New Beginnings in the Little Irish Village

The Little Irish Village #2

by Michelle Vernal

Welcome to the little Irish village of Emerald Bay where the sun is shining, the locals are gossiping, and romance is in the air. But will returning home be the fresh start Imogen Kelly needs?

Thirty-two-year-old Imogen Kelly is meant to be living her best life in Dublin but the bright lights of the city aren’t making her truly happy. So she leaps at the chance to take on an interior design job at the big country manor at the edge of Emerald Bay . It also gives Imogen an excuse to return to the place where she spent an unforgettable summer with her first love, Lachlan Leslie , the heir to Benmore House.

Imogen’s heart is full of hope at the thought of seeing her childhood sweetheart but on the way there she nearly has an accident on the winding, muddy country road. She arrives at Benmore House late and flustered, only to discover the builder working with her on the renovation project is none other than Ryan O’Malley – the class prankster who was forever pinging her bra strap at school.

Within seconds it’s clear he’s still a cheeky charmer, even if he’s transformed into a gorgeous guy who unexpectedly sets her pulse racing. Forced into close proximity with relentlessly cheerful Ryan, who’s forever (badly) singing rock ballads at the top of his voice, Imogen at first finds him an annoying distraction.

With St Patrick’s Day celebrations in full swing, Imogen has her work cut out to keep the job on track. Spending more time with Ryan, she discovers that, behind his warm smile and generous ways, he’s nursing heartache. But when she finally sees blue-eyed Lachlan again, Imogen has to face up to the truth about the secret summer romance they shared.

Will she leave Emerald Bay broken-hearted? Or will Imogen realise that home really is where the heart is?

What readers are saying about Michelle

‘ So heart-warming … I loved… Hit all the feels and had me laughing out loud … Will propel you to Ireland… Fabulous .’ Page Turners , ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘ By far one of my favourite books I've read this year … I loved every minute … I laughed out loud so many times!!… Just adored this story! ’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘ Pick up this gorgeous hug of a book and get transported to a beautiful Irish village… wraps itself round you like a cosy blanket . It has warmth, charm, laugh-out-loud moments and a wistful nostalgia. I absolutely loved it .’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘ If this doesn’t speak romcom perfection I don’t know what does! … I was so delighted with the warm fuzzy feeling this book left me with… Gorgeous! ’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘ Found myself laughing out loud and smiling throughout this book … If you love cozy stories, some cute romance … this book is for you!’ Captivated by Books , ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

305 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 4, 2023

About the author

Michelle Vernal is a bestselling author of warm, witty, and uplifting Irish fiction. Born in England to parents from Liverpool – often called “Little Ireland” – she grew up on her mum’s tales of Iocal families, music, and humour. Later, she lived, worked, got engaged, and travelled extensively in Ireland, experiences that inspire her much-loved novels, including the hilarious Guesthouse on the Green series. Her stories, filled with heart, humour, and unforgettable characters, have earned her a loyal readership worldwide.

For updates on Michelle's latest book releases you can follow her here: https://www.amazon.com/author/michell...

Reviews

[Veronica ⭐️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

https://theburgeoningbookshelf.blogsp...
New Beginnings in the Little Irish Village is such a fun story! I loved it from start to finish! It is a warmhearted romcom set in the small village of Emerald Bay where everyone knows your business and nobody seems to mind that it's that way.

Michelle Vernal has delivered a whole town of quirky and lovable characters. The story is just as much about the whole town as it is about the main character, Imogen Kelly, one of the five Kelly sisters.

Imogen, a highly successful Dublin interior designer, has returned home to Emerald Bay to complete an interior design project at Benmore House, the home of her first love Lachlan Leslie. A high school romance she still hasn't found closure with. Whilst at home surrounded by her family Imogen reflects on her own lifestyle choices and her current romance with a man 27years her senior.

New Beginnings in the Little Irish Village is a light read, a feel good story with plenty of humour at Imogen's expense. Imogen takes all the mishaps with good grace and is even able to have a laugh at herself, making her a very endearing character.

