Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read and review an ARC of The Lost Secret of Ireland (Starlight Cottages Book 2), by Susanne O’Leary.

Ella is living in Sandy Cove, a small village nestled on the Irish coast, and has had a disastrous few weeks, breaking her pelvis whilst painting a mural and falling from a dodgy ladder! She is now relying on her friends and neighbours to help her, and they are rallying around, helping with her shopping and making meals for her, but she is finding it slightly overbearing. When her late mother’s best friend, Lucille, offers to come and stay to help Ella get back on her feet, she jumps at the chance. It soon becomes apparent that Lucille has other reasons for coming to Sandy Cove, though, and although she is Ella’s lifesaver, she is also continuing with her secret mission and keeping her reasons very much to herself.

Each character brought their own ‘little bit of something’ to Sandy Cove and before long, you can see that they either are or will shortly become a part of village life. The Lost Secret of Ireland is very much a book about the importance of friends and family and how living in a small community automatically brings people closer together.

Although this is the second Starlight Cottages book, it can be read as a stand-alone novel, although I think it will definitely make you want to read the first!

Do you need a light, uplifting book in your life? You will certainly get that reading The Lost Secret of Ireland.
What a heartwarming story about friendship, love, family secrets, second chances and community.
With a setting of a tiny village called Sandy Cove in Ireland you cannot help feeling connected to the endearing characters living there. Each character draws you in wanting to know more about them, where they’ve been and where they are going.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Lost Secret of Ireland. If you are in the need for feel good, sweet read, I highly recommend reading this book.

Loved this quote:
“You mean old?” Lucille asked. She leaned forward and fixed Ella with a steely gaze. I don’t like that word, it’s derogative. I’m not old, it’s just that I have lived a long time. There is a difference, you know. You’re never old if you don’t want to be.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture and author, Susanne O’Leary for the opportunity to read this book for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own.
*Though this is the second book in the Sandy Cove Starlight Cottage series it can certainly be read as a standalone read.

This is the second book I have read by Susanne O'Leary. It is also the eighth book set in Sandy Cove but the second in the Starlight Cottages series though it can be read as a standalone.

Now in Ireland, Ella Caron has moved from Paris to the beautiful Sandy Cove in the southwest, looking for solace following her mum's death. But Lucille has other ideas; she moves in with her. Outgoing Lucille is her mum's best friend and she has her own agenda in the form of a house of her own. Looking for help from Ella, the two are enjoying making plans, then Rory, Lucille's youngest son rocks up...

Sandy Cove is a place where there is a great community and friendship in all quarters. Endearing characters are trying to find their way through their life situations. The story dances the reader smoothly through love, soupcons of mystery and second chances set amidst the backdrop of a gorgeous coastline. A wonderfully fulfilling, highly recommended read.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Bookouture via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.

The Lost Secret of Ireland is a cozy sweet contemporary romance novel which is perfect for those rainy days enjoyed with a cup of hot chocolate. Stories set in Ireland and especially near the set coast have become my favorite things these days and this story is set on one such location. Set in Kerry the scenery of this novel is beautiful. This novel is a second novel in a series but can be read as a stand alone as well.
Ella is an artist and is recuperating from a fall but having difficulties getting over it mentally. Enters Lucille, her mom's friend who is on a secret mission and wants to start her life anew but is stopped by her sons. How Ella's life changes with her arrival is the wonderful story that this book is all about. I loved the character of Lucille so much. At eighty two the zeal and enthusiasm the author has introduced this amazing character is fantastic. Though fictional I hope I am that way at that age. The scenery, side characters all play a wonderful roles. A delightful cozy read.

Ella Caron is trying to accept her mother's death. Peace and quiet is on her agenda. So, she moved from Paris to Sandy Cove in Ireland and finds that is the last thing she'll get. Instead, her mother's best friend shows up to offer support, and brings far more energy than Ella can cope with. How can eighty-five-year-old Lucille have more energy than Ella? It doesn't help that Ella is recovering from a fracture after falling from a ladder.

