As soon as I saw there was another Daisy O’Shea novel coming out, I had to read it! First off I love the gorgeous cover as it just whisked me away to Ireland before I even opened the e-book. And what a story! I was intrigued from the Prologue that thrust me back to the past in 1923 where I met the O’Brien family who are caught in a war with William Savage. He is a volatile man with a wicked temper accusing the O’Brien’s of numerous things such as infringing on the boundary lines between their properties. But worse is the fact that his only daughter, Molly, caught the eye of Davan O’Brien. And so begins the tragic plot that continues for generations.
When I hit the first chapter, I was already hooked. It is a dual timeline which I enjoy. I felt no jolt in the transition as the narrative led me back and forth through the past and present. In the modern day thread, Ginny Kingston returns to Roone Bay after being away for ten years rebuilding her life. She left a traumatic event behind but now returns home for work purposes as an archaeologist. She loves sharing Irish history, ‘the monuments and mystical legends’ and gives a lecture at the church hall where many are captivated by what she shares. But the locals also wonder what took her away for all these years?
During one of her archaeological explorations, she has some car trouble and meets mechanic Ruari Savage who reminds her a bit of his older brother who taught her a lot about the natural environment when she was a young girl. If fact, it was why she became an archaeologist. Ruari is full of questions that make her very uncomfortable and she must decide what and what not to share about the past. She has a lot of issues to overcome due to their families’ difficult history. Although he seems kind and sincere—can she trust him?
The character growth in this story is well delivered. I truly liked Ginny and Ruari of the modern day thread. They have some obstacles to overcome but as a reader I believed that true restoration and emotional healing were a real possibility. The natural attraction between them is well described and felt—all enhanced by the beautiful settings they were a part of and shared. I also found the story of their ancestors Molly and Davan incredibly moving. There were many gorgeous poetic passages between dreamer Molly and artist Davan. ‘Together they lifted each other’s lives and hopes beyond the boundaries of their farming backgrounds.’ Davan, in his art, was able to capture ‘Molly’s exuberance for life..’ She often quoted poetry… ‘words of long dead poets cleverly expressing what they were unable to express themselves.’ Davan often repeated her words, ‘she is the candle that lights my soul, the sunshine in my darkest day.’ In many ways they reminded me so much of Romeo and Juliet with their pure innocent love. And the tragedy that surrounded them due to the severe friction between their families that kept them apart.
One question that keeps rising: will all this rival between the Kingstons (O’Briens) and Savages ever come to an end? Will the current generation final bury the hatchet? Ginny’s encounter with the Savage family turns out quite different than she expected but will she and Ruari be able to mend the rift that has caused their families so much pain?
The Irish Family Secret is a riveting novel filled with mystery, romance, secrets, tragedy and shocking discoveries. I enjoyed every page both past and present and how the two threads came together seamlessly at the end. The desire for peace, healing and happiness are definitely part of this age old dilemma. There are quite a range of emotions exhibited throughout the story. Sometimes the author paints a stark reality of what a rivalling family conflict can case. Hatred is a blinding emotion that cuts and destroys all in its path. But in the current day thread of this novel with Ginny and Ruari, we see a bright new picture when these two families face the facts, share and unload years of angst and try to mend the broken fences. The landscape is part of this restoration as it gives up its ghosts and allows the process of healing to begin.
The Irish Family Secret covers so many things but it also highlights the importance of history and the landmarks that remain to remind us of the worlds that have passed. Sometimes, as in this case, it is to teach us about the damage of social inequality and spiritual blindness. Yet one lesson that stands out like a beacon on a hill: is never under estimate the power of young love. A must read! 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for the ARC.