I really enjoyed this story about families, celebrations, reconnecting with your true self and new beginnings. I loved getting to know all the townsfolk of Emerald Bay and Imogen's large and loving family. I am looking forward to reading Christmas in the Little Irish Village and being back with them all again.
*I received my copy through netgalley

[booksofallkinds · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I voluntarily reviewed this book from Netgalley.

A sweet and easy read, NEW BEGINNINGS IN THE LITTLE IRISH VILLAGE by Michelle Vernal is a light-hearted romance set in a picturesque, small Irish village where some of the characters felt a little familiar!

Imogen isn't happy and at thirty-two, her life is definitely not turning out as she had planned. So when she gets the opportunity to work in a big old country manor in Emerald Bay, she jumps at the chance. After all, this place holds so many memories for her, including when she dallied with love and heartbreak for the first time with Lachlan Leslie all those years ago.
Could first love be rekindled? Well, Imogen wouldn't mind finding out.
But like everything else in her life, her plans never seem to go quite to order. Instead of looking glamorous on arrival and stunning Lachlan with her beaming smile, she arrives flustered and out of sorts to see the class prankster, Ryan O'Malley, ready to work with her on this project. However, she soon finds out that Ryan has grown and changed in many ways and is surprised when she begins to have feelings for him. But will the arrival of Lachlan scupper their chances? Or is Lachlan the man of her dreams?

​Cute characters in a pretty setting, NEW BEGINNINGS IN THE LITTLE IRISH VILLAGE is the kind of romance that will make you smile and warm your heart to the very end. A well-paced story with a laidback vibe, this book should find its way into your suitcase for your next holiday.

[Cynthia Catts · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a sweet & funny village romance! Ms. Vernal has written a heart-warming & charming romance with well-drawn & realistic characters. Will Imogen reunite with her first love, who broke her heart or will the former prankster schoolmate win her heart? Read it and enjoy every moment - I wish I could live in Emerald Bay!

Many thanks to the publisher, Bookouture, and NetGalley for the ARC, in exchange for my honest review.

[Nicola “Shortbookthyme” · Rating 4 out of 5]

The main character of the story is Imogen. Her occupation is Interior Designer. She is asked to come work on a manor house in her home town of Emerald Bay. She knows this manor well because as a teenager she explored the manor with the owners son. Will going back bring Imogen happy memories? Will she find the happiness she wants so bad?
New Beginnings in the LIttle Irish Village was a cute, cozy read with humorous moments thrown in to make you smile and laugh out loud.
I loved the description of the Irish village and the many quirky locals.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute little series of books. Romance but not real gushy stuff. Clean .

[Lauren Hewitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

We're back in the little Irish village of Emerald Bay. this time it's Imogen's story. She almost literally gets run over by an old class mate Ryan while trying to rescue a duck family, which immediately made me like her. She lands up by working alongside him at an interior design job. A design job at an elaborate house. When her past and present collide she needs to let go of her past and rewrite her future. With the help of the 'forced proximity ' she discovers that what she thought she wanted isn't actually it anymore.

I love this series! I love the whole family and reading the various sister's stories, I really hope there'll be more books for the other sisters 😉. I love that there was a bit of catch up with Shannon and James and the rest of the Kelly family. It felt like a bonus epilogue.

I loved the descriptions of this little village and the colourful characters that pop in and out and the sense of community and how people just pull together to help each other. This was a comforting and feel good read that I loved.
If you like small town, forced proximity/ friends to lovers, family, then you'll love this. You don't have to have read the first book in this series but it will add to it and make you love it even more.

[Miriam · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were some funny parts and there were some cringeworthy ones that brought back memories of growing up in Ireland and while I may not have lived in a village, the town I did live in had a smaller population back then and had it’s share of similar characters like in this book. It was an enjoyable read that can be read as a stand-alone with hints from book one so the reader wasn’t completely lost

[Caroline|Page~Turners · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so happy to be returning to Emerald Bay, Ireland. Imogen Kelly an interior designer. She lives in Dublin but is in need of a change and when offered an interior design job in a lavish country manor in Emerald Bay, she jumps at the chance. She loves the thought of returning home to see her family and friends including her first love, Lachlan Leslie, who also happens to be the heir to Benmore House. Imogen would love to do the redesign but what she would love more is to see Lachlan. But when she arrives in Emerald Bay, she discovers that the builder on the redesign is Ryan O’Mally who just happens to be the class prankster from school. Imogene finds Ryan to be just as annoying now as she did when they were in school together. However, the more time they spend together the more they begin to enjoy each other's company. But what is she to do about Lachlan? Does she follow her heart or her head?