Ella has her reasons for being in Sandy Cove. But then, so does Lucille. Lucille can see Ella's pain, both physcial and emotional. She proves a powerful catalyst when it comes to Ella starting over, and definitely in more ways than one. Meanwhile, Rory, Ella's youngest son, shows up to try to get to the bottom of what his mother is up to. As Lucille and her mother were best friends, Ella knows Rory and his brother Martin. Now that Rory is around, Ella remembers why they were not friends - they rub each other the wrong way.

This enjoyable story by Susanne O'Leary is quite touching. There was a wee bit of mystery when it came to seeing the man that would steal Ella's heart, and what Lucille had in mind. Full of delightful characters, a snicely-paced plot and continuity, as well asd a sweet romance. I love the residents of Sandy Cove and hope we get to see these folks again.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

Susanne O'Leary’s The Lost Secret of Ireland is the story of Ella Caron who moves to the tiny village of Sandy Cove in Ireland after her mother has passed away. A story of grief, unexpected friendship, love, and secrets, The Lost Secret of Ireland is indeed a treasure and a book full of beautiful scenery that will keep you guessing until the end. I highly recommend this well-written, gem of a book, and I look forward to Susanne O’Leary’s next book.

The Lost Secret of Ireland by Susanne O'Leary is a lively, feel-good, sweet romance set in a small town in Ireland. It is the second book in the Starlight Cottages series, but can easily be read as a stand-alone book.

Ella is an artist living in a cottage in Sandy Cove, Ireland. While painting a mural, she slipped off the ladder and broke her pelvis. While recovering in her cottage, with the help of the local villagers for support, she gets a call from Lucille, her late mother’s best friend. Lucille sweeps into her life full of energy, eccentricity, and many secrets.

This is a book about love, families, friendship, and getting older. These characters are very well developed and I enjoyed all of them. I especially enjoyed the daughter of the neighbor’s five year old daughter Amanda. I liked that the author wrote the character of Amanda in a very realistic way. She was cute, like most five year olds, but also a bit naughtly and needy, also like most five year olds! I liked that she wasn’t the picture perfect girl that so many books describe.

This book also had a lot of mystery that kept me turning the pages. There is a bit of a love triangle, but it’s clear from the start who should be with who. This is a sweet romance, but most of the book is about the relationship between Ella and Lucille.

I recommend this book to anyone who loves books about small towns and family relationships. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

#TheLostSecretsOfIreland by #SusanneO’Leary
Ella Caron is recovering from an accident and still grieving the loss of her mother in the peaceful coastal village of Sandy Cove
Then her mother’s best friend decides that she will take care of Ella’s recovery and moves herself in. Although Lucille is 85 there is no sign she is slowing down, and then she confides that she wants to buy a house and live there and when her sons find out there are sure to be problems.
A lovely read.

A sweet, slow-moving story dealing with family secrets and the desire of Ella and her late mother's friend Lucille to live life on their own terms. Lucille comes to the aid of Ella who is trying to recover from a nasty fall from a ladder. But Lucille is keeping something from Ella, which puts Ella in an awkward spot when she becomes close to Lucille's son Rory. Visit again the residents of the village of Sandy Cove and discover what the future holds for Ella and Lucille.

There was a lot of “in the characters mind” style of writing which is great in pieces but not in the whole book. I also felt that the main character was rather immature at crucial times which felt odd for someone over 40.

I was provided with an ARC of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for a copy of "The Lost Secret of Ireland" in exchange for my honest review.

This is the second book in the Starlight cottages series. We are in Sandy Cove, County Kerry. We meet Ella Caron who is an artist and 8 weeks ago she fell from a ladder at Killarney's hotel where she was finishing off a mural and is now recovering from a fracture.

Rushing in to help her is Lucille Kennedy who we are first introduced to as "an 85 year old arthritic woman with attitude." She is delightful and a great help to Ella. Ella's mother and Lucille used to share a house which Lucille now wants to sell. She would like to be a vital part of a community like they have in Sandy Cove. She found a real fixer-upper which her sons are not too crazy about. They want to hang onto their childhood home even though they only visit for holidays and treat it like a B & B. Lucille's sons are Martin and Rory. Ella and Rory spend most of the book sparing with each other.

