Thelma Ann Brennan (1939- ), of Johnville, New Brunswick, writes both historical novels and poetry. Borealis Press published her latest book, "The Hawthorn Bush," which recognizes the Irish contribution to Canada. A co-founder of the Writers' Federation of New Brunswick, she is also a trustee of the Museum of Civilization and the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa. She has organized and participated in cultural exchanges with Ireland and is currently finishing a master's degree in environmental history.

In an extrodinary, true take of "the Orange and the Green," The Hawthorn Bush chronicles the parallel lies of two families - one Ulster Presbyterian, the other Irish Catholic - in their quest for religious freedom. Based on the rich ancestral heritage of its author, this historical novel recaptures important snapshots in time, from the Fenian uprisings to the assassination of Thomas D'Arcy McGee. Beginning at the walls of Derry during the city's epic 1689 siege, The Hawthorn Bush follows the families from Ireland to the ditant shores of America and Canada where they wage war on a new battlefront. A sweeping saga of an uncelebrated chapter in Canada's history, The Hawthorn Bush recognizes the important contribution of the Irish to nation building.