New Beginnings in the Little Irish Village by Michelle Vernal was a fantastic get-away to the Irish coast. I thoroughly enjoyed the quirky characters and the wittiness of the conversations between them. Again I loved the author’s detailed description of the sights and sounds of the Irish coast. As I returned to Emerald Bay, the villagers felt like I reconnected with old friends. I enjoyed this heartwarming tale from beginning to end. This sweet story of family, friends both old and new, second chances and new beginnings was exactly the escape I needed. I definitely recommend this one.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet story of coming home, family, and new beginnings. Imogen left her home village of Emerald Bay and moved to Dublin, where she has a successful interior design business. While she has friends and an older boyfriend, Nevin, there are days when she feels something is missing. When offered a job doing up several rooms at Benmore House, the big manor in Emerald Bay, she jumps at the chance, hoping to see her childhood sweetheart again. Not that she wants to start anything up again; after all, he broke her teenage heart, but it would be nice to finally close the door on that chapter of her life.

She nearly has an accident on her way to Benmore House, stopping quickly to allow a family of ducks to cross the road. Then she's almost hit by another vehicle as she attempts to help a straggling duckling join the rest. The other driver is Ryan O'Malley, her school nemesis and class prankster, who has grown up to be a very handsome man. I loved their encounter, with Imogen trying to be the sophisticated city girl and Ryan being his usual teasing self. Then she discovers that Ryan is the builder also working on the project.

Though there is some tension between them initially, it doesn't take long for them to form a friendly working relationship. Ryan is a nice guy who rarely lets anything rile him up. He left behind his job and his girlfriend in London to come home when his dad had a stroke and has happily settled back into village life. As they spend time together, Imogen discovers there is more to Ryan than she expected.

I liked seeing Imogen readjust to village life. Her observations about the other residents were fun and realistic, as life in a small village means everyone seems to know what is happening with everyone else. I enjoyed seeing Imogen cope with everything from riding on the back of a scooter to being commandeered as Ms. Leprechaun for the St. Patrick's Day parade. She's also nervous about introducing her boyfriend to her family - not least because of the age difference between them.

There's no end of drama as Imogen deals with decorating issues at Benmore House, seeing Lachlan again for the first time since she was sixteen, and dealing with Nevin. Imogen has terrific self-confidence regarding her work, and I enjoyed seeing her deal with everything from delays to messed-up deliveries. Her meeting with Lachlan was quite an eye-opener for her. The author did a marvelous job of giving him the right amount of smarminess to make him unlikeable. The descriptions of Nevin and his attitudes made me wonder what Imogen saw in him, especially the more I saw of Ryan.

One of the things I liked about Imogen is her big heart. She isn't rude or obnoxious, even when she's frustrated by gossip and nosiness. I enjoyed seeing her empathy for Ryan over his worry about his father. When Mr. O'Malley's illness worsens, Imogen finds a way to help the family. I also loved how close she was with her family. There is plenty of love to go around, along with a fair helping of advice, wanted or not. I enjoyed catching up with Shannon and James (Christmas in the Little Irish Village) and the antics of Napoleon, the cat. I also liked seeing more of the family, especially the grandmother, Nan.

I liked watching Imogen and Ryan grow closer as they worked together. It's easy to see their friendship becoming more even though Imogen was blind to it for a long time. There are some sweet scenes of them together, from sharing lunches to escaping too much family drama. I loved the auction at the end of the book and seeing Imogen go after what she wanted.