Moving into an empty home next to Ella is Thomas Quinn and his delightful 5 year old daughter Amanda Bridget Louise Quinn. They moved down from Dublin. She brings a lot of laughter and mischief into Ella's life.

Lucille always felt that her late husband's family looked down on her. After overhearing a conversation about herself she feels that she is justified in her thinking. She has been secretly working on a project that she feels will make people see her and her family in a different light.

The main theme of this story is that family is not always of the blood but sometimes more importantly of the heart.

I'm very much looking forward to more books in this wonderful series. Ms. O'Leary writes so descriptively that you feel yourself in Ireland, looking at the brilliant views she paints with her words.

Overnight I became a huge fan of Susanne O’Leary’s feel-good romantic mystery fiction. It started with my reading of the first book of the Starlight Cottage series 'The Lost Girls of Ireland'. (After which I got the entire Sandy Cove series!) Susanne’s latest and second instalment 'The Lost Secret of Ireland' will be released at the end of August and thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture Publishers and the author, I received an advanced copy for review.

The Starlight Cottage series continues with another marvellous journey of fresh endearing characters who are trying to find their way through complicated life situations. The story with all its promise and passion waltzes us smoothly through the realm of love, mystery and second chances while set amidst the wonders of a gorgeous, stunning southwest Irish coast.

This heart-warming tale moves along at a gentle cruise, giving the reader time to get to know each character. For me, this was a comfortable cosy experience as I dove into the lives and drama of the main cast— that being Ella, Lucille, Rory, Thomas, Mandy, Maura and Saskia. Like with the first book in the series, I was hooked and glued to its pages from start to finish.

From page one we meet the lead character, forty-something Ella, who is an accomplished artist recovering from a nasty fall off a ladder that occurred while painting a mural in a seaside village in Kerry, Ireland. Ella has not always been a local but came to Sandy Cove five years earlier from Paris to recover from some heart-wrenching traumas and disappointments.

At the onset of the book, Lucille, best friend of Ella’s late mother, has recently moved to this same seaside village with reasons of her own that we can only guess are attributed to her loneliness and loss. But regardless of her motivators for moving, at age eighty-five she is still very active with much to give. And, even more, possesses a determined drive to explore other life options.

Lucille moves in with Ella who is recuperating from her injury. Although Ella knows Lucille can be a challenge, she actually finds the older woman to be a blessing and joy. Her mother’s best friend plays an important role in her accelerated recovery but also is a catalyst for setting interesting events in motion, some of which take Ella into unexpected directions. But as their friendship deepens, Ella wonders if there is more to Lucille than meets the eye. Something involving a secret that she carries very close.

The energy between these two room-mates is a pleasure to watch. Ella learns that Lucille is a lady that likes living on the edge and believes in taking the road less travelled, even if it leads to falling into a ditch (or in Ella’s case off a ladder!). Lucille believes life is for living and she wants the freedom to make her own choices and is not afraid to try new things. Ella learns to appreciate Lucille’s philosophy and eventually discovers what fuels her actions.

But as in all great stories there are lessons learned, choices explored and visions sharpened by the experiences and trials that fall upon these charming colourful characters. And in this case, moving forward means letting go in order to heal and trust again.

A notable mention: I loved how Ella (through Susanne) uses her art illustrations as a clever plot device in a children’s story to correspond with the personalities of her friends. This gentle thread runs quietly under the surface, yet plays a glowing part in the happy climax.

And one must not forget the romantic side of things in 'The Lost Secret of Ireland'. Ella is caught between two very different men. She is drawn to each but they arouse and awaken different emotions and reactions in her. Thomas is the quiet and steady type while Rory is the fiery and unpredictable sort. A smouldering fire verses a fierce flame. Which will she choose?

