The Lost House of Ireland is a sweet, lighthearted, fast read. Perfect for an afternoon at the beach!

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a review and opinions are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing this advance copy for review. All opinions are my own.

After finding an engagement ring on a Cape Cod beach, Allegra Casey resolves to reunite the ring with its rightful owners. This search takes her to the coastal village of Sandy Cove, Ireland, and to the Courtney family, whose family owns a large landed estate in the village. Allegra and Max, scion of this wealthy family, attempt to solve this mystery of this lost ring, but when mysterious other claimants appear and attempt to claim their share of the Courtney inheritance, Max and Allegra must decide whether these circumstances will draw them closer together or force them apart.

The Lost House of Ireland was a charming story with warm characters that will resonate with anyone who has ever sought a new start in life. I would call The Lost House more of a women’s fiction novel than a romance, as Allegra’s story is as much (or more) about becoming part of a community and finding a new place for herself as it is about her romance. However, I was disappointed to see the heroine use some sexist language towards the end of the book. It’s 2022. There’s no reason to call other women (even women you don’t like and especially women you’ve never actually met) derogatory names, like bimbo, just because they have a prior connection with your love interest. With the caveat about the sexist language, I would still recommend The Lost House of Ireland as a nice summer read for readers looking for a cozy women’s fiction story with suspense and romantic elements. 3.75 stars.

The Lost House of Ireland completely and sincerely captivated my heart! I adored this enthralling novel from start to finish. I have loved all of the books in the series but this is without doubt my absolute favourite. Susanne O’Leary’s story has perfectly captured the spirit of Ireland in the portrayal of its lively and generous people, spell-binding settings, community closeness and special history. Plus, the wondrous themes of discovery, romance, mystery, fresh starts and renewal shine on these pages.

The adventure begins when American Allegra Casey finds a lost engagement ring in the sands at Cape Cod. It sets her mind aflame with curiosity and after doing some research, she traces the families in question to Ireland. Once she heads off to Sandy Cove, many surprises await her. Her desire to return the ring to its rightful owner is admirable but accomplishing this task proves difficult. The year engraved on the back of the ring is 1939. Will this person still be alive? If not, are there any remaining relatives and how will she find them?

One of the appealing things about this story is how Allegra finds her own passion and purpose in trying to set things right with the ring. For pieces of the Emerald Isle are woven into her own DNA and once those genes awaken, she questions whether she can ever go back to the life she had before. In many ways this story is like a beautiful fairy tale that comes complete with its own kind of prince: at least one potential love interest for Allegra. But who is the real rescuer? Maybe it is Allegra herself, even though her visit to the island exposes some hidden family wars.

The Lost House of Ireland contains so many things I love: mystery, Irish roots, horses, old houses, lost and found items, family dramas and a special song. One of the beauties of this story is how Allegra finds a new sense of purpose in her attempt to return what’s lost. And in doing so, transforms the hearts of those around her. But this quest gives her something else, too. As a descendant, when she steps foot on Ireland’s shores, she is swept up in the magic of its living history. Its land and seascape beauty, along with the people, quicken her soul to what’s most important in life and this makes her want to stay. This ancient romantic island saturated in centuries of stories, changing weather and rural charm captures her heart. The old house gives her a nudge, too, when it gives up its past. So many stories and secrets are hidden within its walls. She finds the answers she seeks but discovers even more. Her heart awakens in Ireland and she finds a place that truly feels like home. And then there’s Max, the handsome male member of the Courtney family and co-resident of the impressive old house on Strawberry Hill, who plays a vital role in her waking from the spell of mediocre existence.

As for the residents of Sandy Cove, some familiar friendly faces from the past books of the series make appearances. Allegra gets to know many of them and they embrace her whole-heartily into the community. It is true as Irish poet William Butler Yeats once said, “There are no strangers here; only friends you haven’t yet met.” Allegra gets to experience this. And together with the Courtneys, they all work together to try and save the house when it comes under threat (and to place the rescued ring on the right finger!).

