Her First novel ‘For Love of Mary Kate’ set in Donegal and New York was launched in her native village of Culdaff. Described as a "compelling saga of love and courage spanning three generations," it is one of those books that cannot be put down.
The following are a few of the early reactions from reviewers and readers.
The story evolves around Mary Kate, how she is rescued from the nunnery.
The reactions of the people who impinge on her life are lovingly told, together
with the interaction of those involved."This is a simple tale. It is also very moving very
powerful, very compelling". 

Paul Cormacian - News Letter. December 1996
It’s a story of love and hate and a heart-warming story of life in 1920s Donegal a book you can’t put down until it's finished.

Cira O’ Kelly - Boston Irish Reporter. December 1996
 "Hazel Mc Intyre has made the transition from autobiography to fiction writing with ease, with a first novel which is certain to appeal to the better instincts of all who read it. This is surely the first of many fine novels from this emerging Donegal writer. 

"Liam Porter - Donegal Peoples Press.
"For Love of Mary Kate is a compelling story, of all thatis good in human nature. Ennobling and uplifting...........overpoweringly tragic......the heroin of the novel is Sara, who in her moments of self-revelation is testimony to the dignity of the human spirit.Hazel Mc Intyre touches the heartbeat of the reader with this story of friendship and loyalty which deepens into love.This book must have a sequel....

"Dr P. D. A. Mullan. Thornhill College
"I picked up ‘For Love of Mary Kate’ to have ‘a browse’
I read the book from cover to cover in one night and enjoyed every minute of it! What more can I say?"

Maureen Sullivan. BNN TV Channel Boston MA
Where Hazel Mc Intyre gave a live thirty minute TV interview)
For Love of Mary Kate is a love story, one which touches on the particular harshness of social and religious mores of rural Ireland in the 1920’s. For all that, love conquers all - in Ireland or America-and in this increasingly cynical world, we need all the feel good factor that we can find.
We find any amount of it in "For Love of Mary Kate".

Frank Gallighan. Broadcaster and writer BBC Radio.
"This compelling saga stuns and holds from beginning to end"

The Express.
Hazels is also a regular contributor to BBC Radio Foyle and radio Ulster and other local radio stations, and also contributes regular articles and short stories for the local press.
She also runs workshops for mental health groups, students, woman’s Institutes and other interest groups both in the Irish Republic and cross border. ‘For Love Of Mary Kate’ has been favorably reviewed on BBC’s kaleidoscope. While in Boston USA Hazel Mc Intyre was the guest on The John Clifford Show
(BNN TV), where she talked about her growing years in Donegal and her writings.
This program has since been repeated by BNN.
Also while in Boston Hazel was the guest on the I IC center’s answer channel television
program.