Tag: Ireland

Categories
Uncategorized

Reading the Green: The Girl at the Last House Before the Sea: An absolutely addictive and heartbreaking page-turner (Heaven’s Cove Book 3) 

381 pages Bookouture Publication date February 28, 2022

ABOUT THE BOOK

The girl stands on the clifftop, feeling the soft breeze lift her shining red hair and dry her tears. She can almost hear Ireland calling her home across the wild sea. But she can never go back. And in that moment, she swears no-one will ever find out why.

Freya is desperate for escape from her messy break-up when she’s offered a job caring for elderly Kathleen in the seaside village of Heaven’s Cove. Kathleen’s once-red hair is now a brilliant white, but there’s always laughter in her Irish lilt – until the day Freya finds her weeping, her gaze fixed on Driftwood House, perched on the cliffs above the village. She refuses to say what’s wrong…

Kathleen’s son Ryan, quiet with striking emerald eyes, resents that a stranger is caring for his mother. But as Freya presses him for answers on a long walk across a windswept beach, Ryan finally admits that Kathleen breaks down in the same way, on the exact same day every year – never telling anyone what is causing her pain.

Finding a photo of Kathleen as a young girl standing outside Driftwood House years before she says she moved to the village, Freya is determined to find the source of Kathleen’s heartache. But as she gets closer to Ryan, and to the sad, forgotten history of the house, Freya is faced with an impossible decision…

Should she share this heartbreaking secret with Ryan and risk their chance of happiness together? And will facing the truth bring Kathleen peace in her final years – or will it tear them all apart?

This book can be enjoyed as a standalone.

MY THOUGHTS

The Girl at the Last House Before the Sea

Though this is part of a series I’ve read the others in the series so long ago I no longer remember what they were about so reading as a standalone.
Kathleen made a mistake many years ago. She is elderly now and relives this mistake every day of her life. Her son sees her crying on a certain day every year, but Kathleen won’t say what’s wrong.
A new hire, Kathleen’s caretaker knows the secret but can’t tell it she made a promise.
Freya has become close to Kathleen, but it has become so hard to keep this secret especially when Kathleen’s son Ryan has also become close to her and a romance may be starting up.
There are a lot of family dramatics and tensions because of long kept secrets. Secrets that have caused heartbreaking and sadness for many years. The setting by the sea was beautiful. The village charming. For the most part I liked the characters but not always how they acted. Healing comes at long last as secrets come to light.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Liz writes heart-warming and uplifting women’s fiction about families and relationships, and romantic comedies full of love and laughs. You can sign up to her newsletter at http://www.lizeeles.com

Liz worked as a journalist for years and brought up a family on the south coast of England, all the while writing fiction on the quiet. After being short-listed in a couple of national novel-writing competitions, her dream of being a published author came true when she was signed by publisher Bookouture (a division of Hachette UK).

When not writing, Liz likes walking by the sea, catching up with friends and binge-watching box sets. She also loves hearing from readers and can be contacted at http://www.lizeeles.com, or on Twitter:@lizeelesauthor, Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/lizeelesauthor, or Instagram: lizeelesauthor

Liz’s books are:

1. Annie’s Holiday by the Sea (Salt Bay Book 1)

2. Annie’s Christmas by the Sea (Salt Bay Book 2)

2. Annie’s Summer by the Sea (Salt Bay Book 3)

4. New Starts and Cherry Tarts at the Cosy Kettle (Honeyford Book 1)

5. A Summer Escape and Strawberry Cake at the Cosy Kettle (Honeyford Book 2)

6. A Christmas Wish and a Cranberry Kiss at the Cosy Kettle (Honeyford Book 3)

7. Secrets at the Last House Before the Sea (Heaven’s Cove Book 1)

8. A Letter to the Last House Before the Sea (Heaven’s Cove Book 2)

9. The Girl at the Last House Before the Sea (Heaven’s Cove Book 3)

10. A Key to the Last House Before the Sea (Heaven’s Cove Book 4)

11. The Path to the Last House Before the Sea (Heaven’s Cove Book 5)

Hope you’ve enjoyed your weekend. Thank you for stopping in.