This novel, like others of Susanne’s I have read, left me once again smiling and cheering to the very last page. For this beautiful uplifting story hugs the heart and puts a little faith back in love, forgiveness and happy endings.

My closing thoughts: like a rose, that has both thorns and beauty, this story shows us how trying circumstances can birth positive outcomes. And that the invigorating scent and velvety texture of life can be ours. For out of the wounds of sorrow, sweet success can grow. And as the 16th century poet George Herbert said, ‘Living well is the best revenge.” I highly recommend this enchanting novel. 5 Stars from me. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Ella is a 40-something year old, divorced artist living in a seaside village in Kerry, Ireland. After falling off a ladder while trying to complete a mural, she broke her pelvis and is recuperating slowly.

Her mother’s 85 year old best friend Lucille is lonely after Ella’s mother passed away and offers to come stay with Ella and take care of her.

Lucille is full of energy and surprises. She swears Ella to secrecy that she has plans to sell her massive home and property and is keeping this from her two sons.

Rory arrives and tries to determine what Lucille is up to, which puts Ella in a terrible position having to lie to him. It isn’t long and Ella realises how selfish Lucille’s plans are.

This is a sweet story of creating a family that you choose, finding second chances and being honest with those you love. A very enjoyable Irish read! ☘️ 📚❤️

The Lost Secret of Ireland is a sweet, although slow moving story about Ella and Lucille, two women bonded through the friendship Lucille had with Ella’s mom. Lucille has plans for her remaining years that her sons don’t approve of which place Ella right in the middle of a family drama…especially when the younger son shows up in Sandy Cove. There’s a lot of introspection about choices in the story and as always Ms. O’Leary’s characters are interesting and defined. What’s really behind Lucille’s actions and can Ella finally find a lasting relationship? I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book from NetGalley. Highly recommend.

Thank you NetGalley, Bookouture and O'Leary for this amazing ebook copy!

This was a lovely book! I loved every little thing about The Lost Secret of Ireland!
I have not read book one! And I feel like you can read this as a standalone.

With rich characters, lovely scenery, and a wonderful place to discover, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I do recommend it! The way she can describe the views and such is really truly amazing.
WoW! Just read it because I promise this book will bring it to life!

This book is utterly delightful in every sense of the word. Be prepared to be swept up in this story and these characters. I'm ready to go to Ireland now!.

Again thank you for this copy!

An enchanting summer romance set on the gorgeous Irish coast, where fresh starts are made, love beckons and secrets are sure to unfold…I loved the emotions this book puts the reader through. Stunning absolutely stunning!

This is the second book in another great series by this author's hand! A new series means new characters, but because we stay in Sandy Cove we still meet some of the protagonists we got to know well before. It's always great to see them again.

You only have to do one small thing to finish a job. You are in a hurry and you know the saying 'slow and steady wins the race'. Apparently Ella was not paying attention that day in the classroom...

Now she has to get back on her feet and it seems she has lost confidence. One phone call changes everything though. It seems like this was exactly what the doctor ordered and slowly bur surely Ella starts to climb out of the dark into the bright sunlight again. 

When you went through a bunch of sad things, you crave peace and quiet to lick your wounds. You are convinced that a life without love is better than one filled with pain and rows, but everybody seem to forget it's Cupid who calls the shots. You will have to succumb even when you realise the right man is the wrong one and vice versa.

Friendship, love, family and second chances are the delicious ingredients the author used. 5 stars

Thank you

The Lost Secret of Ireland by Susanne O’Leary is the second installment of this charming series, Starlight Cottages, set in a closely knit former Coastguard community in County Kerry of southwest Ireland. As a reader I fell in love with the descriptions of the beautiful Irish coast and the engaging characters. This book has all the best things of a cozy mystery. The characters had endured tragedies in their past but to a one they keep forging ahead and found happiness at the end. Not necessarily the happiness they thought they were looking for but they ended up in just the right place with the right person. I read this book as a stand alone but am looking forward to reading more by Susanne O’Leary.