Lily has moved back to stay with her grandmother, Sylvia, following a horrid marriage and divorce.

She arrives to find the house to be in dire need of work, her grandmother hasn’t been looking after the house. There is more to this, and Lily is determined to get to the bottom of what is going on with her grandmother.

The handyman, Martin, has a friend called Dominic, who helps him do some work at the house. Lily finds she has some feelings for him but tries to push her feelings aside as she is still recovering from the divorce.

This was a lovely story, with a ‘will they, won’t they’ theme to it. A feel good book that put a smile on my face from the very start.

The writer made me feel as though I was in Ireland and knew the places she wrote about, the descriptive writing was lovely to read.

I was captivated by this story and it was one that I didn’t put down and read the same day. I was invested in the story and characters and needed to know how the story was going to end.

My thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for a copy in exchange for my honest review.

I really love the story in this first book of a series . Sylvia lives at Magnolia Manor but only lives in part of it. Lily one of her granddaughter's needs a change of scenery so she comes to the manor to live in the gate house. . Sylvia has already made some plans for the manor nad is gathering investors.. There are 2 other granddaughters also Rose and Violet. . They can't find the deed but through much searching they do. This is a must read to see who invests in the house and the plans that Sylvis makes. Then we have to wait for book 2. A VERY GOOD READS.

A mysterious old house, an unforgettable romance and a lost granddaughter escaping to the stunning Irish coast… The book was well written in that it stirred up all sorts of emotions while I was reading it and made me want to keep turning the pages to find out what would happen next.

A chick flick read . Newly married and quickly divorced Lily makes her way to grandma ‘s to start anew . Just as quick in a little Irish village she finds her soulmate, grandma’s rights to her Irish mansion , a new job and complete happiness. Grandma also finds a French prince and her dream to restore her home to its former glory becomes a reality. If your looking for a book where even the troubles are all minor and resolved —this is your book.

The Keeper of the Irish Secret is the first book in a new Magnolia Manor series by Susanne O’Leary. When Sylvia’s oldest granddaughter, Lily returns to the house she finds herself caught up in more family drama than she was expecting. Will the Fleury family have to relinquish possession of the manor house after so many years? Ms. O’Leary has created some interesting characters to populate this series. Sylvia’s three granddaughters are very different and this reader looks forward to the next installment. I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book from NetGalley. Highly recommend.

The Keeper of the Irish Secret – Magnolia Manor Book 1 is another fabulous enchanting start to a new series by Susanne O’Leary. I love stories about old houses and old estates and the charm they exude but even more the secrets they harbour and pass on to future generations. If their stones or timber could speak, what stories would they reveal? Susanne O’Leary’s upcoming new series does just that. It brings the Magnolia Manor’s history to the forefront in a most delightful and creative way. Love and mystery are intertwined, making this a perfect fascinating pager turner!

Lily Fleury has come through a difficult divorce after a short marriage and seeks refuge and renewal. She leaves her legal secretary job in Dublin and heads to her grandmother Sylvia’s Manor to soak up the positive vibes and heal her broken heart. What better place to do that but on the breathtaking Irish coast where she connects again with nature and engages once more in her passion for running and cycling. Upon arrival, she discovers the house is in disrepair. But she has a dream: a business she wants to incorporate into the old homestead once renovating it with the help of family and friends. Of course, nothing runs the way expected and her grandmother’s odd behaviour has her worried. What secret is she keeping? We eventually learn what that is and that it is a major problem for Lily’s future plans. But in the meantime, her find in the gatehouse fuels a mission to uncover the truth and her fight for her family's heritage will take her down some unexpected avenues.

Lily meets Dominic who is doing a survey of the old house to see what it needs. Although Lily is attracted to this local builder and Irish singer, she becomes suspicious of his involvement in her family’s affairs when she stumbles across some information. There’s lots here to make you wonder if he is honest or playing for the opposing side. Without saying too much and giving anything away, I can confirm his activity poses enough questions and intrigue to keep the pages turning.

I truly enjoyed the character of Sylvia and her focus on seniors’ needs. Sylvia herself is a feisty eighty-two year old widow who certainly knows from experience what those her age range want and she offers a great solution to help her fellow seniors. Along the way of her journey in sorting out her Manor issues, she meets a Frenchman who could be a great match for her. Again, her granddaughter Lily questions his motives (as she does with Dominic). This is understandable for Lily is the oldest of her siblings and the one everyone looks up to for advice. But is she overstepping in this case? We will see whether love or deception is behind the actions. As for romance, I am delighted to say this novel covers a multitude of ages and although there are lots of personality bumps and emotional bruises along the way, the matches and end results are satisfying.

With The Keeper of the Irish Secret, Susanne captivates us with her stunning Irish setting, warm writing style, delightful cast, and fun historical family mystery. Reading this novel, like her others, is like returning to visit a much loved friend. She addresses familiar issues and puts new spins on solving the problems. I love this start to the new series and look forward to more stories that will pass through the Magnolia Manor doors. Susanne knows how to tell a great story and she is one of those constant-return-to-favourite-authors for me. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for my review copy.

You know the type of book that you want to curl up with on a cold December day? Plus you want to be swept away to Ireland? This is to book for you (beginning of a series by this author). Our main character, Lily, returns to her grandmother's Irish estate with plans of reinventing the home to an event space. Past family secrets might put an end to this idea. Secrets are revealed and new friendships are made. A feel good book for the holidays. I look forward to the next book in the series.

You know those heartwarming stories you watch on the Hallmark channel? This is that, in a book.

The storytelling was great and the romance slow and sweet. Together with the bit of mystery, it was such a sweet read.

If you're in the mood for something cozy, this is one to pick up.