Categories
Uncategorized

Reading the Green: The Irish Daughter of New York: (Maggie O’Halloran Book 1)

363 pages Bookouture publisher Publication date March 31, 2026

ABOUT THE BOOK

Maggie O’Halloran gazes at the Statue of Liberty, her eyes wide with wonder. “At last,” she breathes softly. “This is where my future begins…”

New York City, 1891: Stepping off the boat she boarded in Ireland, Maggie O’Halloran’s heart is filled with hope for this brave new world. But when her father isn’t waiting at the docks as planned, her excitement vanishes with the terrible realization she and her brother Danny are utterly alone—homeless, penniless and without a friend in the world.

Life on the Lower East Side is hard and grindingly poor, but Maggie is determined to survive. As she gazes longingly into the windows of Manhattan’s famous department stores, she dreams of owning her own millinery shop and becoming independent at last. And when fellow Irishman Brendan O’Donoghue offers her and Danny refuge, Maggie finally feels hope for their future.

Finding work with a wealthy family on the Upper East Side, Maggie’s dreams begin to feel closer than ever before. But just as her fortunes finally change, her brother’s involvement with a notorious New York gang brings terrible danger to both her and Brendan’s doors. Facing a heartbreaking decision, can Maggie save her brother and protect the new life she’s built? Or will the American dream she has held so close to her heart be lost forever?

The first book in the Maggie O’Halloran series, this is a sweeping, epic and heart-wrenching story of one woman’s determination to change her fortunes against all odds. Perfect for fans of moving historical fiction, Kristin Harmel and Jean Grainger.

MY THOUGHTS

I really enjoy reading historical fiction a lot. It’s always so fascinating what I can learn from it. I had ancestors come over to America from Galway and often wonder what their voyage was like on the way over and how well did they manage when they landed here.
The book was very well researched and the portrayal of the Irish immigrants when they landed in New York very realistic.
Maggie and her young teen brother Danny have been sent for by their father to come to New York and live with him. Trouble starts almost as soon as they arrive finding out her father had left where he was staying several weeks before their arrival with no forwarding address.
I’ll admit it would be very hard and scary being in a brand-new country on your own not knowing anyone and broke.
I liked Brendan’s character a lot, he’s a shop keeper and kind to everyone including Maggie and her brother. He has helped Maggie out of more than one bind.
The book was full of Irish characters and like with many immigrants they were discriminated against by many, and many tried to take advantage of them even other Irish people.
The book was heartbreaking a lot of times seeing what these characters had to go through.
Ending on a cliffhanger I’m already looking forward to reading the next in the series and continuing on with the story.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Kate Hewitt is the author of many novels of both historical and contemporary fiction. Her novels have been called ‘unputdownable’ and ‘the most emotional book I have ever read’ by readers.

An American ex-pat for many years, she now lives in New Jersey with her husband, two of her five children (the others are scattered across the globe!), their two Golden Retrievers and their independent cat. Join her newsletter to receive updates and giveaways, or be part of her Facebook groups Kate’s Reads, to discuss all manner of books. Links can be found on her website, katehewittbooks (.com).

Her latest releases are Where The Dawn Finds Us, a dystopian novel about a woman protecting her family after a nuclear holocaust, Summer Skies over Starr’s Fall, the fourth standalone in her new heartwarming series inspired by the Gilmore Girls, and The Long Winter, the fifth in her Wildflower Valley’s series about modern homesteading and inspired by Little House on the Prairie. There’s something for everyone so do check them all out and be in touch as Kate loves to hear from readers. You can discuss Kate’s books as well as others on her private Facebook group, Kate’s Reads or read her thoughts on Substack.

You are enough.

Thank you for stopping in.

