Review of 'The Lost Secret of Ireland' by Susanne O'Leary
The Lost Secret of Ireland By Susanne O’Leary
☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️
Due out August 31st, 2021
Review also available on Goodreads.
Review of Book 2 of the Starlight Cottage series: The Lost Secret of Ireland
Overnight I became a huge fan of Susanne O’Leary’s feel-good romantic mystery fiction. It started with my reading of the first book of the Starlight Cottage series The Lost Girls of Ireland. (After which I got the entire Sandy Cove series!) Susanne’s latest and second instalment The Lost Secret of Ireland will be released at the end of August and thanks to Bookouture Publishers, the author and Netgalley, I received an advanced copy for review.
The Starlight Cottage series continues with another marvellous journey of fresh endearing characters who are trying to find their way through complicated life situations. The story with all its promise and passion waltzes us smoothly through the realm of love, mystery and second chances while set amidst the wonders of a gorgeous, stunning southwest Irish coast.
This heart-warming tale moves along at a gentle cruise, giving the reader time to get to know each character. For me, this was a comfortable cosy experience as I dove into the lives and drama of the main cast— that being Ella, Lucille, Rory, Thomas, Mandy, Maura and Saskia. Like with the first book in the series, I was hooked and glued to its pages from start to finish.
From page one we meet the lead character, forty-something Ella, who is an accomplished artist recovering from a nasty fall off a ladder that occurred while painting a mural in a seaside village in Kerry, Ireland. Ella has not always been a local but came to Sandy Cove five years earlier from Paris to recover from some heart-wrenching traumas and disappointments.
At the onset of the book, Lucille, best friend of Ella’s late mother, has recently moved to this same seaside village with reasons of her own that we can only guess are attributed to her loneliness and loss. But regardless of her motivators for moving, at age eighty-five she is still very active with much to give; yet even more possesses a determined drive to explore other life options.
Lucille moves in with Ella who is recuperating from her injury. Although Ella knows Lucille can be a challenge, she actually finds the older woman to be a blessing and joy. Her mother’s best friend plays an important role in her accelerated recovery but also is a catalyst for setting interesting events in motion, some of which take Ella into unexpected directions. But as their friendship deepens, Ella wonders if there is more to Lucille than meets the eye. Something involving a secret that she carries very close.
The energy between these two room-mates is a pleasure to watch. Ella learns that Lucille is a lady that likes living on the edge and believes in taking the road less travelled, even if it leads to falling into a ditch (or in Ella’s case off a ladder!). Lucille believes life is for living and she wants the freedom to make her own choices and is not afraid to try new things. Ella learns to appreciate Lucille’s philosophy and eventually discovers what fuels her actions.
But as in all great stories there are lessons learned, choices explored and visions sharpened by the experiences and trials that fall upon these charming colourful characters. And in this case, moving forward means letting go in order to heal and trust again.
A notable mention: I loved how Ella (through Susanne) uses her art illustrations as a clever plot device in a children’s story to correspond with the personalities of her friends. This gentle thread runs quietly under the surface, yet plays a glowing part in the happy climax.
And one must not forget the romantic side of things in The Lost Secret of Ireland. Ella is caught between two very different men. She is drawn to each but they arouse and awaken different emotions and reactions in her. Thomas is the quiet and steady type while Rory is the fiery and unpredictable sort. A smouldering fire verses a fierce flame. Which will she choose?
This novel, like others of Susanne’s I have read, left me once again smiling and cheering to the very last page. For this beautiful uplifting story hugs the heart and puts a little faith back in love, forgiveness and happy endings.
My closing thoughts: like a rose, that has both thorns and beauty, this story shows us how trying circumstances can birth positive outcomes. And that the invigorating scent and velvety texture of life can be ours. For out of the wounds of sorrow, sweet success can grow. And as the 16th century poet George Herbert said, ‘Living well is the best revenge.” I highly recommend this enchanting novel. 5 Stars from me. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