#netgalley

[Sarah Waldron · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to @bookouture for this copy of New Beginnings in the Little Irish Village by @michellevernalnovelist and for having me on the blog tour to celebrate its release.

General Thoughts 🤔

Everything about this book screamed cutesy and quaint and after reading it, I can confirm that to be true. The beautiful cover looks like somewhere I would love to live (in fact it looks quite similar to my village) and I knew that I would feel comforted by the setting of this story. It was one of the things that I really enjoyed about reading it. I loved Emerald Bay and all of it’s lovely residents and I don’t know why Imogen ever thought that the grass would have been greener in Dublin.

Characters 👫👭👬

Imogen was the main character in this story and I warmed to her from the beginning. Although she badged herself as a city girl, I think everyone but her knew that she really belonged at home in Emerald Bay. Not only in the village, but with her family as she seemed to really be at ease when around her parents, Nan and siblings.

Ryan was an absolute sweetheart and really played into my love of fictional labourers/handymen. The vision of Ryan on site, tool belt in place, belting out 90s power ballads was enough to make anyone weak at the knees. I think that Imogen knew deep down that there was a connection between herself and Ryan, but admitting that would have meant admitting that she was wrong about other things; not something I think Imogen could do easily.

Writing Style ✍️

This was such an easy breezy, warming and entertaining read. The author was able to make me feel comforted and cosy throughout and it was a pleasure to follow these lovely characters around such a beautiful setting. I liked that the writing was no frills, classic romance fiction with a linear timeline, no big surprises and a cookie cutter happy ending. Sometimes this is exactly what I’m looking for when I want some escapism and to be reminded that there can be loveliness and cuteness in the world.

Conclusion & Scoring 🎖

I binged this book this weekend and it was such an easy story to dive into and get lost in. Emerald Bay was the cutest little village that made me want to instantly hop on a plane to Ireland. I loved all of the gossip and meddling the villagers engaged in and I think that main character Imogen secretly did too. If you’re looking to give your brain a break from doom and gloom and want to feel warm and cosy this bank holiday, definitely add this book to your shortlist.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Feel-good romance fans are going to be completely charmed by Michelle Vernal’s enchanting new novel, New Beginnings in the Little Irish Village.

Thirty-two year old Imogen Kelly should feel like she’s on top of the world living in Dublin – unfortunately reality proves to be far different. Miserable and lonely, when the opportunity arises of a job in idyllic Emerald Bay, Imogen jumps at the chance – especially as it will mean working at Benmore House, where she had spent an idyllic summer with the heir to the majestic estate, Lachlan Leslie. Hopeful and optimistic for the first time in a very long while, Imogen cannot wait to return to Emerald Bay. Only on arrival, she finds herself face to face with a rather unwelcome figure from her past who will be working with her in very close proximity: Ryan O’Malley.

At school, Ryan had delighted in playing practical jokes on her and within minutes of being in his company, Imogen realises that he hasn’t changed much. Only, rather than a cheeky schoolboy, he is now a drop dead gorgeous man who makes her heart skip a beat. Forced together by fate, Imogen and Ryan quickly begin to grow close – even if romance should be the last thing on both their minds with St Patrick’s Day celebrations fast approaching and Benmore House to get ready. As Cupid’s arrow strikes at the most inopportune time, will Imogen seize this chance at a fresh start with Ryan? Or will seeing Lachlan again force her to confront some shocking truths about that long-ago summer that could end up derailing her future?

Michelle Vernal’s New Beginnings in the Little Irish Village will leave readers with a great big smile on their face. Heartwarming, hilarious and wonderfully romantic, New Beginnings in the Little Irish is an enjoyable and uplifting tale that will steal every reader’s heart. Michelle Vernal blends emotion, intensity and humour in a gorgeous contemporary romance that will go down a treat with Christie Barlow and Tilly Tennant fans.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Kathleen Ryder · Rating 4 out of 5]

BLURB: Thirty-two-year-old Imogen Kelly is meant to be living her best life in Dublin but the bright lights of the city aren’t making her truly happy. So she leaps at the chance to take on an interior design job at the big country manor at the edge of Emerald Bay. It also gives Imogen an excuse to return to the place where she spent an unforgettable summer with her first love, Lachlan Leslie, the heir to Benmore House.