Categories
Uncategorized

Reading the Green: The Lost House of Ireland: A totally uplifting Irish romance about second chances (Starlight Cottages Book 4)

252 pages Publication date June 8, 2022 Bookouture publisher

ABOUT THE BOOK

An enchanting story about forgotten family secrets that will transport you to the charming village of Sandy Cove on the beautiful Irish coast.

Allegra Casey is searching for a new beginning. So when she discovers an engagement ring buried in the sand near her home in Cape Cod, the last place she expects it to lead her is to the west coast of Ireland. But when she arrives in the tiny village of Sandy Cove, she finds herself falling in love with the crashing waves, the picturesque coast and the warm-hearted people.

As soon as she settles into her cottage at the old coastguard station, Allegra meets her eccentric neighbours. They believe the ring belonged to Davina Courtney, whose family still live on the Strawberry Hill estate just outside the village. And when Allegra visits the old mansion, she meets the charming, enigmatic Max Courtney-Smythe, the great-nephew of the former owner.

As they try to solve the mystery of the long-lost ring, Allegra and Max grow closer, and it soon becomes clear that their feelings for one another are mutual. And as she spends more time with the local community, Allegra wonders if she’s finally found the place she can call home.

But the reappearance of the engagement ring causes problems among the heirs of the estate and, as Max suddenly grows distant, Allegra wonders whether she should never have travelled to Sandy Cove. Is this where she will finally find true love, or is she destined to leave this magical place alone?

MY THOUGHTS

What is supposed to be a three week stay in Ireland turns into so much more.
While at the beach Allegra finds a ring in the sand near her Cape Cod home she knows she must try to find its owner. Her travels take her to picturesque Sandy Cove, Ireland. The coastal area is arresting and the locals friendly.
Long held secrets start to unravel. found family, such a beautiful read. I loved the characters and it kept me reading long into the night. So delightful and heartwarming.
This really kicks my dreams up a notch to visit Ireland and try to find any of my ancestors.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Susanne O’Leary is the bestselling author of more than 30 novels, mainly romantic fiction set in Ireland. Her many books set in County Kerry have been hugely popular with readers all over the world. She shares her time between Dublin and Kerry, where she and her husband have a little cottage near the beach. The wild, beautiful landscape, the small villages and the friendly people of that county have inspired her to write her feel-good stories. She’s been inspired to write about people of all ages and walks of life, with lots of romance, and more than a dash of humour.

When she is not writing or reading by the fire, Susanne loves heading for the great outdoors, walking on the beaches or scaling the green hills of her favourite county.

Thank you for stopping in.

Categories
Uncategorized

Blog Tour and Happy Publication Day to A Letter from Ireland by Ann O’Loughlin

ABOUT THE BOOK

My whole life, I’ve been haunted by a secret I’ve left behind on the coast of Ireland. I may be gone, but if you’re reading this Casey, I need to tell you everything…

When Casey’s dear friend Rosie passes away, her heart breaks in two; Rosie didn’t even tell her she was sick. And when a mysterious letter arrives from beyond the grave, describing the secluded island where Rosie spent every summer, Casey questions if she really knew her friend at all. With Casey’s hectic job ruling her life, and her marriage crumbling around her, she books a ticket to this beautiful Irish island to feel close to Rosie again, and find out what secrets she has hidden there.

Casey rushes to Rosie’s tumbledown cottage and immediately falls in love with the glimmering shores and breathtaking coves of Scarty Island. Why did Rosie keep this magical place a secret, even from her own husband? Desperate for answers, she jumps to the aid of locals organising afternoon teas for tourists, and helps handsome but overworked pub owner Shay.Though Shay stays tight-lipped, Casey notices how his hazel eyes shine when she makes him laugh, and how her heart skips a beat when his rough hands brush hers.

But just as Casey finds herself falling for Shay’s quiet strength, a final letter arrives that changes everything. The tear-stained pages tell the story of a forbidden romance and a tragic day at sea that destroyed Rosie’s life. It could shatter Casey’s blossoming romance and tear the small island community apart.

Will Casey find the strength to confront the ghosts of the past and confess her love for Shay? Or will she decide that some secrets are meant to stay buried, and say goodbye to Scarty forever?

