Tag: Irish

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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.

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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.

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Reading the Green: Death in Irish Accents (The Dublin Driver Mysteries) 

304 pages Publisher Kensington Publication date February 21, 2023

ABOUT THE BOOK

After a long streak of avoiding murder investigations, Dublin limo driver Megan Malone thought her life had finally settled . . . but even her Irish luck can’t keep her out of trouble forever in Catie Murphy’s fourth Ireland-set cozy mystery…

It’s been over a year since Megan found herself entangled in a murder—much to everyone’s relief, including her girlfriend Jelena and Detective Paul Bourke. So when a body of a young woman quite literally lands in her lap at her favorite Dublin café, Megan tries to do the right thing and leave the crime-solving to the police so she can enjoy the St. Patrick’s Day weekend. After all, she has no connection to the victim. Or does she?

Megan’s latest client, world-renowned romance novelist Claire Woodward, is fascinated by Megan’s own history of catching killers. Claire also just happens to be the murder victim’s literary mentor. So maybe Megan can just sort of stay on the periphery of the case while trying to help out? Just a wee bit without causing too much fuss? Even Detective Bourke would approve since he has personal reasons not to trust Claire. The investigation leads Megan to the victim’s writing group, who think that Claire has plagiarized the poor young lady’s work. And when another member of the group is found dead, Megan will have to step up her sleuthing before the killer decides to write her off for good.

MY THOUGHTS

Death in Irish Accents is the fourth book in The Dublin Driver Mysteries series.
There was really a lot going on in this book.
Set in Ireland, Megan Malone, a limo driver is involved in sleuthing yet another murder mystery and her girlfriend, Jalena doesn’t want her involved in yet another mystery which causes quite a bit of friction between them. There’s the plagiarizing author and a list of suspects that just seems to keep getting added to. When a body literally falls out of the closet onto Megan’s lap, she has no choice but to get involved in this mystery.
I did enjoy the location of the book but not the dynamics between Megan and Jalena, it really felt like a bullying relationship with her not being able to be herself and constantly needing to apologize for who she was and enjoying sleuthing.

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

MEET THE AUTHOR

CE Murphy began writing around age six, when she submitted three poems to a school publication. The teacher producing the magazine selected (inevitably) the one she thought was by far the worst, but also told her–a six year old kid–to keep writing, which she has. She has also held the usual grab-bag of jobs usually seen in an authorial biography, including public library volunteer (at ages 9 and 10; it’s clear she was doomed to a career involving books), archival assistant, cannery worker, and web designer. Writing books is better.

She was born and raised in Alaska, and now lives with her family in her ancestral homeland of Ireland.

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Reading the Green: Mrs. Morris and the Pot of Gold (A Salem B&B Mystery)

336 pages Publisher Kensington Publication date August 23, 2022

ABOUT THE BOOK

Salem, Massachusetts, B&B owner Charlene Morris will need the luck of the Irish—and the help of a ghost—to unveil a hooded killer . . .

Charlene has hired a van to ferry her B&B guests to an all-you-can-eat corned beef and cabbage dinner hosted by Salem’s Irish community at the Ancient Order of Hibernians club—but she should have booked a hearse. It’s never a good sign when the family black sheep drunkenly crashes a party by punching the guy dressed as a leprechaun. But things go from troublesome to fatal when Charlene stumbles upon a second brawl in an upper room—and this fight Connor Gallagher loses, his anonymous assailant rushing past Charlene, hidden by a hoodie.

Now Detective Sam Holden has another homicide on his hands, with Charlene as the only eyewitness. Even if she can’t give the police sketch artist much to go on, Charlene is determined to ID the murderer, with the help of Dr. Jack Strathmore, the charming ghost who haunts her B&B. The answer lies in the motive, and to uncover that sleuth and spook will need to shine a light on Connor’s shady past—before the killer pulls another Irish goodbye . . .

MY THOUGHTS

This is the sixth book in the Salem B&B mystery series. Each book is a standalone so no need to read it in order.
The mystery was fast paced and kept my attention. The characters were well developed, and I enjoyed getting to know Mrs. Morris and her cat.
A special St. Patrick’s Day dinner hosted by Salem’s Irish community at the Ancient Order of Hibernians club turns out to not be so great when her guests can’t even enjoy their dinner when a murder takes place there. The hooded murderer is seen running away.
Helping to solve the case with his input is B & B resident, Jack, a ghost.
This paranormal cozy mystery is full of St. Patrick’s Day events and yummy sound traditional Irish foods. A mistaken identity lets the murderer get away with well, murder, almost.
The real question is, is there really hidden gold to be found, or is just an afterthought at the end of the rainbow?
Great series that I’ll be looking into further.

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

About the Author

Traci Wilton is a pseudonym of Traci Hall and Patrice Wilton. Patrice Wilton is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than twenty books, some indie-published and some published by Amazon/Montlake. Traci Hall is the USA Today bestselling author of more than 50 books, published independently as well as by Medallion Press and Samhain Publishing. Visit them online at PatriceWilton.com.

Have a wonderful day!

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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.

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Marrying the Matchmaker: An Irish Matchmaking American Historical Romance Novel Set in 1800s St. Louis (A Shanahan Match)

336 pages Publisher Bethany House Publishers Publication date February 3, 2026

ABOUT THE BOOK

As the middle child of the Shanahan family, Zaira does her best to keep the peace. She doesn’t share her dream of becoming a published author with her family to spare herself their disapproval. When she’s caught in a scandal involving the local matchmaker, Bellamy McKenna, she must put her storytelling ability to good use and feign a match with him to avoid wagging tongues and her parents’ anger.

Feeling the growing pressure to marry as a well-known, yet single matchmaker to St. Louis’s Irish community, Bellamy reluctantly agrees to a temporary match with Zaira. But even though the matchmakers in his family might be able to find love for others, they have a history of disastrous relationships for themselves. When secrets and danger force Zaira and Bellamy to work together, is it finally the matchmaker’s turn to be lucky in love?

MY THOUGHTS

Marrying the Matchmaker is the fourth and final book in the A Shanahan Match series.
An Irish Matchmaking American Historical Romance Novel Set in 1800s St. Louis.
I’ve read and loved all of them. It would be hard to pick a favorite but if pushed to, I’d have to say it’d be this one.
Fake it til you make it or in this book a fake relationship becomes of so real with sizzling chemistry. Swoon worthy writing that’ll keep you reading!

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 seventy books and is the winner of numerous awards. She writes sweet, clean romances with plenty of sizzle (but without the spice).

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