What another intriguing and inspiring heart-felt story by Susanne O’Leary! I am always excited to see a new book by this wonderful author. I know when I sit down to read it, I will never be disappointed. And I won’t want to be disturbed or do anything else while I am lost in the plot, wandering across the Irish landscape and meeting old friends in Sandy Cove. This community in the spectacular west region of Ireland is like a family. They have their issues but they are a close knit group who support each other when needs arise. Susanne always shows us an uplifting portrayal of the human heart and how it best thrives on companionship and close social interaction. I am always anxious to see what life event she will devise to draw an unlikely cast together to work out their problems: especially in this gorgeous Irish location where magic, wonder and love flow like shimmering moonlight on the sea. You can bet someone is in need of a fresh start or an escape to a coastal village where he/she can get a better perspective on their lives. And what better place to do that but in an awe-inspiring setting?
The Lost Mother of Ireland is Starlight Cottage Book number 6 and although it is helpful if you have read the previous in the series, they are stand-alone stories. But since various characters often reappear throughout each instalment, it is nice to know their full backstories. I guarantee, though, once you read one book, you will want them all! They’re like your favourite treat, one bite is not enough! They are very more-ish. But keep your tissues close and your tea and cookies nearby, and curl up on a couch with a beautiful fire burning in the fireplace—if you have one. Even if you don’t have some of these comforts, the characters, descriptions and events will keep you mesmerised, warm, uplifted and so glad you came to this village through the magic of words. For I believe you will, as I have, fall in love with these eclectic people and spellbinding location that will have you dreaming about them or jumping on a plane to Ireland so you can view first hand the breathtaking scenery and experience the magical culture that Susanne skilfully writes about!
Susanne does a beautiful job with character development and in spinning fascinating historical mysteries into her stories. There is always a great mystery at the heart of these novels. With The Lost Mother of Ireland, it is a stunning painting of a mystery woman in the Irish seascape. Susanne’s masterful description makes you feel as though you can actually see it. You are transported through the eyes of certain characters and the mystery that surrounds this piece of artwork hooks you in and leaves you chasing the pages to figure it all out. The trail of breadcrumbs unfolds like a treasure hunt. And what a fascinating hunt it is! I enjoyed every minute of the chase as the facts became visible one by one.
Our lead character Laura is a gentle nurse who works with seniors. She becomes a close friend to Josephine, one of the ladies she is attending. This woman adores Laura for making her last few years happy ones. In many ways, Laura is the daughter Josephine never had. When she dies, she surprises everyone with her gifting of a cottage to her nurse/friend. Not only does Laura receive one of the beautiful Starlight Cottages we have read about previously but she also inherits a dog, and a special painting that has a mission attached to it. Of course, this causes havoc with Michael, the elderly woman’s son, and he tries to take action by threatening to attest the will.
Despite the threats, Laura takes time off from her job and heads to Sandy Cove to the cottage where many wonderful and unexpected things begin to happen. She is greeted by the villagers who adopt her quickly into their hearts but there are two men she also meets that make her question her solitary life. Of course, there is a love conflict and Laura must make difficult personal decisions. Plus, there’s the valuable heirloom painting with its mystery that will shake her heart.
This is a story with many levels of meaning but love, forgiveness, healing, restoration and the magic of a land/seascape swirls throughout The Lost Mother of Ireland. And it is about a piece of artwork that captured a moment in time. Its image is lost for a while before it is found. There’s a forbidden romance, a mother and daughter bond, a broken mother-son relationship and the last wishes of an elderly lady to her best friend.
Beautifully written, heart-felt, uplifting and unforgettably special. I adored The Lost Mother of Ireland with its courageous twists and turns and its uplifting message that you can start again. And you are never too old, too late or too set in your ways to find love or be transformed by it. 5 Shining Irish Stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Many thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for my review copy.