Grab a copy here

MY THOUGHTS

A Letter from Ireland is such a beautiful and emotional read. I could barely put it down, finishing it in less than 24 hours.


A poignant read, it will have the reader reflecting on past choices and reevaluating what’s really important and what it’s time to let go of.
I now want to visit Scarty Island in Ireland, listening to the waves of the sea crashing against the shore, swim and have the close-knit relationship the mainlanders do.


Three women, with different personalities and a bit quirky at times, which makes them interesting visit Scarty Island for a two-month time period at the request of their friend who has passed away. These women all used to be very close, but time and circumstances happened, and they no longer share this closeness.

The friend, Rosie, has written them letters delivered to them at the appropriate times which reveals secrets she has kept. These are things she has not wanted to dwell on even herself. These reveals cause the women a lot of self-reflection and tears for what could have been but will not have a chance now to be.

I absolutely loved this book. So beautifully written and emotional. I will be telling all my friends about this book and reading more by the author.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Bestselling author Ann is also a leading journalist in Ireland , Ann O’Loughlin has covered all major news events of the last three decades. Ann spent most of her career with Independent Newspapers and is now a senior journalist with the Irish Examiner newspaper. Ann has also lived in India. Originally from the west of Ireland she now lives on the east coast with her husband and two children. The Judge’s Wife was shortlisted in the Epic Romantic Novel category of the 2017 RoNA awards. The Ballroom Cafe and The Judge’s Wife were both bestsellers for several weeks in Ireland. Ann’s books have been translated into eleven languages.

***

Author Links

FACEBOOK @annoloughlinbooks

TWITTER @annolwriter

INSTAGRAM @authorannoloughlin

Thank you for your visit today. Have a wonderful day.

Categories
Uncategorized

Saved by the Matchmaker (A Shanahan Match Book #2): (An Arranged Marriage Historical Romance Novel Set in 1800’s St Louis) 

346 pages Bethany House Publishers 5 August publication date

ABOUT THE BOOK

After her annulment is finalized, Enya Shanahan finds herself caught in a web of scandal and obligation while carrying a secret that threatens to shatter her family’s reputation. Determined to find a suitable marriage for Enya, her father turns to a wily matchmaker to save them from their circumstances.

Sullivan O’Brien, a steamboat captain committed to aiding enslaved people on their path to freedom, is faced with an ultimatum from his father. Forced to marry or lose his livelihood, a marriage of convenience seems to be the only solution. As he and Enya face the trials of their pasts and a city consumed by fire, they must confront their deepest fears and learn to trust in love, even when darkness threatens to engulf them.

MY THOUGHTS

Though this easy can be read as a standalone I’d suggest you read the series in order. I loved the first book in the series, and I think this one was even better.

Once again, the matchmaker is called upon, with different circumstantial needs the couple has a marriage of convenience. A previous marriage had her thinking she was in love, and he loved her until she realized it wasn’t true.

He has insecurities due to past circumstances. I loved how gentle and understanding Sullivan was. He didn’t rush her into anything. He knew she was hurting from her past relationship and not ready to trust another man yet. He goes out of his way to ensure her happiness, security and trustworthiness not caring it was at the expense of himself.

Time and again he proves to her he is not like the one who abandoned her and he can be trusted.

I loved Enya and Sullivan’s characters and how he gave her all the time she needed to trust him and fall in love. I couldn’t put this down and highly recommend it to all lovers of historical fictional romance.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book all opinions expressed are my own.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Jody Hedlund is the best-selling author of over fifty books and is the winner of numerous awards. She writes sweet, clean historical romances with plenty of sizzle (but without the spice).

