Susanne O'Leary's The Keeper of the Irish Secret is a heartwarming tale that masterfully blends elements of romance, mystery, and family drama against the picturesque backdrop of the Irish coast. The novel revolves around Lily Fleury, a character whose depth and relatability are instantly established. Her return to her beloved grandmother Sylvia's dilapidated Georgian house, Magnolia Manor, sets the stage for a story rich in emotional complexity.
O'Leary's description of the Manor and its overgrown gardens paints a vivid picture of neglect and forgotten beauty, mirroring the state of Sylvia's own life. The Manor, with its ornate yet faded grandeur, becomes a character in itself, representing the layers of family history and secrets waiting to be uncovered.
The introduction of Dominic, the enigmatic local builder, adds a compelling romantic dimension to the story. The relationship between Lily and Dominic is initially fraught with tension and disagreement, making their eventual connection all the more satisfying. Their romance is portrayed with a refreshing realism, avoiding clichés and instead focusing on the gradual and genuine development of their bond.
The novel’s true strength lies in its exploration of family secrets and the impact of the past on the present. The discovery of a trunk of old letters in the gatehouse leads Lily to unveil a devastating family secret. This revelation serves as a crucial turning point, deepening the plot and adding layers of complexity to Sylvia's character.
O'Leary's prose is both eloquent and accessible, capturing the essence of the Irish setting with its rich descriptions and authentic dialogue. The references to Irish culture add an immersive quality to the narrative, making the reader feel transported to the windswept beaches and quaint towns of Ireland.
The Keeper of the Irish Secret is a wonderful read, offering a blend of romance, mystery, and heartfelt drama. O’Leary’s talent for creating vivid settings and complex, relatable characters makes this book a memorable journey through the trials and triumphs of reconnecting with one's roots. It's a recommended read for anyone who enjoys stories that intertwine personal growth with the enduring power of family bonds.
More About the Book
A mysterious old house, an unforgettable romance and a lost granddaughter escaping to the stunning Irish coast…
Lily Fleury used to love visiting her eccentric grandmother Sylvia in Ireland, taking long sunset walks on the beach and exploring the nooks and crannies of the family’s old home Magnolia Manor. But when she arrives from Dublin broken-hearted, hoping to heal in Sylvia’s warm embrace, she finds the once ornate Georgian house in disrepair and the gardens wildly overgrown. Sylvia has always been fiercely independent, but Lily can’t believe she hasn’t told anyone she’s been struggling.
Lily knows she can’t leave until she gets Sylvia back on her feet. Although mysterious local builder Dominic agrees to help, from the moment Lily looks into his fierce green eyes they clash over how to fix the sprawling estate. It’s only when she hears the soft Irish lilt of his voice as he sings in the local pub that their arguments ignite a spark of passion neither can ignore…
But when Lily finds a trunk of tattered letters in the gatehouse, she discovers a devastating secret Sylvia has been hiding about Magnolia Manor. And she soon learns the real reason Dominic agreed to help out. Lily wanted to save her family home, and could see a life here with Dominic, but will the truth force her to leave the man who has captured her heart and never return?
Fans of Mary Alice Monroe, Sheila O’Flanagan and Debbie Macomber will fall head over heels for this gorgeous, feel-good new series set on the stunning windswept beaches of the west coast of Ireland.
Buy link: https://geni.us/B0CHZ3FK29social
About Susanne O'Leary
Susanne O’Leary is the bestselling author of more than 20 novels, mainly in the romantic fiction genre. She has also written three crime novels and two in the historical fiction genre.
The wife of a former diplomat, she has also been a fitness teacher and a translator. She now writes full-time from either of two locations, a rambling house in County Tipperary, Ireland or a little cottage overlooking the Atlantic in Dingle, County Kerry. When she is not scaling the mountains of said counties, or doing yoga, she keeps writing, producing a book every six months.
Find Susanne on Social Media
Website: http://www.susanne-oleary.co.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authoroleary
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susanne.olearyauthor/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/susl
Newsletter: https://www.bookouture.com/susanne-oleary
Comments ()