Imogen’s heart is full of hope at the thought of seeing her childhood sweetheart but on the way there she nearly has an accident on the winding, muddy country road. She arrives at Benmore House late and flustered, only to discover the builder working with her on the renovation project is none other than Ryan O’Malley – the class prankster who was forever pinging her bra strap at school.

Within seconds it’s clear he’s still a cheeky charmer, even if he’s transformed into a gorgeous guy who unexpectedly sets her pulse racing. Forced into close proximity with relentlessly cheerful Ryan, who’s forever (badly) singing rock ballads at the top of his voice, Imogen at first finds him an annoying distraction.

With St Patrick’s Day celebrations in full swing, Imogen has her work cut out to keep the job on track. Spending more time with Ryan, she discovers that, behind his warm smile and generous ways, he’s nursing heartache. But when she finally sees blue-eyed Lachlan again,Imogen has to face up to the truth about the secret summer romance they shared.

REVIEW: This was a cute read! A contemporary romance set in a small town where family and friends are treasured and connections are strong. The plot was super predictable, the characters likeable, and the accents yummy.

I finished this quick read in an hour.

Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this in return for my honest review.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

What the publisher's description doesn't mention is that Imogen actually has a man in her life already - she has a relationship with her rather older boyfriend, Nevin - "there's a bit of an age difference." In fact, Nev comes with rather lot of baggage as he has a previous marriage and grown up daughters who are still curiously dependant on their Dad to rescue them from various scrapes. He wants no further children and Imogen has acquiesced, seemingly happy to pursue her career in interior design. Her business is doing well and her success in Dublin is what leads her to accept a commission in her home village, giving her the the opportunity to visit her family and perhaps, at last, introduce her man to her childhood home.

Michelle Vernal has truly written a feel-good story, as warm as the community of Emerald Bay. Imogen is very much a contemporary protagonist, seeking to find happiness and fulfilment in her chosen career and her personal life, yet not so lost in the glamour of life in the big city to have moved beyond her early life. There is gentle humour and a great sense of place in the glorious Irish countryside, beautifully and wittily described. I greatly enjoyed spending hours in Imogen's company as she adjusted to living back in her family home, coping with the fierce interest in her affairs of the community she grew up in, while dealing with her exacting employers, getting contractors to meet deadlines and specifications, her distant and demanding lover, her first real boyfriend and the disconcertingly multi-faceted man the classroom pest has grown up to be. A deft and entertaining, compulsive read. Thanks, Bookouture, for the opportunity to read this enjoyable book.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a delightful book!


Amazon synopsis:
Heartbroken after a break-up, thirty-two-year-old Imogen Kelly flees Dublin City and escapes back home to the sleepy village of Emerald Bay. Hopefully, her new job renovating the grand Benmore House, surrounded by lush gardens and with views of the colourful village, will help her move on… And although gossip flies around Emerald Bay as often as the soft Irish rain falls on the fields, nobody has to know about Imogen’s own secret visits to Benmore House years ago.

But arriving on the sweeping drive there’s a surprise in store. The builder working with Imogen on the renovation project is none other than Ryan O’Malley – the class prankster who was forever pinging her bra strap at school.

Within seconds it’s clear he’s still a cheeky charmer, even if he’s transformed into a gorgeous guy who unexpectedly sets her pulse racing. Forced into close proximity with relentlessly cheerful Ryan, who’s forever (badly) singing rock ballads at the top of his voice, Imogen at first finds him an annoying distraction.

With St Patrick’s Day celebrations in full swing, Imogen has her work cut out to keep the job on track. Spending more time with Ryan, she discovers that, behind his warm smile and generous ways, he’s nursing heartache. Could they have more in common than she first thought?

But when another face from her past reappears,Imogen has to face up to old secrets that could threaten her new-found happiness… if Ryan discovers why Imogen was once familiar with Benmore House, will she be sent running from Emerald Bay once more? Or with his help, will Imogen realise that home really is where the heart is?

