REVIEW
Secrets of an Irish House is a gripping contemporary triumph. What a complex emotional story of pain, loss, hardship and heartache. I was wiped out by the time I reached the end of this novel. My eyes hurt from the uncontrollable tears I shed. There are so many sad and life-changing events these characters experience that left me raw and profoundly moved. But it is not all despair and sorrow as there are some touching moments when healing and happiness blossom at the Irish house of Kilcashel. The landscape and residence have a very positive effect on those who dwell in and around it. Unlikely alliances develop through trauma and challenges. Restoration occurs and like a speck of dirt in an oyster, a pearl of great friendship develops.
The characters are well developed and ones we care about. New Yorker Katie receives word her partner Harry has died in a tragic event. Devastated by the news, she tries her best to function. At the reading of his will, she receives another shocking revelation: he owns a house in Ireland and has left it to her and also his ex-wife, Maggie. If that isn’t bizarre enough, there is a stipulation. They must live there for a year, together, to inherit it. This request is a challenge in so many ways. Not to mention they are very different personalities. But since neither of them have any resources left (thanks to Harry’s activities) they must head to the Irish residence. And also to figure out Harry’s secret life and last wishes. Katie arrives first, and meets more surprises, including a woman living on the premises in the gatehouse. Anna has a story of her own that once known explains a lot of her strange behaviour and presence.
There are some quirky local women who get woven into Katie and Maggie’s life and a kind and handsome gardener named Dan. They all play some very important roles in restoring the premises, helping Katie bring about her dream and even provide Maggie an opportunity to exercise her talents. They learn so much more about Harry’s life and who he was. Why he was drawn to Kilcashel. He obviously cared about these two women and their interests. For Katie, he built a state of the art kitchen and for Maggie he purchased a beloved horse. As for the residence: it has seen better days and although Harry had begun the work, it still needs some serious renovation. And with the help of a few friends, it happens! This novel oozes community spirit, friendship and love.
Ann once again tackles the hard questions and difficult relationship issues with skill and respect. Death and grief are a big part of this story but we get to see how three different individuals deal with their loss. And how they each find themselves on a road to healing and discover their place of contentment and purpose.
The storyline explores the unusual ‘what ifs.’ Various scenarios are fleshed out such as putting two women together who had been with the same man, in a foreign land in a house they knew nothing about. This is an unimaginable situation but they make something positive out of a negative situation. Maggie and Katie create an amazing new business together in Ireland and their relationship grows. The battles they face draw them closer and they become like sisters.
The number of secrets housed within Kilcashel is off the charts. It is such an intriguing plot and just when you think there cannot be more threads to unravel, more appear. I remained engaged and invested in the plot and characters through every twist and turn. There’s plenty of drama and devastation. Although sadness flows in like the waves on the shore, it also recedes momentarily to allow happiness to appear. And the shocking cold ocean invigorates Katie and Maggie—waking their senses to the world around them.
The lure of the sea, beloved Ireland, an old homestead and its residents charmed me. I love old houses and the stories they harbour. I could feel Katie’s emotions as she looked upon the old kitchen with all its bench marks and the period furniture that was stowed away. The numerous family connections in this story really tugged on my heart strings. My own passion for Ireland and my ancestors made me feel a real connection to this story. A story about dreams in a stunning landscape filled with new adventures. I totally recommend this glorious emotional read. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for my review copy.
