I'm reading a novel that's set in Ireland, Cong to be exact. The author (an American) keeps using "mo chroi." Isn't that wrong? You all taught me "a chroí" is more natural, plus she's missing the í.

This is a very popular author so I'm confused. Is she wrong or is this okay for some reason?

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I'm very much a beginner learner. Don't hesitate to correct me, as long as you explain why. This is how I learn best!

The 'í' should be there. It must be 'chroí'

Usually we'd say: 'a chroí' on its own...
Example: 'Sit down, a chroí!' (I remember the 'Sit down' part in Gaeilge also, but it would not be unusual to hear 'a chroí' with the English in a sample like this...)

'mo chroí' for me would picture 'my heart' in a physical sense...
Example: Tá mo chroí briste = My heart is broken
Example: A ghrá mo chroí = O love of my heart...
Example: Mian mo chroí = my hearts desire...

I think 'a chroí' is better to use if the author is addressing someone directly.

The author, you say, is American so perhaps is not so familiar with usages in Gaeilge. Using 'Mo chroí!' I suppose is not the end of the world, but the fada on the í is needed.

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Bí cinnte de go nglacfaidh triúr le gach aistriúchán a thabharfar.
Be sure to get three in agreement with a translation given.

Whenever she uses it, it's always when addressing a person.

Examples from the book:

"Do you tend me now, mo chroi?"

"I've never lied to you, mo chroi."

No fada on either.

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I'm very much a beginner learner. Don't hesitate to correct me, as long as you explain why. This is how I learn best!

Ah, that's a clearer picture. She should of course use 'a chroí' with the fada. As you say, she's American so I think most of us would forgive her this little botúinín, particularly if the book is good...

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Bí cinnte de go nglacfaidh triúr le gach aistriúchán a thabharfar.
Be sure to get three in agreement with a translation given.

We are impressed Mimerim . You are able to catch others mistakes now.

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It is recommended that you always wait for three to agree on a translation.
I speak Connemara Irish, and my input will often reflect that.
I will do an mp3 file on request for short translations.
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You have completed your initiation and have earned your stripes!

The problem with people writing in a language that is foreign to them is that sometimes they do not realise how different languages are and so how important it is to verify with a trustworthy source and that Google Translate is not a trustworthy source.

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And I'd bet my bottom dollar (to use an old American idiom) the book is pure shite. The quotes support as much

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__̴ı̴̴̡̡̡ ̡͌l̡̡̡ ̡͌l̡*̡̡ ̴̡ı̴̴̡ ̡̡͡|̲̲̲͡͡͡ ̲▫̲͡ ̲̲̲͡͡π̲̲͡͡ ̲̲͡▫̲̲͡͡ ̲|̡̡̡ ̡ ̴̡ı̴̡̡ ̡͌l̡̡̡̡.___

Thanks, all!

As for the book, it's okay. Story is a bit predictable but it's a good one. Writing is okay. Could be better. The book reads like it was rushed, but people buy this author based on her name so her quality can slip a bit and she'll still be a bestseller. I think it's the editing they slacked on, which seems to always be the difference between an okay book and a fabulous one, in my opinion at least.

What bugs me is this is one of the biggest writers in the US. She has the publishing team and money to hire an Irish speaker to check these things!

I found another one: "Not nearly all, and I know you, mo dearthair."

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I'm very much a beginner learner. Don't hesitate to correct me, as long as you explain why. This is how I learn best!

That's a double catch! Not only is it wrong to use "mo" in direct address, when you do use "mo" you need to lenite the following word.

I have to know who this author is....pretty please, with sugar on top?

Redwolf

Oh gosh...I can't name names. I don't want to publicly criticize other writers. Just...can't.

But what the heck. She's untouchable. It's not gonna affect her sales. And I'd be dying to know if someone else had brought this up.

The book is Dark Witch by Nora Roberts. It's my first time reading her. People say my book reminds them of her paranormal stuff so naturally I had to check her out.

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I'm very much a beginner learner. Don't hesitate to correct me, as long as you explain why. This is how I learn best!