Categories
Uncategorized

Blog tour for: Secrets in the Little Irish Village: A completely addictive small town romance by Michelle Vernal

ABOUT THE BOOK

Grace Kelly can’t escape the draws of Emerald Bay; the sweeping cliffs, the sparkling sea… and her gorgeous new flatmate. The problem is, she has to keep him a secret from her family. And she isn’t the only one in the village with something to hide this summer…

Grace really needs someone to help cover the rent for her London flat, but Christopher Dorrance? Everyone in the little Irish village of Emerald Bay knows about the feud between their families, though no one knows how it started. But, both being in a tight spot, they try and make it work, swearing to tell no one back home. Until a mutual friend and her son in the bay are left homeless after a storm. Grace and Christopher must head back to Ireland to help… together.

As they flesh out their idea to raise money for their friend with a village charity concert, Chris’s blue eyes light up. Even though they have to hide out for every planning session, and after all her father has said about the Dorrances, Grace can’t believe how kind he is. Soon sparks are flying as they laugh together, chasing dairy cows from a field to set up the stage. Could Chris be more than just a flatmate?

But their hopes that a good cause will soften the hostility between their dads are dashed. The two men still argue constantly. And with a happy future for their friend depending on the concert running smoothly, the truth behind the feud threatens to come out and destroy everything…

Could the events of the past destroy any chance of a future for Chris and Grace? Or, if Grace follows her heart, could she finally heal the rift between their families?

You’ll love Michelle Vernal’s stunning new book set in the Little Irish Village. This gorgeous and unputdownable Irish small-town romance is perfect for fans of Nicola May, Trisha Ashley and Debbie Macomber.

MY THOUGHTS

We are once again swept away to Ireland and the beautiful Emerald Bay. The sparkling sea, waves crashing and breathtaking view are more than enough to make anyone want to stay.


Grace Kelly has memories of the geeky, awkward glasses wearing chicken legs boy she knew back in school. This fine specimen that is built, a handsome hunk and without glasses surely could not be who she thinks he is, but it is and he’s her flat mate helping to pay the rent. One look and she’s convinced she’s fallen in love if only the sad reality didn’t exist that he has a girlfriend.


Over the years when she’d mention Christopher Dorrance or his family’s name to her father, he’d get furious but would never tell her what the family feud was over.


When it seems the possibility of a romance is ready to develop as they spend a lot of time together at a fundraising concert her hopes come crashing down as their fathers still argue constantly neither wanting to give an inch.


When the cause of the rift between families is finally revealed will it cause it to continue or will forgiveness and understanding take place?
Once again, I loved spending time with the Kelly family. This series is so heartwarming and Emerald Bay just pulls me right in. Sounds like the perfect relaxation spot. I’m hooked on this series and can’t wait to read more.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Buy link: https://geni.us/B0CVYKMMM9social

VISIT OTHER BLOGS ON THE TOUR

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Michelle Vernal is a New Zealand author who writes stories that will take you onto the page with her characters and make you feel part of their lives. She writes with humour and warmth, and her readers describe her books as unputdownable, feel good and funny. Her writing has been likened to Maeve Binchy but with a modern-day vernacular. In 2015 she was shortlisted for the Love Stories Award. In 2020 she won the Reader’s Favorite Gold Medal Award for Chick lit, and in 2021 was shortlisted for the Page Turner Book Awards.

Author social media:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MichelleVernal

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellevernalnovelist/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michellevernalnovelist

Website: https://www.michellevernalbooks.com/

Newsletter sign up: https://www.bookouture.com/michelle-verna

Have a wonderful day. Thank you for stopping in.

Categories
Uncategorized

Blog Tour for Escape to the Irish Village by Ann O’Loughlin

Sorry I am posting late. I read the wrong book for the tour, it had a very similar name and I had to scramble to read this one quickly.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Emma Wilson is running from a broken marriage after her life has been torn apart, and she’s desperate to start over. Escaping to a small Irish village, Emma begins working for seventy-five-year-old fashion enthusiast Judith McCarthy in her beautiful manor house at the heart of the tight-knit community. The quirky locals give Emma a warm welcome and, inspired by Judith’s passion for life, Emma hopes she can rebuild her life in this village by the sea.

