVERSITY SERIES
BOOK #3
Ashling O’Reilly has the heart of an artist. When she receives a scholarship for the Emerald Isle University's legendary Fine Arts program, she travels to Ireland in hopes of bringing her artistic dreams to life. As she joins her sisters, Teagan and Kayleigh, at the university and settles into life on the Kavanagh's horse farm, she begins to question whether she truly belongs there.
Feeling lost and confused, she accepts an invitation to backpack through Europe with her free-spirited ex-boyfriend. But just as she's about the leave Ireland, her eyes are opened to the traditional art of metal work by the quiet and brooding farrier, Cormac Byrne. Ashling takes a leap of faith and joins Cormac in a dual apprenticeship with the town's blacksmith. Her dreams are stoked by the fire and her heart warms to the idea of love for the first time. As she finds purpose in her artistic calling, she's thrust into the midst of a decades old Irish feud threatening to destroy the town and the people she loves.
Ashling becomes entangled in a web of ancient folklore, lies, and deception. With the town on the brink of destruction, she races to uncover who's behind the vengeful attack before it's too late. Ashling must decide how far she will go to save the town and traditions that have found a place in her heart. As the town begins to crumble, will Ashling find the strength to fight for what she believes in?
Book ReviewsWhat readers are saying…
“Colleen Marie crafts atmospheric settings through her words. Her love of nature, animals, Ireland, and most of all, Jesus, shines through at all times. I’m glad I read this one!”
Audrey Lancho
Author of The Silver Lining
“The perfect dose of intrigue and mystery to balance out the homey and humorous undertones of the story. I eagerly await the next installment.”
Allison Ramirez
Author of The Divided Kingdom series
“Colleen Marie blends a beautiful setting, a cast of interesting characters, and a touch of mystery and suspense.”
Nancy lavo
Author of of the Lone Star Loves series
“A strong and relatable female main character in a story that is filled with romance, mystery, and horses! I am grateful for authors like Colleen Marie."
Kelly Ann Guest, author of Saintly Moms: 25 Stories of Holiness and mother of 9 My LifeA Glimpse into
a life in one spirit of love
I spend my days in the countryside of Maryland with my husband, three children, and crew of lovable animals—all of whom never fail to bring new adventures and laughter each and every day.
When I’m not writing, you can find me teaching biology at a local university, managing and leading instruction for my animal-assisted learning and wellness program, enjoying family time and very competitive game nights (who knew Uno could be so debatable), or wrestling my Australian shepherd puppy to keep him out of trouble, which is often a losing battle. But, isn’t he the cutest?
A Look into Spirit of LoveAnimal-assisted learning & Wellness
The mission of Spirit of Love is to provide animal-assisted learning and wellness services to promote life-long learning, health and wellness though the human-animal bond.
My JournalLatest Reflections
Read my latest journal writings covering topics such as story inspiration, animal-assisted learning and wellness, small-town life, and personal adventures.
Follow along @colleenmarieauthor One Spirit of Love
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