Diane Helentjaris revives Honora O’Flynn’s story in Ivy in America

Award-winning author Diane Helentjaris has released Ivy in America, the second book in her Ivy series, to reimagine the life of Honora O’Flynn, an Irish woman said to have been kidnapped by pirates and taken to colonial Maryland. The book, published Aug. 28, uses documented history and fiction to highlight a woman’s survival, faith and influence on later generations.

Why it matters: - Ivy in America brings a nearly lost woman’s history back into public view and ties one colonial-era life to broader themes of trafficking, resilience and women’s roles in American history. - The book also extends Helentjaris’ larger project of recovering overlooked women’s stories through historical fiction and research.

What happened: - Diane Helentjaris published Ivy in America (The Life and Adventures of Ivy O'Neill) on Aug. 28, 2026. - The book is the second installment in Helentjaris’ Ivy series and continues the story begun in The Indenture of Ivy O’Neill. - The novel reimagines the life of Honora O’Flynn Logsdon, also described as Honora O’Flynn. - The story centers on an Irish woman who was kidnapped by pirates off the coast of Ireland and taken to colonial Maryland. - Honora O’Flynn was reportedly sold to planter William Logsdon for a large barrel of tobacco.

The details: - Helentjaris said she was drawn to Honora’s life because of its hardship and the legacy she left in Maryland. - The novel blends documented history with fictional reconstruction to fill gaps in the historical record. - Helentjaris said she wanted to imagine what kind of person Honora might have been and how she and her partner may have built a life together after an uneven beginning. - The book connects Honora’s story to descendants and later family influence, including William Durbin, who helped establish the Methodist Church. - Helentjaris said digital archives helped her research the book and other historical projects. - Her earlier work includes the first biography of Lulu Bell Parr, I Ain’t Afraid: The World of Lulu Bell Parr, Wild West Cowgirl. - Helentjaris described her work as a way to recover women whose stories nearly disappeared from the historical record. - Ivy in America is available now. - Readers can purchase copies here. - More information is available on Diane Helentjaris’ website.

Between the lines: - Helentjaris is using historical fiction to turn fragmentary records into a fuller narrative, which can make under-documented women more visible to modern readers. - The emphasis on pirates, enslavement-like sale terms and family legacy gives the story both a dramatic hook and a historical lens on power, migration and survival. - The project also reflects how digital archives are changing the pace and reach of historical research for authors.

What's next: - Helentjaris is scheduled to appear at the 85th Waterford Fair Oct. 2-4, the Yellow Springs Street Fair in Ohio on Oct. 10 and the 3rd Annual Crozet Book Fest on Oct. 24 at the Crozet Public Library. - Helentjaris says she is available for interviews. - The Ivy series appears poised to continue spotlighting women whose lives helped shape local and religious history.

The bottom line: - Ivy in America aims to turn one woman’s fragmented colonial-era history into a lasting story about endurance, faith and legacy.