As Emma and Judith’s lives intertwine, Emma meets Judith’s brooding son Miles. At first, the two argue over everything, clashing over decisions about the estate and how to support Judith. But when Emma begins to see a different side to Miles – a hardworking man who will do anything for his family – she can’t deny the attraction between them. But can she open her heart and love again?

Soon Emma realises that Judith’s bold spirit is hiding deeper troubles. The village that means so much to them both is in danger of being destroyed, and protecting their home will be the biggest challenge of Judith’s life. It seems the two women have been thrown together when they need each other most…

Can Emma and Judith save the village? And will Emma build a future with Miles? Or will she lose the only place that has ever felt like home…?

A page-turning and life-affirming novel about the power of female friendships, the importance of community and the magic of second chances. Perfect for fans of Susanne O’Leary, Cathy Kelly and Mary Alice Monroe.

MY THOUGHTS

Where to even start with this review.
I’ve read other books by the author but none quite like this one.
My emotions were on an absolute roller coaster while I read this one and I do wish the book could have gone on longer or maybe a sequel it.
Not many books can capture my heart and soul such as this one set in Killcawley, a small fictional village in Ireland.


Emma, escaping from an abusive marriage runs as far as she can where she thinks her husband won’t find her. The description of Killcawley Estate took my breath away. Sprawling, spectacular I want to go there right now.


Owner, Judith is a quirky seventy-five-year-old woman who enjoys doing fun Instagram videos of all her spectacular vintage fashions. It works out well as Emma is hired as a personal assistant to Judith who in turn gets someone to shoot her Instagram videos. Though Judith enjoys her fashions her videos also have a more serious side to them, help save the manor from a buyout and destruction.


The longer Emma is there the more she gets to know the other staff of the estate and Judith’s friends. Judith considers all her staff as family including Emma. I enjoyed seeing the tight bond the characters have with each other. The book had a bit of suspense and a feel of danger to it that was revealed as time went on.

Emma and Judith both have secrets they have kept for various reasons, and it really brought the story into a clearer picture when they were revealed. Reading this I felt close to the characters as though I were part of the family observing the going on’s firsthand.


I could barely put this down and I’m off to see what I’ve missed by the author I’ve yet to read.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Buy Link: https://geni.us/B0CXJTTZL8social

VISIT OTHER BLOGS ON THE TOUR

Author social media:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annoloughlinbooks

Twitter: https://twitter.com/annolwriter

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annoloughlinbooks/Newsletter: https://www.bookouture.com/ann-oloughlin

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ann is the Irish author of five novels and has been translated into eleven languages. Her first novel The Ballroom Cafe was also an ebook bestseller and in the top 20 bestselling books of 2015 on Amazon UK. Ann loves to write and often gets up at 5am to get the words down, before starting her other job of writing as a news reporter. A leading journalist in Ireland, Ann has covered all major news events in a long career with Independent Newspapers, Ireland. She is now a senior journalist with the Irish Examiner specialising in legal issues. Ann has also lived in India. Originally from the west of Ireland she now lives on the east coast with her husband and family.

Have a beautiful day. Thank you for stopping in.

Categories
Uncategorized

Irish Reads for March: The Lost Promise of Ireland

246 pages Bookouture publisher December 17,2021 publish date

ABOUT THE BOOK

A completely gorgeous story about lost loves and small-town secrets that will sweep you away to the Irish coast.

Maggie remembers her summers in the village of Sandy Cove in Ireland like they were yesterday. She and her family would swim in the crystal-clear waters, collect beautiful seashells and relax on the sand. So when she sees that her family’s old coastguard cottage is available, she wonders if renting it for the summer will finally help her move on from the man who just broke her heart.

As soon as Maggie arrives, she is delighted to find her childhood bestfriend Sorcha and Sorcha’s cousin Brian still living in town. They enjoy cosy nights in the local harbour pub, with its stunning views across the ocean, as if no time has passed. And when Brian reveals he had a fierce teenage crush on Maggie, she can’t help but notice just how handsome he has become.

