Review of 'The Widow's Irish Secret' by Susanne O'Leary
Release date: April 30th, 2025
Publisher: Bookouture
REVIEW
It was so lovely to glide back into another uplifting Irish mystery romance from Susanne O’Leary! Reading one of her books is like meeting up with an old friend. You chat around a warming fire, drink your hot beverage and reminisce. As with all her series, it is a real pleasure to return to the families at the core of the dramas that stoke the heart’s flames. The setting is unquestionably vibrant and vividly described, so you get a real sense of the environment that often sets the mood and reflects the changing tones of the characters. The writing style of The Widow’s Irish Secret not only helped me smell the crisp salt air and get lost in the delicate aroma of wildflowers that blanket the rugged coastline but it left me gazing on dreamy sunsets and bathing in the soft morning light! There are plenty of stunning cliffs, clouds and coastline on the pages to explore that transported me to Ireland’s beautiful western shores.
The Widow’s Irish Secret is the fourth book in the Magnolia Manor series. It was pure delight to meet up again with familiar characters and see where their lives have taken them in new twists and turns. The Fleury family has many branches and as their lives continue to expand from book to book, we learn more about them. The focal point in this novel is the upcoming wedding of Tricia’s daughter Vi and her fiance actor Jack. They want a simple wedding but they face a few challenges as expectations from certain family members cause a bit of conflict. It was good to see feisty Grandmother Sophie again, who always causes some excitement in the plot. She stirs things up but often offers amazing support and fantastic advice to her loved ones and friends. As an event’s organiser, she goes all out, and this time it is for her beloved granddaughter’s engagement to Jack. She certainly created a terrific themed party that nobody would forget!
Aside from family activities (such as engagements and weddings) each novel singles out one main character to tell his/her story. This time it is Tricia’s. We learn of her tragic losses— including two husbands. This story is particularly focused on the death of her last husband, Sean. She has struggled with her grief, but also is dealing with a legal drama. Her late husband’s nephew is causing her trouble. Plagued by worry and guilt, she leaves Dublin to return to her children’s and grandchildren’s home in the West Coast of Ireland. Near Magnolia Manor, she buys a run-down cottage on the property and sets about restoring it. This gives her a fresh start but she carries a secret that she fears will be unveiled and turn family and friends against her. She tries hard to forget about it. Then during her renovations, she stumbles across a mystery that the old place renders up. And she is determined to solve it for it may offer her the ticket of freedom she needs. I found this part of the plot absolutely fascinating!
As mentioned, Tricia has lost two husbands in her lifetime. She was fully committed to each of them. She has always given so much of herself to marriage, her children, grandchildren and relatives. Now that she is older, she wonders about taking time for herself. She becomes caught in a conflict of whether to embark on another relationship, when a special man from her past reappears. Cillian travels the world as an archaeologist and although she has feelings for him, she would never want to slow him down. Nor does she really want to give up her own new freedom either. So, they come up with a solution that really works for them. Personally I thought it was a great recipe for an older couple who have already fulfilled many past life commitments and done the hard yards!
This is a beautiful story about family, secrets, discoveries, fresh starts, romances, restoration and a recipe for a hope-filled future. It also contains a captivating historical mystery that must be solved! I loved it all and appreciated the fun, festivities and relationship tangles, but I particularly enjoyed the wisdom that was offered by matriarch Sophie about modern day romantic arrangements which could work for many couples. Get a copy, grab a mug and your favourite food, curl up on your comfy sofa and enjoy going back to Magnolia Manor! 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for a review copy!
