REVIEW
I absolutely adore a good family heirloom mystery and Susanne O’Leary is a master of them. I always know when I start reading one of her novels, I won’t be able to stop! To say I am a huge fan is an understatement. Her writing is exceptional and truly rejuvenates my spirit. I enjoy every minute inside one of her Irish stories, visiting both former and new characters and seeing where their journeys take them. And the bonus? They are set in Ireland: my most favourite place in all the world! ☘️
The Granddaughter’s Irish Secret, the second book of the Magnolia Manor series, is a beautiful captivating story about family, second chances (for both humans and buildings), fashion and heirloom jewellery. The plot is infused with love, secrets, awakenings and an intriguing mystery. It caught my attention from page one and held me spellbound throughout. I truly felt transported to the west coast Ireland, Dingle Peninsula in Country Kerry: a place of stunning beauty. So, this heavenly location creates a delightful backdrop for the tumultuous and mesmerising journey of Rose Fleury.
Rose had it all. A great job at a major real estate firm in Dublin and a handsome and charming boyfriend who just happened to be her boss. But one day, everything changes and he suddenly walks out on her, leaving her tumbling in a shockwave. What was meant to be a beautiful romantic dinner (prepared by Rose), becomes a horrifying shattered goodbye. His sudden departure is so unexpected. Unable to face her friends and co-workers, she grabs a lifeline when her grandmother calls her and asks if she knows of anyone who could fill a position that has opened up at Magnolia Manor. She certainly does! Herself! Nursing a wounded and embarrassed heart, she resigns from her Dublin job, heads for the west coast of Ireland and takes up a position offered by her grandmother. Magnolia Manor is being turned into seniors’ apartments and someone needs to oversee the project. Rose is ready to put her degree and experience into action. She is excited at the prospects of the Manor’s new purpose and believes it will breathe life back into the old buildings.
But it is a big job and she needs a bit of help. Frenchmen Henri and his father Arnaud are investors. Sylvia, Rose’s grandmother, is in a relationship with Arnaud and she is hoping Rose will get along with Henri, who tends to be a real annoyance to her. But he is on the premises working out the apartment details so they must learn to work together. Then there is Noel, the local lawyer who is also involved as he has been asked by Sylvia (Rose’s grandmother) to look after various legal matters, pertaining to the property. He is a kind and understanding person that Rose gets along well with. Will their friendship blossom further? He has a wonderful presence in the story: a real white knight in many ways.
The Fleury women are strong independent ladies who inherit some unique and valuable jewellery. These pieces are passed down through the generations. Rose has a necklace her grandmother gave her but discovers when it is in for repairs, it is a fake! This sets her on a mission to see what became of the original piece. What she discovers is unexpected and this part of the plot was fun and intriguing. For when she eventually unravels the mystery, she learns of another family that is connected to the Fleury’s and the jewellery. This search will test Noel’s and Rose’s friendship and expose some surprising secrets and hidden passions.
I loved the exploration of the Manor archives and as Noel says, it was like ‘like stepping into a time machine’ going through old photos and other pieces of heritage items. I enjoy the history that is always present in Susanne’s stories and how it affects the present. I also was delighted to see some familiar faces from Book 1 like Lily and Sylvia. And the old Magnolia Manor itself is a fine character with new development.
I had no sense of time while reading The Granddaughter’s Irish Secret. I became completely lost in the story. The gentle romance, the second chances, the family secrets and dramas, the mystery and history and wonderful characters made this an uplifting and exciting read. Loved, loved, loved it! Highly recommend this heart-warming and memorable novel! 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for the ARC.