This novel has a beautiful ending that made my Irish soul sing. I loved this story and its special cast of characters so much. Susanne O’Leary has delivered an unforgettable tale that tugs on the ancestral heart strings in a big and lasting way. The Lost House of Ireland is an absolute must-read. 5 Exquisite Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Special thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for a review copy.

Review will be posted on Amazon when book is released.

It was a nice read for me. The story was engaging and all the characters were likeable. I felts like I was walking in the village of Ireland. I loved the Ireland described in this book. Overall beautiful and sweet read for me.

This is an amazing book from a ‘new to me’ author. As a family and local historian myself, I really related to Allegra’s curiosity about the ring and drive to find the story of its owner. (In fact I recently did the same thing to solve the mystery of a 100 year old love letter!) The setting is idyllic and so beautifully described you feel you are actually there. It’s a truly immersive reading experience and I urge you to give this book a try! I’m looking forward to a return visit to this gorgeous little village!

The Lost House of Ireland was a treasure for me to find and read. A wonderfully told story about a woman who finds a ring on the beach in the US and travels to Ireland to uncover the story behind the ring. Quaint villages and family secrets transport the reader. The book is filled with charming characters, scenery and light romance. I did not want the story to end. This was my first book by Susanne O’Leary. She is now a must read author for me. Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read an advance copy and discover a wonderful writer.

Allegra finds a ring on Cape Cod and follows its story to Ireland. There she finds friendship and romance. A great return to the Starlight Cottages.

The Lost House of Ireland is one of the best books in Susanne O’Leary’s Sandy Cove series. Centered around an old diamond ring found on a Cape Code beach, the story weaves its way to Ireland, where the American finder, Allegra, desperately wants to return the ring to its proper place. All of Ms. O’Leary’s novels immerse the reader in Irish culture, small village living and food. This book is delightful. I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book from NetGalley. Most highly recommend.

This book will transport you to a cottage in Ireland...a cozy fun read...enjoy this...curl up in a comfy chair, wrap up in a warm, cozy afghan...enjoy a cup of steaming herbal tea with a delicious scone...enjoy the family and friends...reading like a true story...this is a good book that has a satisfying ending...The book was sent to me from Netgalley for review.

The story
Allegra is on holiday at the family cottage in Cape Cod when she discovers an old engagement ring in the sand. She traces its origins to an Irish couple who lost it before WW2 in 1939. When she researches some more, she is led to a small coastal village where the owners came from. She travels there to try return the ring to its rightful owner.

My thoughts
This book is one of several in this sweet series set in a seaside village in Kerry, Ireland. The cottage Allegra rents is in the cluster featured in the other books. There is more of a historical story to this book which kept things interesting. There is also attraction and some real life feelings. I enjoyed this fun and light read. ❤️

A wonderful feel good book that begins with a woman finding a ring in the sand on Cape Cod. What follows is her story to Ireland where she will meet the residents of a small costal town . She is caught up with family history and secrets in her quest to find find the family that the ring belongs to and in her search, she finds the place where she was meant to be.

An enchanting story about forgotten family secrets that will transport you to the charming village of Sandy Cove on the beautiful Irish coast. This book was a thrilling ride from the beginning. The author’s style places the reader in the book in each scene for an entertaining journey. Awe-inspiring . . . The characters are so well drawn and a pleasure to read.

What would you do when you would find a beautiful ring hidden in the sand on the beach? Would you look around and when you realise nobody has noticed it, quickly put it in your pocket and wear it afterward as if it always has been yours? Or would you      be more like Allegra and take it to the police station in the meantime dreaming about the story behind the piece of jewellery?

Allegra does more than dream and she decides to follow the ring to Ireland in order to satisfy her curiosity and get to the bottom of it.

The author takes us for the fourth time already to the Starlight Cottages in Sandy Cove, Ireland.

Fans of the series know how friendly the neighbours are and how welcoming. From the moment she arrives she is embraced by them and by the whole village. She soon feels really at home and she is certain she has made friends for life.

While little by little she finally discovers what happened all those years ago and she is dying to share it with someone who has become very important, she suddenly sees she might have been taken for a fool.

Although I thoroughly enjoyed all the books, my favourite one is this one. I loved the bit of suspense added to the mix. 5 stars

Thank you