[Kirsty Hoggons · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book from Netgalley.

I love books like this one so when I saw it, I knew that I wanted to read it!

My immediate first impression was not the best. On the very first page Imogen starts speaking about her star sign and how it's the reason for her being the way that she is. My hope is that this doesn't become a theme throughout the book. She does come back to it a few times but it's not a large part of the book.

Imogen can't possibly think that Sigrid won't find out about her past with Lachlan. Aside from the fact that these things always come out - she's going to be working there... There is every possibility that she could run into him. She should have just been upfront from the start. Also, she makes it seem like this big, secret relationship they had when in reality it really wasn't anything.

Ryan is the best - where do I find one? He is my favourite character in the book.

This book is light, easy to read, and altogether a nice book. However, I feel like there isn't much that actually happens. It seems like a little bit happens in each aspect of the book but overall, not too much actually goes on.

[Pam Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a light hearted and fun read which has some memorable scenes which bring a smile to your face. Who can forget Imogen's arrival into her home village, for starters! There is a great sense of community in the village where nothing goes unnoticed. Family is so important to Imogen and her sisters all add to the mix. As Imogen arrives back into Emerald Bay from her city life in Dublin, she sees the stark difference between the two parts of her life. As the story develops, she has to decide which way of life means the most to her.
Imogen also finds that she has to face up to the reason she left the village years ago. In doing so, she has to reconcile herself to a few home truths. There is a slow burn romance throughout the book which you are willing to burst into life. Ryan turns out to have some hidden depths and a strong sense of duty and affection for his family who he puts above everything. The pace of the story carries you though the story which is a great read.
Thabks to the publisher for a copy of the book

[Storied Conversation · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a charming and heartwarming story set in the quaint village of Emerald Bay, where everyone knows everyone’s business. The story revolves around Imogen Kelly, a successful interior designer from Dublin, who returns to her hometown to work on a project at Benmore House, the estate of her first love, Lachlan Leslie.

While back in Emerald Bay, Imogen finds herself reflecting on her past, her unresolved feelings for Lachlan, and her current relationship with a much older man. Surrounded by her quirky and loving family, as well as the colorful townsfolk, Imogen embarks on a journey of self-discovery, humor, and personal growth.

The book is a lighthearted and humorous read, blending themes of family, celebrations, and new beginnings. Readers will enjoy the vibrant setting, relatable characters, and the warmth of the tight-knit community. It’s a feel-good story that leaves you eager to visit Emerald Bay again.

[Monica Mac · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this story and I felt like I was in the thick of an Irish family with all its comings and goings.

Imogen is an interior designer and she has worked hard to be where she is. However, there are things she needs to settle in the little village where she grew up and so when a job comes up that she can't refuse, she goes and spends some time with her family, as well as trying to put some ghosts of her past to rest,

Ryan was a trouble maker at school - I can relate to the bra pinging thing myself - but he seems different now. And when Imogen discovers there are hidden depths to him, she is intrigued. However, what is she going to do about her boyfriend, who has more baggage than an airport carousel!

Such a charming book. So many Irish sayings that had me chuckling out loud :)

5 stars from me.

Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture.

[Hsiau Wei · Rating 3 out of 5]

Imogen, who now lives in Dublin with a thriving interior design business, returns to her hometown, Emerald Bay, for a design job at Benmore House. She hopes to confront past feelings for her childhood sweetheart, but on her way there, she narrowly avoids an accident when she stops for ducks crossing the road. To her surprise, the other driver involved is her former school rival, Ryan O'Malley. Though their reunion starts off tense, it turns out Ryan is also working on the Benmore project as a builder. Over time, their relationship becomes friendly, and Imogen realizes there's more depth to Ryan than she thought. He returned to Emerald Bay from London to care for his ailing father and has embraced the comforts of village life.

The story revolves around families, self-discovery, and fresh starts, featuring a witty narrative and unique characters. Imogen, a successful businesswoman, grapples with finding her true love. Her journey is peppered with choices between various men and is backed by the unwavering support of her close-knit family and best friend. It's a delightful read filled with heartwarming moments.