But then Maggie finds a worn metal box hidden in the attic of the house, full of love letters she exchanged with a sweet American boy she met one summer. During their last night together, star-gazing on the beach, they promised to find each other again. Soon it becomes clear that Maggie is not the only one returning to Sandy Cove.

Torn between her growing feelings for Brian and the romance she’s held in her heart for many years, Maggie realises that her summer may be more complicated than she’d expected. Will Maggie finally find a true love who can sweep her off her feet or will this holiday in Sandy Cove be her last?

Photo by Lachlan Ross: https://www.pexels.com/photo/cute-irish-setter-on-shore-6510333/

MY THOUGHTS

Once again, we are swept away to the beautiful south-west of Ireland. This is the third book in the Starlight Cottages series.
You’ll love spending time on the beautiful Irish coast.


Though this contemporary is part of a series it can be read as a stand-alone because each book has different main characters, but we visit with familiar characters from past books in the series.


Maggie’s family lived in a cottage here thirty years ago and it just so happens to be empty at this time. After a breakup she’s so happy to be able to come back “home.” It’s surprising to her that some of her old friends are still living here.

In the attic of her old cottage, she finds love letters from an old love from America. When she is reunited with her love from her teenaged days will things be able to go back to the way they were and what’ll happen when she finds out he’s been hiding secrets from her?

The author’s writing is very descriptive. Maggie’s pretty oblivious in her relationships not realizing how much someone cares for her and the secrets being kept from her.
Such a heartwarming read about reunions and happy memories.

Pub Date 17 Dec 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Susanne O’Leary is the bestselling author of more than thirty novels, mainly in the romantic fiction genre. She now writes full-time from her home in Dublin and a little cottage in Kerry.

Have a beautiful day. Thank you for stopping in.

Categories
Uncategorized

The Lost Girls of Ireland: A heart-warming and feel-good page-turner set in Ireland (Starlight Cottages Book 1) 

286 pages Bookouture publisher May 5, 2021 publish date

ABOUT THE BOOK

A heart-warming story about family secrets and one woman’s escape to dreamy Sandy Cove on the stunning west coast of Ireland.

The picturesque beach of Wild Rose Bay is the last place Lydia Butler thought she’d be. But having just lost everything, the run-down cottage she inherited from her Great Aunt Nellie is the only place she can take her daughter, Sunny. Hidden away in a tiny Irish village, she can protect Sunny from the gossip in Dublin, and the real reason they have nowhere else to live…

The cottage is part of the old coastguard station and other eccentric residents are quick to introduce themselves when Lydia arrives. Lydia instantly feels less alone, fascinated by the stories they have about Nellie, and she’s charmed by American artist, Jason O’Callaghan, the mysterious man who lives next door.

But the longer Lydia relaxes under the moonlit sky, the more the secret she’s keeping from Sunny threatens to come out. And as she finds herself running into Jason’s arms, she knows she must be honest and face up to the past she has tried to forget. Has she finally found people who will truly accept her, or will the truth force her to leave the cottage for good?

Will transport you to Ireland to relax on the shore and stare at the perfect emerald waters. The Lost Girls of Ireland is perfect for readers of Debbie Macomber, Sheila O’Flanagan and Mary Alice Monroe.

This novel can be enjoyed as a standalone.

Photo by Tomi Partanen: https://www.pexels.com

MY THOUGHTS

Sandy Cove on the west coast of Ireland along with the picturesque beach of Wild Rose Bay sounds like somewhere I’d really love to visit. My grandmother’s mother came on a boat from Galway when she was 16 to America and I would really love to explore the land of my ancestors. It sounds so wonderful in Ireland.


Living in Dublin until the death of her husband, Lydia Butler, who found out after his death, he had done a terrible thing flees with her daughter Sunny to Sandy Cove. There is the run-down cottage Great Aunt Nellie has left her, with little else, she is ready to make a new life for her and her daughter after the scandal.