[Katie Weeks · Rating 4 out of 5]

New Beginnings in the Little Irish Village by Michelle Vernal is a must read!

Synopsis: Imogen Kelly returns home for work after branching out to Dublin. Once home, she must confront her past and make big decisions about her future. This feel good romance is truly heartwarming and all about going home.

Thoughts: This was such a cute read! I started and finished in one day - what can I say? Emerald Bay pulled me in. While parts of it felt predictable or very obvious, I ultimately didn’t care because it was so well written!

Imogen is a great leading lady and let’s be honest, a romantic and sensitive leading man with an Irish accent? What is there not to love?

Emerald bay is so well constructed and I cannot wait for more.

[Carolyn Shalhoub · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was looking for another author like Jenny Colgan and I think I found her in Michelle Vernal. She has a few different series and I will probably embark on one or another. Light-hearted, not icky-romantic and I do love the Irish humor and dialogue. Apparently the other one in this series is a Christmas book, and I like to read those in December. The parents of the protagonist, Imogen Kelly, own a pub in her home village. Imogen has moved to the big city, Dublin, for her interior design business, but is called on to redo part of a mansion in her hometown, where some of her own teenage history took place with a son of the owners. She is still looking for closure from that incident. Will she find it? O=r will someone else from her past be the right one for her?

[EVANGELIA MARAGKOPOULOU · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet and funny story . Imogen is a 32 year old interior designer who gets a job at her home town of Emerald Bay . The place she has to work is a manor and there was where she had her first love and he broke her heart . Now she wants to see Lachlan back so she can get a closure . The builter she works with is an old classmate of her Ryan and they spent time together . Imogen is having a relationship with Nev who is 27 years older than her and she is expecting him to come to meet her family for Saint Patrick's Day . Which man is her soulmate ?
I received this book from net galley and the publisher as an ARC. Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own .

[Janie D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely Enchanting!

Michelle Vernal has been one of my very top favorites ever since I read my first book by her! Ireland - a true dream of mine and her words and stories never fail to have me looking at trips there. I adore the language, idioms - everything! Lovely story of 5 sisters, their Mam, Da and Nan in the little Village of Emerald Bay - A MUST READ!

[julie young · Rating 5 out of 5]

More shenanigans with the Kelly family

Another book filled with the lives of the feisty Kelly sisters in Emerald Bay. More relationship mishaps, historical wrongdoings amazing community spirit working together in times of need and knowing everyone else's business as the norm. Funny, emotional and just an entertaining, heart warming read.

[Kirstie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Emerald Bay and all the characters in this place. This is a cozy and funny and romantic little story and I just enjoy reading about the Kelly family and all the drama that goes with having a house full of girls. Great way to spend the day sitting at a volleyball tournament. It helped the time pass with a smile!

[Laila Nelke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing story

I thoroughly enjoyed Imogen’s story. Finding the closure of past events and closing those doors is the only way to get ready for the new chapter of life.
Meeting Kelly family that’s stand by theirs and having their back is just a cherry on top of the cake.

[Margaret lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Little green men

I want to rent out room 5 for a fortnight then I can have all that wonderful food Nora. and Kitty make honestly I can smell it and taste it as I'm reading along and I could then join everyone in the pub every evening, the characters are wonderful and the plot is great fun a very well deserved 5 stars

[Joyce R. Waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the Kelly's

Thank, again, for the wonderful story of Emerald Bay and all it's grand people! We are headed to Connemara again in June. Ireland is a place that never gets boring just like your Shamrock pub. Please keep this series going. Great read and great author!

[Gea · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely and lively rom-com set in the delightful village of Emerald Bay. Imogen is happy to leave Dublin behind and take on an interior design project which doesn’t always go to plan, especially working with builder Ryan. A heart-warming read!

[Hannah Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! The perfect cosy romance, with all the trimmings. It was really funny, and the Irish colloquialisms were the icing on the cake. I can’t wait to read more about Emerald Bay, and the other series from Michelle Vernal. Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC copy.