Her daughter is a typical young teen, a bit uncertain in her new school but upbeat and smart and willing to make new friends.
Typical day to day life follows Lydia as she looks for small jobs to do to keep herself and her daughter afloat. I even liked Helen, the doctor’s wife, though she is a bit persnickety.
I enjoyed the descriptions of the area so much, the beach sounds lovely and the friendly neighbors so welcoming.

There is a possible love interest for Lydia when she is open to the possibility with next door neighbor Jason who is so compassionate and understanding. He occupies his time as a woodworker. I am looking forward to more books in this heartwarming series.

Pub Date 05 May 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Categories
Uncategorized

A CHRISTMAS Miracle in the Little Irish Village-Bookouture Books on Tour

I apologize for my lateness in posting this. Due to my illness, I fell well behind on reading and posting.

ABOUT THE BOOK

A Christmas Miracle in the Little Irish Village: A heart-warming and utterly addictive small town Christmas romance

Ava Kelly loves returning to Emerald Bay for Christmas. Snowflakes fall on the green rolling hills and mulled wine fills The Shamrock Inn with the smell of winter spice. But this year, the Kelly family is hoping for a miracle…

When twenty-four-year-old Ava Kelly and her adventurous twin Grace return home to The Shamrock Inn, their Ma’s favourite baubles bring back so many memories of Christmases past. They have always done everything together, even leaving their little Irish village for the excitement of London. But with the locket her handsome ex Shane gave her hanging just above her heart, Ava has just one wish this festive season…

After a year stuck in a job she can’t stand and going on dreadful dates, Ava longs to be back with Shane. Curling up in front of the fire with him, the brooding fisherman everyone else sees melts away as his blue eyes meet hers. But planning a future with Shane would mean telling Grace she’ll be moving back to the village for good. Ava knows it will break her sister’s heart for them to be parted.

But, before Ava can build up the courage to talk to her twin, terrible tidings about Shane hit The Shamrock Inn like a winter storm. With everyone but Grace rushing to the harbour, will Ava’s hopes for a future with both Shane and her sister in it be dashed? Or could a Christmas miracle bring them all together?

Fans of Nicola May, Trisha Ashley and Debbie Macomber will love this stunning festive romance. Get comfy under your winter blankets with a warm cocoa ready, because you will not be able to put this wonderful, heart-warming book down!

Buy link: https://geni.us/B0CGJGW2J9social

MY THOUGHTS

You will get the full Irish experience while reading this one. Being that my ancestors came over on a boat from Galway I knew this one was the perfect read for me.


You’ll be immersed in the authenticity of the Irish humor, foods and settings. Emerald Bay pulled me in, after my first visit I knew I had to return.

The twins, Grace and Ava Kelly have been stuck together like glue and always done everything together their whole life. Showing a side not often seen Grace asserts herself and moves to London, though she’d rather be in Emerald Bay, Ava follows.

Ava didn’t leave her boyfriend, Shane on the best of terms when she moved to London. Grace, the social butterfly has many friends and would feel at home just about anywhere.

When an emergency back home in Emerald Bay has Ava returning on the double, she becomes moody and so worried. Family drama and dynamics. We see sweet and sour, misunderstandings and reconciliations.

Delightful holiday read full of family warmth, romance and friendships. Kept me eagerly turning pages as I soaked in the Irish Christmas warmth. I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

Visit other blogs on the tour

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Michelle Vernal is a New Zealand author who writes stories that will take you onto the page with her characters and make you feel part of their lives. She writes with humour and warmth, and her readers describe her books as unputdownable, feel good and funny. Her writing has been likened to Maeve Binchy but with a modern-day vernacular. In 2015 she was shortlisted for the Love Stories Award. In 2020 she won the Reader’s Favorite Gold Medal Award for Chick lit, and in 2021 was shortlisted for the Page Turner Book Awards.

Author social media:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MichelleVernal

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellevernalnovelist/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michellevernalnovelist

Website: https://www.michellevernalbooks.com/

Newsletter sign up: https://www.bookouture.com/michelle-vernal

Have a beautiful day. Thanks for stopping in.